F5F Stay Refreshed Power Users Networks What links to what inside a communication closet?

What links to what inside a communication closet?

What links to what inside a communication closet?

4
410Monkey410
Junior Member
10
10-15-2026, 08:36 AM
#1
I own a patch panel. There was no switch before, so I bought one. I have a router and a modem, which are connected to each other and to my coax. The patch panel has all these cables going into the back of it from our desks, and shows ports on the front that are empty right now. Do I need to plug those ports in? I don't see a port for this on the switch, so do I have to give up one of my switch ports just to make this connection? Thanks!
4
410Monkey410
10-15-2026, 08:36 AM #1

I own a patch panel. There was no switch before, so I bought one. I have a router and a modem, which are connected to each other and to my coax. The patch panel has all these cables going into the back of it from our desks, and shows ports on the front that are empty right now. Do I need to plug those ports in? I don't see a port for this on the switch, so do I have to give up one of my switch ports just to make this connection? Thanks!

Z
Z4chi
Member
67
10-15-2026, 11:05 AM
#2
The ports on your patch panel connect to your switch. You also plug your router into that switch. If you have a switch with 24 slots and a panel with 16, just make sure they match up so I can use port 24 for the router connection.
Z
Z4chi
10-15-2026, 11:05 AM #2

The ports on your patch panel connect to your switch. You also plug your router into that switch. If you have a switch with 24 slots and a panel with 16, just make sure they match up so I can use port 24 for the router connection.

S
SoyDash
Posting Freak
859
10-16-2026, 10:50 AM
#3
Here is a rewrite using simple, everyday words while keeping your first-person perspective:

As seen above: Google search for "how to connect switch to patch panel" and look at pictures. You can always change the search if you have special worries or issues. Also: plan out the connections before starting and draw your own picture on paper. It doesn't need to be fancy or take a lot of work. Label every single thing and count how many wires and ports there are. Remember where wall jacks are located (like in an office or cubicle). Make sure you include connected devices with their basic network info for each one, like IP address (DHPC or Static), MAC address, device name, etc. Keep your sketch next to the docs for all network gadgets so you always have them handy. There are free tools that can find and draw out the whole network layout once everything is working. If things go well, you might want to clean up your picture later. Seeing the full view in real life can be really helpful.
S
SoyDash
10-16-2026, 10:50 AM #3

Here is a rewrite using simple, everyday words while keeping your first-person perspective:

As seen above: Google search for "how to connect switch to patch panel" and look at pictures. You can always change the search if you have special worries or issues. Also: plan out the connections before starting and draw your own picture on paper. It doesn't need to be fancy or take a lot of work. Label every single thing and count how many wires and ports there are. Remember where wall jacks are located (like in an office or cubicle). Make sure you include connected devices with their basic network info for each one, like IP address (DHPC or Static), MAC address, device name, etc. Keep your sketch next to the docs for all network gadgets so you always have them handy. There are free tools that can find and draw out the whole network layout once everything is working. If things go well, you might want to clean up your picture later. Seeing the full view in real life can be really helpful.