Punch-down in network points.

[Grenage]

Hi again,

The Story:
A few months ago we replaced the network switches, and placed a dual-port network card in the server, along with some nice new cable. Everything seems to be ok - although under "port statistics" on the managed switch there are a large number of RX errors (6000 in a week).

Now having never used a managed switch before I am unsure how bad this is, but have assumed that it's not good.

And Now:
I have done a fair few cable crimps and am confident the cable is good, but I dont yet have a CAT tester to confirm this. I have never connected a cable to a nework box before so I will start here and assume that I have done this incorrectly (I don't know how).

Basically I made the exposed wires as short as possible from the cable to the contacts - is there any other method/way of punching down?

Thanks again, Russell.

 

[daronwilson]

I'm not sure I completely understand, but it seems you are crimping modular plugs on the wires and comfortable with that? Then you refer to punching down, so perhaps you are connecting to a patch rack and punching the cables down?

If you are crimping in a modular plug, just make sure you are using quality cable, plugs and crimper. Then you want to untwist the minimum amount of wire possible, and be sure that you are using 568A or 568B standard when getting the colors in the right order.

If you are punching down on a patch rack, do not untwist any pair more than 1/2". Try to keep the jacket as close to the terminations as possible, don't strip off 3" of jacket and let the pairs wander. The pairs need to stay as tightly together as possible right up to the point of termination.

Hope that helps, again I'm not sure which you are doing. It is only my opinion, based on my experience and education...I am always willing to learn, educate me!
Daron J. Wilson, RCDD
daron.wilson@lhmorris.com

 

[Grenage]

Sorry my Terminology is pretty bad.

Basically I have:

Server --- Network cable --- Network port --------- rack

I refer to the punching down of the cable on the network port (wall socket).

 

[mikeydidit]

It sounds like you may not be using patch panels between your cables and your hub or switch. I would strongly recommend the use of patch panels. This will make your life a lot easier as for the installation of your network connections. If the layout of your network is now done by crimping rj-45 connectors on your cables to your hub and devices please send me your e-mail address and I will forward the TIA/EIA 568A and B pinouts to you. If your network is laid out using these plugs I would start adding my new devices using patch panels and jacks to the devices. You will have better connections to your devices and fewer problems.

Hope this is what you need, Mikey.

 

[Grenage]

Hi, you are correct in that we are are not using patch panels. I know we should be but at I've only been able to change things gradually since I began working here.

Before I hit them with the costs for panels I will need to wait a little while, since we will need a proper rack at the same time.

In this particular instance we have a network wall socked at both the PC, and the Switch. This allows us to have a connection using solid for the distance, and stranded for the patch.

 

[mikeydidit]

I have been in the same boat as you. 1 way to help you sell them on the patch panel/ relay rack solution is fewer network problems which equals less downtime. They would spend about $200 on a patch panel and relay rack. The first time they walk in and see how neat and orderly things are you got overtime comming. They will want them all done, or at least that was the way it was here.

 

[Grenage]

We'll have to see how it goes

Thanks again.