Installing extra internet/data points is a great way to make use of the high internet speeds made possible by the NBN. With access to gigabit Ethernet speeds (that’s up to 10x faster than typical WiFi speeds!) in your home or office, you can exchange data between different computers at fast speeds not possible over WiFi alone. By giving permanently installed devices access to wired Ethernet data points such as smart TVs, media players, streaming units (like Apple TV 4K), game consoles and desktop computers, you never need to worry about local network speeds or WiFi troubles.
Installing a patch panel or network switch allows the ability to add as many hard wired Ethernet connections as you'd like. While nearly the same thing they still have different features. These can be installed anywhere you like, in garages, linen cupboards, dedicated server racks, the choices are endless.
From the physical appearance, patch panel and switch look similar in that they present as rows of sockets in a rack. In fact, a patch panel is a passive device that has a row of ports, which is used for cable management to bundle multiple network ports together to connect incoming and outgoing cables. The ability to label individual cable runs in a patch panel creates a clean and organized way of identifying signal flow and troubleshooting technical problems. Also, patch panel avoids the damage of switch port due to the multiple plugs and pulls of the cables.
On the other hand, a network switch has a bunch of Ethernet ports, but it is an active device that connects devices together on a computer network by using packet switching to receive, process, and forward data to the destination device. In the case of structured cabling, the switch ports can be connected with the ports on the patch panel, allowing the Ethernet devices to be networked together.
Server racks can come in all different sizes, from wall mounted units, to free standing units, to server racks on wheels. Multiple devices can be installed in a server rack.
We can supply and install what ever you require, or connect to your existing equipment as well.
Getting your house prewired will greatly cut costs down if looking to install server racks and patch panels when in the construction phase.