Introduction: 24-Port Cat5e Patch Panel (1U) — PNL24AB and its key features
The 24-Port Cat5e Patch Panel, model PNL24AB, is a compact 1U 19‑inch rackmount solution designed to organise and terminate up to 24 Cat5e Ethernet runs in a neat, serviceable way. With front-mounted RJ45 ports for quick patching and rear 110/IDC punch‑down terminations for permanent in‑building cabling, this panel targets small to medium network deployments that prioritise tidy cable management, straightforward maintenance and reliable gigabit performance.
Key features at a glance:
- 24 RJ‑45 portson the front for fast patching and easy access.
- 1U 19‑inch rackmountprofile to save valuable rack space.
- Rear 110/IDC punch‑down terminationswired to T568A/T568B colour codes for permanent cabling.
- Numbered portsand wiring labels to simplify installation and documentation.
- Cat5e capabilityfor 10/100/1000 Mbps networks.
Offered at an accessible price point (suggested retail around$34.99), the PNL24AB is positioned as a value-oriented, practical choice for many installations. Note: some physical and compliance specifics (depth, exact finish, certifications and warranty) were not confirmed in the supplier data, so verify those details with the manufacturer for compliance‑sensitive projects.
Understanding the specifications helps translate product features into real-world benefits. Below is a breakdown of the PNL24AB specifications and what they mean for installation, performance and maintenance.
- Ports:24 RJ‑45. Benefit: consolidates many horizontal runs into a single, accessible panel, reducing clutter and making moves/changes quicker.
- Category:Cat5e. Benefit: supports gigabit Ethernet (1000BASE‑T) on suitable cabling, which is sufficient for most office, security and VoIP needs.
- Data rate:10/100/1000 Mbps. Benefit: meets common throughput requirements for small‑to‑medium business networks without the cost premium of higher‑category hardware.
- Rack height:1U (44.45 mm). Benefit: efficient use of rack space — a single U can accommodate up to 24 runs.
- Rack width:19 in (482.6 mm). Benefit: fits standard server racks and network cabinets.
- Material & finish:typically steel, powder‑coated. Note: exact material/finish should be verified. Benefit when standard: durable and resistant to everyday wear in comms rooms.
- Rear termination:110 IDC punch‑down compatible with T568A/T568B wiring. Benefit: secure, reliable terminations that are standard in many commercial installations.
- Cable compatibility:Cat5e UTP, 22–26 AWG (typical). Benefit: supports commonly used Ethernet cable gauges for flexible field wiring.
- Depth, weight, certifications and warranty:supplier data was insufficient for these items. Recommendation: confirm UL/CE/UKCA, RoHS, TIA/EIA compliance and warranty terms with the manufacturer before purchase, especially for regulated or contract work.
- Improved cable management:centralising connections reduces cable runs and clutter, helping airflow and troubleshooting.
- Faster moves, adds and changes:front‑facing RJ45 ports let technicians repatch without touching permanent terminations in the back.
- Documentation and traceability:numbered ports and wiring labels speed up asset tracking and reduce human error during maintenance.
- Cost effective:compared with higher‑category panels, Cat5e panels are budget‑friendly while still delivering gigabit capability when matched with appropriate cabling and switches.
The PNL24AB is built for environments that require organised, easy‑to‑maintain structured cabling without the premium of higher‑category hardware. Typical deployments include:
- Small and medium business networks:Branch offices, small data closets and compact server racks where up to 24 horizontal runs are common.
- Managed office deployments:Open plan offices, hot‑desking environments and meeting rooms that regularly change device locations.
- Comms rooms and network cabinets:Where space is limited and a 1U panel improves rack density and organisation.
- Contractor installations:Cabling contractors installing basic LANs or uplifts where Cat5e performance meets client requirements and budget constraints.
- VoIP and CCTV backbones:Where many endpoints require connectivity but transfer rates and shielding demands do not necessitate Cat6/6A hardware.
- Education and community facilities:Classrooms, labs and library IT closets that need reliable, economical connectivity and simple maintenance.
Scenario example: a small law firm upgrades its office network to gigabit switches but wants to reuse existing Cat5e horizontal cabling. Installing a 24‑port 1U panel provides tidy centralisation and front access to patch the desktop ports into the new switches, all while preserving budget for other upgrades.
To choose the right panel, it helps to compare the PNL24AB against variants and higher‑category options.
- Performance:Cat6/Cat6A panels and cables support higher frequencies and better headroom for 10GbE over short distances; Cat5e is typically limited to 1GbE. Choose Cat6/6A if planning 10GbE growth or supporting high‑interference environments.
- Cost:Cat5e panels like the PNL24AB are more affordable. For many offices where gigabit is sufficient, Cat5e delivers the best cost/performance balance.
- Installation:Cat6/6A panels sometimes require more careful pairing and space for thicker cables; Cat5e is easier to terminate in tight racks.
- 110 punch‑down:Reliable and standard for installers; requires a punch‑down tool but offers solid, low‑profile terminations.
- Tool‑less/keystone:Quicker to deploy and flexible (you can mix keystone modules), but some technicians prefer punch‑down for permanence and lower long‑term cost.
- 24‑port:Simpler to manage, uses less rack space and is ideal where 24 or fewer runs are needed.
- 48‑port:Higher density per U (sometimes 2U depending on panel), suitable for larger racks to reduce the number of panels required but increases front density and potential congestion.
No individual customer testimonials were provided with the product data. However, common feedback themes for similar 24‑port Cat5e panels (based on industry reviews and installer comments) typically include:
- Pros most often mentioned:affordability, straightforward installation, clean rack appearance and reliable terminations when punched down correctly.
- Cons or caution points:lack of shielded ports (for environments needing STP), limited future‑proofing if 10GbE is a requirement, and the need to verify manufacturer certifications and exact mechanical dimensions before purchase.
Illustrative (fictional) example review to convey the typical sentiment: "We fitted several of these 24‑port panels in our office racks — installation was fast, the numbering made documentation easy and the cost was reasonable. For our 1Gb network the panels have worked reliably. We did confirm the finish and rack depth with the supplier before ordering to ensure compatibility with our cabinets."
- Verify missing specs:confirm depth, material/finish, certifications (UL/CE/UKCA/RoHS) and warranty before specifying for projects.
- Match cable category:pair Cat5e panels with Cat5e cabling for a cost‑effective solution; consider Cat6/6A if future 10GbE upgrade is likely.
- Use correct termination tools:a proper 110 punch‑down tool and cable tester will ensure reliable connections.
- Label and document:use the numbered ports and wiring scheme to create clear documentation for future IT teams.
The 24‑Port Cat5e Patch Panel PNL24AB is a practical, economical option for organisations seeking to centralise up to 24 Ethernet runs in a single 1U rack space. It combines the familiar and robust 110 punch‑down termination method with front‑facing RJ45 ports for easy patching, clear port numbering and support for gigabit Ethernet — all traits that make daily network management simpler and faster.
For small to medium installations, managed offices, contractor deployments and educational facilities where Cat5e performance is sufficient, the PNL24AB strikes a strong balance between functionality and cost. However, before finalising a purchase or using this panel in compliance‑sensitive projects, confirm the outstanding mechanical and certification details with the manufacturer (depth, finish, certifications and warranty), and ensure the panel aligns with your long‑term bandwidth plans.
In short: if you need a straightforward, budget‑friendly 24‑port solution to tidy up your rack and support gigabit Ethernet today, the PNL24AB is a solid candidate—provided you verify the specific SKU details for your installation.
