Shielded and Unshielded Patch Panels with Cable Management – OEM Network Solutions for Structured Cabling

A network patch panel is a vital component in structured cabling systems, acting as the connection interface between horizontal cabling and network devices. It provides organized routing, labeling, and easy reconfiguration for maintenance and upgrades.

In modern LANs and data centers, selecting the right patch panel type—by category, shielding, or structure—ensures optimal signal transmission and system reliability.

2. Shielded, Unshielded, and Unloaded Patch Panels

Patch panels are typically available as shielded (STP), unshielded (UTP), or unloaded types.

• Shielded Patch Panels are equipped with a metal grounding layer that protects the signal from electromagnetic and radio interference (EMI/RFI). They are ideal for high-density installations, industrial environments, and 10 GbE applications.

• Unshielded Patch Panels (UTP) are lighter, simpler to terminate, and more cost-effective. They are commonly used in standard office networks or environments with minimal interference.

• Unloaded Patch Panels provide an empty modular frame that accepts Keystone jacks or snap-in modules of different categories (Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6A). This flexible design allows system integrators to configure mixed-type connections—such as RJ45 data, voice, or multimedia—on the same panel.

All types use reliable IDC (Insulation Displacement Connection) terminals, available in 110 type or Krone type, to ensure stable termination and consistent transmission performance.

3. Structural Design and Mounting Specifications

Standard rack-mount patch panels fit 19-inch racks, usually in 1U or 2U formats with 6, 12, 24 or 48 ports.

Structurally, patch panels can be further divided by several criteria:

• By port grouping: patch panels are often organized in 6-port groups or 8-port groups, allowing flexible configuration and easy maintenance.

• By base construction: they can be classified as integrated (one-piece) patch panels or modular patch panels, where modular types enable replacement or upgrades of individual modules without removing the entire unit.

• By installation method: available as rack-mount patch panels for cabinet installation, or wall-mount patch panels for smaller or distributed network setups.

High-quality panels feature:

• Cold-rolled steel structure with grounding continuity.

• Gold-plated contacts for oxidation resistance and low insertion loss.

• Numbered and labeled front ports for clear identification.

• Rear-mounted IDC blocks for quick termination.

These design elements simplify maintenance and ensure long-term mechanical stability in dense rack installations.

4. Integrated Rear Cable Management

In professional cabling practice, each patch panel is equipped with a rear cable management bar or integrated wire manager, forming one complete assembly.
This rear structure supports the terminated cables, maintains proper bend radius, and relieves tension on IDC connections.

Unlike separate horizontal or vertical cable managers, the rear cable management of the patch panel directly reinforces the panel’s wiring structure, preventing mechanical strain and maintaining clean, parallel routing behind the rack.
This design also improves airflow and ensures compliance with installation standards.

5. Performance and Standard Compliance

All professional patch panels are tested to ensure:

• Insertion loss, return loss, and NEXT performance meet category limits.

• Full compliance with ISO/IEC 11801, TIA/EIA-568, and RoHS/UL/CE standards.

• Reliable grounding and insulation for both shielded and unshielded models.

Matching the patch panel with the correct cable category is essential to achieve the intended transmission class of the entire link.

6. Conclusion

A well-designed network patch panel—whether shielded, unshielded, or unloaded—forms the foundation of an efficient structured cabling system.
With integrated rear cable management, proper termination, and adherence to international standards, it ensures organized installation, signal stability, and long-term system reliability.

For integrators and network builders seeking professional-grade cabling components, high-precision patch panels deliver both performance and practicality across enterprise and data center networks.

👉 Looking for a reliable OEM patch panel supplier? Contact GETEKnet today to discuss your specifications and get a custom quote.