Terminating a network cabinet patch panel
All of the wires in a network installation terminate at one end in a distribution cabinet and at the other end at wall sockets throughout he building. When terminating in a distribution cabinet a good rule of thumb is to leave a couple of extra metres of Category 5 cable. This will enable you to work on the patch panel away from the cabinet and, provided that you work neatly, you will be able to coil up the excess cable on top of the cabinet when you have finished.

Whenever you lay a network cable you should label it at both ends with an identifying number. This number will be the corresponding number in the patch panel and then also written on the socket in the room.

Distribution cabinet patch panel - front view Distribution cabinet patch panel - back view
   
Use a punch down tool
Cut each cable that runs to the cabinet off to an appropriate length (remember you can always cut wire shorter but never make it longer) Decide on the layout of your wiring - carefully considering the way you will work - cabinet cabling can get very crowded! Lay the wires across the the panel according to the colour scheme marked out on the sockets. Use a punch-down tool to methodically push each wire down in its appropriate terminal.
Note that the scissor side of the punch down tool cuts off excess wire.
       
Ensure a strong physical link
Cut the cable tie off to length
Continue working leaving on a short length of thin wire between the sheath and the terminals Use a cable tie to firmly attach the sheath of the cable to the back of the patch panel Ensure that the cable tie makes a strong physical connection Cut the cable tie off to length
 

Trevor Blunn - Director of IT - Princethorpe College