Patch panel guidance

[pizzicar]

(I am new to home network wiring)
We will be adding an addition to our home and I will be running network lines from each new room to a closet (6 ports total). I was looking at two methods to run the wires from the closet wall to a switch. One is to use a 6 hole keystone jack panel in the wall and the other to use a 12 port flush mount patch panel. Any guidance on why I might want one or the other.

Also - I see good pricing from ebay on patch panels - is price for patch panels indicative of quality - or is a patch panel a patch panel.

Thanks for any help.

[ErikD]

There are different levels of quality, as with anything else. There is also the factor of if the panel really meets the rating it is being sold as or is just labeled as CAT 6, or whatever it might be.

I would buy as big a patch panel as money allows, probably a 24 port. You will never be upset about having some extra space, but will be kicking yourself when you run out of ports to add in new connections. I would go with a real patch panel personally. Those 6 pack jacks are pretty limiting as a main wiring point, but fine for an end location.

[YeOldeStonecat]

Also - I see good pricing from ebay on patch panels - is price for patch panels indicative of quality - or is a patch panel a patch panel.

Like most things..you get what you pay for. There are grades of quality..even in patch panels. Work with enough network gear..and you begin to notice the differences, and ease of install, and those brands which you "get it right the first time".

I prefer Panduit and Gruber for brands of patch panel. (plus with Gruber you get a strawberry candy in the box )

[pizzicar]

I prefer Panduit and Gruber for brands of patch panel. (plus with Gruber you get a strawberry candy in the box )

lol ^

Thanks all for the input - good advice!

[rpeAMP]

I prefer Panduit and Gruber for brands of patch panel. (plus with Gruber you get a strawberry candy in the box )

Do you really?? That's great!