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Difficulty: MediumNetwork Hardware Devices

A network technician is installing structured cabling for a new office department. Twenty-four wall outlets wired with solid-core UTP cables run from individual workstation desks back to the main server closet. To protect the permanent in-wall wiring from strain and allow easy reorganization of connections to the network switch, where should these solid-core cables terminate inside the rack?

  1. Patch panelAnswer
  2. B
    Layer 2 Ethernet switch
  3. C
    DHCP server
  4. D
    APIPA gateway

Answer

The technician should terminate the solid-core UTP cables at a patch panel.
A patch panel is a passive hardware unit containing a row of port locations used to terminate horizontal cable runs in a telecommunications closet. In-wall solid-core UTP cable is punched down onto the rear of the patch panel, while flexible stranded patch cords connect the front RJ-45 ports of the panel to the active network switch. This structure protects permanent building cabling from physical wear and simplifies cross-connections.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the physical cabling requirement presented in the scenario.
Identified that 24 solid-core UTP cables coming from workstation wall outlets need a permanent, static punch-down termination point in the equipment rack.
Solid-core UTP cable is rigid and designed for permanent in-wall installation; repeated plugging and bending directly into active switch ports can cause wire fatigue and failure.
2
Evaluate hardware devices designed for structured cable termination.
Recognized that a patch panel uses 110-block or IDC punch-downs on the back for solid-core wires and RJ-45 ports on the front for stranded patch cables.
Patch panels isolate permanent building wiring from daily movement and allow easy port reassignment using short patch cables.
3
Select the correct network hardware component.
Confirmed patch panel is the appropriate device.
It fulfills the requirement to terminate permanent horizontal runs before bridging to active networking equipment.

Key Concept

Structured Cabling Termination and Patch Panel Functionality
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Network Hardware Devices

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