Debate: Should you replace a failed patch panel or just punch down the same spot again?

Had a patch port go dead on a 48-port panel in our server closet last month. It was port 34, totally stopped passing link. I spent 20 minutes re-punching it with a 110 tool, tested fine for two days, then it crapped out again. Some guys say once a port fails you just move on and use the next one. Others say you should replace the whole panel if it's over 5 years old. What's your take, patch the dead port again or swap the panel?

2 comments

2 Comments

ivan_hayes297d ago

Swap the whole panel now before every port fails next week.

tarab546d ago

Honestly, I feel your pain on this one. Port 34 dying on a 48-port panel is just annoying, especially after you already put in the work to repunch it. @ivan_hayes29 is probably right though, if one port is failing now the whole panel might be on its last legs. Ngl, I'd be tempted to just swap the whole thing out before you end up chasing ghosts on every port. That way you don't waste another weekend with a punch tool and a bad connector.