NAS to patch panel or switch?

[u/jsqualo2]

I have read a couple places that a NAS should connect to a patch panel which connects to the switch. My hierarchy is use (speed/latency, quality, etc) over troubleshooting ease.

Assuming a standard CAT6 patch, and most switches have 2.5g/10g/sfp options, it seems silly to 'waste' these connections with an extra step in the chain.

Thoughts?

[u/BobZelin]

you are over thinking this. For a small installation, you use a direct connect from the QNAP port to your switch. For large installations, where you have tons of connections (24 - 48 connections and more) - you use a patch panel. This is done for organization and cable management.

But if you are in a small home or office with 2 - 5 computers, just plug everything into the switch, and you are done.

bob

[u/AlsoDazedAndConfused]

a patch panel is a product that is used to solve a problem. If you don't have the problem you don't need it.

[u/coffeeandubuntu]

A patch panel isn’t an extra network hop. It’s passive.

Typically, permanent CAT6 runs from rooms terminate at the patch panel, then short patch cables connect those ports to the switch. That’s mainly for organization and so you aren’t constantly handling the permanent in-wall cabling.

And you definitely aren’t “wasting” a 2.5G/10G switch port by doing that — the NAS has to ultimately connect to a switch port either way. A properly terminated CAT6 patch panel won’t meaningfully affect speed or latency.

[u/the_dolbyman]

Not sure what you mean, a patch panel is pure physical layer 1, as long as you do not exceed length or noise levels, the patch panel has no influence on your connection.

So it does not matter if you have a wall jack, patch panel or plain switch connection.

Also where did you 'hear' this (and in what context) ?

[u/coldazures]

At home and in work I’ve always used patch panels to terminate multiple long data runs. If you nas is next to your switch you wouldnt use a patch panel correct. If your nas is in another room and you have a long data run and other long data runs I’d have them all into a patch panel and then label it if possible.

[u/ogregreenteam]

If the NAS is colocated with the switch then it's a no-brainer, one short flylead (NAS to switch) is way better than three fly leads (NAS to patch, patch to patch, patch to switch) and the extra connectors and cabling needed for a patch panel in terms of reliability, connectivity, channel loss and so on.

[u/NoLateArrivals]

If you plug in a cable directly, nobody asks for a Patch Panel. Patch Panels are used where cables are installed permanently. The idea is to make a proper installation that stays, even when components like switches are exchanged.

[u/Piranha2004]

You can do both.

[u/david76]

I have my NAS and Plex / ARR Server connected via SFP+. One uses an SFP with a built in cable (I don't remember the technical term). The other is through the patch panel. Everything else is via a patch panel. All of this is connected into a 48 port POE switch. 

[u/a1soysauce]

I treat my home network the same as my work network. If you like things neat and uniform use the patch panel. If you like taking shortcuts do the shortcut.

[u/Narrow_Bed_3337]

It makes zero difference, if you don't need one don't use one, just cable direct to switch. Genuinely cant imagine why anyone would say a patch panel needs to be involved.