punchdown in a structure media box?

[pete_c]

I have 5 of the Leviton 6 port punch modules in place today in my 42" can.  I also have one 24port switch inside of the can.
 
That said I have expanded now twice to two more areas of punch modules. 
 
I also use separate punch modules(s) for RS-232 to Digi Edgeport boxes and my 1-wire multiple networks and another one for my Russound in wall controllers. (Many years ago ran the cat5e and speaker stuff to the "server" rack area (but it is separate from the network stuff).
 
One is just outside the first Leviton 42" can and one next to the "server" area / rack. 
 
The server area is now also serviced by some 4 20 amp breakers and has become more of an autonomous entity. (I don't really need these anymore though).

 

[wkearney99]

Not sure where all the dislike is coming from for 66 blocks.  I've had entire campus networks run through them with absolutely no problems (into switches that had monitoring).  Even a few where it pushed beyond the 110m recommended max distances.  Granted that was mostly for 100BaseT traffic, not newer gigE.  There's plenty of ways to run wire, all of them have their advantages and disadvantages.

 

[wkearney99]

The server area is now also serviced by some 4 20 amp breakers and has become more of an autonomous entity. (I don't really need these anymore though).

 
I find when power consumption goes beyond the breaker's capacity it's often best to start replacing old equipment with new, less power-consuming gear.  That and bundle a few things together into a virtual server.

 

[pete_c]

I find when power consumption goes beyond the breaker's capacity it's often best to start replacing old equipment with new, less power-consuming gear.  That and bundle a few things together into a virtual server.

 
Yup this is where I had initially increased the number of servers; then added circuits, then started to use more efficient servers.  (chicken and the egg thing).  Think I am still at some 20 plus servers doing this or that.
 
I have reduced the footprint and power consumption of the area.

 

[drvnbysound]

I'd avoid the 66 block if the cables might be used for Ethernet.
 
Those 12-port Leviton modules (keystone option available) aren't bad.  It's what I'm using, in my enclosure.  Screwed down, to the metal enclosure.  They will never move.
 
They use an 89D bracket:
 

 
The mounting tabs are staggered, for increased density.
 
The enclosure cover may mash the cables to a 90 degree bend, hence the popularity of the angled options:
 

 
I really should check in my garage. I'm certain that I bought some of these on clearance from Home Depot as I started to do mine... but decided to go with the modular ones instead. If I find/locate mine (should be later today) I'd certainly be willing to sell them cheap. I'll post them in the classifieds if anyone is interested. 

 

[tmbrown97]

Not sure where all the dislike is coming from for 66 blocks.  I've had entire campus networks run through them with absolutely no problems (into switches that had monitoring).  Even a few where it pushed beyond the 110m recommended max distances.  Granted that was mostly for 100BaseT traffic, not newer gigE.  There's plenty of ways to run wire, all of them have their advantages and disadvantages.

The specs can be exceeded at times and still work OK - doesn't mean it's ideal.  When there's a perfect connection, all is well... and when things fail it's fairly easy to find out why - but when things are on the cusp with intermittent errors, it's very hard to test for an isolate without very expensive equipment.
 
I'm not one to rain on someone else's parade, but I have never understood the point of these 66 or 110 cross connect blocks inside panels.  I've designed/built/maintained plenty of campus networks so I'm quite familiar with the concept...  That said, I'd much rather cross-connect with patch cables and not punchdown blocks.  If I needed cross connects, I'd do 110 and not 66 in a heartbeat for anything that might touch Ethernet.  
 
My preference would be the SMC patch-panels on the previous page.

 

[wkearney99]

110 are notoriously unreliable if a connection gets changed.  Whereas you can pretty much re-punch a 66 forever (granted, you might have to snug up the clip a bit).  But with a 110 it's toast if it gets loose.  Granted, for a relatively permanent setup that's not all that important.  That and you can half-ass a 110 connection without having a proper punchdown tool.  But I'm not seeing that as much of a 'benefit'.
 
Don't know about 'very expensive' when smart switches with per-port monitoring are pretty reasonably priced these days.
 
That and RJ45-based patch panels introduce yet another connection AND expense.  Making RJ45 cable connections in the field is nowhere near as simple as just punching down a wire.  That and pre-made patch cables are considerably more expensive than just bare wire.
 
But little of that addresses what I actually asked about.  Ah, forums and opinions...

 

[drvnbysound]

I really should check in my garage. I'm certain that I bought some of these on clearance from Home Depot as I started to do mine... but decided to go with the modular ones instead. If I find/locate mine (should be later today) I'd certainly be willing to sell them cheap. I'll post them in the classifieds if anyone is interested. 

 
I submitted a FS post in the classifieds, just waiting for it to get approved. I wanted to update this though... I have (2) 66-Block mounting brackets and (2) 12-port patch blocks (which snap into the 66-brackets).

 

[BraveSirRobbin]

I submitted a FS post in the classifieds, just waiting for it to get approved.

 
http://cocoontech.com/forums/topic/25702-66-block-mounting-brackets-12-port-patch-blocks/

 

[gatchel]

Not sure where all the dislike is coming from for 66 blocks. I've had entire campus networks run through them with absolutely no problems (into switches that had monitoring). Even a few where it pushed beyond the 110m recommended max distances. Granted that was mostly for 100BaseT traffic, not newer gigE. There's plenty of ways to run wire, all of them have their advantages and disadvantages.

If you like 66 blocks go ahead an use them. If they work for you, great! I would never consider it. I have never seen a new data install use 66 blocks for CAT5e or better cabling in any environment. It's old technology.

As far as the ways to run wire, there are 2, the correct way and the incorrect way. In your house you can chose whichever you like or some variation in between and I'm sure you'll get a working product considering your experience.

Section 3 of the guide covers some of the EIA/TIA cabling standards. Maybe it will help you decide.

https://www.anixter.com/content/dam/Anixter/Guide/12H0005X00-Anixter-Installation-Pocket-Reference-Guide-BOOK-W%26C-EN-US.pdf

 

[wkearney99]

Water pipes and toilets are old technology and yet they're still installed and used everyday.  That you might not choose to use them doesn't invalidate their utility.  That and 'opinions are like...' analogies apply.

 

[Neurorad]

FWIW, I also would not use 66 blocks, for data.  
 
This Leviton Wiring Strategies Guide (c. 1998) says don't use them for cat5.  Good for cat3, though.
 
http://www.sanjosecabling.com/uploads/2/7/1/7/2717218/p35804-leviton_strategies.pdf

 

[tmbrown97]

The reason comes down largely to maintaining twist per specs and keeping noise out - 66 blocks (especially going across a bridging clip) just don't respect those tolerances - but you're right, 66 blocks can take more abuse than 110.  That said, I did try to contribute to your question with links to some options that I believe are within what you asked for - not sure if you saw the last paragraph on my post from the 1st page.
 
Not sure if you've checked monoprice lately but their per-cable price is cheap enough to not possibly care in a small scale home environment.
 
But of course you can do what you want.  "When you're a hammer, everything looks like a nail" seems to apply a bit - you have what you like and are familiar with from whatever you've worked with in the past.  There is a reason that pros do things the way they do though of course, and why they don't do certain things.
 
Just one other thing I'll throw out there - if you're cross connecting and need to mount switches, another solution that I really like for branch offices and wiring closets is this one:  MiniRaq - allows for mounting a patch panel above and a vertically mounted switch right in front of it with varying depths depending on the amount of equipment - and can be locked up and secured as well.  May not be relevant depending on what you're trying to do, but it's a great solution for a lot of homes as well that don't have room for a full rack - fits very well in a utility closet.

 

[wkearney99]

Take care with the condescending tone and turn of phrase, it really comes across quite poorly in text.

 

[gatchel]

Water pipes and toilets are old technology and yet they're still installed and used everyday.  That you might not choose to use them doesn't invalidate their utility.  That and 'opinions are like...' analogies apply.

When something better than a water pipe and toilet comes along people will begin moving to the newer and better technology. Toilets have evolved to the point that you don't even have to clean up any more so comparing human waste removal is a bad analogy to wiring CAT5+ devices.
 
You came here with what you wanted to do and were asking for a better way. You were given suggestions and then you cited personal examples of why the old way would work from what you have done/seen on college campuses and what-not. That would make me think you are here to argue to some extent. Just my personal take on things...
 
There are DIY'ers and professionals here willing to give information for free. The collective knowledge of this forum is HUGE compared to other places I have visited. Take it or leave it. No problem either way.