How would you mount your networking equipment to this board?

[thecomputerguy]

I'm going to be building a network for a client and we're going to use existing wiring. We will only be using about 20 ports on this patch panel but the patch panel isn't a full depth panel so I can't really "properly" mount anything above it or below it. The remainder of the ports are going to be used by a second company on a separate internet/network connection. I want to get this done ASAP so that I get first dibs on location of where I put my equipment so that the other company's IT guys have to figure out their own deal.



I'm thinking of just using an Ubiquiti 24Port POE Switch and just use the rack ears that come with it to mount flat against the board, then I can run 1" Cat5 cables up to the ports we need. Then I'll fish a short cable to a USG, and then another short cable for a Ubiquiti AP. That I believe gives me prime real estate and then the other company isn't my problem.

I don't offer any cabling services (I have a referral I use) so I kinda need to work with what we got here.

 

[phaZed]

Unwritten Rules, the person who installs the panel has the right to balance equipment on top of it. That space could be yours!

That's what I would suggest as well, equipment above and below - that horizontal space on the left and right is where you want to conserve as much as possible.

 

[YeOldeStonecat]

First option....unfortunately the runs are secured with tight zip ties on the corner of the wall, but I'd see if there might be enough slack to give a good 10" or so leeway so you can put a deeper wall mount rack in there that allows a shelf and switch to be mounted normally.

Second option...in cases where I couldn't put a full depth rack, yup...I've done what you've drawn..."hung" a switch by its ears like that, and mounted modems and routers on the wall flat like that. Just not the AP...the round ceiling saucers are meant to be mounted horizontally, facing down. They're not truly omnidirectional...strength for range is out the outer edges like the rings of saturn. Granted....if the office is small enough being vertical on the wall may be enough. Although straight upstairs and straight downstairs will have great signal!

 

[Markverhyden]

Personally I don't like surface mounting things to a back board. My preference is for a proper rack, with locks, but those aren't cheap. The other problem you have is it looks like there's no service loop available. If there was you could take apart the patch panels and feed each one through the top/bottom slot and secure to the rack.

Are you sure the ears can be rotated? Never looked at it with Ubiquiti but many times they don't line up properly. I wouldn't rest it dirfectly on the patch panel but maybe consider a shelf. I would definitely not mount the AP where you have it. Needs to be parallel to the floor so I'd run a cable up the conduit and ceiling mount the AP.

 

[SAFCasper]

If the rack ears won't rotate you can use vertical rack mounts like the link below. They come in 1U, 2U, 4U, 6U etc. I've used the 2U version many times in small offices to vertically mount a patch panel + switch when there was limited space for a full cabinet.

1U 19in Vertical Wall Mount Rack Bracket - Server-Racks | United Kingdom (startech.com)


Personally, I would do absolutely nothing to the existing patch panels if they are shared with another company in the building.

You alter the patch panels > you take on responsibility/blame for any future wiring issues.
"Port doesn't work? Must have been when that IT guy was messing with the patch panels."
Bad enough when it's the company you support saying this. Nightmare if it's the second company in the building!

 

[Nathan Igo]

I would almost suggest mounting the switch above facing down so you can see the ports easier. If this is a crammed space like it sounds it will make it that much easier for you to see the connections on the switch when needed. Then put the USG where you have the switch. I also don't see anything for a power bar so be sure to account for that for the switch and USG. You could even upsell them on a mounted UPS where you originally planned the switch.

Also with the access point, run a cable from the switch up that conduit even if it is ziptied to back and place it in the ceiling. Even if the AP dangles above a tile completely hidden it will give wider coverage than mounting it to the board.

 

[Sky-Knight]

I'm going to suggest you orient the switch downward as well. Not just for visibility, but to keep those ports clear! Dust and time murders equipment mounted facing upward. If I were installing, I'd have the switch sideways where you have the rest of the equipment mounted. Though I would try to keep it a couple inches below top of the upper patch, that way the other guy can put rings up to route cables over the top of the switch easily and keep his gear clean too.