Creating patch panels from scratch in Device42: an example

Contents

  1. The Goal
  2. Creating Patch Panel Models
  3. Creating Patch Panels
  4. Adding the Back Connections or Termination
  5. Patching Switch Ports to Panel A
  6. Patching Devices to Panel B
  7. Patch Panel Layout
  8. Switch Port Level Connectivity
  9. Device Level Connectivity

In this chapter, we will take a step by step approach to create patch panels from scratch to end result.

The Goal

The example is simpler in nature, but this will cover the basics of how to add patch panel connections in Device42.

End goal is:

  1. Patch Panel A is connected to Patch panel B : Panel A Panel B.
  2. Patch panel A is patched to switch-01.
  3. Patch panel B is patched to devices in the same rack as Panel B.

This will give us devices connectivity with switch ports.

Creating Patch Panel Models

Before we add the patch panel, we need to create the template. In this example, this is a singular patch panel with 48 RJ-45 ports. Steps taken:

  • Go to Resources > Assets > Patch Panel Models > Add Patch Panel Model.
  • Add a name, port type, the number of ports etc., for the model.
  • Save the patch panel model.

Creating Patch Panels

  1. Go to Resources > All Assets > Add Asset.
  2. Give the name Panel A, choose the Type Patch Panel, and choose the model created above.
  3. Click Save.

Repeat the same steps for Panel B, just change the name to Panel B in step 2.

You can also specify the building, storage room, add tags and images of the front and back.

Adding the Back Connections or Termination

  1. Go to Tools > Templates & Bulk Operations > Panel Back Connectivity.
  2. From the drop-down, choose Patch Panel A, then select the beginning port # from: 1; next, select port # to: 48, then select Patch Panel B, port # from: 1, and optionally, the Cable Type.
  3. Click Continue.

Now Panel A and Panel B are terminated to each other.

Patching Switch Ports to Panel A

  • Go to Tools > Templates & Bulk Operations > Import/Export (xls).

  • Scroll down to Patch Panel Ports.

wpid3707-patch_panel_switchport_excel.png

In this example, ports from switch-01 are patched to Panel A. (You can create switch ports in bulk using switch templates as discussed under Switch Templates).

The tedious way to do this will be to add each switch port to each panel port. But we are not going to do that. The recommended way to do the same is to use the API Excel import option.
Steps:

  1. Download the sample excel file from Create/update Patch Panel Ports in that page.
  2. Our columns will look like this: number    patch_panel_id    switch    switchport
  3. Add the rows for panel port number, panel ID (available from Asset list view/from APIs/or get using hover over in the status bar), switch name, and switch port name.
  4. Import the XLS sheet.

wpid3705-patch_panel_id.pngwpid3701-PanelA_Switch_Connection.png

Upon import, you can see the switch ports connections on Panel A.

Patching Devices to Panel B

wpid3704-patch_panel_device_excel.png

In this step, we will use the same sample excel sheet downloaded in step above.

Column layout will be a little different and will look like this: number    patch_panel_id    device    obj_label1

Once we add the values to Excel and import it, the panel B will show following.

wpid3702-PanelB_device_Connection.png

Patch Panel Layout

wpid3709-patch_panel_visual_layout.png

Now if you go to Patch panel layout for Panel B and hover over any port or device, you will see the full visual path for that port.

Switch Port Level Connectivity

wpid3710-switch_port_view.png

You will see the patch panel connectivity from each switch port view as well.

Device Level Connectivity

wpid3700-device_connectivity_patch_panel.png

Similarly, in the Device view/edit page, you will see the patch panel connection under the tab “other”.

This concludes our chapter on how to create a patch panel layout in Device42.


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