Skip to main content

Creating patch panels from scratch in Device42: an example

This page presents a step-by-step approach to creating patch panels, from initial setup to end result.

The Goal​

The following example is simple in nature but covers the basics of adding patch panel connections in Device42.

The end goal is:

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

This will provide our devices with connectivity to switch ports.

Creating Patch Panel Models​

Creating Patch Panel ModelsCreating Patch Panel Models

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

  • Go to Resources > Assets > Patch Panel Models > Create.
  • Enter the details for the model, including a name, port type, and number of ports.
  • Save the patch panel model.

Creating Patch Panels​

Creating Patch Panels - Step 1Creating Patch Panels - Step 1 Creating Patch Panels - Step 2Creating Patch Panels - Step 2 Creating Patch Panels - Step 3Creating Patch Panels - Step 3 Creating Patch Panels - Step 4Creating Patch Panels - Step 4
  1. Go to Resources > All Assets > Create.
  2. Name it Panel A, select Patch Panel as its Type, and choose the model created above.
  3. Click Save.

Repeat the same steps for Panel B, changing only the name to Panel B in Step 2.

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

Adding the Back Connections or Termination​

Adding the Back Connections or TerminationAdding the Back Connections or Termination
  1. Go to Tools > Templates & Bulk Operations > Panel Back Connectivity.
  2. From the dropdown, choose Patch Panel A, then enter 1 for the beginning port # from and enter 48 for the port # to. Then, select Patch Panel B, and enter 1 for port # from, and optionally, select the Cable Type.
  3. Click Continue.

Now, Panel A and Panel B are connected to each other.

Back Connections ConfirmationBack Connections Confirmation

Patching Switch Ports to Panel A​

  • Go to Tools > Templates & Bulk Operations > Import/Export (xls).
Patching Switch Ports - Download Import File MenuPatching Switch Ports - Download Import File Menu
  • Scroll down to Patch Panel Ports.
Patching Switch Ports - Import File DownloadPatching Switch Ports - Import File Download

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 is to add each switch port to each panel port. Instead, use the recommended API Excel import option as follows:

  1. Download the sample Excel file from Create/update Patch Panel Ports on that page.
  2. Check that the columns look like this: number  |  patch_panel_id  |  switch  |  switchport
  3. Add the rows for the panel port number, panel ID (retrieved from the Asset list view, from APIs, or from hovering over the status bar), switch name, and switch port name.
  4. Import the XLS sheet.
Panel A Switch Connection - Panel IDPanel A Switch Connection - Panel ID

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, use the same sample Excel sheet downloaded in the step above.

The column layout is a little different and looks like this: number  |  patch_panel_id  |  device  |  obj_label1

Once you've added the values to Excel and imported the sheet, Panel B will show the following.

Panel B Device ConnectionPanel B Device Connection

Patch Panel Layout​

Patch Panel Visual LayoutPatch Panel Visual Layout

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

Switch Port Level Connectivity​

Switch Port Level ConnectivitySwitch Port Level Connectivity

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

Device Level Connectivity​

Device Level ConnectivityDevice Level Connectivity

Similarly, in the Device view and edit pages, you will see the patch panel connection under the Other tab.