N10-009 Question 183
Single answerCabling: Patch panel, Fiber distribution panel, LockableA hospital is renovating an IDF that serves several patient-care areas. The network administrator must reduce the risk of accidental disconnects and unauthorized tampering while keeping copper and fiber terminations organized for maintenance. The room contains copper horizontal runs to wall jacks and fiber backbone links to the MDF. Which solution best meets these requirements?
- A
Terminate the copper runs on a patch panel, terminate the fiber backbone in a lockable fiber distribution panel, and secure the rack/cabinet with a lockable enclosure
- B
Crimp RJ45 connectors directly onto the horizontal copper runs, connect them straight to switches, and leave the fiber slack coiled on open rack shelves for easier access
- C
Use a patch panel for both copper and fiber so technicians can move either media type with standard copper patch cords
- D
Install a lockable wall box only for the network switches, but leave the patch panel and fiber terminations exposed so moves/adds/changes are faster
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
The best answer is to use the correct termination hardware for each media type and protect access to that hardware. In structured cabling, copper horizontal runs are normally terminated on patch panels in the telecom room or IDF, while fiber backbone cabling is terminated in fiber distribution panels or fiber enclosures designed for protection, connector management, and bend-radius control. In environments where uptime and physical security matter, lockable racks, cabinets, or panels help reduce accidental unplugging and unauthorized changes. This aligns with common structured cabling best practices reflected in commercial cabling standards such as ANSI/TIA-568, which emphasizes proper termination, administration, and protection of copper and fiber cabling systems.
- A. Correct.
Correct. A patch panel is the standard structured cabling termination point for copper horizontal cabling, allowing organized labeling and simple moves/adds/changes without disturbing permanent cabling. Fiber backbone links should terminate in a fiber distribution panel to protect, organize, and manage fiber strands and maintain bend-radius control. Using lockable infrastructure helps prevent unauthorized access and accidental disconnection in sensitive environments such as hospitals.
- B. Incorrect.
Incorrect. Directly terminating horizontal cabling with RJ45 plugs and connecting it to switches bypasses the structured cabling approach typically used in commercial environments. It increases wear on permanent cabling and makes troubleshooting and changes harder. Leaving fiber coiled on open shelves provides poor physical protection and risks bend-radius and damage issues.
- C. Incorrect.
Incorrect. A copper patch panel and a fiber distribution panel serve different purposes. Fiber does not use standard copper patch cords, and fiber terminations require media-specific connectors, protection, and cable management. This option reflects the misconception that patch panels are interchangeable across media without regard to termination and protection requirements.
- D. Incorrect.
Incorrect. Locking only the switches does not fully address the risk of tampering or accidental disconnects at the cabling termination points. Patch panels and fiber terminations are common points of interference, so leaving them exposed undermines the stated security and stability goals.