Network Services, Wired Network, Patch Wall Jack to Switch Port and Update IRIS

Summary

Restores or enables wired network connectivity by patching a labeled wall jack to an available switch port in the correct Communications Equipment Room (CER), then documenting the patch cord and setting the intended network assignment in IRIS.

Symptoms / Problem Statement

• User reports no network connectivity when plugged into a specific wall jack.
• Newly installed or newly requested wall jack has no active network connection.
• Wall jack is labeled, but the corresponding patch panel port is not patched to a switch port.
• Physical patch exists, but IRIS does not reflect the jack-to-port mapping and/or the correct network assignment.

Applies To

• On-premises wired Ethernet wall jacks that terminate to a patch panel in a CER
• CER patch panels and access switches managed/tracked in IRIS
• IT staff responsible for physical layer patching and IRIS documentation

Environment

• Campus/building wired network infrastructure (wall jack → patch panel → access switch)
• CER containing the patch panel and associated access switch
• IRIS (web): https://iris.techservices.illinois.edu/

Prerequisites

• Physical access to the room (wall jack) and the correct CER (patch panel and switch)
• Wall jack identifier (exact label from the faceplate)
• Patch cable of appropriate type/length for the rack and cable management materials (as needed)
• IRIS access with permissions to view ports and update Patch Cords
• Confirmed desired network assignment for this jack (per request/standard)

Assumptions to review (update to match local standards):

• Wall jack labeling correctly maps to the patch panel port labeling.
• The switch located below/associated with the patch panel is the correct access switch for the jack.
• Desired network refers to the network assignment option available in IRIS (for example, a VLAN/network profile).

Resolution / Steps to Resolve

1. Identify the wall jack in the room.
   • Record the jack label exactly as shown on the faceplate.
2. Locate the CER that houses the patch panel for that jack.
   • Use building documentation/labeling and confirm you are at the correct rack and patch panel.
3. Identify the patch panel port that corresponds to the wall jack.
   • Match the jack label to the patch panel labeling.
4. Identify the switch below that patch panel.
   • Confirm the switch identity (label, rack position, or IRIS inventory mapping).
5. Find free ports on the switch using IRIS.
   • Open IRIS: https://iris.techservices.illinois.edu/
   • Navigate to the identified switch and locate an unused/available port.
6. Connect a patch cable between the jack (patch panel port) and the selected switch port.
   • Patch from the correct patch panel port (for the wall jack) to the chosen free switch port.
   • Use proper cable management per local standards.
7. Update IRIS to document the patch and set the network assignment.
   • In IRIS, go to Patch Cords.
   • Locate the patched switch port.
   • Set the desired network.
   • Enter the wall jack name/label in the Jack Field.
   • Click Overwrite Name.
8. Verify connectivity (recommended).
   • Confirm link/activity on the switch port (lights and/or port status in IRIS/tools).
   • If possible, test at the wall jack with a known-good device to confirm connectivity on the expected network.

Triage Questions

• What is the exact wall jack label (as printed on the faceplate)?
• Which building and room is the jack located in?
• Which CER serves this room/jack?
• Is there an existing IRIS record for the jack, patch panel port, or switch port?
• What is the desired network assignment for this jack?
• Is this a new activation request or a previously working jack that stopped working?

Troubleshooting Notes / Common Issues

• Jack label does not match patch panel labeling
  • Re-check the wall jack label and confirm you are in the correct CER and at the correct patch panel.
  • Check for alternate labeling conventions (panel position vs. printed jack ID).
• No free ports available on the switch
  • Confirm you selected the correct switch in IRIS.
  • Escalate per local process for capacity expansion or port cleanup.
• IRIS shows the port as in-use but it appears physically free
  • Confirm switch and port identity before making changes.
  • Update IRIS only after verifying the physical state and any dependencies.
• Patched correctly but no connectivity
  • Confirm the desired network is correct in IRIS.
  • Try a known-good patch cable.
  • Test the endpoint device and wall jack (swap device, use a cable tester if available).
• Cannot update fields or overwrite fails in IRIS
  • Confirm your IRIS permissions.
  • Refresh the session and retry after reloading the switch/port record.

Additional Information

• IRIS: https://iris.techservices.illinois.edu/
• Add local internal standards here (patching/labeling conventions, CER access process, escalation path).

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where do I enter the wall jack label in IRIS?
A: In IRIS, go to Patch Cords, locate the patched switch port, enter the label in the Jack Field, then click Overwrite Name.

Q: Should I update IRIS before or after patching the cable?
A: Patch first, then update IRIS to match the confirmed physical connection.

Q: What if I don’t know the desired network?
A: Do not guess. Use the request details, local standards for that location, or escalate to the network team for the correct network assignment.

Search Criteria / Keywords

• IRIS patch cords
• IRIS Patch Cords
• IRIS Jack Field
• IRIS Overwrite Name
• patch panel to switch port
• CER patching
• activate wall jack
• enable wired jack
• no network at wall jack
• find free switch ports in IRIS
• document patch cord in IRIS
• wired jack not active