Apparatuses, systems, and methods are provided for scalable networking systems. An example system includes a plurality of core switches and a first stage patch panel associated with operation of a first set of network ports. In an operational configuration in which the first stage patch panel is coupled with the plurality of core switches, the first stage patch panel is configured to operatively couple the first set of network ports and a first portion of the plurality of core switches such that signals may pass therebetween. Furthermore, the first stage patch panel may preclude communication to a remaining portion of the plurality of core switches. The system may include a second stage patch panel associated with a second set of network ports that is operatively coupled with the plurality of core switches in the absence of the first stage patch panel so as to scale the networking system.