Dictionary · Networking Hardware
Patch Panel
Cabling · Beginner
A passive panel that terminates horizontal cables so technicians can connect them to switches with short patch cords. It does not switch or route traffic.
It is an organized place to land building cabling. Moving a user to another switch port means moving a short cord, not pulling a new cable through the wall.
Example: Desk jack 14 is punched down to panel port 14, and a short cord connects that port to switch port 14.
Common misconception
- It does not amplify, switch, or filter traffic. If it fails, the failure is physical, such as a bad termination.