Patch Panels

Patch panels are network ports held together within telecommunication closets that connect incoming and outgoing local area network (LAN) lines or other communication, electronic and electrical systems. Patch panels within LANs connect network computers to each other and to outside lines, enabling the LANs to connect to the Internet or other wide area networks (WANs). Patch panels permit circuits to be arranged and rearranged by plugging and unplugging respective patch cords.

A patch panel in a local area network (LAN) is a mounted hardware assembly that contains ports used to connect and manage incoming and outgoing LANcables. Patch panels are also referred to as patchbays, patch fields or jack fields and are also commonly used in radio and television.

Patch panels may also be referred to as patch bays.

A diagrammatic sample of a Patch Panel