What is patch panel? - Definition from Whatis.com

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patch panel

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patch panel

A patch panel is a mounted hardware unit containing an assembly of port locations in a communications or other electronic or electrical system. In a network, a patch panel serves as a sort of static switchboard, using cables to interconnect computers within the area of a local area network (LAN) and to the outside for connection to the Internet or other wide area network (WAN). A patch panel uses a sort of jumper cable called a patch cord to create each interconnection.

Related glossary terms: system administrator (sysadmin), Internet, keystone jack, corporate area network (CAN), home server, LANDesk Client Manager (LDCM), HomeRF (home radio frequency), Zmodem protocol, 32-bit IP addressing, bus network

This was last updated in September 2000

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