Patch panel is a device that allows multiple similar devices to be connected at the same time. For example, computer centers, radio and TV stations all depend on quality patch panels to better interconnect and manage their network systems. In other words, patch panels are switchboards that enable cable connections, usually involving a short cable which is plugged in the front and a long cable which is plugged into the back of the patch panel. Telephone switchboards, which are still used in telecommunications systems, are the ancestors of today’s patch panels used to transfer data, video, audio and other applications.
Great use of patch panels is the one in computer networks. They are included in Local Area Networks (LANs) to connect multiple computers of one network to each other and to the Internet. Also, patch panels are used to connect a LAN to a WAN (Wired Area Network). Computer networks use switches that are an essential part of every patch panel, allowing to connect 8, 16 or more computers to one device. This helps better manage network connections of each computer and the connections between the computers. In audio and video networks, an s-video patch panel can be used to connect multiple inputs and outputs for easier managing.
A patch panel transmits signals from one cable to another without losing any data or signal. Most patch panel users like these devices because of their ability to change and interchange the individual front cables. On the back side of every patch panel there are compound connectors which cannot make a distinction of which signal is coming from which individual port. In addition, experts have developed a special software to track the activities that take place in the patch panels themselves such as the strength of data signal, changes in the temperature of a patch panel, etc. Because they are crustal for any network, most patch panel models come with an additional power supply to ensure no data is lost in case of power failure.
