Patch Panels; What Are They And Who Uses Them?

Fundamentally a patch panel is a panel able to connect numerous cable connections. Within industry it is also commonly referred to as a patch bay or less frequently a jackfield. Typically the patch panel is used with cables running from the rear of the panel to multiple devices and pieces of equipment. The front of these panels allow for easy access and hence simple and efficient management of cable systems; connections are presented at the front and can be easily switched around to connect different devices together.

The most understood and widely used example of patch panels are the old telephone switchboards. Most people have seen footage of operators taking one plug, or jack from a socket and placing it in another to connect callers to their requested recipient. While these switchboards are no longer in use as automation has done away with the need for manual operators, it remains the most poignant example of patch panels in the majority of people's minds.

Today the patch panels are used in a wide variety of different industry and business sectors. Naturally the technology is still extensively used in both telephone and communications companies. These patch panel cabinets are easily visible on the street and are usually green or grey oblong boxes that contain a myriad of different wires and cables that act to connect all of the houses or businesses in the immediate vicinity. These boxes allow for engineers to make rapid changes to connections within a particular neighbourhood.

As well as telephone and communication companies patch panels are widely used in theatres and auditoriums. In these environments they are mostly used to connect the various audio visual components that are part and parcel of putting on a performance.

Other sectors of the entertainments industry also use patch panels. Radio and television broadcasters have panels located in their studios, allowing for the rapid transferral of data and media between the performance areas to production offices. Without them it would be impossible for television shows to be produced, especially those that are broadcasted live.

The patch panel is also a key element in the running and use of the internet. Many technology companies will have these devices in order to manage their local area networks and telephone connections. Put simply without them the powerful force that is the internet would most likely not exist.

Patch panels are not the only form of connection hub available however. Ultimately they are a temporary device that allows the technician to change connections with ease and without complication. For more permanent fixings devices such as the breakout box, punch box and termination panel are used. While their functionality is extremely similar to that of patch panels, instead of plugs and changeable cabling they use hard wiring, making them a far more permanent option.

Hopefully this article has given an idea of what a patch panel is and the types of companies that use them in their communications and local area networks. They offer the user a practical and efficient way to manage connections.