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Networking Fundamentals · Foundational

Patch Cable

A short, flexible, factory-terminated cable that connects devices to jacks or patch panels to switches.

Definition

Patch cords use stranded conductors for flexibility, while permanent horizontal cable uses solid conductors. TIA allows up to 10 m of total patch and equipment cords in a channel.

Example

A 2 m Cat 6 patch cable connects a PC to its wall jack.

Exam tip

Patch cables are stranded; horizontal runs are solid-core.

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