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Networking Fundamentals · Foundational

Patch Panel

A panel of ports in a rack where permanent cabling terminates, allowing short patch cables to connect runs to switches.

Definition

Horizontal cables are punched down on the back of the panel (usually 110-style IDC) and the front presents RJ45 ports. Patch panels protect the permanent wiring and make moves, adds and changes easy. Fiber patch panels use adapter plates or cassettes.

Example

Patch panel port 24 connects via a 1 m patch cable to switch port Gi1/0/24.

Exam tip

Patch panels are passive Layer 1 devices.

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