patch panel
A group of sockets used to connect incoming and outgoing lines in communications and electronic systems. Patch panels allow for manually wiring the connections with small cables (patch cords), rather than automatic switching. Wireless patch panels are also available that provide the cross connections by flipping a switch rather than plugging in wires. See wiring rack and patch cord.
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| Rack Mounted Patch Panels |
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| Patch panels come small and large. In large datacenters such as this one, patch panels are often rack mounted. Not remarkably high tech, they are simply used to manually connect one line to another. |