| ch panel is an important item of equipment used | | | | Connections are usually made using jacks, |
| in many businesses; granting network technicians | | | | negating the need for soldering and bonding. |
| the ability to handle telephone and internet | | | | In a range of instances patch panels are mounted |
| connections as easily as possible. A patch panel is | | | | with the use of racks. Assemblies normally have |
| used to manage network connectors; it connects | | | | short cables, with temporary connections on the |
| a variety of equipment pieces and jacks so that | | | | front side. The rear of the equipment houses |
| networks can be organised simply. In the majority | | | | longer wires that have permanent places for |
| of cases patch panels are located in a dedicated, | | | | connections. Ultimately by using patch panels the |
| air conditioned environment; mainly because of | | | | necessity for expensive switching equipment is |
| the large amount of heat produced. | | | | removed. |
| The patch panel is important for a variety of | | | | Many industries use this patch panel equipment. |
| companies in order to manage local area | | | | The use of panelling in the telecommunications |
| networks or LANs. Patch panels were first used in | | | | industry has already been discussed, they are also |
| a different environment however. Archival video | | | | utilised however by recording and television |
| footage of telephone operators plugging phone | | | | companies, as well as in venues such as theatres |
| connections shows that in the early years of | | | | and cinemas. In this case they do not control |
| telecommunication a massive patch panel was | | | | network connections but instead manage electrical |
| essentially being used. In the modern world | | | | equipment such as microphones and video |
| however, the processes carried to by these | | | | recorders. Often, they are referred to as patch |
| operators has been sped up through a process of | | | | bays. This distinction is not important however, |
| automation due to the advancement of | | | | they still give the user markedly similar benefits, |
| technology. | | | | providing a more convenient connection process. |
| Connections in the panels use cables. Wires are | | | | This article has intended to give the reader an |
| used extensively within many industries to | | | | understanding of the important information |
| connect computing equipment, to external devices | | | | surrounding patch panelling equipment and network |
| such as printers as well as networks. | | | | management. This equipment has been developed |
| Understandably, the use of cords on this scale can | | | | from telephone switchboards to an advanced |
| lead to confusion when it comes to creating a | | | | connection tool allowing the easy transmission of |
| network. A patch panel grants the technician with | | | | data. |
| an easy method of organising cables effectively. | | | | |