Patch panels were first used in the telecommunication industry which continues to use a version of the panel until today. If you have seen linemen make calls by pulling out a cable and inserting it into another jack you will understand what we are talking about.

A patch panel is a device that helps to connect several individual pieces like telephones, computers or studio and stage equipment. A typical patch panel also called a patch bay will be two sides with a front and back part. There are jacks and ports present on both sides and cables are plugged into them. Usually there are shorter cables on the front side and longer ones on the back. This allows the technician to disconnect one set of cables while keeping the other one intact.

While patch panels were first used in telecommunications they are today widely used in other places like connecting computers in a network where several computers are interconnected through a patch panel which acts as a static switch board and in turn connects the LAN to an external internet connection.

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For several television, radio and stage producers the patch panel helps keep production costs low by allowing them to quickly connect equipment for different purposes. Microphones, recording equipment, amplifiers and electronic equipment can be easily reordered for different performances. If there are any faults, static or connections problems the panel helps to identify the problem area conveniently. Some people also feel that using a patch bay help make studio equipment jacks last longer as all the cables are plugged into the panel.

One of the most popular types of patch panel is the wall mounted one. It saves space and you don't have to hunt around to change cables. In large set ups these are usually located in a switch room with connections from individual desktops, fax machines etc. Running into the panel. On the other hand smaller offices and home networks may use the simple power strip design where several pieces of equipment are plugged into jacks on the panel. One piece say a desktop can send information and control another through the panel. So it can send a document, have the fax machine dial a number and transmit the document.

There are some alternatives to patch panels which do not require unplugging and inserting of cords and can be operated with a switch but these are far more expensive and most business budgets fall short of them. The panel then remains the most convenient and affordable way of connecting equipment at home or in the office.