The patch panel is one of the instrumental ingredients of computer equipments used in numerous organizations and technical offices. This two sided panel offers shorter cable connections mainly at front while longer wires at its back. In most of the cases the patch panel is mounted on server racks and essentially facilitates the cable connections. This setup helps the technicians to execute temporary alterations to cable connections at front. On the other hand, the cable connections at rear end remain permanent. This arrangement of cables allows simple and trouble free monitoring, interconnecting as well as circuit testing. Patch panel do not require costly switching equipment for easy and quick changing of connections and especially path of signals. Patch panels are just like call connections made by early phone operators through chord pulling from one plug and inserting it in the other one. So, the form and functioning of patch panels resembles the job of connecting calls by telephone operators.
Patch panels were initially introduced and established in telephone exchanges and its more automated version is still in use. However, patch panel technology is most extensively used in entertainment industry instead of telecommunications. Entertainment industry has large number of patch panel users; for instance, recording and television studios. In addition, you can also make use of patch panels in concert halls. In such cases, bay is utilized for controlling the connections of various elements of the equipment including speakers, microphones etc. the convenience of work and cost efficiency make their use simple, easy and affordable. Moreover, patch panels/bays can build quick alterations and adjustments in the potential electronic equipments. Furthermore, these are fully capable of making the problems identification easier like group loops and feedback etc. Functions performed by patch panels may be carried out through switching equipment as stated earlier. In some cases these dedicated equipments are quite feasible alternatives because they offer simple routing. Basically, these switching equipments are practically so simple as just pressing of button is required instead of jack removing from plug and inserting it into the other one.
Fiber optic/distribution panel is one of the frequently used types of patch panels. These fiber panels are mainly consists of two compartments; one which contains the bulkhead receptacles or fiber adapters and the second contains optic fiber splice trays and extra fiber cables. Their main purpose is the termination of fiber optic cable and gives access to individual fiber cables for cross-connections. Cables of a fiber optic patch panel are used for following functions:
1. To cross-connect the equipments
2. Making connection to the fiber optic communication equipment(s)
