This guide explains what a patch panel is, how it works, the main types available, and what to consider when specifying one for a copper or fibre installation. A patch panel is a passive termination and management device mounted in a rack or wall cabinet. A patch panel is one of those components that is easy to overlook when planning a network — it does not switch, route, or process data, and to the uninitiated it can look like an expensive way to add an extra set of connectors between the cable and the switch. They come in a range of sizes, and are typically mountable, whether that's on a wall, or on a rack to make for easier. Patch panels serve as a centralized point for consolidating and organizing network cables.