Given the fact that the two types of fiber equipment serve markedly different purposes in a network, why are they so often confused? The answer is simple: They look similar. Both fiber patch panels and fiber network switches usuall. Given the fact that the two types of fiber equipment serve markedly different purposes in a network, why are they so often confused? The answer is simple: They look similar. Both fiber patch panels and fiber network switches usually include frames with rows of ports. But there is one relatively easy way to tell them apart: Fiber optic switches requ. Network switchesactively filter and route data – in other words, they take incoming data and determine where to send it to, then send it only to the intended recipients. Most often, fiber optic switchesdo this by using microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) to make connections when transmitting data. This involves manipulating micro mirrors to steer. Fiber patch panels, on the other hand, are passive fiber devices. They do not route data; they simply act as fiber connection points that are used to interconnect with the network fiber. In theory, you could run fiber optic cables directly from a fiber optic switch all the way to a client endpoint – but in a network of any complexity, this would ge. Patch panels are intended to complement switches, but sometimes, technicians are concerned that implementing patch panels after a network switch will slow down data. Good news: Patch panels, when implemented correctly, have virtually no effect on the speed of data transmission. In fact, you can use multiple patch panels after a network switch, and.