A patch panel is a central point in a network or telecommunications system where cables from different devices or locations are terminated and connected. It typically consists of a panel with multiple ports or connectors into which individual cables can be plugged or "patched."
The primary purpose of a patch panel is to organize and manage the various network connections within a building or data center. Instead of directly connecting devices to each other using long cables, which can become messy and difficult to manage, the cables are terminated at the patch panel. Shorter patch cables are then used to connect the ports on the patch panel to the ports on network switches, routers, servers, or other network devices.