Patch Cable

In short: A patch cable is a short network cable with two connectors that links devices to a patch panel, switch or wall socket.

In more detail: It is usually a twisted-pair cable with RJ45 connectors in categories Cat 5e, Cat 6 or Cat 6a. It is flexible (stranded conductors), unlike the rigid installation cable in the wall.

In Depth

Structure and choice

• Shielding: U/UTP (unshielded) or S/FTP (shielded) depending on the environment.
• Length: at most about 5 m as a patch cable in the network, 100 m per link in total.
• Colour codes help keep order in the network cabinet.

Use

Between patch panel and switch and between patch socket and end device. See Cat cable, cabling plan.

See also: Patch Panel, Patch Sockets, Cat Cable, Network Cabinet