Hi all,

the following is the definition of Patch panel ,

A panel of network ports contained together, usually within a telecommunications closet, that connects incoming and outgoing lines of a LAN or other communication, electronic or electrical system. In a LAN, the patch panel connects the network's computers to each other and to the outside lines that enable the LAN to connect to the Internet or another WAN. Connections are made with patch cords. The patch panel allows circuits to be arranged and rearranged by plugging and unplugging the patch cords.

which is given here: http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/P/patch_panel.html

does this means that the patch panel can be used to perform the same function of a switch or a router ?

can anyone explain me the exact role/function of patch panel in LAN ?

No, you still need to use switches/routers. A patch panel is basically just a centralized point in which you can route cabling.

Typically, you'd have cabling running from each jack (wall, floor, etc.) in a building to one or more central patch panels. Since it's easier to run cable without the RJ45 connector attached, these would be punched into the back of a patch panel. Each cable would then be routed from the patch panel into the appropriate port of the switch/router using another regular patch cord.

The cables described by camh that connect to the patch panel and the other end is a network or phone jack somewhere else in the building.. This is refered to as structured cabling. Simplified structured cabling diagram

Cables connecting to back of patch panel..
http://www.buskercom.com/image/Job%2...20Back%202.jpg

Rack full of patch panels along with cable management. This is what your rack SHOULD LOOK LIKE if you do things properly
http://www.buskercom.com/image/Job%2...s/100_0524.jpg


You would then use partch cables to connect between your switches nad routers to the internal structured cabling using patch cables.
Heres some pictures showing the patch cables connected to a switch then routed through cable managment and attached to patch panels.
http://mikebrandon.net/Images/RackFront.jpg
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_9l1zhsaytEM/SL...ew+IDC+029.jpg


I had patch panels installed for my phone system at our new facility. So to move a phone extension I simply unplug one end of the cable from the patch panel, and plug it into a different location on the patch panel that corresponds to the new office location for that extension. MUCH easier than using a punch tool or reprogramming the phone system to move an extension.



Just for comparison this is what a poorly managed rack looks like when you cheap out on purchasing wire management.
http://www.patchsee.net.au/imagesHE/...tchPannel5.jpg
Err NO, I do NOT want to trace any cables in that mess thank you very much..