Patch panels function as the connection point between permanent cabling and active network devices. Horizontal or backbone cables are terminated on the rear of the panel, while short patch cords on the front connect each port to switches, servers, or other hardware. A patch panel, including fiber patch panels and Ethernet patch panels, is a passive network device that centralizes, terminates, and organizes multiple copper or fiber cables., from wall outlets, servers. In LAN networking, there are various types of applications ranging from small to big, where the number of LAN cables will vary. The n etwork switch can have ports in vertical position or.