|  | 9.6 | Basics of Wiring Closets and Patch Panels
| 9.6.4 | Structure of a patch panel
To understand how a patch panel provides for the interconnection of horizontal cabling runs with other networking devices, examine its structure. Rows of pins, much like those in an RJ-45 jack, are located on one side of a patch panel, and just as they are on the jack, the pins are color-coded. To make electrical connections to the pins, you must use a punch tool to punch down the wires. Keep in mind that proper wire sequence is critical for best network performance. Therefore, when laying down the wires at the patch panel, make sure the colors of the wires correspond exactly to the colors indicated on the pins. The wire and pin colors are not interchangeable. On the opposite side of a patch panel there are ports. They resemble the ports on faceplates of telecommunications outlets in the work area. Like the RJ-45 ports, the ports on patch panels take the same size plugs. Patch cords that connect to these ports make possible the interconnection of computers and other network devices (e.g. hubs, repeaters, and routers) that are also attached to the patch panel.
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