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. The right wire management will help solve many problems with the system and ensure its proper functioning. It typically includes: Unlike a network switch, a patch panel does not route or process data.