A patch cable or patch cord (sometimes patchcable or patchcord) is an
electrical or
optical cable, used to connect ("patch-in") one electronic or optical device to another for routing. Devices of different types (ie: a switch connected to a computer, or switch to router) are connected with patch cords. Patch cords are usually produced in many different colours so as to be easily distinguishable, and are relatively short, perhaps no longer than two
metres. Types of patch cords include
microphone cables,
headphone extension cables,
XLR connector,
RCA connector and ¼" TRS connector cables (as well as
modular ethernet cables), and thicker, hose-like cords (
snake cable) used to carry
video or amplified signals. However, patch cords typically only refer to those short ones used with
patch panels.
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