On 27 Jan 2003, at 14:51, Robert Zeoli wrote:

> What is a "patch cable"?  I want to network three computers together (two
> of which are now conected with a cross over cable).  I know I am going to
> need a hub and cat 5 "straight through" cable for each pc to the hub.
> When I went to PC Connections site to order the cable ( I want 50ft
> lengths, ready made) I could only find patch cable and cross over cable.
> Is patch cable what I want?

  A "patch panel" is a set of prewired sockets, somewhat like an old manual
switchboard, that lets you easily change how things are connected by adding
"jumpers" or "patch cables" from one socket to another.  They're often used
in sound/video studios, as well as on medium-to-large networks, although
with different kinds of sockets and cables.
  In the networking context, patch panels are only ever used with Cat 5 or
Cat 6 (rare) cables(*), so yes, "patch cables" are what you want.

* - some older networks use a variety of other cables, but they don't work
with patch panels and so those cables would never be called "patch cables".

David Gillett

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