A patchbay is, in many areas of wired data transmission (eg audio, telephone and video technology or computer networks) a technical device to simplify wiring, where usually several devices are connected, their compounds comfortable using short patch cable may be prepared and changed with attached to front bushings (DIN Rail Fiber Optic Patch Panel).

While in functionally similar cross rails or switching networks, the sources and destinations are created as a matrix and thus arbitrarily can be switched together (n: m), can be associated with patchbays normally only ever a source to a destination (1: 1). The rear is not accessible usually in normal operating on the plug-fields vary - depending on the desired signal quality and ease of remapping are (single or multi-core) connectors, spring terminals or solder tags used.

The use of patchbay is rather large in entertainment industry and more particularly in television, and is also widely used in computer networks. Disconnection video signals of mobile direction. Note on left a series of panels not normalized with fittings inserted and, in blue, a rope. Each type wiring is suitable in principle to use of patchbay. Depending on type signal, changes the type cable that carries it and the type connector used. Common examples of patchbay are: Video signals over coaxial cable 75. There are different specifications depending on type video.

This type patchbays is also used for digital audio interface with AES / EBU, in variant AES3id; the connector used on back of a patchbay is the BNC type, while the strings have a special coaxial connector. Analog audio signals on a balanced pair or digital AES / EBU. In this case, terminals of disconnector are usually to be welded directly; the strings are stereo jack or fittings multipolar different depending on manufacturer.

Optical fiber is a transmission medium, usually employed in data networks, consisting of a very thin thread of a transparent material, glass or plastics, through which light pulses representing the data to be transmitted are sent. The light beam is completely confined and propagates inside the fiber at an angle of reflection above the critical angle of total reflection, according to Snell's law. The light source can be laser or LED.

The modular structure allows to compose patchbay capable of routing connections of different types of signals on same panel, saving space if the number of signals is limited. Typically, in a panel on top rack unit can accommodate 24/26 modules. You can make a panel with, for example, video connections 8, 10 and 6 serial audio.

Naturally it is not possible to cross between them two types of different signals. As a general rule, although it is not a fixed rule, the top line of panel receives incoming connections to patchbay (and then the outputs of machines), while the lower sends outgoing connections (and therefore to inputs machines ).

It has many other advantages such as low signal loss, reduced size and weight, immunity to electromagnetic and radio frequency emissions and safety. As a result of studies focused on optical physics, a new method of use for light called laser beam was discovered.