US Patent 7354316 Category 5e compliant patch panel

A patch panel that provides a more flexible test bed for copper based broadband services using male or female pin-type connectors (commonly referred to as “telco” or “champ” connectors) that meets ANSI/T1A/E1A-568-B.2 standards is disclosed. The connectors, depending upon whether they are male or female, have a pin or receptacle, respectively, for each conductor that comprises the pairs of a Cat5e compliant cable assembly. The patch panel provides a “cleaner” installation in systems requiring Cat5e compliance as cables are routed to a centralized point (the patch panel) for distribution to and from communications devices and network elements.