What is a PATCH cable?

[DaFunkyUnit]

just another name for an ethernet cable (cat5)?

[ski]

yes... usually ethernet cables are described as "patch" cables to patch between 2 ports. You should be fine in most applications :)

[Kevster]

Originally posted by skiAtomic
yes... usually ethernet cables are described as "patch" cables to patch between 2 ports. You should be fine in most applications :)

A patch cable can be any media - coaxial, UTP (ethernet), optical fiber, etc. It typically connects 2 ports together in a communications room.

[LPMiller]

it's for when the Nicoderm patch just isn't strong enough.

[Bires]

just be sure they aren't referring to a twisted pair network patch cable, used to connect two old-style hubs to each other or two computers directly to each other. A twisted pair cable is a little different in its construction.

[Kevster]

Originally posted by Bires
just be sure they aren't referring to a twisted pair network patch cable, used to connect two old-style hubs to each other or two computers directly to each other. A twisted pair cable is a little different in its construction.

The cable you're referring to is also known as a crossover cable.

[Jeffbx]

Originally posted by Bires
just be sure they aren't referring to a twisted pair network patch cable, used to connect two old-style hubs to each other or two computers directly to each other. A twisted pair cable is a little different in its construction.

Not to split hairs (or pairs - ha ha! Hoo boy, sorry about that, that was bad), but twisted pair can be either straight through (normal) or a crossover cable.

All ethernet CAT3 & above runs on twisted pair cable - this just refers to the fact that if you slice open the outer jacket of the cable, the wires inside are twisted together in pairs to reduce interference.