Glossary

Any flexible piece of cable that connects one network device to the main cable run or to a patch panel that in turn connects to the main cable run; also called patch cord. Used for interconnecting circuits on a patch panel or cross-connect. Patch cables are short distance, usually have connectors preinstalled on both ends, are used to connect equipment, and are generally between 3 and 6 meters long.

Patch Lead – May also be referred to as a Patch lead, fly lead, patch cable or RJ45 Lead.
A basic network lead connecting points within any standard network setup. UTP CAT5E/ CAT6 stranded cable terminated with RJ45 Plug on each end, using a straight pin connection.

A connecting hardware that typically provides means to connect horizontal or backbone cables to an arrangement of fixed connectors that may be accessed using patch cords or equipment cords to form cross-connections or interconnections. Patch panels may connect either copper or optical fiber cables.

A means of connecting circuits via cords and connectors that can be easily disconnected and reconnected at another point. May be accomplished by using modular patch cords connected between jack fields or by patch cord assemblies that plug onto connecting blocks.

A facility (e.g., conduit, cable tray, raceway, ducting, or plenum) for the placement and protection of telecommunications cables.

A telephone switching system servicing a single customer, usually located on that customer

Printed Circuit Board

The most common method of converting an analog signal, such as speech, to a digital signal by sampling at a regular rate and converting each sample to an equivalent digital code. The digital data is transmitted sequentially and returned to analog format after it is received.

A step-index multimode fiber that has a silica core and is surrounded by a lower index plastic cladding.

A thermoplastic material with excellent electrical properties. PE is used as an insulating material and as jacket material where flame-resistance requirements allow.

The maximum instantaneous value of a varying current or voltage.

The optical wavelength at which the power output of a source is at its maximum level.

A device, usually mounted on the floor or ground, which is used to house voice/data jacks or power outlets at the point of use. Also commonly referred to as a monument, tombstone, above-floor fitting, or doghouse.

Uniformly spaced variations in the insulation diameter of a transmission cable that result in reflections of a signal.

An angular relationship between waves or the position of a wave in its oscillation cycle.