In a typical setup, the connection consists of a shorter cable plugged into the front side of the patch panel and a longer cable plugged into the back. In this way, the panel can take the place of otherwise expensive switching equipment. These individual strands will then connect to electronic devices. To get the most out of your fiber optic setup, it's important to understand how to properly connect a fiber optic patch panel. Connecting a fiber optic patch panel may seem daunting at first, but if you follow the right steps, it's actually quite simple – and can even be done in just a few minutes. Patch panels are rack-mountable onto 19”, 21”and 23” rack systems, and some are designed to be wall-mountable. In physical terms, it is usually a metal enclosure.