A
patch cable or
patch cord or
patch lead is an
electrical or
optical cable used to connect ("patch-in") one electronic or optical device to another for routing. Devices of different types (e.g., a switch connected to a computer, or a switch to a router) are connected with patch cords. Patch cords are usually produced in many different colors so as to be easily distinguishable, and are relatively short, perhaps no longer than two metres. Types of patch cords include
microphone cables,
headphone extension cables,
XLR connector,
Tiny Telephone (TT) connector,
RCA connector and
¼" TRS phone connector cables (as well as
modular Ethernet cables), and thicker, hose-like cords (
snake cable) used to carry
video or amplified signals. However, patch cords typically refer only to short cords used with
patch panels.