To connect fiber optic cables to a patch panel: Prepare the fiber optic cable ends by stripping the protective jacket and buffer tubes. Insert the fiber ends into the appropriate ports or adapters on the patch panel. It usually adopts a 19 ” rack or cabinet and is installed in the data center equipment room or building general control room. Generally, 12 to. A fiber patch panel is a mounted enclosure—either rack-mounted or wall-mounted—used to terminate, manage, and interconnect multiple fiber optic cables.