Yes, a patch cable is commonly used interchangeably with the term “Ethernet cable.” However, there is a slight distinction between the two.
An Ethernet cable is a broad term referring to any cable used to connect network devices, such as computers, routers, switches, etc., in a Local Area Network (LAN). Ethernet cables can come in various categories, such as Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6a, and Cat7, each with different specifications regarding speed, bandwidth, and performance.
A patch cable, on the other hand, is a specific type of Ethernet cable. It’s typically a shorter cable, often less than six feet in length, used to connect devices within a network rack or patch panel. Patch cables are usually terminated with connectors like RJ45 plugs on both ends and are used to make temporary or semi-permanent connections between network ports.
So, while all patch cables are Ethernet cables, not all Ethernet cables are necessarily patch cables. Ethernet cables encompass a broader range of cable types used for networking, while patch cables specifically refer to shorter cables used for connecting devices within a network rack or patch panel.