Click here

punchdown block

(n.) A device that connects one group of wires to another group of wires through a system of metal pegs that the wires are attached to, often used in telecommunications closets that support local-area networks. Punchdown blocks are the predecessors to patch panels and were commonly used to support low-bandwidth Ethernet and token-ring networks. Punchdown blocks typically are not capable of supporting Cat-5 cabling, which is the common cable used in modern Ethernet designs.

Also referred to as a cross-connect block, terminating block, or a connecting block.

Applications: telecommunications, Internet telephony, networking.



Top Terms

Connect with Webopedia

  • What is 250 GB Data Usage?

    What is 250 GB (250 gigabytes) and why is this phrase so popular? Webopedia explains what the phrase 250 GB means in reference to data storage...

    Read More »

Did You Know? Archive »

  • Quick Reference Archive »