Fiber optic patch panels are enclosures that act as a distribution hub for fiber cable. A bulk (multi-strand) fiber cable enters the patch panel and then each fiber strand is separated into individual strands or pairs of strands. In its early years, it was mainly used for backhaul communications between large ISP's. Cable Organization:. This order provides the basic procedures and guidance for the design of a fiber optics network at airports. CHAPTER. Fiber patch panels within fiber optic cable interconnects serve the same purpose: simultaneously clarifying, connecting, and managing several fiber optic cables in a unit. What's the Fiber Optic Patch.