(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.
