patch panel for example one end of a patch cable plugs into a data connector of an electronic device and the other end of the patch cable plugs into one of a plurality of data connectors on a front side of the patch panel patch panels allow computer and electrical technicians to quickly set up and modify data paths for select signals system 700 includes rack mounted devices 710 a 710 n switch 730 and management switch 740 mounted in rackmount system 700 rack mounted devices 710 a 710 n switch 730 and management switch 740 include a plurality of data connectors 750 for inputting and outputting data signals to and from the various electronic components mounted in rackmount system 700 interconnect strip 790 includes a plurality of data connectors 760 on the front side of an outside surface 790 f of interconnect strip 790 the plurality of data connectors 760 are distributed along the outside surface of interconnect strip 790 at regular intervals corresponding to the spacing of rackmount electronic devices for example the plurality of data connectors 760 may be spaced as every 1u or some multiple of 1u where the interconnect strip is designed to be coupled to a conventional interconnect strip system where the rackmount devices are multiples of 1u in height in the present embodiment the plurality of data connectors 760 are distributed along the front side of an outer surface of interconnect strip 790 one skilled in the art will recognize that in alternative embodiments of the present invention.