A switchboard is a device used in telecommunications to connect multiple telephone lines. It allows operators to manually connect calls by plugging and unplugging wires into different ports. This system was widely used before the advent of automated telephone exchanges, enabling communication between different callers. In addition to traditional telephone systems, switchboards can also refer to electrical panels that distribute power to various circuits. These panels contain circuit breakers or fuses to protect electrical systems from overloads. Both types of switchboards play crucial roles in managing communication and electrical distribution in homes and businesses.