A method, system and device for simulating cable failures in a network are disclosed. In a first aspect, a plurality of optical cables which couple a plurality of devices within the network to each other are provided. The method and system includes providing at least one programmable device on one of the plurality of optical cables. The at least one programmable device allows for controlled simulated cable failures. In a second aspect, the network comprises: a plurality of devices and a plurality of optical cables for interconnecting the devices. The network also includes at least one programmable device coupled to one of the optical cables, the at least one programmable device allows for controlled simulated cable failures. In a third aspect, the programmable device is used in a network for simulating cable failures in the network. The network includes a plurality of devices and a plurality of optical cables for interconnecting the devices. The programmable device comprises a plurality of switch devices, each coupled to one of the plurality of optical cables, and control logic for controlling the plurality of switches, wherein the device allows for controlled simulated cable failures. The method and system in accordance with the present invention provides an inexpensive, efficient, controlled and automated method for simulating optical cable failures.