The present invention provides a device, system, and method for
identifying interconnect cables used in a network and the locations in
the network where the interconnect cables are deployed. The
identification information may be used to audit, for example, patch panel
connections in a computer or communications network. The preferred
embodiments include RFID transponders incorporated at the cable ends. An
RFID scanner is used to interrogate the transponders, and the retrieved
information is stored and acted on as appropriate. In a first embodiment,
secondary contacts are used on the network components for mating with
primary contacts on the cable ends in order to generate information as to
the location where the cable ends are connected. In a second embodiment,
memory modules are incorporated in the components for providing
information reflective of connection locations.