Visual identification of a port and a cable in a network

A system, for providing a visual identification of a port and a previously connected cable of a link in a network environment including a network device comprising:

• a memory;
• and
• a processor communicatively coupled to the memory, wherein the processor is configured to perform a method comprising:
• detecting a status change of a link;
• obtaining a unique attribute related to the link from a layer of a protocol received on both ends of the link;
• selecting an identifier based on the unique attribute related to the link;
• and
• instructing an LED arrangement to provide a light output of the selected identifier, wherein the LED arrangement is provided at a port assembly of the network device for illumination at the port and configured to provide illumination via the cable to a remote end of the link.

An apparatus for providing a visual identification of a port and a previously connected cable of a link in a network environment including a network switch or a network device, comprising:

• an LED arrangement provided at a port assembly configured for illumination at the port and configured to provide illumination via the cable to a remote end of the link;
• and
• an identifier providing component for control of the LED arrangement based on a unique attribute of the link and including:
• a link status component for detecting a status change of a link;
• a unique attribute obtaining component for obtaining a unique attribute related to the link from a layer of a protocol received on both ends of the link;
• an identifier selecting component for selecting an identifier based on the unique attribute related to the link;
• and
• an LED instructing component for instructing the LED arrangement to be configured to provide a light output of the selected identifier.