Method and apparatus for tracing remote ends of networking cables

A networking cable for transmitting data comprising:

• a plurality of twisted copper wire pairs encased in a flexible sheath for effectuating transmissive interconnections;
• electrically activated telltales affixed to both ends of the cable at positions adjacent to and connected to at least one of the copper wire pairs for providing an identification signal when activated;
• an electrically activated switch for energizing an electrically activated telltale when energy is applied, wherein the electrically activated switch comprises at least one of a field effect transistor, a switching relay, a programmable gate array, a programmable digital computer, or a transistor that performs a switching function when the voltage is greater than a preselected level;
• and
• means for selectively applying a current to the cable that activates the telltales and does not interfere with the flow of data through the cable whereby the telltales may be activated on at least one of the twisted copper pairs.

A computer networking cable adapter comprising:

• a plurality of twisted copper pairs for effectuating transmissive interconnections;
• twisted copper pair connections at both ends of the cable;
• an electrically activated telltale affixed to one end of the cable at a position adjacent to at least one of the copper pairs for providing an identification signal when activated,
• an electric power control adjacent to the telltale;
• and an electrically activated switch for energizing the electrically activated telltale, wherein the electrically activated switch comprises at least one of a field effect transistor, a switching relay, a programmable gate array, a programmable digital computer, or a transistor that performs a switching function when thee voltage is greater than a preselected level and wherein the telltale may be activated by manipulation of the electric power control transmitting power on at least one of the twisted copper pairs.