Method and apparatus for reliable network cable connectivity

An apparatus for monitoring connectivity of a network cable, comprising:

• a transmitter that transmits an AC signal upon at least one conductor of the network cable;
• a receiver that receives an AC signal upon at least one conductor of the network cable;
• a processor that is coupled to the transmitter and the receiver and determines a status of the network cable based upon the received AC signal;
• and
• a control module that increases the frequency of the transmitted AC signal upon failing to receive an AC signal within a prescribed period of time;
• wherein the processor determines a magnitude of an impedance upon the least one conductor of the network cable upon which an AC signal is received and wherein the processor further comprises;
• a network interface that sends a status update to at least one of a central controller and remote network management system that includes information related to the determined magnitude of impedance;
• wherein the processor receives a control update containing an updated control parameter from at least one of the central controller and the remote network management system in response to the status update and wherein the processor further comprises:
• a control module that changes at least one of a message transmitted by the AC signal and a frequency of the transmitted AC signal in response to the received control parameter update.