Traceable patch cable and connector assembly and method for identifying patch cable ends

摘要

A traceable patch cable (3) used to transmit signals from one receptacle (10) to another comprises a cable (32) and two connectors (31, 33) attached to opposite ends of the cable. The cable comprises at least one electrical wire (35) for transmitting signals and an optical fiber (36). The connectors each terminate an end of the electrical wire so that the electrical wire can be electrically connected to terminals in receptacles. Each connector forms an illuminating member (334) thereon with a passage (335) being defined in the illuminating member. Ends of the optical fiber are respectively terminated in the connectors under the illuminating members. Using a light beam shining through the passage at a first end of the cable, the light beam travels through the optical fiber to illuminates the illuminating member at a second end of the cable, thus making it easy to identify from among many cables.