a network documentation and revision system is presented that includes first and second devices connected by a patch cord . the first device has provisioning and signal ports with corresponding contact assemblies . the second device has a switch port without a contact assembly . the patch cord has signal and control wires , a first connector that connects the signal wires into a signal port and the control wire to a corresponding contact assembly , and a second connector that connects the signal wires to the switch port and terminates the control wire . the second connector contains an indicator controlled by control circuitry , detection circuitry detecting whether the second connector is plugged into the second device , and id circuitry providing an id number through the first connector . installation or removal of the patch cord is guided by indicators on the patch cord and first device without retrofit contacts being added to the second device .