Abstract: Approaches, techniques, and mechanisms are disclosed for monitoring and reporting status information in a computing device. According to one embodiment, status messages are generated with respect to a subsystem of a computing system, such as a computer chip configured to perform network switching and routing functions in a network device. The status messages convey status information, such as configuration and/or operational states, metrics, or other statistics. A message decoder within the system may be configured to receive and analyze the status messages. Based thereon, the message decoder generates output data in a specific format that controls an output device, such as an LED array. The message decoder then sends the output data to the output device. Enabling the reporting of status information through LED indicators and other typically custom and proprietary output devices is thus greatly simplified. A status chain for collecting and reporting status information is also described.