Abstract: In an embodiment, a first set of modules is placed on pieces of equipment for providing information about the piece of equipment on which the modules are located. In another embodiment, a second set of modules is placed on racks where pieces of equipment may be stored. In yet another embodiment, modules of the second set communicate with modules of the first set in order to provide information about the equipment and where the equipment is stored. In an embodiment, the modules on the racks also provide information about the availability of space on the racks. In an embodiment, modules of the second set provide power to modules of the first set. In yet another embodiment, the first set and second set of modules communicate with each other optically without being physically connected.