A traceable cable having a length, comprising: at least one data transmission element ; a jacket at least partially surrounding the at least one data transmission element ; and a side-emitting optical fiber incorporated with and extending along at least a portion of the length of the cable , wherein the side-emitting optical fiber is at least partially embedded in the jacket , the side-emitting optical fiber comprising: a core having a first index of refraction; and a cladding having a second index of refraction less than the first index of refraction, the cladding substantially surrounding the core , the cladding having an exterior surface , wherein the cladding comprises spaced apart scattering sites penetrating the exterior surface along the length of the optical fiber , wherein, when light is transmitted through the core , light scattered from the side-emitting optical fiber allows the cable to be traced along at least a portion of the length thereof, wherein an acrylic coating is applied to the cladding and the spaced apart scattering sites , characterised by the scattering sites being formed by ablated portions of the cladding and being capable of scattering light so that the scattered light is emitted from the side-emitting optical fiber at discrete locations, wherein the scattering sites are at locations spaced apart by a single unit of length in the International System of Units or Imperial System. at least one data transmission element ; a jacket at least partially surrounding the at least one data transmission element ; and a side-emitting optical fiber incorporated with and extending along at least a portion of the length of the cable , wherein the side-emitting optical fiber is at least partially embedded in the jacket , the side-emitting optical fiber comprising: a core having a first index of refraction; and a cladding having a second index of refraction less than the first index of refraction, the cladding substantially surrounding the core , the cladding having an exterior surface , wherein the cladding comprises spaced apart scattering sites penetrating the exterior surface along the length of the optical fiber , wherein, when light is transmitted through the core , light scattered from the side-emitting optical fiber allows the cable to be traced along at least a portion of the length thereof, wherein an acrylic coating is applied to the cladding and the spaced apart scattering sites , characterised by the scattering sites being formed by ablated portions of the cladding and being capable of scattering light so that the scattered light is emitted from the side-emitting optical fiber at discrete locations, wherein the scattering sites are at locations spaced apart by a single unit of length in the International System of Units or Imperial System. a core having a first index of refraction; and a cladding having a second index of refraction less than the first index of refraction, the cladding substantially surrounding the core , the cladding having an exterior surface , wherein the cladding comprises spaced apart scattering sites penetrating the exterior surface along the length of the optical fiber , wherein, when light is transmitted through the core , light scattered from the side-emitting optical fiber allows the cable to be traced along at least a portion of the length thereof, wherein an acrylic coating is applied to the cladding and the spaced apart scattering sites , characterised by the scattering sites being formed by ablated portions of the cladding and being capable of scattering light so that the scattered light is emitted from the side-emitting optical fiber at discrete locations, wherein the scattering sites are at locations spaced apart by a single unit of length in the International System of Units or Imperial System. <EOS>