A communication system includes an instrument connector with a light source and a connector antenna and a console connector with a photo sensor and a console antenna. The light source is configured to produce light that is received by the photo sensor when the instrument connector is coupled to the console connector. The light source may also be configured to produce a series of light pulses, the series of light pulses identifying the surgical instrument coupled to the instrument connector. The light source may also be configured to produce light of a particular color, the color of the light identifying the surgical instrument coupled to the instrument connector. The light source may also be configured to produce a series of light pulses of a particular color, the series of light pulses and the color of the light identifying the surgical instrument coupled to the instrument connector.
