[c-nsp] Available Ethernet switch ports

[Anning, Mike]

Hi All
 
I am looking for an easier way of working out which ethernet ports on
any given Cisco switch are either available or have never been
up/connected, rather than tracing cabling back to see if it is patched
and in use.
Often all ports are patched but not necessarily in use, or have ever
been in use.
 
Easy answer is to throw another switch in but budgets do not normally
allow.
 
Does anyone know of a way to do this using SNMP or with some other tool?
(Other than "sh int accounting" on switch)
 
 
Many thanks in advance
Mike