Patent ID: 8266463
Filing Date: 2012-09-11
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
1. A method of negotiating power between power sourcing equipment and at least one powered device, comprising: discovering a powered device, wherein the powered device is an inline powerable device compatible with an IEEE Power over Ethernet standard; allocating power to the powered device at a predetermined minimum power level, wherein the powered device is configured to operate at a plurality of power levels greater than the predetermined minimum power level; receiving a message from the powered device, the message indicating a first requested power level by the powered device; increasing the power allocated to the powered device from the predetermined minimum power level to the first requested power level; transmitting a confirmation message to the powered device, the confirmation message indicating to the powered device that the first requested power level is granted; and after transmitting the confirmation message, receiving a second message from the powered device, the second message indicating a second requested power level of the power sourcing equipment, wherein the second requested power level is greater than the predetermined minimum power level and different from the first requested power level.