Patent ID: 7770035
Filing Date: 2010-08-03
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
1. A midspan device configured to provide power to a computerized device, the midspan device comprising: a first set of multi-terminal connectors configured to electrically couple with a data communications device, the first set of multi-terminal connectors having at least one data terminal configured to receive a data signal from the data communications device and at least one control terminal configured to exchange a control signal with the data communications device; and a second set of multi-terminal connectors configured to electrically couple with the computerized device, the second set of multi-terminal connectors having at least one data terminal configured to transmit the data signal to the computerized device and at least one power terminal configured to transmit a power signal to the computerized device, wherein the at least one control terminal is configured to transmit, to the data communications device, a reporting signal that indicates an amount of power transmitted by the second set of multi-terminal connectors; wherein the at least one control terminal is configured to receive, from the data communications device, the control signal being configured to control the amount of power transmitted by the second set of multi-terminal connectors to the computerized device; wherein: a set of RJ45 ports comprises the first set of multi-terminal connectors; the at least one data terminal of the first set of multi-terminal connectors is configured as a first pair of data terminals that transmit data signals to the data communications device and as a second pair of data terminals that receive data signals from the data communications device; and the at least one control terminal of the first set of multi-terminal connectors is configured as a first pair of control terminals and as a second pair of control terminals that exchange control signals with the data communications device.