Patent ID: 6701443
Filing Date: 2004-03-02
Classification: G06F,H04L

Abstract:
A method for discovering a powerability condition of a computer network, the method comprising the steps of:providing a test signal to differential signal lines of a connecting medium of the computer network; measuring a response signal from the differential signal lines of the connecting medium of the computer network; and indicating whether a remotely powerable device connects to the connecting medium of the computer network based on the response signal; wherein the step of providing the test signal includes the steps of: supplying, to the connecting medium, a first voltage during a first time period; and supplying, to the connecting medium, a second voltage that is substantially different than the first voltage during a second time period; wherein the step of supplying the first voltage includes the step of: applying one of a positive and negative test voltage to the connecting medium; and wherein the step of supplying the second voltage includes the step of: applying the other of the positive and negative test voltage to the connecting medium.