Patent ID: 7272669
Filing Date: 2007-09-18
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
1. A method comprising: determining whether a module inserted into a slot is compliant with the Power over Ethernet (PoE) standard (a compliant module) that requires its return terminal to be coupled to a negative terminal of a power sourcing equipment by a return line or a module that is not compliant with the PoE standard (a non-compliant module) that requires its return terminal to be coupled to the negative terminal of the power sourcing equipment through a ground plane; connecting the return terminal of the inserted module to the return line, isolating the return terminal from the ground plane, and using the return terminal to return current to the power sourcing equipment via the return line if the inserted module is a compliant module; and connecting the return terminal of the inserted module to the ground plane and using the return terminal to return current to the power sourcing equipment via the ground plane if the inserted module is a non-compliant module.