Patent ID: 7327743
Filing Date: 2008-02-05
Classification: G05F,G06F,H02G,H04L,H04M

Abstract:
1. A LAN switch serving a plurality of local area network nodes which are connected via communication cabling to the LAN switch, the LAN switch comprising: a power management and control unit operative to interrogate at least one node of the connected plurality of local area network nodes to which it is intended to transmit power over the communication cabling in order to determine whether characteristics of said at least one node allow it to receive power over the communication cabling; coupler circuitry coupling power into said communication cabling substantially without interfering with data communication; and current limiting circuitry controlling current delivered by said coupler circuitry into said communication cabling, said current limiting circuitry being operative to provide a first current limit level threshold which is not to be exceeded and a second current limit level threshold which is not to be exceeded for more than a predetermined period of time, said coupler circuitry being responsive to said power management and control unit to provide at least some power to said at least one node of the connected plurality of local area network nodes via said communication cabling.