Patent ID: 8046619

Claim:
A network apparatus comprising: a data distribution device having a first input configured to receive data distribution device operating power and data, a second input configured to receive only data distribution device operating power, a first output configured to output external device operating power and data and a second output configured to output data without external device operating power; a first sensor for determining whether a first power signal is present at said first input; a second sensor for determining whether a second power signal is present at said second input; and a controller operably connected to said first sensor and said second sensor, wherein, when said controller determines that a first power signal is present at said first input and a second power signal is not present at said second input, electrically connecting said first input to said first output, when said controller determines that a first power signal is not present at said first input and a second power signal is present at said second input, electrically connecting said second input to said first output.