Patent ID: 7132927

Claim:
A controller located in a peripheral device capable of engaging in data communications with a host over a power line, the controller comprising: a power line interface capable of providing a first data communications interface between the peripheral device and the host over the power line; an interface controller coupled to the power line interface, the interface controller configured to connect the peripheral device with the host over the power line interface using the first data communications interface and a second data communications interface coupled to the interface controller and the peripheral device and having a protocol associated with the data communications; and a power supply coupled to the power line and the second data communications interface for supplying power associated with the second data communications interface; wherein the controller, in connection with information associated with the data communications received from the power line interface directed to the peripheral device, is configured to appear to the peripheral device as the host in accordance with the protocol and wherein the power supply supplies power to the second data communications interface in accordance with the protocol such that the second data communications interface is fully compliant with the protocol.