Patent ID: 8326552

Claim:
A power distribution system having an integrated communication network comprising: a plurality of nodes connected in a topology that enables current to flow bi-directionally between said nodes, said nodes additionally serviced by communication links therebetween for conducting data bi-directionally between said nodes; each node comprising: at least one port and an associated port monitor for measuring current flow into and out of said port; and a processing element, wherein said processing element and port monitor analyze the measured current to detect one or more fault conditions and, responsive to detection of said one or more fault conditions, reversibly disable said port; wherein said port monitor comprises: a switch that is closed under normal operation and, when open, disables said port; a current monitor for measuring current flowing into or out of said associated port; and a comparator for comparing a value of said measured current against a threshold value; wherein said switch is controlled by an AND gate such that said switch is closed only upon positive input to said AND gate from both said processing element and said comparator, so that said port is disabled either locally by said port monitor or remotely by said processing element.