Patent ID: 7040926

Claim:
A local area network connector assembly for use with a local area network (LAN) node, the connector assembly comprising: a connector housing for use with the LAN node; first electrical contacts mounted in said housing and arranged for detachable connection with corresponding electrical contacts of a plug, said first electrical contacts comprising at least one pair carrying a combined power and data signal; second electrical contacts arranged for connection with the LAN node, said second electrical contacts supplying an electrical power signal for the LAN node; third electrical contacts arranged for connection with the local area network node equipment, said third electrical contacts supplying a data signal for the LAN node, said third electrical contacts substantially carrying no electrical power signal for the LAN node; and circuitry coupled to said first electrical contacts, said second electrical contacts and said third electrical contacts, said circuitry being operative to: separate said combined power and data signal from said at least one pair into separate power and data signals; direct said power signal to said second electrical contacts thereby supplying said electrical power signal for the LAN node; and direct said data signal to said third electrical contacts thereby supplying said data signal for the LAN node.