Method and apparatus for remote powering of device connected to network
First Claim
1. A method for remote line powering a network node comprising:
- receiving a discovery signal at a network device;
relaying a return signal back to the network node corresponding to the discovery signal when the network device is configured for remote line powering and is not powered;
sending no corresponding return signal when the network device is not configured for remote line powering whether that device is powered or unpowered;
receiving remote power from the network node after sending the corresponding return signal; and
automatically switching from a discovery signal loopback relay position to a remote line powering position when receiving remote power.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A network node determines the suitability of coupled devices for being remotely line powered before actually powering them. The node scan its ports to determine which ports are coupled to devices. The node then interrogates the coupled devices. A unique discovery tone or bit pattern is generated and sent to devices coupled to ports. The node then monitors the port for a return signal. If there is a return signal, it is compared to the transmitted discovery signal. The signal will be identical after allowing for line losses if the coupled device is suitable for remote line powering. If the comparison yields a match, the network node supplies remote line power to the device.
176 Citations
30 Claims
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1. A method for remote line powering a network node comprising:
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receiving a discovery signal at a network device;
relaying a return signal back to the network node corresponding to the discovery signal when the network device is configured for remote line powering and is not powered;
sending no corresponding return signal when the network device is not configured for remote line powering whether that device is powered or unpowered;
receiving remote power from the network node after sending the corresponding return signal; and
automatically switching from a discovery signal loopback relay position to a remote line powering position when receiving remote power. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4)
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5. A network endpoint for connecting to a network cable comprising:
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a receive input for connecting to the network cable;
a transmit output for connecting to the network cable; and
a switching circuit having a first position relaying a discovery packet received on the receive input back out through the transmit output and automatically switching to a second position receiving data and remote power at the input and outputting data and providing a power return path at the output. - View Dependent Claims (6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. An article comprising a machine-accessible medium having associated data that, when accessed, results in a machine determining suitability of providing remote power to a network device, the machine-accessible medium comprising:
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code for generating a discovery signal before the network device receives power;
code for transmitting the discovery signal from the network node to the network device;
code for monitoring for a return signal from the network device;
code for comparing the return signal to the discovery signal if the return signal is received from the network device;
code for determining that the network device is suitable for remote powering when the return signal matches the discovery signal; and
code for determining that the network device is unsuitable for remote powering when the return signal is not received or when the return signal, with the exception of line losses, does not match the discovery signal. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14)
code for interrogating a first port on the network node for a connection to a first network device;
code for transmitting the discovery signal and monitoring for the matching return signal on the first port when the first network device is connected to the first port;
code for interrogating a second port on the network node for a connection to a second network device;
code for transmitting the discovery signal and monitoring for the matching return signal on the second port when the second network device is connected to the second port;
code for powering the first network device remotely with the network node when the matching return signal is detected on the first port;
code for powering the second network device remotely with the network node when the matching return signal is detected on the second port; and
code for detecting disconnected devices and unpowering the port before another device is attached.
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15. A circuit, comprising:
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a first interface;
a second interface; and
a switching circuit having a first state for receiving a remote power discovery signal on the first interface and sending a reply signal out through the second interface and automatically switching to a second state for receiving data and remote power at the first interface and outputting data and providing a power return path at the second interface. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24)
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25. A device, comprising
a circuit configured to loop back signals on a network interface to indicate a remote power capability and further configured to change from looping back signals to connecting signals on the network interface to an endpoint interface when remote power is detected at the network interface.
Specification