Inline power control
First Claim
1. A physical layer (PHY) of an inline power device of a network power system, inline power device including a media access control component connected to a media independent interface for sending and receiving data over a physical transmission link attached to a port of the inline power device, the PHY comprising:
- a set of external connection terminals including first signal terminals for connecting the PHY to the media independent interface of the inline power device, second terminals for connecting the PHY to a media dependent interface to the physical transmission link, and one or more third terminals carrying an inline power control signal;
PHY sublayer circuitry constructed and arranged as a bridge between the media independent interface and the media dependent interface to provide for the exchange of data communications signals between the media access control component and an external device through the port of the inline power device; and
an inline power control signal source coupled to the PHY sublayer circuitry and constructed and arranged to output the inline power control signal on the one or more third terminals, the inline power control signal being configured to control inline power, including (i) to supply power to the external device through the port when the external device is coupled to the port and (ii) to remove power from the port when the external device is decoupled from the port.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
A physical layer for an inline power device of a network power system. The network power system includes inline power devices such as power source equipment and a plurality of powered devices and further includes a plurality of corresponding transmission media. The plurality of transmission media are connected to the corresponding power source equipment and powered devices through a power interface at each end of the transmission media. The multiple power interfaces of the power source equipment are often referred to as ports. For each port of the power source equipment and the plurality of powered devices, there exists a physical layer. The physical layer includes an inline power control signal source. The inline power control signal designates when to apply power to a port when there is no power applied to the port and when to remove power from the port when there is power applied to the port.
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Citations
19 Claims
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1. A physical layer (PHY) of an inline power device of a network power system, inline power device including a media access control component connected to a media independent interface for sending and receiving data over a physical transmission link attached to a port of the inline power device, the PHY comprising:
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a set of external connection terminals including first signal terminals for connecting the PHY to the media independent interface of the inline power device, second terminals for connecting the PHY to a media dependent interface to the physical transmission link, and one or more third terminals carrying an inline power control signal; PHY sublayer circuitry constructed and arranged as a bridge between the media independent interface and the media dependent interface to provide for the exchange of data communications signals between the media access control component and an external device through the port of the inline power device; and an inline power control signal source coupled to the PHY sublayer circuitry and constructed and arranged to output the inline power control signal on the one or more third terminals, the inline power control signal being configured to control inline power, including (i) to supply power to the external device through the port when the external device is coupled to the port and (ii) to remove power from the port when the external device is decoupled from the port. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. An apparatus for connecting to a network power system, the apparatus comprising:
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a media access control component connected to a media independent interface for sending and receiving data over a physical transmission link attached to a port of the apparatus, the port constructed and arranged to couple said apparatus to a network device and to pass data and power therebetween; and a physical layer (PHY) having a set of external connection terminals including first signal terminals for connecting the PHY to the media independent interface, second terminals for connecting the PHY to a media dependent interface to the physical transmission link, and one or more third terminals carrying an inline power control signal, the PHY being constructed and arranged as a bridge between the media independent interface and the media dependent interface to provide for the exchange of data signals between the media access control component and said network device via said port, the PHY including an inline power control signal source providing the inline power control signal on the one or more third terminals to control power applied to said port for powering said network device. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A method of controlling inline power in a network power system, the method comprising:
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providing a first network device having a port, a physical layer (PHY) coupled to the port, and a media access control component connected to a media independent interface for sending and receiving data over a physical transmission link attached to the port, wherein the PHY includes (i) a set of external connection terminals including first signal terminals for connecting the PHY to the media independent interface, second terminals for connecting the PHY to a media dependent interface to the physical transmission link, and one or more third terminals carrying an inline power control signal, and (ii) PHY sublayer circuitry constructed and arranged as a bridge between the media independent interface and the media dependent interface to provide for the exchange of data communications signals between the media access control component and a second network device coupled to the port of the first network device; sourcing the inline power control signal from the PHY; applying power to the second network device in response to the inline power control signal sourced from the PHY; outputting data signals from the PHY; and transmitting the data signals through the port to the second network device. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19)
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Specification