Patent attributes
In one embodiment, a data processing device includes power port units for connection to network devices. Each power port unit is selectively configurable to operate as either (i) a Power Source Equipment port unit to provide power to a network device, or (ii) a Powered Device (PD) port unit to sink power from a network device. The device also includes a processor. In response to a power supply failure, the processor is operative to poll at least two network devices to determine if they are able to supply power, receive a response from each of the at least two network devices, and configure at least two power port units as PD port units to sink power from the at least two network devices. At least part of the received power is transferred from the at least two power port units via a power summing node to at least one local load.
