Patent attributes
A midspan power over Ethernet (“PoE”) injector (20) connects via LAN cables (514) to remote PDs (518). Each cable (514) has a remote end; and a midspan end (516). The cables (514) includes receiving and transmitting conductors, and insulated electrical conductors. The injector (20) includes pairs of sockets (24) a first socket (24) of each pair is a powered socket, and a second socket (24) is unpowered and carries only data. A data-signal bus (188) interconnects the unpowered and powered sockets. Power switches (156), equal in number to the socket pairs, connect respectively to one of the powered sockets (24). Without negotiating with a PD (518) connected by the cable (514) to the powered socket (24), a controller (34) causes switches (156) to close thereby transmitting electrical power via the powered socket (24) connected thereto and the cable (514) mated therewith to the PD (518). The controller (34) also concurrently monitors operational status:a. of each connected PD (518); andb. internal conditions within the injector (20).
