`
`6. Method for remotely powering access equipment in a
`data network, comprising,
`providing a data node adapted for data switching, an
`access device adapted for data transmission, at least one
`data signaling pair connected between the data node
`and the access device and arranged to transmit data
`therebetween, a main power source connected to supply
`power to the data node, and a secondary power source
`arranged to supply power from the data node via said
`data signaling pair to the access device,
`delivering a low level current from said main power
`source to the access device over said data signaling
`pair,
`sensing a voltage level on the data signaling pair in
`response to the low level current, and
`controlling power supplied by said secondary power
`source to said access device in response to a preselected
`condition of said voltage level.
`
`
`
`CLAIM 9
`
`9. Method according to claim 6, including the step of
`continuing to sense voltage level and to decrease power
`from the secondary power source if voltage level drops
`on the data signaling pair, indicating removal of the
`access device.
`
`
`
`CLAIM 10
`
`Claim 10 (proposed substitute for Claim 6): Method for
`remotely powering access equipment in an Ethernet
`data network, comprising,
`providing an Ethernet data node adapted for data
`switching,
`an
`access
`device
`adapted
`for
`data
`transmission . . .,
`delivering a low level current from said main power
`source to the access device over said data signaling
`pair,
`sensing a voltage level on the data signaling pair in
`response to the low level current,
`determining whether the access device is capable of
`accepting remote power based on the sensed voltage,
`and
`controlling power supplied by said secondary power
`source to said access device in response to a preselected
`condition of said voltage level.
`
`