Solid state transformer-less method to feed high bandwith data and power signals from a network attached power sourcing device

A method to supply power from a power source equipment (PSE) network device with an Ethernet power signal fed through an Ethernet network connection, comprising:

• physically coupling the PSE network device to an isolated power supply, wherein an integrated circuit (IC) within the PSE network device produce the Ethernet power signal from power supplied by the isolated power supply;
• physically coupling the PSE network device to an Ethernet network;
• combining with the IC, an Ethernet data signal and the Ethernet power signal to produce an Ethernet signal;
• providing ground isolation for the Ethernet data signal and the Ethernet power signal;
• and
• exchanging the Ethernet signal with at least one Ethernet network power device (PD) physically coupled to the Ethernet network within the PSE network device.

A power source equipment (PSE) network device operable to distribute both an Ethernet power signal and an Ethernet data signal through a coupled Ethernet network, comprising:

• an Ethernet network connector operable to physically couple the PSE network device to the Ethernet network;
• a PSE controller;
• and
• an Ethernet physical layer (PHY) module operable to interface the PSE network device to a multiport switch;
• and
• an integrated circuit (IC) coupled to the Ethernet network connector that further comprises a power feed circuit, wherein the power feed circuit is operable to:
• exchange Ethernet data signals with the Ethernet PHY module and the Ethernet connector;
• and
• couple to a power supply operable to supply a power signal to the PSE network device;
• produce and pass the Ethernet power signal to the Ethernet connector as directed by the PSE controller.