Digital intercom network over dc-powered microphone cable

A digital intercom network, comprising:

• a cable network forming a first conductive path and a second conductive path;
• a first user station;
• a second user station;
• and
• a master station connected to the first user station and the second user station via the cable network such that the first conductive path connects the master station with the first user station and the second conductive path connects the master station with the second user station, the master station comprising:
• a DC power supply that provides DC power to the first user station that powers the first user station through the first conductive path, and that provides DC power to the second user station that powers the second user station second through the second conductive path;
• a transceiver that provides bidirectional digital communications with the first user station through digital signals sent and received over the first conductive path, and that provides bidirectional digital communications with the second user station through digital signals sent and received over the second conductive path;
• and
• a router in communication with the transceiver, the router being configured (i) to route digital data packets for the first user station to the first user station over the first conductive path, and (ii) to route digital packets for the second user station to the second user station over the second conductive path.