Automatic classification change in power over ethernet device

An apparatus comprising:

• a classification circuit configured to receive a classification voltage from a network device and send a first current responsive to a first classification resistance to the network device when no accessories are connected to the apparatus;
• and
• an accessory connector configured to couple the apparatus to an accessory,
• wherein the classification circuit is configured to send a second current responsive to a second classification resistance to the network device when at least the accessory is connected to the apparatus, the second classification resistance responsive to a second classification resistor, wherein the accessory connector and the accessory are free from switchable connections coupled to the second classification resistor.

An apparatus comprising:

• a first connector configured to be electrically coupled to a powered device;
• a second connector configured to be electrically coupled to an accessory;
• a data path from the first connector to the second connector, wherein the data path is configured to communicate data indicative of functions of the accessory to the powered device;
• and
• a classification path from the first connector to the second connector, wherein the classification path is electrically isolated from the data path.