Reverse power feeding power sourcing equipment and method

A reverse power feeding powering sourcing equipment (PSE) in electrical communication with a power source and a distribution point unit (DPU), the PSE comprising:

• a power output terminal;
• a control circuitry;
• and
• a detection and classification signal circuitry coupled to said power output terminal,
• wherein said detection and classification signal circuitry is arranged, responsive to said control circuitry, to:
• output a first detection signal exhibiting a voltage within a predetermined detection range;
• output a first classification signal exhibiting a voltage within a predetermined classification range;
• and
• output an additional signal, said additional signal exhibiting a voltage below a predetermined operating range, and
• wherein said control circuitry is arranged to:
• responsive to said output first detection signal, detect a valid signature resistance presented to said power output terminal;
• responsive to said output first classification signal, receive a first classification current at said power output terminal;
• responsive to said received first classification current, determine the class of the DPU;
• responsive to said output additional signal, detect the absence, or presence, of an off-hook phone coupled to said power output terminal;
• responsive to said detection of the absence of an off-hook phone, and further responsive to said valid signature resistance detection, output at said power output terminal power from a power source responsive to said determined class, said output power exhibiting a voltage within the predetermined operating range;
• and
• responsive to said detection of the presence of an off-hook phone, not output at said power output terminal power from the power source.