Pluggable network interface port with powering for remote device

Abstract

A network apparatus includes a hybrid data/power cable further including a power conductor and a data conductor extending between a first end and a second end thereof, the first end of the hybrid data/power cable terminating with a first connector head. The first connector head includes a fuse element coupled in series with the power conductor of the hybrid data/power cable. A remote device is coupled to the second end of the hybrid data/power cable for receiving a data signal from the data conductor of the hybrid data/power cable and a DC voltage from the power conductor of the first hybrid data/power cable. The remote device includes a current-limiting circuit coupled in series with the power conductor of the first hybrid data/power cable to produce a DC voltage at an output of the current-limiting circuit. The remote device further includes a buck/boost converter coupled to the output of the current-limiting circuit for adjusting the DC voltage. An external power supply may also be provided for the remote device.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.