Apparatus and methods for data distribution devices having selectable power supplies

A network switch configured to interface with a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) telephone, comprising:

• a first circuit which exchanges data and receives power from a remote data distribution device;
• a second circuit which exchanges data and supplies power to the VoIP telephone;
• a third circuit which exchanges data with a networked based device;
• a power switching circuit which receives power from an external power supply and from the first circuit;
• a sensor detecting whether power is being supplied by the external power supply;
• and
• a process controller, functionally coupled to the power switching circuit, which instructs the power switching circuit to select power from the first circuit when no power is supplied from the external power supply.

A method for selecting a power source for a network switch, comprising:

• scanning a plurality of sensors, each coupled to one of a plurality of power inputs, to ascertain if a power signal is present;
• determining whether a power signal associated with an external power supply is present at a first one of the plurality of power inputs;
• sourcing power from the external power supply if the power signal associated with the external power supply is detected;
• and
• sourcing power from an alternative power supply if the power signal associated with the external power supply is not detected.

An adapter interface for connecting at least two devices to an endspan or midspan product comprising:

• a Power over Ethernet (PoE) controller generating a first power signature for transmission to the endspan or midspan product, wherein the first power signature represents a request for a first power level;
• a first port for providing power to a first device of the at least two devices;
• and
• a second port for providing a communication path but not power to a second device of the at least two devices.