Active area network connector

REFERENCE TO CO-PENDING APPLICATION

P-0001[0001] Applicants hereby claim priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/371,632, filed Apr. 10, 2002, entitled “Active Connector”.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

P-0002[0002] The present invention relates to local area networks generally and more particularly to connectors useful in local area networks.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

P-0003[0003] The following U.S. Patents are believed to represent the current state of the art: U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,062,908; 6,116,963; 6,325,664; 6,176,741; 6,193,560; 6,224,425; 4,726,790; 4,729,743; 4,804,332; 4,929,196; 5,057,041; 5,112,253; 5,865,648; 5,397,250; 5,094,629; 5,102,354; 5,147,223; 5,151,054; 5,158,482; 5,213,522; 5,224,878; 5,266,054; 5,286,221; 5,344,342. 6,473,608

P-0004[0004] The disclosures of all publications mentioned in the specification and of the publications cited therein are hereby incorporated by reference.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

P-0005[0005] The present invention seeks to provide an improved active connector for use in a local area network.

P-0006[0006] There is thus provided, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an active connector for use in a local area network (LAN) including at least one LAN node, the active connector including an active connector housing, at least one first plurality of first electrical contacts mounted in the housing and arranged for detachable connection with corresponding electrical contacts of at least one plugs, at least one second plurality of second electrical contacts mounted in the housing and arranged for connection with corresponding electrical contacts of local area network equipment, and active power control circuitry located within the housing and coupled to at least some of the first and second electrical contacts, the active power control circuitry being operative for controlling the supply of electrical power over the local area network cabling to at least one node of the local area network.

P-0007[0007] Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the active connector also includes at least one RJ-45 socket arranged for selectably retaining at least one RJ-45 plug in electrical contact with the first plurality of first electrical contacts. The active connector may be RJ-45 compatible, RJ-21 compatible, or Ethernet compatible e.g. compatible with the IEEE 802.3 standard.

P-0008[0008] Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the switch includes at least one active connector as described above.

P-0009[0009] Also provided, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, is a local area network midspan device with integral power over LAN functionality, the midspan device including at least one active connector as described above.

P-0010[0010] Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, at least one of the first and second pluralities of contacts are arranged in signal pairs.

P-0011[0011] Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, at least some of the first and second pluralities of electrical contacts are configured and operative to reduce crosstalk between the signal pairs.

P-0012[0012] Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the housing is at least partially encapsulated in a metal shield.

P-0013[0013] Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the connector also includes at least one socket arranged for selectably retaining at least one plug in electrical contact with the first plurality of first electrical contacts.

P-0014[0014] Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the at least one first plurality of electrical contacts includes multiple pluralities of first electrical contacts configured and operative to provide attachment of the active connector to at least one plugs.

P-0015[0015] Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the at least one node includes multiple nodes and the active power control circuitry is operative to simultaneously control power to the plurality of nodes.

P-0016[0016] Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the active connector also includes at least one RJ-21 socket arranged for selectably retaining at least one RJ-21 plug in electrical contact with the first plurality of first electrical contacts.

P-0017[0017] Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the Ethernet compatible active connector supports one of the following group of communication protocols: a 10 baseT communication protocol; a 100 baseT communication protocol; and a 1000 baseT communication protocol.

P-0018[0018] Also provided, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, is a local area network switch with integral power over LAN functionality, the switch including at least one active connector as described above.

P-0019[0019] Further provided, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, is a local area network midspan device with integral power over LAN functionality, the midspan device including at least one active connector as described above.

P-0020[0020] Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the active power control circuitry includes at least one of the following types of circuitry: application specific integrated circuitry (ASIC); FET circuitry; current sensing circuitry; voltage measuring circuitry; current limiting circuitry; and AC disconnecting circuitry.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

P-0021[0021] The present invention will be understood and appreciated more fully from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the drawings in which:

P-0022[0022]FIGS. 1A and 1B are respective exploded view and assembled pictorial illustrations of a connector element forming part of an active connector constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

P-0023[0023]FIGS. 2A and 2B are respective exploded view and assembled pictorial illustrations of an active connector employing the connector element of FIGS. 1A and 1B, which is constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

P-0024[0024]FIGS. 3A and 3B are respective exploded view and assembled pictorial illustrations of an active connector assembly employing the connector elements of FIGS. 1A and 1B, which is constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

P-0025[0025]FIGS. 4A, 4B, <b>4</b>C and <b>4</b>D are simplified illustrations of four alternative preferred embodiments of active electrical circuitry embodied in the connector elements employed in the connector elements of the embodiments of FIGS. <b>1</b>A-<b>3</b>B;

P-0026[0026]FIGS. 5A and 5B are simplified illustrations of two alternative preferred embodiments of active electrical circuitry embodied in the connector elements employed in the connector elements of the embodiments of FIGS. <b>1</b>A-<b>3</b>B;

P-0027[0027]FIG. 6A is a simplified block diagram illustration of connector element circuitry, including an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit), forming part of an active connector constructed and operative in accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the present invention;

P-0028[0028]FIG. 6B is a simplified electronic diagram of the ASIC of FIG. 6A constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

P-0029[0029]FIGS. 7A and 7B are respective exploded view and assembled pictorial illustrations of an active connector assembly employing the connector elements of FIGS. 6A and 6B, which is constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

P-0030[0030]FIG. 8A is a simplified block diagram of a LAN having power over Ethernet functionality, the LAN having a LAN switch assembly which includes an active connector element which may include any one of the active connectors of FIGS. <b>2</b>A-<b>2</b>B, <b>3</b>A-<b>3</b>B or <b>7</b>A-<b>7</b>B;

P-0031[0031]FIG. 8B is a simplified block diagram of a LAN similar to the LAN of FIG. 8A except that in the embodiment of FIG. 8B, power is fed over wire pairs additionally used for data communication rather than over dedicated power pairs;

P-0032[0032]FIG. 9A is a simplified block diagram of a LAN having power over Ethernet functionality the LAN having a midspan device assembly which includes an active connector element which may include any one of the active connectors of FIGS. <b>2</b>A-<b>2</b>B, <b>3</b>A-<b>3</b>B or <b>7</b>A-<b>7</b>B; and

P-0033[0033]FIG. 9B is a simplified block diagram of a LAN similar to the LAN of FIG. 9A except that in the embodiment of FIG. 9B, power is fed over wire pairs additionally used for data communication rather than over dedicated power pairs.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

P-0034[0034] Reference is now made to FIGS. 1A and 1B, which are respective exploded view and assembled pictorial illustrations of an active connector element forming part of an active connector constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The active connector element preferably comprises an insulative substrate <b>100</b>, typically formed of plastic and having a step shape.

P-0035[0035] Substrate <b>100</b> preferably includes a first planar portion <b>102</b>, which terminates in an upstanding portion <b>104</b>. Upstanding portion <b>104</b> terminates in a second planar portion <b>106</b>, which extends generally parallel to and offset from planar portion <b>102</b>. Second planar portion <b>106</b> is preferably formed with a plurality of generally parallel extending elongate recesses <b>108</b> in which are preferably disposed principal elongate portions <b>110</b> of bent electrical contacts <b>112</b>, which preferably also include shorter elongate portions <b>114</b> which are angled with respect to portions <b>110</b>, typically by 30 degrees.

P-0036[0036] An electrical circuit board <b>120</b> onto which is formed an active electrical circuit, preferably as shown in any of FIGS. <b>4</b>A-<b>4</b>D, is mounted onto substrate <b>100</b>. Preferably a plurality of pins <b>122</b> is attached to circuit board <b>120</b>. Pins <b>122</b> preferably extend through corresponding apertures <b>123</b> and <b>124</b> formed in the circuit board <b>120</b> and in the first planar portion <b>102</b>, respectively.

P-0037[0037] Ends <b>126</b> of elongate portions <b>110</b> of contacts <b>112</b> preferably extend through-plated through apertures <b>128</b> on circuit board <b>120</b> and are soldered thereto, thus retaining circuit board <b>120</b> in position relative to substrate <b>100</b>.

P-0038[0038] It is appreciated that the arrangement and configuration of conductors <b>110</b>, pins <b>122</b> and circuit board <b>120</b> are preferably designed so as to minimize and to compensate for crosstalk. In such a case, conductors <b>110</b> may employ non-straight conductor portions. Conductors <b>110</b> are preferably constructed, configured and arranged to reduce cross talk between signal pairs.

P-0039[0039] It is appreciated that although the embodiment of FIGS. 1A and 1B specifically shows an RJ-45 active connector element, other types of active connector element may also be provided.

P-0040[0040] It will be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to the particular configuration of elements shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B or to any particular configuration of elements whatsoever, but rather extends to any LAN connector element including active electronic circuitry employed for controlling the supply of power over the LAN.

P-0041[0041] Reference is now made to FIGS. 2A and 2B, which are respective exploded view and assembled pictorial illustrations of an active connector employing the active connector element of FIGS. 1A and 1B, which is constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. As seen in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the active connector employs an active connector element <b>200</b>, preferably of the type illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B, which is retained within an RJ-45 connector housing <b>202</b> by any suitable technique, such as the use of interengaging protrusions and sockets.

P-0042[0042] In the arrangement of FIGS. 2A and 2B, conductor portions <b>114</b> correspond to contacts of, thereby to engage, a conventional RJ-45 plug (not shown), while pins <b>122</b> are normally soldered onto a printed circuit board forming part of a local area network switch or other LAN equipment such as Ethernet hubs, nodes, IP telephones and wireless access points (not shown). In shielded LAN environment applications, the connector housing <b>202</b> is at least partially encapsulated in a metal shield (not shown) with contacts to provide shield continuity with mating plugs.

P-0043[0043] It will be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to the particular configuration of elements shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B or to any particular configuration of elements whatsoever, but rather extends to any LAN active connector including active electronic circuitry employed for controlling the supply of power over the LAN, whether or not shielding is provided.

P-0044[0044] Reference is now made to FIGS. 3A and 3B, which are respective exploded view and assembled pictorial illustrations of an active connector assembly employing the connector elements of FIGS. 1A and 1B, which is constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. As seen in FIGS. 3A and 3B, a plurality of active connector elements <b>300</b>, preferably of the type illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B, are each retained in a corresponding RJ-45 connector housing portion <b>302</b> by any suitable technique, such as the use of interengaging protrusions and sockets. A plurality of connector housing portions <b>302</b> are defined, preferably by a unitary RJ-45 ganged connector housing assembly <b>304</b>.

P-0045[0045] It will be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to the particular configuration of elements shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B or to any particular configuration of elements whatsoever, but rather extends to any LAN active connector assembly including active electronic circuitry employed for controlling the supply of power over the LAN, whether or not shielding is provided.

P-0046[0046] Reference is now made to FIGS. <b>4</b>A-<b>4</b>D, which illustrate four alternative preferred embodiments of active electrical circuitry embodied in the connector elements employed in the connector elements of the embodiments of FIGS. <b>1</b>A-<b>3</b>B. The embodiments of FIGS. <b>4</b>A-<b>4</b>D are particularly useful in providing power over LAN functionality for Ethernet local area networks, complying with the IEEE 802.3 standard, and being of the following types: 10 baseT; 1000 baseT; 1000 BaseT.

P-0047[0047] The embodiment of FIG. 4A includes a FET control element <b>402</b> which is employed as an ON-OFF switch to control the supply of power over spare pairs <b>404</b> of an RJ-45 connector <b>406</b> used in an Ethernet environment. This embodiment also includes a current sensing resistor <b>408</b>, which is operative to sense the level of the electrical power supplied over the LAN. It is appreciated that either the FET control element <b>402</b> or the resistor <b>4</b>

P-0048[0048] obviated.

P-0049[0049] The embodiment of FIG. 4B includes a FET (field effect transistor) control element <b>412</b> which is employed as an ON-OFF switch to control the supply of power over data pairs <b>414</b> of an RJ-45 connector <b>416</b> used in an Ethernet environment. This embodiment also includes a current sensing resistor <b>418</b>, which is operative to sense the level of the electrical power supplied over the LAN. It is appreciated that either the FET control element <b>412</b> or the resistor <b>4</b>

P-0050[0050] obviated.

P-0051[0051] This embodiment also preferably includes power filtering circuitry <b>420</b> and termination circuitry <b>422</b> for the data pairs <b>414</b> as well as termination circuitry <b>424</b> for spare pairs <b>426</b>.

P-0052[0052] The embodiment of FIG. 4B includes a FET control element <b>412</b> which is employed as an ON-OFF switch to control the supply of power over data pairs <b>414</b> of an RJ-45 connector <b>416</b> used in an Ethernet environment. This embodiment also includes a current sensing resistor <b>418</b>, which is operative to sense the level of the electrical power supplied over the LAN. It is appreciated that either the FET control element <b>412</b> or the resistor <b>418</b> may be obviated.

P-0053[0053] The circuitry may include Ethernet isolation transformers and filters, commonly known as Ethernet magnetics and here designated <b>428</b>.

P-0054[0054]FIG. 4B shows two data pairs <b>414</b> being used for data communication as in 10 baseT and in 100 baseT embodiments. However the apparatus of FIG. 4B is also useful in 1000 baseT embodiments in which all four data pairs <b>414</b> and <b>426</b> are used for data communication.

P-0055[0055] The embodiment of FIG. 4C includes a FET control element <b>432</b> which is employed as an ON-OFF switch to control the supply of power over spare pairs <b>434</b> of an RJ-45 connector <b>436</b> used in an Ethernet environment. This embodiment also includes a current sensing resistor <b>438</b>, which is operative to sense the level of the electrical power supplied over the LAN. It is appreciated that either the FET control element <b>432</b> or the resistor <b>438</b> may be obviated.

P-0056[0056] The embodiment of FIG. 4C also preferably includes control circuitry <b>440</b> including an operational amplifier <b>442</b> and its associated circuitry, as well as a fuse <b>444</b> and an output capacitor <b>446</b>. This embodiment also includes voltage sensing resistors <b>448</b>, which are operative to sense the voltage of the electrical power supplied over the LAN and also may be employed during line interrogation as defined in the IEEE 802.3af draft standard. Injector resistors <b>450</b> may be provided to inject AC (alternating current) pulses on the spare pairs <b>434</b> for use in detection of disconnection. It is appreciated that various elements of this circuitry may be obviated.

P-0057[0057] The embodiment of FIG. 4D includes a FET control element <b>462</b> which is employed as an ON-OFF switch to control the supply of power over data pairs <b>464</b> of an RJ-45 connector <b>466</b> used in an Ethernet environment. This embodiment also includes a current sensing resistor <b>468</b>, which is operative to sense the level of the electrical power supplied over the LAN. It is appreciated that either the FET control element <b>462</b> or the resistor <b>468</b> may be obviated.

P-0058[0058] The embodiment of FIG. 4D also preferably includes control circuitry <b>470</b> including an operational amplifier <b>472</b> and its associated circuitry, as well as a fuse <b>474</b> and an output capacitor <b>476</b>. This embodiment also includes voltage sensing resistors <b>478</b>, which are operative to sense the voltage of the electrical power supplied over the LAN and also may be employed during line interrogation as defined in the IEEE 802.3af draft standard. Injector resistors <b>480</b> may be provided to inject AC pulses on the spare pairs <b>496</b> for use in detection of disconnection. It is appreciated that various elements of this circuitry may be obviated.

P-0059[0059] This embodiment also preferably includes power filtering circuitry <b>490</b> and termination circuitry <b>492</b> for the data pairs <b>464</b> as well as termination circuitry <b>494</b> for spare pairs <b>496</b>.

P-0060[0060] The circuitry may include Ethernet isolation transformers and filters, commonly known as Ethernet magnetics and here designated <b>498</b>.

P-0061[0061]FIG. 4D shows two data pairs <b>464</b> being used for data communication as in 10 baseT and in 100 baseT embodiments however the apparatus of FIG. 4D is also useful in 1000 baseT embodiments in which all four data pairs <b>464</b> and <b>496</b> are used for data communication.

P-0062[0062] Reference is now made to FIGS. 5A and 5B, which are simplified illustrations of two alternative preferred embodiments of active electrical circuitry embodied in the connector elements employed in the connector elements of the embodiments of FIGS. <b>1</b>A-<b>3</b>B.

P-0063[0063] The embodiment of FIG. 5A includes an ASIC <b>502</b>, which incorporates any one or more of the following functionalities:

P-0064[0064] a FET control element <b>532</b>, which is employed as an ON-OFF switch to control the supply of power over spare pairs <b>534</b> of an RJ-45 connector <b>536</b> used in an Ethernet environment;

P-0065[0065] a current sensing resistor <b>538</b>, which is operative to sense the level of the electrical power supplied over the LAN;

P-0066[0066] control circuitry <b>540</b> including an operational amplifier <b>542</b> and its associated circuitry; and

P-0067[0067] voltage sensing resistors <b>548</b>, which are operative to sense the voltage of the electrical power supplied over the LAN and also may be employed during line interrogation as defined in the IEEE 802.3af draft standard.

P-0068[0068] The embodiment of FIG. 5A may also include injector resistors <b>550</b> operative to inject AC pulses on the spare pairs <b>534</b> for use in detection of disconnection as well as a fuse <b>554</b> and an output capacitor <b>556</b>.

P-0069[0069] The embodiment of FIG. 5B includes an ASIC <b>560</b>, which incorporates any one or more of the following functionalities:

P-0070[0070] a FET control element <b>562</b>, which is employed as an ON-OFF switch to control the supply of power over data pairs <b>564</b> of an RJ-45 connector <b>566</b> used in an Ethernet environment;

P-0071[0071] a current sensing resistor <b>568</b>, which is operative to sense the level of the electrical power supplied over the LAN;

P-0072[0072] control circuitry <b>570</b> including an operational amplifier <b>572</b> and its associated circuitry; and

P-0073[0073] voltage sensing resistors <b>578</b>, which are operative to sense the voltage of the electrical power supplied over the LAN and also may be employed during line interrogation as defined in the IEEE 802.3af draft standard.

P-0074[0074] The embodiment of FIG. 5B may also include injector resistors <b>580</b> may be provided to inject AC pulses on the spare pairs for use in detection of disconnection as well as a fuse <b>584</b> and an output capacitor <b>586</b>.

P-0075[0075] This embodiment also preferably includes power filtering circuitry <b>590</b> and termination circuitry <b>592</b> for the data pairs <b>564</b> as well as termination circuitry <b>594</b> for spare pairs <b>596</b>.

P-0076[0076] The circuitry may include Ethernet isolation transformers and filters, commonly known as Ethernet magnetics and here designated <b>598</b>.

P-0077[0077]FIG. 6A is a simplified block diagram illustration of connector element circuitry, including an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit), forming part of an active connector constructed and operative in accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

P-0078[0078] The circuitry of FIG. 6A includes at least one ASIC <b>600</b>, whose structure and function is shown in FIG. 6B. The ASIC <b>600</b> is connected to a plurality of active connector elements <b>602</b>, preferably of the type illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B, and which may correspond to the circuitry shown in either of FIGS. <b>4</b>A-<b>4</b>D. Active connector elements <b>602</b> are operated by ASIC <b>600</b> to provide power over LAN functionality according to the IEEE 802.3af draft standard. ASIC <b>600</b> may receive control inputs from and otherwise communicate with a host computer <b>604</b>.

P-0079[0079] Reference is now made to FIGS. 7A and 7B, which are respective exploded view and assembled pictorial illustrations of an active connector assembly employing the connector elements of FIGS. 1A and 1B and FIGS. 6A and 6B, which is constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

P-0080[0080] As seen in FIGS. 7A and 7B, a plurality of active connector elements <b>700</b>, preferably of the type illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B, are each retained in a corresponding RJ-45 connector housing portion <b>702</b> by any suitable technique, such as the use of interengaging protrusions and sockets. A plurality of connector housing portions <b>702</b> are defined, preferably by a unitary RJ-45 ganged connector housing assembly <b>704</b>. In addition, there is disposed within assembly <b>704</b> a circuit board <b>706</b>, which includes an ASIC <b>708</b>, such as the ASIC <b>600</b> shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B and associated circuitry. The ASIC <b>600</b> may be packaged in a conventional manner or may be employed in a die form, such as by employing flip chip or die bonding mounting.

P-0081[0081] It will be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to the particular configuration of elements shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B or to any particular configuration of elements whatsoever, but rather extends to any LAN active connector assembly including active electronic circuitry employed for controlling the supply of power over the LAN, whether or not shielding is provided.

P-0082[0082] Reference is now made to FIG. 8A, which is a simplified block diagram illustration of a local area network constructed and operative in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention. As seen in FIG. 8A, there is provided a local area network (LAN) comprising a LAN switch assembly <b>860</b> which is coupled to a plurality of LAN nodes, by cabling <b>861</b> preferably forming part of a structured cabling system complying with the EIA/TIA 568 and/or ISO/IEC/11801 standards. The plurality of LAN nodes may include any type of LAN node such as, in the illustrated embodiment, a desktop computer <b>862</b>, a web camera <b>864</b>, a facsimile machine <b>866</b>, a LAN telephone, also known as an IP telephone <b>868</b>, a computer <b>870</b> and a server <b>872</b>. LAN switch assembly <b>860</b> complies with the 802.3 Ethernet standard and may employ any suitable LAN protocol such as the 10 BaseT protocol, the 100 BaseT protocol or the 1000 BaseT (gigabit Ethernet) protocol.

P-0083[0083] Cabling <b>861</b> is preferably conventional LAN cabling having four pairs of twisted copper wires cabled together under a common jacket. In the embodiment of FIG. 8A, in contrast to the arrangement described below with respect to FIG. 8B, at least one of the four pairs of twisted copper wires is employed only for transmitting electrical power to nodes of the network and at least one of the pairs of twisted copper wires is employed only for transmitting data. Typically two such pairs are employed for transmitting data only and two such pairs are employed only for supplying electrical power along each line connecting a LAN switch assembly <b>860</b> to each node. Alternatively, one or two or more spare pairs are provided (not shown).

P-0084[0084] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention there is provided a power supply subsystem <b>880</b> which is operative to provide at least some operating or backup power to at least some of said plurality of nodes via the LAN switch assembly <b>860</b> and the communication cabling <b>861</b> connecting the LAN switch assembly <b>860</b> to various LAN nodes.

P-0085[0085] In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 8A, power-over-Ethernet subsystem <b>880</b> is located within the LAN switch assembly <b>860</b> and includes a power supply <b>882</b> which supplies operating power and/or backup power to various LAN nodes via the communication cabling <b>861</b>. The communication cabling <b>861</b> connects a LAN switch <b>884</b> via a power supply interface <b>886</b> to the various LAN nodes. The power supply interface <b>886</b> distributes electrical power from the power supply <b>882</b>, along twisted pairs of the communication cabling <b>861</b>, which are not used for carrying data, to at least some of the LAN nodes. Bidirectional data communications from LAN switch <b>884</b> pass through the power supply interface <b>886</b>, substantially without interference.

P-0086[0086] It is seen that the communication cabling <b>861</b> from the LAN switch assembly <b>860</b> to the desktop computer <b>862</b>, facsimile machine <b>866</b> and computer <b>870</b> carries both data and backup power along separate twisted pairs, while the communication cabling <b>861</b> from the LAN switch assembly <b>860</b> to the web camera <b>864</b> and LAN telephone <b>868</b> carries both data and operating power along separate twisted pairs and the communication cabling <b>861</b> from the LAN switch assembly <b>860</b> to the server <b>872</b> carries only data, in a typically LAN arrangement constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

P-0087[0087] It is a particular feature of a preferred implementation of the embodiment of FIG. 8A that data and power are carried on separate twisted copper pairs of each communication cabling line.

P-0088[0088] It is appreciated that each of the LAN nodes <b>862</b>-<b>870</b> which receives power over the communication cabling <b>861</b> includes a connector for connecting the twisted pairs carrying electrical power to the power supply <b>882</b> and separately connecting the twisted pairs carrying data to a data input of the node. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 8A, the connectors are typically internal to the respective nodes and are not separately designated, it being appreciated that alternatively discrete connectors may be employed.

P-0089[0089] Reference is now made to FIG. 8B, which is a simplified block diagram illustration of a local area network constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. As seen in FIG. 8B, there is provided a local area network (LAN) comprising a LAN switch assembly <b>810</b> which is coupled to a plurality of LAN nodes, by cabling <b>811</b> preferably forming part of a structured cabling system complying with the EIA/TIA 568 and/or ISO/IEC/11801 standards. The plurality of LAN nodes may include any type of LAN node such as, in the illustrated embodiment, a desktop computer <b>812</b>, a web camera <b>814</b>, a facsimile machine <b>816</b>, a LAN telephone, also known as an IP telephone <b>818</b>, a computer <b>820</b> and a server <b>822</b>. LAN switch assembly <b>810</b> complies with the 802.3 Ethernet standard and may employ any suitable LAN protocol such as the 10 BaseT protocol, the 100 BaseT protocol or the 1000 BaseT (gigabit Ethernet) protocol.

P-0090[0090] Cabling <b>811</b> is preferably conventional LAN cabling having four pairs of twisted copper wires cabled together under a common jacket. In the embodiment of FIG. 8B, as will be described hereinbelow, at least one of the pairs of twisted copper wires is employed for transmitting both data and electrical power to nodes of the network. Typically two such pairs are employed for transmitting both data and electrical power along each line connecting a LAN switch assembly to each node, while one such pair carries data only and a fourth pair is maintained as a spare and carries neither data nor power.

P-0091[0091] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention there is provided a power supply subsystem <b>832</b> which is operative to provide at least some operating or backup power to at least some of said plurality of nodes via the LAN switch assembly <b>810</b> and the communication cabling <b>811</b> connecting the LAN switch assembly <b>810</b> to various LAN nodes.

P-0092[0092] In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 8B, power-over-Ethernet subsystem <b>830</b> is located within the LAN switch assembly <b>810</b> and includes a power supply <b>832</b> which supplies operating power and/or backup power to various LAN nodes via the communication cabling <b>811</b>. The communication cabling <b>811</b> connects a LAN switch <b>834</b> via a combiner <b>836</b> to the various LAN nodes. The combiner <b>836</b> couples electrical power from the power supply <b>832</b> along the communication cabling <b>811</b> to at least some of the LAN nodes. Bidirectional data communications from LAN switch <b>834</b> pass through the combiner <b>836</b>, substantially without interference.

P-0093[0093] It is a particular feature of a preferred embodiment of the present invention that the circuitry of combiner <b>836</b> comprises an active connector which may be based on the connector elements of FIGS. <b>1</b>A-<b>1</b>B, <b>3</b>A-<b>3</b>B and <b>7</b>A-<b>7</b>B.

P-0094[0094] It is seen that the communication cabling <b>811</b> from the LAN switch assembly <b>810</b> to the desktop computer <b>812</b>, facsimile machine <b>816</b> and computer <b>820</b> carries both data and backup power, while the communication cabling from the LAN switch assembly <b>810</b> to the web camera <b>814</b> and LAN telephone <b>818</b> carries both data and operating power and the communication cabling from the LAN switch assembly <b>810</b> to the server <b>822</b> carries only data, in a typically LAN arrangement constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

P-0095[0095] It is a particular feature of a preferred implementation of the embodiment of FIG. 8B, that both data and power are carried on the same twisted copper pair so as to comply with the 802.3af draft standard.

P-0096[0096] It is appreciated that each of the LAN nodes <b>812</b>-<b>820</b>, which receives power over the communication cabling, includes a separator for separating the electrical power from the data. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 8B, the separators are typically internal to the respective nodes and are not separately designated, it being appreciated that alternatively discrete separators may be employed.

P-0097[0097] It is appreciated that FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate two embodiments of a system providing electric power to plural LAN nodes via a LAN switch assembly <b>810</b> and communication cabling <b>811</b> connecting the LAN switch assembly <b>810</b> to various LAN nodes. Another two embodiments of a system providing electric power to plural LAN nodes via a LAN switch assembly and communication cabling connecting the LAN switch assembly to various LAN nodes are illustrated in FIGS. 9A and 9B. FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate a local area network including a power supply operative to provide electrical power to local area network nodes over communication cabling.

P-0098[0098] In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 9A, a conventional LAN switch assembly <b>950</b> does not provide electrical power over the communication cabling <b>951</b>. A midspan device <b>980</b> is located externally of LAN switch assembly <b>950</b> and includes a power supply <b>982</b>, which supplies operating power and/or backup power to various LAN nodes via the communication cabling <b>951</b>. The midspan device <b>980</b> is coupled to a plurality of LAN nodes, by cabling <b>951</b> preferably forming part of a structured cabling system complying with the EIA/TIA 568 and/or ISO/IEC/11801 standards. The communication cabling <b>951</b> connects a LAN switch <b>984</b> of conventional LAN switch assembly <b>950</b> to a combiner <b>986</b> in midspan device <b>980</b> and connects the combiner <b>986</b> to the various LAN nodes.

P-0099[0099] It is a particular feature of a preferred embodiment of the present invention that the circuitry of combiner <b>986</b> comprises an active connector which may be based on the connector elements of FIGS. <b>1</b>A-<b>1</b>B, <b>3</b>A-<b>3</b>B and <b>7</b>A-<b>7</b>B.

P-0100[0100] The combiner distributes electrical power from the power supply <b>982</b> along the communication cabling <b>951</b> to at least some of the LAN nodes. Bidirectional data communications from LAN switch <b>984</b> pass through the combiner <b>986</b>, substantially without interference.

P-0101[0101] LAN switch assembly <b>950</b> complies with the 802.3 Ethernet standard and may employ any suitable LAN protocol such as the 10 BaseT protocol, the 100 BaseT protocol or the 1000 BaseT (gigabit Ethernet) protocol.

P-0102[0102] Cabling <b>951</b> is preferably conventional LAN cabling having four pairs of twisted copper wires cabled together under a common jacket. In the embodiment of FIG. 9A, in contrast to the arrangement described below with respect to FIG. 9B, at least one of the pairs of twisted copper wires is employed only for transmitting electrical power to nodes of the network and at least one of the pairs of twisted copper wires is employed only for transmitting data. Typically two such pairs are employed for transmitting data only and two such pairs are employed only for supplying electrical power along each line connecting a LAN switch assembly to each node.

P-0103[0103] It is seen that the communication cabling <b>951</b> from the LAN switch assembly <b>950</b> to a desktop computer <b>962</b>, facsimile machine <b>966</b> and computer <b>970</b> carries both data and backup power. In contrast, the communication cabling from the LAN switch assembly <b>950</b> to the web camera <b>964</b> and LAN telephone <b>968</b> carries both data and operating power. The communication cabling from the LAN switch assembly <b>950</b> to the server <b>972</b> carries only data and may, but need not, pass through midspan device <b>980</b>, in a typical LAN arrangement constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

P-0104[0104] It is a particular feature of a preferred implementation of the embodiment of FIG. 9A that data and power are carried on separate twisted copper pairs of each communication cabling line.

P-0105[0105] In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 9A, each of the LAN nodes <b>962</b>-<b>970</b> which receives power is provided with an external connector for separately providing data and electrical power from the communication cabling. The external connector associated with respective nodes <b>962</b>-<b>970</b> are designated by respective reference numbers <b>992</b>-<b>999</b>. Each such connector has a communication cabling input and separate data and power outputs. It is appreciated that some or all of the nodes <b>962</b>-<b>970</b> may alternatively be provided with internal connectors and that some or all of the nodes <b>962</b>-<b>970</b> may be provided with external connectors.

P-0106[0106] In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 9B, a conventional LAN switch assembly <b>900</b> does not provide electrical power over the communication cabling <b>901</b>. A midspan device <b>930</b> is located externally of LAN switch assembly <b>900</b> and includes a power supply <b>932</b> which supplies operating power and/or backup power to various LAN nodes via the communication cabling <b>901</b>. The midspan device <b>930</b> is coupled to a plurality of LAN nodes, by cabling <b>901</b> preferably forming part of a structured cabling system complying with the EIA/TIA 568 and/or ISO/IEC/11801 standards.

P-0107[0107] The communication cabling connects a LAN switch <b>934</b> of conventional LAN switch assembly <b>900</b> to a combiner <b>936</b> in midspan device <b>930</b> and connects the combiner <b>936</b> to the various LAN nodes. The combiner <b>936</b> provides electrical power from the power supply <b>932</b> along the communication cabling <b>901</b> to at least some of the LAN nodes. Bidirectional data communications from LAN switch <b>934</b> pass through the combiner <b>936</b>, substantially without interference.

P-0108[0108] It is a particular feature of a preferred embodiment of the present invention that the circuitry of combiner <b>936</b> comprises an active connector which may be based on the connector elements of FIGS. <b>1</b>A-<b>1</b>B, <b>3</b>A-<b>3</b>B and <b>7</b>A-<b>7</b>B.

P-0109[0109] LAN switch assembly <b>900</b> complies with the 802.3 Ethernet standard and may employ any suitable LAN protocol such as the 10 BaseT protocol, the 100 BaseT protocol or the 1000 BaseT (gigabit Ethernet) protocol.

P-0110[0110] Cabling <b>901</b> is preferably conventional LAN cabling having four pairs of twisted copper wires cabled together under a common jacket. In the embodiment of FIG. 9B, as will be described hereinbelow, at least one of the pairs of twisted copper wires is employed for transmitting both data and electrical power to nodes of the network. Typically two such pairs are employed for transmitting both data and electrical power along each line connecting the midspan device <b>930</b> to each node, while one such pair carries data only and a fourth pair is maintained as a spare and carries neither data nor power.

P-0111[0111] It is seen that the communication cabling <b>901</b> from the midspan device <b>930</b> to the desktop computer <b>912</b>, facsimile machine <b>916</b> and computer <b>920</b> carries both data and backup power, while the communication cabling from the midspan device <b>930</b> to the web camera <b>914</b> and LAN telephone <b>918</b> carries both data and operating power and the communication cabling from the LAN switch assembly <b>900</b> to the server <b>922</b> carries only data and may, but need not pass through midspan device <b>930</b>, in a typically LAN arrangement constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

P-0112[0112] It is a particular feature of a preferred implementation of the embodiment of FIG. 9B that both data and power are carried on the same twisted copper pair so as to comply with the 802.3af draft standard.

P-0113[0113] In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 9B, each of the LAN nodes <b>912</b>-<b>920</b> which receives power is provided with an external separator for separating the data from the electrical power coupled to the communication cabling. The external separators associated with respective nodes <b>912</b>-<b>920</b> are designated by respective reference numbers <b>942</b>-<b>949</b>. Each such separator has a communication cabling input and separate data and power outputs. It is appreciated that some or all of the nodes <b>912</b>-<b>920</b> may alternatively be provided with internal separators and that some or all of the nodes <b>912</b>-<b>920</b> may be provided with external separators.

P-0114[0114] It is appreciated that the applicability of the present invention is not limited to the LAN nodes specifically described hereinabove in FIGS. <b>8</b>A-<b>9</b>B. The present invention is additionally useful with other suitable nodes such as, for example, wireless LAN access points, emergency lighting system elements, paging loudspeakers, CCTV cameras, alarm sensors, door entry sensors, access control units, laptop computers, network elements, such as hubs, switches and routers, monitors and memory backup units for PCs and workstations.

P-0115[0115] It is appreciated that the software components of the present invention may, if desired, be implemented in ROM (read-only memory) form. The software components may, generally, be implemented in hardware, if desired, using conventional techniques.

P-0116[0116] It is appreciated that various features of the invention which are, for clarity, described in the contexts of separate embodiments may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination.

P-0117[0117] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. Rather, the scope of the present invention is defined only by the claims that follow: