Abstract: A method is provided for remotely controlling power to electronic devices. Each device includes two or more ports for receiving signals over the serial link. The method includes issuing a shutdown command from the host data processing system to selected one of the devices over the link and responsive to the receipt of a power-off command at a device, causing the device to enter a low power standby mode on cessation of signal activity at one of the device ports. On entering standby mode at a device, standby power is supplied in the device to allow the device to monitor the one or more device ports for incoming signals. In addition, transmission of signals via the one or more ports is ceased. On receipt of a signal at any of the one or more ports that was previously inactive, power is restored to the device.