Abstract: A device, system and method for providing power in a secure manner to a network device connected to a network, such as an Ethernet network for example. The device is optionally implemented as an intelligent power supply, which is able to interrogate the network device before power is supplied, in order to determine the electrical capabilities of the device and/or whether the device is authorized to be connected to the network. Such an intelligent power supply preferably communicates with a low power communication device at each network device, which supplies the necessary information upon request.