Abstract: Disclosed is a PoE apparatus deployed on the PD-side of a PoE configuration conforming to a PoE standard prescribing maximum power and current levels. The PoE apparatus comprises a current control element configured to draw from the PSE-side of the PoE configuration input current with input power and produce output current with output power, with the input current and power both respectively conforming to the maximum current and power levels of the PoE standard. The disclosed PoE apparatus further comprises a set of rechargeable batteries configured to be fully recharged by the aforementioned output current with the aforementioned output power at their respective levels and faithfully power the networked PoE device as a primary power source capable of producing instantaneous power large enough to meet the peak power requirement of the networked PoE device that is greater than the maximum power level of the PoE standard.