Abstract: A network allowing for communication, sensing and control, comprising at least three nodes interconnected by a bus for conveying both power and data. The bus includes at least two power carrying conductors, which may be used to convey the data together with the power, and across which at least two power supplies are connected via respective source couplers at different points thereof Preferably, there are connected to the nodes one or more payloads that may be powered by local power supplies so as to provide greater fault-protection and flexibility.