Abstract: Network communication cables that provide power, such as Ethernet cables in compliance with the Power over Ethernet standard, are secured so that unauthorized devices are restricted from receiving power. After a PoE connection is established between a powered device (PD) and power source equipment (PSE) over an Ethernet cable, the PD communicates security information to the PSE with low frequency variations in the current drawn by the PD through the Ethernet cable. The PSE terminates power to the PD if the PD fails to communicate the security information in a predetermined time period or if the security information fails to match authorized security information. Alternatively, the PSE generates an unauthorized device message for presentation at the network if the security information fails to match the authorized security information.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for configuring a network device. The system and method involves a network device that includes an external button for toggling the device between a managed mode and an unmanaged mode. When the device is toggled to a managed mode, an Internet Protocol (IP) address is temporarily assigned to the device and the device may be remotely configured. After configuration, the device can be returned to an unmanaged state, and the IP address assigned to the device is cleared. During the period that the device is in a managed state, an external indicator on the device is turned on to confirm that the device is in a managed state.