Abstract: In one embodiment, a connection is maintained between a pair of ethernet ports that have circuitry connected in series with the ports and receiving power-over-ethernet (PoE) from one of the ports, by providing a controllable bypass circuit coupled to the pair of ethernet ports in parallel with the circuitry receiving power-over-ethernet, sensing a preselected condition, and opening and closing the bypass circuit in response to the presence or absence of the preselected condition. Power sourcing equipment (PSE) may supply the one of the ports with power over ethernet, and the circuitry may transports data between the pair of ethernet ports. The circuitry may also supply the switch with a control signal in response to the detection of the preselected condition.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a portable, field-oriented test gear which permits validation of both digital circuit (TOM) and packet based communications. The test set includes a method and graphical user interface for configuring OSI, 0S3, SONET and packet communication based tests, a method and system that allows testing an Ethernet WAN link by using a Pseudo-Random Bit Sequence (PRBS) pattern, as well as a method and system to remotely validate full-duplex 10/100/1 000BaseTX WAN communication at full line rate (1 Gbps) using a single test gear and a low cost accessory included with the test gear.