Abstract: A communications hub (100) includes a power management unit (110) coupled to a rechargeable battery (130). When non-removable devices (115 and 120) and removable devices are coupled to downstream ports (115A, 120A, 125A and 127A) require low power, the power management unit (110) supplies the required power and charges the rechargeable battery (130) with power from a host computer (160). When a device at one of the downstream ports (115A, 120A, 125A and 127A) requires higher power for operation at a higher data transfer rate, the power management unit (110) detects this requirement, and delivers power from the rechargeable battery (130) to the corresponding downstream port for the device. The communications hub (100) advantageously supplies higher power to the downstream ports (115A, 120A, 125A and 127A), when required, without the need for an external power supply.