Ethernet Powered Computer

[Maizoon]

Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) works because when data is sent down network cables it is represented by voltages. Some PoE equipment uses spare wires in cables that link computers back to network hubs and pump power down these. Others pump power down the same lines as the data traffic. The current PoE specifications have an upper limit of 15.4 watts.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/4494899.stm

[Krilnon]

I'm not too suprised... phones can work with just the phone line, and things can charge off of USB and Firewire, so ethernet power seems logical too.

[cr125rider]

That would be sweet to just have one cable that does LAN/Power. THey are both necesities and isn't much variation in them so it would e cool to see that standardised. Might get kinda weird with bigger comps with more drives and stuff, It will be cool to see how much power they can put through it.

[Krilnon]

There's no way you could power a normal desktop with an ethernet cable at the moment. They use 100's of watts. (It would be cool, I agree, though I wouldn't want to lose power when I lost my connection :P)

[McGuffin]

The power would be supplied from your home power system, not an outside source, generally there would be no issue if you lost your "connection" because 99% of the time this is a problem between your ISP and your house, not your house (router) and your computer, unless of course you disconnected your cord.

[Krilnon]

Hey, how do you know people aren't cutting my ethernet cords everyday?

Still doesn't seem that practical, as I can use my power outlet for things that aren't computers, and can move my computer to places where there isn't an ethernet connection (though that's a bit harder to find ;))