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Abstract

A system for providing operational power to network access points includes a router having an external power supply to transmit network signals to the network access points. Each self-powered access point includes power extraction circuitry for extracting power from the network signals and a power storage subsystem for storing the extracted power. Signal conversion circuitry is connected to the power storage subsystem for receiving operating power to perform signal conversion of received network signals addressed to a computer and to reconfigure data received from the computer for transmission over the network. In a preferred embodiment, the power extraction circuitry includes a full-power extraction mode and a partial power extraction mode. A data analyzer monitors received network signals to determine whether the signals are required by the computer for processing. If a signal is required for processing, the data analyzer enables the partial power extraction mode in the power extraction circuitry to preserve a minimum signal power required by the computer for signal processing. If the signal is not required for processing, the data analyzer enables the full power extraction mode to extract substantially all power from the signal. Power level detection circuitry determines whether the power storage subsystem stores a minimum power level. If a power level below the minimum is detected, the power level detection circuitry disables the data analyzer and enables the full power extraction mode of the power extraction circuitry until the minimum power is achieved, at which time the data analyzer is re-enabled.

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First Claim