Importance

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Abstract

A telecommunications outlet with a visual indicator that informs a user that the outlet is capable of supplying power to a network device in a network system compliant with IEEE 802.3. The outlet includes a visual indicator which activates when the outlet receives a load verification signal in accordance with IEEE 802.3. A network core device transmits the load verification signal to the outlet to determine whether there is a qualified network device connected to the outlet, and the type of the connected network device for the purpose of transmitting the appropriate power level to the network device. If the load verification signal is not present at the outlet, the outlet is not capable of supplying power to a network device. The outlet includes a visual indicator and a visual indicator driver circuit. The driver circuit generates a driving signal in response to the load verification signal. Thus, when the load verification signal is present, the driver circuit generates the driving signal which causes the visual indicator to activate, thereby visually informing users of the outlet's capability of supplying power. The load verification signal may include a train of low power and low duty cycle pulses. The driver circuit may include a charge accumulating device to form a voltage by accumulating charges each time it receives a pulse from the load verification signal, and an oscillator to generate a driving pulse when the voltage is greater than a threshold. The driving pulse causes the visual indicator to activate.

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First Claim