a network apparatus includes an independent power supply providing a first power signal , and a data distribution device which is operably coupled to the independent power supply and a remote data distribution device , where the remote distribution data device exchanges data and provides a second power signal to the data distribution device , and further where the data distribution device selects the first power signal or the second power signal for operational power . a method includes scanning a plurality of sensors , each coupled to a plurality of power inputs , to ascertain if a power signal is present , determining whether a power signal associated with an independent power supply is present at a power input , sourcing power from the independent power supply if the power signal is associated with an independent power supply , and sourcing power from an alternative supply if the power signal is not associated with an independent power supply .