Patent US 10,698,041

In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a port for receiving a plug connected to one end of a cable with another plug connected to an opposite end of the cable for use in a Power over Ethernet system delivering power at a level exceeding 100 watts, an online removal button on a face of the port for use in indicating an intent to remove the plug from the port, and an online removal module for detecting activation of the online removal button and reducing power on the cable to at least 90 watts to prevent damage during removal of the cable.