The present invention relates to a control system, in particular a lighting control system, having a control line to control power modes of network components, such as data forwarding components as well as end nodes, e.g. application control components, according to a global application plan. Controlling the power modes may comprise switching off data-ports in the control network. A data-forwarding device having switchable data port can be used to switch off data paths “in efficio” through the control network. Furthermore, a protocol to interrogate the status of a network component as well as to receive a schedule for unattended operation is provided, thereby enabling improved energy usage and enhanced safety.