The invention relates to powering one or more devices, in particular in the context of Power-over-Ethernet (PoE). In an embodiment of the invention, it is proposed to equip each node (11) with a PD interface (22) that can signal multiples of the standard defined unity load (25 kΩ with tolerances) during the detection process and increase the load during a sequence of detection attempts. In that way, several nodes (11) can share one PSE outlet and determine the number of neighboring loads (11). At the same time, each node (11) will offer full functionality during “normal” stand-alone wiring. This powering concept can be combined with full or limited data communication capabilities.