One embodiment of the present invention includes a communication network comprises a communication cable having a first wire pair and a second wire pair that both extend between a first end and a second end of the communication cable. The network also comprises at least one power source configured to provide a first supply current through the first wire pair and a second supply current through the second wire pair at the first end of the communication cable. The first supply current and the second supply current can be substantially equal. The network also comprises a first diode bridge and a second diode bridge coupled to the second end of the communication cable and configured to combine the first and second supply currents to provide a combined supply current. The network further comprises a powered device configured to receive the combined supply current.