Methods and systems are provided to power an appliance coupled to a data connection port, the data connection port having an independent power supply separate from the power grid and being coupled to the appliance via a coupling, wherein the appliance is powered by the independent power supply via the coupling. Methods and systems are provided to power an appliance coupled to an Ethernet port via a Category 5 cable, the appliance being powered via an independent power supply of the Ethernet port via the Category 5 cable, the independent power supply being separate from the power grid.