A system and method is provided for supplying power over a home phone line network
in a manner that is interoperable with other voice and data services operating
on the same network. The system includes a power source coupled to the home phone
line network. The power source includes an AC signal generator that generates an
AC signal at a selected frequency. The power source also includes a band pass filter
for removing unwanted harmonics from the AC signal, thereby generating a filtered
AC signal for powering one or more devices on the home phone line network. One
or more devices attached to the home phone line network, such as a telephone adapter
or telephone, receives the filtered AC signal. Each device comprises a second band
pass filter and an AC/DC converter. The second band pass filter passes the filtered
AC signal to the AC/DC converter and prevents the introduction of undesired harmonics
onto the home phone line network from the AC/DC converter. The AC/DC converter
converts the filtered AC signal to a DC signal used for powering the device.