The present invention provides a system comprising PoE apparatus including midspans, switches and routers that can provide high powered PoE connections that enable the recovery of DC power in sufficient quantities that allow it to be converted to AC power by way of an inverter. The invention also provides a method for providing AC power, data and light to office workstations using a single PoE connection. The invention further comprises a common mode signaling system that operates independently of any TCP/IP signal transmitted through an Ethernet connection wherein said signaling system is adapted to communicate with and control PoE powered devices.