I didn't know about that interview, thanks for sharing. It seems so natural to me to go for the one technology that fits all needs (Ethernet+POE and possibly a

I didn't know about that interview, thanks for sharing. It seems so natural to me to go for the one technology that fits all needs (Ethernet+POE and possibly a smaller connector). All it would need is a big player to implement that, then release the changes for free with no strings attached, but probably most parties involved can't squeeze the same profits out of open technologies. Here's an idea to push for this technology. I have no way to develop this, neither the technical knowledge nor the money required, but comments welcome anyway. Essentially I would: 1- design a smaller connector that could host all Ethernet pairs plus power supply, say a smaller RJ45 with contacts on both sides, no need to reinvent the wheel here. 2- for testing purposes, build a small bridge board (a matchbox sized black box) between the socket and the original Ethernet plug and a nearby USB port for power alone. Ethernet pairs would pass untouched (or possibly replicated through a switch chipset+magnetics) while the bridge board would contain any necessary circuit to power any load connected to the updated Ethernet port(s). Remember we're aiming at ditching USB for that purpose, that's why I wouldn't map Ethernet on an USB-Eth chip even for testing; and all power would be taken by the device supply asap. 3- Now we have some cheap hardware which is easy to replicate to use on every platform, including SBCs where the USB connector could be spared because we take all power from the board. Let's move to software. Some proof of concept would be needed to demonstrate that, so here's my question: how hard would be to satisfy point [1] and build some hardware (mice, keyboards, audio etc) that can use the new network standard to show its benefits to the industry?