Power distribution system with low complexity and low power consumption

The invention relates a system for controlling distribution of power to load elements via network connections (e.g. LAN). Low cost luminaires or other load elements can be powered via LAN connections (e.g. by power over Ethernet (PoE)) without featuring an Internet Protocol (IP) node. This is attractive because with such a system the installation cost down benefits of PoE can be applied also to installations that do not require advanced controls. This means that to switch them on or off, the power supply on the LAN port of the switch must be enabled or disabled. When load elements and load controllers (e.g. lighting controllers or light switches) are connected to the same switch, they are automatically paired to each other. This can be achieved through use of a network management protocol capability that some network switches have. This allows for easy installation and automatic intuitive commissioning.