Method and system for providing dynamic power sharing to network devices

Embodiments include a network switch for use in a local area network that interconnects the switch and one or more network powered devices, the switch also being operatively connected to at least one power supply that powers the switch, the switch comprising a plurality of ports to which network powered devices are connected, at least one management module for controlling the operation of the switch, the module having memory for storing information relating to the power and operating requirements of each connected network device, and a processor for controlling the distribution of power from the power supply among the ports, including selectively time slicing power provided to at least selected ones of the ports.