A power distribution system includes a manager provided on a network controller and an agent provided on a line module. The manager is operable to receive a configuration for a port on the line module. A connection to the port is then detected by the agent and communicated to the manager. At least one of the manager and the agent determines that the connection is for a powered device that is operable to receive power and data through the port. The manager then classifies the powered device. If the manager determines that the classification of the powered device corresponds to the configuration of the port, the manager provides power to the powered device through the port according to an allocation for the powered device from a global power budget.