A remote access appliance ("appliance") having a backup power subsystem for powering a digital rack interface pod ("DRIP") that is interfacing the appliance to a remote device. The backup power subsystem may involve the use of at least one shunt regulator subsystem that is adapted to control backup power to the DRIP in the event the DRIP loses power from a USB port of the remote device while a session is in progress with the remote device. The backup power subsystem automatically applies and regulates the power available to the power pins on the RJ-45 port of the appliance to power the DRIP. In the event the DRIP is unplugged form the RJ-45 port of the appliance while backup power is being drawn by the DRIP, the backup power subsystem virtually immediately removes power being applied to the predetermined pins of the RJ-45 port of the appliance. The backup power subsystem further will not make power available to the power pins of the RJ-45 port on the appliance unless predetermined operating conditions are present with the DRIP.
