Energy efficient Ethernet with asymmetric low power idle

Abstract

The invention provides energy efficient Ethernet with asymmetric low power idle. A low power idle mode is typically leveraged when both direction of a link do not have data traffic to transmit. Such a requirement reduces the application of low power idle due to the frequent existence of data traffic in only one direction. An asymmetric low power idle mode enables reduction in power consumption and signal emissions even when one direction has data traffic to transmit.

Description

[0001] Cross References to Related Applications [0002] This application claims priority for all purposes to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 496,607, filed June 14, 2011, and U.S. Utility Patent Application No. 13 / 478,228, filed May 23, 2012. The entirety is hereby incorporated by reference. technical field [0003] The present invention relates generally to energy efficient Ethernet networks, and more particularly to energy efficient Ethernet with asymmetric low power idle. Background technique [0004] Energy costs continue to climb, a trend that has accelerated in recent years. In this context, various industries have become increasingly sensitive to the impact of these rising costs. One area that is attracting increasing attention is IT infrastructure. Many companies are currently looking at the power usage of their IT systems to determine if they can reduce energy costs. To this end, an industry has emerged focused on energy-efficient networking to addre...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Identifying when to enter low-power idle mode can be difficult because data from two different ends of the link do not necessarily appear at the same time

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