Method and system for managing energy efficiency of a network link via pluggable transceiver modules in an energy efficient network device

Abstract

An Ethernet network may comprise link partners that may be coupled via an Ethernet link. The link partners may comprise pluggable PHY devices. The pluggable PHY devices and / or other link partner devices may determine energy efficient network (EEN) control policies, may select a power level mode and may configure the link partners to operate in the power level mode. Some components may be reconfigured prior to sending an energy efficient network control signal to a link partner and configuring remaining components. Hardware, software and / or firmware may execute the pluggable PHY energy efficient network control policies. Packet data pending delivery may be buffered in the pluggable PHY. The pluggable PHY devices may comprise a MAC and / or a SERDES device. Exemplary form factors for the pluggable PHYs may comprise a SFP, a SFP+, a XENPAK, a X2, a XFP and / or a XPAK. Low power idle mode and / or sub-rate mode may be utilized.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS / INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE[0001]This application makes reference to, claims priority to, and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61 / 111,653, filed on Nov. 5, 2008.[0002]This application makes reference to:[0003]U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12 / 471,861 (Attorney Docket No. 20367US02) filed on May 26, 2009;[0004]U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12 / 470,785 (Attorney Docket No. 20368US02) filed on May 22, 2009;[0005]U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12 / 470,970 (Attorney Docket No. 20369US02) filed on May 22, 2009;[0006]U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 685,554 (Attorney Docket No. 18031US01) filed Mar. 13, 2007; and[0007]U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 473,205 (Attorney Docket No. 17396US02) filed Jun. 22, 2006.[0008]Each of the above stated applications is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0009]Certain embodiments of the invention relate to networking. More specifically,...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0020]FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating exemplary steps implementing an energy efficient network control policy in a pluggable physical layer device, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

Problems solved by technology

Conventionally, however, increased data rates often results in significant increases in power consumption.

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