Energy saving method and apparatus

Abstract

Provided in the present application is an energy saving method, comprising: a first apparatus acquiring first energy saving indication information, wherein the first energy saving indication information comprises a first energy saving level, which first energy saving level indicates a first energy saving depth of a plurality of channels included in a link for the first apparatus to send data to a second apparatus, the first energy saving depth indicating a first energy saving type of the plurality of channels; the first apparatus sending the first energy saving indication information to the second apparatus; and correspondingly, after receiving the first energy saving indication information, the second apparatus controlling itself to switch to the first energy saving level, so as to operate at the first energy saving level. In the present application, a second apparatus can implement channel-level energy saving control on the basis of first energy saving indication information sent by a first apparatus. In addition, energy saving control may be performed on a plurality of channels on the basis of a first energy saving depth, thereby making the precision of energy saving control higher, and correspondingly achieving a better power consumption reduction effect. That is, power consumption can be effectively reduced by using the solution.

Description

An energy-saving method and device

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 2024116189939, filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of China on November 12, 2024, entitled "An Energy-Saving Method and Device", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of communications, and in particular to an energy-saving method and apparatus. Background Technology

[0003] In digital communication networks, especially campus networks, traffic exhibits typical tidal characteristics; for example, traffic during the night is generally much lower than the network's bandwidth. Currently, even when there is no traffic on the network, communication devices still need to be operational. For instance, the physical layer (PHY) of Ethernet interfaces, serializers / deserializers (SERDES), and optical modules remain active, resulting in significant power consumption waste.

[0004] In the Ethernet protocol defined by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), when traffic is low, energy-efficient Ethernet (EEE) technology is used to put the physical layer into a low-power idle (LPI) mode to save power consumption of communication devices.

[0005] Current EEE technology is not very effective at reducing power consumption. Therefore, a solution is urgently needed to address these issues. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This application provides an energy-saving method and apparatus that can effectively reduce power consumption.

[0007] Firstly, this application provides an energy-saving method applied to a first device. The first device can acquire first energy-saving indication information, which includes a first energy-saving level. The first energy-saving level indicates the first energy-saving depth of multiple channels included in the link through which the first device sends data to a second device, and the first energy-saving depth indicates a first energy-saving type of the multiple channels. After acquiring the first energy-saving indication information, the first device sends the first energy-saving indication information to the second device. Correspondingly, after receiving the first energy-saving indication information, the second device can control itself to switch to the first energy-saving level to operate at the first energy-saving level. In this application, the second device can achieve channel-level energy-saving control based on the first energy-saving indication information sent by the first device. Furthermore, when performing energy-saving control on the multiple channels, control can be performed based on the first energy-saving depth, resulting in higher precision in energy-saving control and, consequently, better power consumption reduction. That is, this solution can effectively reduce power consumption.

[0008] In one possible implementation, the first energy-saving type of the first channel in the multi-segment channels includes: no energy saving, clock gating, or power gating. Here, "no energy saving" means that the device (including but not limited to power supply, clock, and other processing circuits) is in an active state; "clock gating" means turning off the clock; and "power gating" means turning off the power supply. In a specific example, the first energy-saving indication information includes the first energy-saving depth corresponding to all channels in the multi-segment channels. In this scenario, the first energy-saving type indicated by the first energy-saving depth can include no energy saving, clock gating, or power gating. In other words, for any channel in the multi-segment channels (e.g., the first channel), the first energy-saving type of the first channel can include: no energy saving, clock gating, or power gating. In this scenario, the first energy-saving depth of all channels in the multi-segment channels can also be used to indicate the state of the multi-segment channels. Specifically, for a certain channel, if the first energy-saving type corresponding to that channel is no energy saving, it indicates that the state of that channel is active; when the first energy-saving type corresponding to that channel is clock gating or power gating, it indicates that the state of that channel is inactive.

[0009] In one possible implementation, the first energy-saving level is used to indicate the first energy-saving depth of a channel in a non-operating state among the multi-channel segments. In this scenario, the first energy-saving type indicated by the first energy-saving depth may include clock gating or power gating. In other words, for any channel in a non-operating state among the multi-channel segments (e.g., the second channel), the first energy-saving type of the second channel may include clock gating or power gating.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the first energy-saving indication information may further include first channel status information, which indicates the status of the physical channel connecting the first device and the second device. As a specific example, the first channel status information indicates the status of each physical channel connecting the first device and the second device. In this case, if the first energy-saving level indicates a first energy-saving depth for the non-operating channels among the multiple channels, then based on the first energy-saving level and the first channel status information, it is possible to determine the operating physical channels among the physical channels connecting the first device and the second device, and the energy-saving type of the non-operating physical channels among the physical channels connecting the first device and the second device.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the first energy-saving indication information is used to trigger the second device to switch to the first energy-saving level. In other words, after receiving the first energy-saving indication information, the second device can trigger a switch in energy-saving level. As a specific example, the second device can switch to the first energy-saving level if the current energy-saving level is different from the first energy-saving level.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the first energy-saving indication information may further include the current energy-saving depth of the multi-segment channels. In this way, the second device can determine whether to adjust the energy-saving type of the multi-segment channels based on the current energy-saving depth and the first energy-saving depth of the multi-segment channels.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the first energy-saving indication information may further include second channel status information, which indicates the current status of the physical channel connecting the first device and the second device. In this way, the second device can determine whether to adjust the status of the physical channel connecting the first device and the second device based on the first and second channel status information.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the first device may further send a switching instruction to the second device, which instructs the second device to switch from a first energy-saving level to a target operating mode. That is, the switching instruction is used to instruct the second device to switch operating modes.

[0015] In one possible implementation, the aforementioned target operating mode can be a normal operating mode, which can also be understood as a non-energy-saving mode. In normal operating mode, all the aforementioned channels are in operation. In this scenario, after operating at the first energy-saving level for a period of time, the first and second devices switch to normal operating mode.

[0016] In one possible implementation, the aforementioned target operating mode may include a second energy-saving level, wherein the second energy-saving level indicates a second energy-saving depth of the multi-segment channels, and the second energy-saving depth indicates a second energy-saving type of the multi-segment channels. In this scenario, the first device and the second device switch to operating at the second energy-saving level after operating at the first energy-saving level for a period of time.

[0017] In one possible implementation, the target operating mode, in addition to including a second energy-saving level, may also include fifth channel status information to indicate the status of the physical channel connecting the first and second devices. In this way, the target operating mode can indicate the operating physical channel in the physical channel connecting the first and second devices, and a second energy-saving depth indicating the non-operating physical channel in the physical channel connecting the first and second devices.

[0018] In one possible implementation, the switching instruction information can be carried within the aforementioned first energy-saving instruction information. Correspondingly, the first energy-saving instruction information may also include the target operating mode. In other words, the first energy-saving instruction information includes: a first energy-saving level, a target operating mode, and the switching instruction information. Based on the first energy-saving instruction information, the second device can first switch to the first energy-saving level, and after operating at the first energy-saving level for a period of time, it can then switch to the target operating mode.

[0019] In one possible implementation, the switching indication information can be a first moment, used to instruct the second device to begin switching from the first energy-saving level to the target operating mode at the first moment. The first moment mentioned here can be a moment within a first time period, for example, it can be the moment obtained by subtracting the wake-up time of the second device's channel from the end of the first time period. This allows the second device to complete the switching to the target operating mode at the end of the first time period. In this scenario, after receiving the first energy-saving indication information, the second device can first switch to the first energy-saving level, and then switch from the first energy-saving level to the target operating mode when the first moment arrives.

[0020] In one possible implementation, in a scenario where the first device sends a switching instruction to the second device, the first device can also control the first device to switch from the first energy-saving level to the target operating mode. In this way, both the first device and the second device operate in the target operating mode, thereby enabling normal communication between the first device and the second device.

[0021] In one possible implementation, the first energy-saving level can be determined by the first device based on the traffic to be sent from the first device to the second device. Specifically, the first device can determine the first traffic to be sent from the first device to the second device within a first time period. The first time period is a future time period, or a time period after the current moment. Then, the first device determines the first energy-saving level based on the first traffic and the link type between the first device and the second device. Specifically, the first device can obtain the first energy-saving level based on the first traffic and the link type, with the principle of ensuring normal forwarding of the first traffic and maximizing energy-saving benefits. Since the first energy-saving level is the energy-saving level that can ensure normal forwarding of the first traffic and maximize energy-saving benefits, switching the first device and the second device to operate at the first energy-saving level can effectively reduce power consumption.

[0022] In one possible implementation, determining the first energy-saving level based on the first traffic and the link type between the first device and the second device may, in a specific implementation, include: determining the number of working physical channels in the physical channels connected to the first device and the second device based on the first traffic and the bandwidth of the physical channels connected to the first device and the second device. As an example: the first device can determine the number of working physical channels in the physical channels connected to the first device and the second device based on the principle that the total bandwidth of the working physical channels is greater than the bandwidth corresponding to the first traffic. Then, the first device determines the first energy-saving depth of the multiple channels based on the energy-saving depth information corresponding to the first link type. The energy-saving depth information corresponding to the first link type includes: the energy-saving depth and the energy-saving type of the multiple channels included in the first link type corresponding to the energy-saving depth. In one example, the first device may store energy-saving depth information corresponding to multiple link types. The first device can first determine the first link type, and after determining the first link type, it can determine the energy-saving depth information corresponding to the first link type from the energy-saving depth information corresponding to the multiple link types. After determining the energy-saving depth information corresponding to the first link type, the first device can determine the first energy-saving depth of the multiple channels based on the energy-saving depth information corresponding to the first link type. Specifically, the first device can select the energy-saving depth with the best energy-saving effect from multiple energy-saving depths corresponding to the first link type, and use it as the first energy-saving depth.

[0023] In one possible implementation, after determining the first energy-saving level, the first device, in addition to sending the first energy-saving instruction information to the second device, can also switch to the first energy-saving level and operate at that level. In this way, both the first and second devices operate at the first energy-saving level, allowing them to transmit service traffic normally under that level.

[0024] In one possible implementation, the first device switching to a first energy-saving level may include at least two parts:

[0025] Part 1: The physical channel controlling the working state of the physical channel connecting the first device and the second device is in an operational state. In a specific implementation, this part can be a transmitting component that controls the working state of the physical channel connecting the first device and the second device.

[0026] Part Two: Controlling the non-operating physical channels in the physical channels connecting the first and second devices to operate in the corresponding energy-saving mode. Specifically, in its implementation:

[0027] The first device can use the first energy-saving depth to query the energy-saving depth information corresponding to the aforementioned first link type, thereby obtaining the energy-saving type corresponding to the non-working physical channel in the physical channel connecting the first device and the second device, and further controlling the non-working physical channel to operate in the corresponding energy-saving type.

[0028] In a specific example, the first device controls the non-working physical channel in the physical channel connecting the first device and the second device to operate in the corresponding energy-saving mode. This can refer to the first device controlling the transmitting component corresponding to the "non-working physical channel in the physical channel connecting the first device and the second device" to operate in the corresponding energy-saving mode.

[0029] In one possible implementation, the data carried on the logical channel of the first device is mapped to the physical channel connecting the first and second devices for transmission. In other words, the physical channel connecting the first and second devices has a certain mapping relationship with the logical channel within the first device. Correspondingly, for the physical channel in the physical channel connecting the first and second devices that is in a working state, the corresponding logical channel in the first device is also in a working state. Therefore:

[0030] In one possible implementation, the switching of the first device to the first energy-saving level further includes, in a specific implementation:

[0031] The control ensures that the logical channels in the third logical channel group are in an active state. The data carried by the third logical channel group is mapped to and transmitted on the physical channel in the active state of the physical channel connecting the first and second devices. The third logical channel group includes one or more logical channels, all of which are logical channels of the first device.

[0032] In one possible implementation, the first device further includes a fourth logical channel group, which also includes one or more logical channels, and these logical channels are in a non-operating state. In one example, the fourth logical channel group and the third logical channel group constitute all the logical channels through which the first device carries traffic sent to the second device. The first device can further control the logical channels in the fourth logical channel group to operate with corresponding energy-saving modes.

[0033] In one possible implementation, the first device controls the logic channels in the fourth logic channel group to operate with corresponding energy-saving types. Specifically, this may include: the first device obtaining energy-saving depth information corresponding to a first link type based on the first link type between the first device and the second device. After obtaining the energy-saving depth information corresponding to the first link type, the first device can determine the energy-saving depth information that matches the first energy-saving depth to obtain the energy-saving type of the logic channels in the fourth logic channel group. After determining the energy-saving type of the logic channels in the fourth logic channel group, the device can control the logic channels in the fourth logic channel group to operate with the corresponding energy-saving type, for example, controlling all logic channels in the fourth logic channel group to operate in a clock-gated state. Controlling the logic channels to operate with the corresponding energy-saving type refers to controlling the devices, circuits, etc., related to the logic channels to operate in a clock-gated state.

[0034] In one possible implementation, the logical channel of the first device can be directly mapped to the physical channel connecting the first device and the second device. Alternatively, the logical channel of the first device can be indirectly mapped to the physical channel connecting the first device and the second device. Specifically, the logical channel of the first device is first mapped to the physical channel inside the first device, and then the physical channel inside the first device is mapped to the physical channel connecting the first device and the second device.

[0035] In one possible implementation, if the logical channel of the first device is indirectly mapped to the physical channel connecting the first and second devices, then in this scenario, the first device includes a third module and a fourth module connected via a physical channel. The fourth module is used to connect to the second device. In this case, data carried on the logical channel of the first device is first mapped to the physical channel connecting the third and fourth modules for transmission. Then, data transmitted on the physical channel connecting the third and fourth modules is mapped to the physical channel connecting the first and second devices for transmission to the second device. In this scenario, switching the first device to the first energy-saving level, in a specific implementation, also includes switching the state of the physical channel between the third and fourth modules.

[0036] In one possible implementation, the first device switches the state of the physical channel between the third module and the fourth module. Specifically, this includes: the third module sending third energy-saving indication information to the fourth module. This third energy-saving indication information includes: fourth channel status information and a first energy-saving depth of the non-working physical channel among the multiple channels. The fourth channel status information indicates that the logical channel in the third logical channel group is in a working state. After receiving the third energy-saving indication information, the fourth module controls the third physical channel in the physical channel between the third module and the fourth module to be in a working state. Data carried by the third logical channel group is mapped to the third physical channel for transmission, and data transmitted on the third physical channel is mapped to the working physical channel in the physical channel connecting the first and second devices.

[0037] In one possible implementation, the switching of the first device to the first energy-saving level further includes: determining the energy-saving type of the fourth physical channel based on the first energy-saving depth of the non-working channel among the multiple channels, wherein the fourth physical channel is the non-working physical channel between the third module and the fourth module. After determining the energy-saving type of the fourth physical channel, the fourth physical channel can be further controlled to operate at the corresponding energy-saving type.

[0038] In one possible implementation, the second energy-saving level can be determined by the first device based on the traffic to be sent from the first device to the second device. Specifically, the first device can determine a second traffic to be sent from the first device to the second device within a second time period, where the second time period is the time period following the first time period. Further, the first device can determine the target operating mode based on the second traffic. In this case, the operating modes of the first and second devices are matched with the traffic to be sent from the first device to the second device, thereby enabling the first and second devices to reasonably turn on and off devices used for forwarding traffic, thus achieving effective energy saving.

[0039] In one possible implementation, the aforementioned first energy-saving level further indicates a third energy-saving depth of the channels in operation within the multi-channel configuration, and the third energy-saving depth indicates a third energy-saving type of the channels in operation within the multi-channel configuration. The third energy-saving type mentioned here can be clock-gated or power-gated. Specifically, the third energy-saving depth can indicate the third energy-saving type of the channels in operation within each of the multi-channel configurations, wherein for any two channels in operation, the third energy-saving type of these two channels can be the same or different. The third energy-saving type mentioned here includes clock-gated or power-gated. In other words, for the "channels in operation within the multi-channel configuration," they are not always in a non-energy-saving state; they can also support operation in a clock-gated state or a power-gated state, thereby effectively reducing power consumption.

[0040] In one possible implementation, the total number of physical channels connected to the first device and the second device is M, where M is an integer greater than 1. As a specific example, when all M physical channels are in operation, the first energy-saving level further indicates the third energy-saving depth of the operating channels among the multiple channels. That is, when all physical channels connected to the first device and the second device need to be used to transmit service traffic, all M physical channels can operate in the third energy-saving type. Correspondingly, other channels that have a mapping relationship with these M physical channels can also operate in the corresponding third energy-saving type. The other channels mentioned here include at least: logical channels within the first device and logical channels within the second device. Optionally, the other channels also include: physical channels within the first device, and / or, physical channels within the second device.

[0041] In one possible implementation, when only one of the aforementioned M physical channels is operational, the first energy-saving level also indicates the third energy-saving depth of the operational channel among the multiple channels. In other words, when only one physical channel connecting the first and second devices is used to transmit service traffic, this single physical channel is not operating at full speed, but rather operates in the third energy-saving type for part of the time. Correspondingly, other channels that have a mapping relationship with this single physical channel can also operate in the corresponding third energy-saving type. In this case, when the traffic to be sent from the first device to the second device is relatively small, power consumption can be effectively reduced.

[0042] In one possible implementation, the "physical channel in the working state of the physical channel connecting the first device and the second device" includes a fifth physical channel. In one example, when the fifth physical channel corresponds to a third energy-saving depth, the first device operates at a first energy-saving level. Specifically, this includes: in response to traffic to be transmitted, controlling the fifth physical channel to be in a non-energy-saving state to forward the traffic; and in response to no traffic to be transmitted, controlling the fifth physical channel to be in a clock-gated or power-gated state. That is, when traffic needs to be forwarded, the fifth physical channel is controlled to be non-energy-saving, thereby utilizing the fifth physical channel to forward traffic; when traffic does not need to be forwarded, the fifth physical channel is controlled to be in a clock-gated or power-gated state to save power consumption. In this scenario, compared to the aforementioned approach of always maintaining one physical channel in operation, this solution can effectively reduce power consumption.

[0043] In one possible implementation, the first device may be equipped with a first buffer. When the first device receives data, it first buffers the received data in the first buffer. The first device also polls the first buffer in real time to determine whether it contains data. If it determines that the first buffer contains data, the first device can wake up the fifth physical channel (specifically, wake up the transmitting component of the fifth physical channel) in response to the presence of data in the first buffer; that is, it controls the fifth physical channel to be in a non-energy-saving state to forward the data in the first buffer. Conversely, if it determines that the first buffer does not contain data, the first device can control the fifth physical channel to be in a clock-gated state or a power-gated state in response to the presence of data in the first buffer (specifically, it controls the transmitting component of the fifth physical channel to be in a clock-gated state or a power-gated state).

[0044] Secondly, this application provides an energy-saving method applied to a second device. The second device can receive first energy-saving indication information sent by a first device. This first energy-saving indication information includes a first energy-saving level, which indicates the first energy-saving depth of multiple channels included in the data transmission link from the first device to the second device. The first energy-saving depth indicates a first energy-saving type of the multiple channels. Upon receiving the first energy-saving indication information, the second device can control itself to switch to the first energy-saving level and operate at that level. In this application, the second device, based on the first energy-saving indication information sent by the first device, can achieve channel-level energy-saving control. Furthermore, when performing energy-saving control on the multiple channels, control can be performed based on the first energy-saving depth, resulting in higher precision in energy-saving control and, correspondingly, better power consumption reduction. In other words, this solution can effectively reduce power consumption.

[0045] In one possible implementation, the second device switches to the first energy-saving level, comprising at least two parts:

[0046] Part 1: The physical channel controlling the working state of the physical channel connecting the first device and the second device is in an operational state. In a specific implementation, this part can be a receiving component that controls the "operational state of the physical channel connecting the first device and the second device" to be in an operational state.

[0047] Part Two: Controlling the non-operating physical channels in the physical channels connecting the first and second devices to operate in the corresponding energy-saving mode. Specifically, in its implementation:

[0048] The second device can utilize the first energy-saving depth to query the energy-saving depth information corresponding to the aforementioned first link type, thereby obtaining the energy-saving type corresponding to the non-working physical channel in the physical channel connecting the first device and the second device, and further controlling the non-working physical channel to operate in the corresponding energy-saving type. In a specific example, the second device controlling the non-working physical channel in the physical channel connecting the first device and the second device to operate in the corresponding energy-saving type can refer to the second device controlling the receiving component corresponding to the "non-working physical channel in the physical channel connecting the first device and the second device" to operate in the corresponding energy-saving type.

[0049] In one possible implementation, data received by the second device through its physical channel connected to the first device is mapped to a logical channel within the second device. In other words, the physical channel connecting the first and second devices has a certain mapping relationship with the logical channel within the second device. Correspondingly, for a physical channel in the physical channel connecting the first and second devices that is in a working state, the corresponding logical channel in the second device is also in a working state. Therefore:

[0050] In one possible implementation, the switching of the second device to the first energy-saving level further includes: controlling the logical channels in the first logical channel group to be in an active state. Data transmitted on the active physical channels of the physical channels connecting the first and second devices is mapped to the first logical channels to ensure that the second device can properly process the data received through the active physical channels of the physical channels connecting the first and second devices. The first logical channel group includes one or more logical channels, and all logical channels in the first logical channel group are logical channels of the second device.

[0051] In one possible implementation, the second device further includes a second logical channel group, which also includes one or more logical channels, and these logical channels are in a non-operating state. In one example, the second logical channel group and the first logical channel group constitute all the logical channels through which the second device carries the traffic it receives from the first device. The second device can further control the logical channels in the second logical channel group to operate with corresponding energy-saving modes.

[0052] In one possible implementation, the second device controls the logic channels in the second logic channel group to operate with a corresponding energy-saving type. Specifically, this includes: obtaining energy-saving depth information corresponding to a first link type based on the first link type between the first device and the second device. After obtaining the energy-saving depth information corresponding to the first link type, energy-saving depth information matching the first energy-saving depth can be further determined to obtain the energy-saving type of the logic channels in the second logic channel group. After obtaining the energy-saving depth information matching the first energy-saving depth, the energy-saving type of the logic channels in the second logic channel group can be determined from it, and the logic channels in the second logic channel group can be further controlled to operate with the corresponding energy-saving type. Controlling the logic channels to operate with the corresponding energy-saving type refers to controlling the devices, circuits, etc., related to the logic channels to operate in a clock-gated state.

[0053] In one possible implementation, the physical channel connecting the first device and the second device can be directly mapped to the logical channel of the second device. Alternatively, the physical channel connecting the first device and the second device can be indirectly mapped to the logical channel of the second device. For example, the physical channel connecting the first device and the second device can first be mapped to the physical channel inside the receiving device, and then the physical channel inside the second device can be mapped to the logical channel of the second device.

[0054] In one possible implementation, if the physical channel connecting the first device and the second device is indirectly mapped to the logical channel of the second device, then in this scenario, the second device includes a first module and a second module, which are connected via a physical channel. The second module is used to connect to the first device. In this case, data received by the second device through the physical channel connecting the first and second devices is first mapped to the physical channel connecting the first and second modules. Then, data transmitted on the physical channel connecting the first and second modules is mapped to the aforementioned first logical channel group. In this scenario, the switching of the second device to the first energy-saving level, in a specific implementation, also includes controlling the state of the physical channel between the first and second modules.

[0055] In one possible implementation, the first device controlling the state of the physical channel between the first module and the second module specifically includes: the first module sending second energy-saving indication information to the second module. This second energy-saving indication information includes third channel status information and a first energy-saving depth for the non-working channels among the multiple channels. The third channel status information indicates that the logical channels in the first logical channel group are in a working state. After receiving the second energy-saving indication information, the second module controls the first physical channel in the physical channel between the first module and the second module to be in a working state. Since the data transmitted on the working physical channels in the physical channel connecting the first and second devices is mapped onto the first physical channel, and the data transmitted on the first physical channel is mapped to be carried in the first logical channel group, the second module controlling the first physical channel to be in a working state ensures that the first physical channel can normally carry the data received by the second device from the first device.

[0056] In one possible implementation, the switching of the second device to the first energy-saving level further includes: determining the energy-saving type of the second physical channel based on the first energy-saving depth of the non-working channel among the multiple channels, wherein the second physical channel is the non-working physical channel between the first module and the second module. After determining the energy-saving type of the second physical channel, it can be further controlled to operate at the corresponding energy-saving type.

[0057] In one possible implementation, the first energy-saving type of the first channel in the multi-channel configuration includes: no energy saving, clock gating, or power gating.

[0058] In one possible implementation, the first energy efficiency level indicates the first energy efficiency depth of a non-operating channel among the multiple channels.

[0059] In one possible implementation, the first energy-saving type of the second channel in the non-operating state of the multi-segment channel includes: clock gating or power gating.

[0060] In one possible implementation, the multi-segment channel includes a physical channel connecting the first device and the second device, and the first energy-saving indication information further includes: first channel status information, which is used to indicate the status of the physical channel connecting the first device and the second device, and the status includes: working status or non-working status.

[0061] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving switching instruction information sent by the first device, the switching instruction information instructing the second device to perform a switch from the first energy-saving level to the target operating mode.

[0062] In one possible implementation, the target operating mode includes a normal operating mode, which indicates that all of the multiple channels are in an operating state.

[0063] In one possible implementation, the target operating mode includes: a second energy-saving level, the second energy-saving level indicating a second energy-saving depth of the multi-segment channel, and the second energy-saving depth indicating a second energy-saving type of the multi-segment channel.

[0064] In one possible implementation, the switching indication information is carried in the first energy-saving indication information, which further includes the target operating mode.

[0065] In one possible implementation, the first energy-saving indication information is used to trigger the second device to switch to the first energy-saving level.

[0066] In one possible implementation, the first energy-saving indication information further includes: the current energy-saving depth of the multi-segment channels.

[0067] In one possible implementation, the first energy-saving level further indicates a third energy-saving depth of the channel in operation among the multi-channel segments, the third energy-saving depth indicating a third energy-saving type of the channel in operation among the multi-channel segments, the third energy-saving type including: clock gating or power gating.

[0068] In one possible implementation, the total number of physical channels connected to the first device and the second device is M, where M is an integer greater than 1, wherein all M physical channels are in a working state, or only one of the M physical channels is in a working state.

[0069] In one possible implementation, the "physical channel in the working state of the physical channel connecting the first device and the second device" includes a fifth physical channel. In one example, when the fifth physical channel corresponds to a third energy-saving depth, the second device operates at a first energy-saving level. Specifically, this includes: the second device establishing a traffic model to predict the pattern of traffic sent from the first device to the second device through the fifth physical channel. Further, based on this pattern, the second device wakes up the receiving component of the fifth physical channel when the first device sends traffic to the second device through the fifth physical channel, and controls the receiving component of the fifth physical channel to be in a clock-gated state or a power-gated state when the first device does not send traffic to the second device through the fifth physical channel.

[0070] Thirdly, this application provides an energy-saving device, characterized in that it is applied to a first device. It is used to perform the method steps described in the first aspect above and any one of the first aspects, executed by the first device. The energy-saving device includes: a processing unit and a transmitting unit. The processing unit is used to perform processing operations executed by the first device, and the transmitting unit is used to perform transmitting operations executed by the first device. As a specific example:

[0071] The processing unit is configured to acquire first energy-saving indication information, the first energy-saving indication information including a first energy-saving level, the first energy-saving level indicating the first energy-saving depth of the multi-segment channels included in the link from the first device to the second device, and the first energy-saving depth indicating the first energy-saving type of the multi-segment channels.

[0072] The sending unit is used to send the first energy-saving instruction information to the second device.

[0073] In one possible implementation, the first energy-saving type of the first channel in the multi-channel configuration includes: no energy saving, clock gating, or power gating.

[0074] In one possible implementation, the first energy efficiency level indicates the first energy efficiency depth of a non-operating channel among the multiple channels.

[0075] In one possible implementation, the first energy-saving type of the second channel in the non-operating state of the multi-segment channel includes: clock gating or power gating.

[0076] In one possible implementation, the multi-segment channel includes a physical channel connecting the first device and the second device, and the first energy-saving indication information further includes: first channel status information, which is used to indicate the status of the physical channel connecting the first device and the second device, and the status includes: working status or non-working status.

[0077] In one possible implementation, the sending unit is further configured to: send switching instruction information to the second device, the switching instruction information instructing the second device to perform a switch from the first energy-saving level to the target operating mode.

[0078] In one possible implementation, the target operating mode includes a normal operating mode, which indicates that all of the multiple channels are in an operating state.

[0079] In one possible implementation, the target operating mode includes: a second energy-saving level, the second energy-saving level indicating a second energy-saving depth of the multi-segment channel, and the second energy-saving depth indicating a second energy-saving type of the multi-segment channel.

[0080] In one possible implementation, the switching indication information is carried in the first energy-saving indication information, which further includes the target operating mode.

[0081] In one possible implementation, the processing unit is further configured to: control the first device to switch from the first energy-saving level to the target operating mode.

[0082] In one possible implementation, the first energy-saving indication information is used to trigger the second device to switch to the first energy-saving level.

[0083] In one possible implementation, the first energy-saving indication information further includes: the current energy-saving depth of the multi-segment channels.

[0084] In one possible implementation, the processing unit is further configured to: determine a first flow to be sent by the first device to the second device within a first time period; and determine the first energy-saving level based on the first flow and the link type between the first device and the second device.

[0085] In one possible implementation, the processing unit is specifically configured to: determine the number of physical channels in the working state of the physical channels connected to the first device and the second device based on the first traffic and the bandwidth of the physical channels connected to the first device and the second device; determine the first energy-saving depth of the multi-segment channels based on the energy-saving depth information corresponding to the first link type, wherein the energy-saving depth information corresponding to the first link type includes: the energy-saving depth and the energy-saving type of the multi-segment channels included in the first link type corresponding to the energy-saving depth.

[0086] In one possible implementation, the processing unit is further configured to: control the first device to switch to the first energy-saving level and operate at the first energy-saving level.

[0087] In one possible implementation, the processing unit is further configured to: determine a second flow to be sent by the first device to the second device within a second time period, wherein the second time period is a time period following the first time period; and determine the target operating mode based on the second flow.

[0088] In one possible implementation, the first energy-saving level further indicates a third energy-saving depth of the channel in operation among the multi-channel segments, the third energy-saving depth indicating a third energy-saving type of the channel in operation among the multi-channel segments, the third energy-saving type including: clock gating or power gating.

[0089] In one possible implementation, the total number of physical channels connected to the first device and the second device is M, where M is an integer greater than 1, wherein all M physical channels are in a working state, or only one of the M physical channels is in a working state.

[0090] In one possible implementation, the "physical channel in the working state of the physical channel connecting the first device and the second device" includes a fifth physical channel. When the fifth physical channel corresponds to a third energy-saving depth, the processing unit is configured to: control the fifth physical channel to be in a non-energy-saving state to forward the traffic to be sent in response to traffic to be sent, and control the fifth physical channel to be in a clock-gated or power-gated state in response to no traffic to be sent.

[0091] In one possible implementation, controlling the fifth physical channel to be in a non-energy-saving state to forward the traffic to be sent in response to available traffic includes: controlling the fifth physical channel to be in a non-energy-saving state to forward the traffic to be sent in response to data being included in the first buffer. Controlling the fifth physical channel to be in a clock-gated or power-gated state in response to no traffic to be sent includes: controlling the fifth physical channel to be in a clock-gated or power-gated state in response to no data being included in the first buffer.

[0092] Fourthly, this application provides an energy-saving device, characterized in that it is applied to a second device. It is used to perform the method steps described in the second aspect above and any one of the second aspects, executed by the second device. The energy-saving device includes: a receiving unit and a processing unit. The processing unit is used to perform processing operations executed by the second device, and the receiving unit is used to perform receiving operations executed by the second device. As a specific example:

[0093] The receiving unit is configured to receive first energy-saving indication information sent by the first device. The first energy-saving indication information includes a first energy-saving level. The first energy-saving level indicates the first energy-saving depth of the multiple channels included in the link through which the first device sends data to the second device. The first energy-saving depth indicates the first energy-saving type of the multiple channels.

[0094] The processing unit is used to switch to the first energy-saving level according to the first energy-saving indication information.

[0095] In one possible implementation, the first energy-saving type of the first channel in the multi-channel configuration includes: no energy saving, clock gating, or power gating.

[0096] In one possible implementation, the first energy efficiency level indicates the first energy efficiency depth of a non-operating channel among the multiple channels.

[0097] In one possible implementation, the first energy-saving type of the second channel in the non-operating state of the multi-segment channel includes: clock gating or power gating.

[0098] In one possible implementation, the multi-segment channel includes a physical channel connecting the first device and the second device, and the first energy-saving indication information further includes: first channel status information, which is used to indicate the status of the physical channel connecting the first device and the second device, and the status includes: working status or non-working status.

[0099] In one possible implementation, the receiving unit is further configured to: receive switching instruction information sent by the first device, the switching instruction information instructing the second device to perform a switch from the first energy-saving level to the target operating mode.

[0100] In one possible implementation, the target operating mode includes a normal operating mode, which indicates that all of the multiple channels are in an operating state.

[0101] In one possible implementation, the target operating mode includes: a second energy-saving level, the second energy-saving level indicating a second energy-saving depth of the multi-segment channel, and the second energy-saving depth indicating a second energy-saving type of the multi-segment channel.

[0102] In one possible implementation, the switching indication information is carried in the first energy-saving indication information, which further includes the target operating mode.

[0103] In one possible implementation, the first energy-saving indication information is used to trigger the second device to switch to the first energy-saving level.

[0104] In one possible implementation, the first energy-saving indication information further includes: the current energy-saving depth of the multi-segment channels.

[0105] In one possible implementation, the first energy-saving level further indicates a third energy-saving depth of the channel in operation among the multi-channel segments, the third energy-saving depth indicating a third energy-saving type of the channel in operation among the multi-channel segments, the third energy-saving type including: clock gating or power gating.

[0106] In one possible implementation, the total number of physical channels connected to the first device and the second device is M, where M is an integer greater than 1, wherein all M physical channels are in a working state, or only one of the M physical channels is in a working state.

[0107] Fifthly, this application provides a communication device, including a communication interface and a processor connected to the communication interface.

[0108] The communication interface is used to perform the send and receive operations in the first aspect and any one of the methods described in the first aspect above, and the processor is used to perform other operations in the first aspect and any one of the methods described in the first aspect above besides the send and receive operations. Alternatively,

[0109] The communication interface is used to perform the send and receive operations in the second aspect and any one of the methods described in the second aspect above, and the processor is used to perform other operations in the second aspect and any one of the methods described in the second aspect above, except for the send and receive operations.

[0110] Sixthly, this application provides a communication device, including an interface circuit and a processing circuit connected to the interface circuit.

[0111] The interface circuit is used to perform the transmit and receive operations in the first aspect and any one of the methods described in the first aspect above, and the processing circuit is used to perform other operations in the first aspect and any one of the methods described in the first aspect above besides the transmit and receive operations. Alternatively,

[0112] The interface circuit is used to perform the transmit and receive operations in the second aspect and any one of the methods described in the second aspect above, and the processing circuit is used to perform other operations in the second aspect and any one of the methods described in the second aspect above, except for the transmit and receive operations.

[0113] In a seventh aspect, this application provides a computer-readable storage medium, including instructions or a computer program that, when executed on a processor, implements the method described in the first aspect and any one thereof, or implements the method described in the second aspect and any one thereof.

[0114] Eighthly, this application provides a computer program product, including a computer program product that, when run on a processor, implements the method described in the first aspect and any one of the first aspects above, or implements the method described in the second aspect and any one of the second aspects above.

[0115] Ninthly, this application provides a chip for implementing the method described in the first aspect and any one of the first aspects above, or for implementing the method described in the second aspect and any one of the second aspects above.

[0116] In one possible implementation, the chip is a PHY chip, or a chip in an optical module. Attached Figure Description

[0117] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments recorded in this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0118] Figure 1a shows a schematic diagram of a transmitting end device and a receiving end device;

[0119] Figure 1b shows a schematic diagram of a scenario using EEE technology;

[0120] Figure 1c shows a schematic diagram of a channel-level energy-saving scheme;

[0121] Figure 1d shows a schematic diagram of another energy-saving solution;

[0122] Figure 2a illustrates an exemplary application scenario of an embodiment of this application;

[0123] Figure 2b illustrates another exemplary application scenario of this application embodiment;

[0124] Figure 2c illustrates another exemplary application scenario of this application embodiment;

[0125] Figure 2d illustrates another exemplary application scenario of this application embodiment;

[0126] Figure 2e illustrates another exemplary application scenario of this application embodiment;

[0127] Figure 2f illustrates another exemplary application scenario of this application embodiment;

[0128] Figure 2g illustrates another exemplary application scenario of this application embodiment;

[0129] Figure 2h illustrates another exemplary application scenario of this application embodiment;

[0130] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of signaling interaction of an energy-saving method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0131] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a working mode transition provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0132] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary application scenario provided by an embodiment of this application;

[0133] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a working mode transition provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0134] Figure 7a is a schematic diagram of a working mode provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0135] Figure 7b is a schematic diagram of another working mode provided by an embodiment of this application;

[0136] Figure 7c is a schematic diagram of another working mode provided by an embodiment of this application;

[0137] Figure 7d is a schematic diagram of another working mode provided by an embodiment of this application;

[0138] Figure 7e is a schematic diagram of another working mode provided by the embodiments of this application;

[0139] Figure 7f is a schematic diagram of another working mode provided by the embodiments of this application;

[0140] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of another link traffic provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0141] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the transition of another working mode provided in the embodiment of this application;

[0142] Figure 10 is a structural schematic diagram of an energy-saving device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0143] Figure 11a is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0144] Figure 11b is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0145] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0146] This application provides an energy-saving method and apparatus, which improves the precision of energy-saving control and effectively reduces the power consumption of communication devices by providing a channel-level energy-saving control scheme.

[0147] The communication device mentioned in the embodiments of this application can be an Ethernet interface or a device including an Ethernet interface. A device including an Ethernet interface can be, for example, a network device including an Ethernet interface, or a component (e.g., a chip or board) on a network device including an Ethernet interface. This application embodiment does not specifically limit the scope of the device.

[0148] The Ethernet interface mentioned in this application embodiment includes an Ethernet media access control (MAC) layer device and a physical layer (PHY) device that support data transmission at a certain rate. Refer to Figure 1a for understanding; Figure 1a shows a schematic diagram of a transmitting end device and a receiving end device. Both the transmitting end device and the receiving end device include an Ethernet interface. The transmitting end device refers to the communication device acting as a data sender, and the receiving end device refers to the communication device acting as a data receiver. Considering that data traffic is bidirectional, the roles of the transmitting end device and the receiving end device shown in Figure 1a can be interchanged in some other scenarios.

[0149] As shown in Figure 1a, both the transmitting and receiving devices include a MAC layer (referred to as MAC in Figure 1a) and a physical layer (referred to as PHY in Figure 1a). The physical layer includes a physical coding sublayer (PCS), a physical medium attachment (PMA), and a physical medium dependent (PMD). PCS, PMA, and PMD are PHY devices. Additionally, a reconciliation sublayer (RS) may be included between the MAC layer and the physical layer. RS and PCS can communicate via a medium independent interface (MII) channel. The MII channel can be a virtual channel or a logical channel.

[0150] In one example, the aforementioned MAC layer device can be a MAC chip, and the physical layer device can be a PHY chip.

[0151] In another example, the aforementioned MAC layer device and physical layer device can be different functional circuits on the same chip.

[0152] When transmitting data, communication devices can process the data according to the seven-layer model of Open Systems Interconnection (OSI). The first layer of the OSI seven-layer model is the Physical Layer, the second layer is the Data Link Layer, and the Data Link Layer includes the MAC layer. The Physical Layer can include the aforementioned PCS, PMA, and PMD.

[0153] The MAC layer of the transmitting device can generate MAC frames. The MAC layer of the transmitting device sends the MAC frames to the physical layer of the transmitting device. In scenarios where an RS is included between the MAC layer and the physical layer, the RS can convert the serial MAC frames into a parallel data stream and pass the data stream to the PCS through the MII channel.

[0154] The PCS can process the data stream received through the MII channel. In a specific example, the PCS can first encode (e.g., 64B / 66B encoding) and rate match the data stream, and then transcode (e.g., 256B / 257B transcoding) the encoded and rate-matched data stream. Further, scrambling is performed on the transcoded data stream. After scrambling, alignment marker (AM) insertion is performed on the scrambled data stream to add AM. After adding AM, forward error correction (FEC) encoding is performed on the AM-encoded data stream, and interleaving and distribution are performed on the FEC-encoded data to distribute the interleaved data to m PCS lanes connected to the PMA, where "PCS lane" can be abbreviated as "PCSL". In one example, FEC encoding can be performed using Reed-Solomon (RS) codes. "FEC encoding using RS codes" can also be called RS-FEC encoding. Correspondingly, the FEC codewords obtained by encoding can be called RS-FEC codewords.

[0155] Currently, the bandwidth of a single PCSL is 25Gbps. For a 100GE Ethernet interface, the number of PCSLs is 4; for a 200GE Ethernet interface, the number of PCSLs is 8; for a 400GE Ethernet interface, the number of PCSLs is 16; and for an 800GE Ethernet interface, the number of PCSLs is 32.

[0156] PMA can perform m:n bit multiplexing on data from PCS (i.e., data from m PCSLs), mapping the data transmitted in the m PCSLs to n physical channels, so that the data carried by these n physical channels can be subsequently sent to the receiving device. The n physical channels can be physical channels connecting the transmitting and receiving devices. The n physical channels can also be internal physical channels of the transmitting device, such as attachment unit interfaces (AUIs). When the n physical channels are internal physical channels of the transmitting device, the transmitting device can further map the data on the internal physical channels of the transmitting device to the physical channels connecting the transmitting and receiving devices to send the data to the receiving device. Wherein:

[0157] The AUI can be, for example, a SERDE. The physical channel connecting the transmitting and receiving devices can be a SERDE, an optical channel, or an electrical channel. An optical channel can be, for example, an optical fiber, and an electrical channel can be, for example, a cable.

[0158] The physical layer of the receiving device also includes PMD, PMA, and PCS. The operations performed by the physical layer of the receiving device are the inverse operations performed by the physical layer of the data sending device, which will not be described in detail here.

[0159] In another example, although not shown in Figure 1a, both the transmitting and receiving devices may include two parts or two PMAs. Assuming the transmitting (or receiving) device includes PMA1 and PMA2, ​​PMA1 connects to the PCS and PMA2, ​​and PMA2 connects to PMA1 and PMD. The PMA and PMD can be interconnected via an AUI, which includes, but is not limited to, SerDes. The PMD and PMA2 connected to it can belong to the PHY module or other modules, such as optical modules or other electrical modules; this is not limited here. The electrical modules mentioned here can be, for example, the retimer shown in Figure 2b or Figure 2d, the redriver shown in Figure 2c, or the electrical module shown in Figure 2h.

[0160] In the Ethernet protocol defined by the IEEE standard, when traffic is low, EEE technology is used to put the physical layer into LPI mode to save power. Specifically, EEE technology specifies that after a task is completed, some power-consuming components of the PHY layer of the Ethernet interface are turned off to save energy, and the turned-off power-consuming components are woken up before the next task arrives.

[0161] Please refer to Figure 1b, which shows a schematic diagram of a scenario for EEE technology.

[0162] As shown in Figure 1b, "active" indicates that the transmitting device is sending data to the receiving device, and "idle" indicates that the transmitting device is not sending data to the receiving device. In Figure 1b, Ts is the time it takes for the energy-consuming element to enter the sleep state from the working state (i.e., sleep time), Tw is the time it takes for the energy-consuming element to switch from the sleep state to the working state (i.e., wake-up time), and Tq is the energy-saving time that the energy-consuming element can achieve when it is actually in the sleep state.

[0163] It's easy to understand that, given a fixed IDLE time, a larger Ts+Tw results in a smaller actual energy-saving time Tq, and consequently, a worse energy-saving effect. Conversely, a smaller Ts+Tw results in a larger actual energy-saving time Tq, and consequently, a better energy-saving effect. When Ts+Tw = 0, the ideal 0 bits and 0 watts can be achieved, meaning energy consumption is directly proportional to link utilization.

[0164] However, due to limitations in device materials and manufacturing processes, it is difficult to achieve Ts+Tw=0. IEEE 802.3 has standardized a series of Ethernet interfaces. For example, the 802.3ae version released in 2002 standardized the EEE of the 10G BASE-T interface, requiring Ts=2.56 microseconds (us) and Tw=4.88us, that is: Ts+Tw=52.56us.

[0165] With Ts+Tw = 52.56µs, when network utilization is 10%, the energy consumption is equivalent to 88% of that when network utilization is 100%, resulting in poor energy saving. When network utilization is 20%, the energy consumption is equivalent to 81% of that when network utilization is 100%, also resulting in poor energy saving. When network utilization is 30%, the energy consumption is the same as that when network utilization is 100%, with almost no energy saving. The energy consumption mentioned here can include the energy consumption of the transmitting device and / or the energy consumption of the receiving device.

[0166] For a BASE-R optical link with a rate of 100 gigabits per second (Gbps), when Ts+Tw = 52.56us, the energy consumption level of a network utilization rate of 30% is equivalent to that of a network utilization rate of 100%, resulting in no energy saving effect; even if the network utilization rate is 2%, the energy consumption level is equivalent to 81% of the energy consumption of a network utilization rate of 100%.

[0167] Moreover, the higher the Ethernet interface speed, the smaller the Ts+Tw value needs to be to achieve energy saving. However, due to limitations in device materials and processes, it is difficult to guarantee a smaller Ts+Tw value.

[0168] In conclusion, current EEE technology does not perform well in terms of energy saving.

[0169] To improve the energy efficiency of communication devices, a channel-level energy-saving control method can be employed in one example. Specifically, when traffic is low, some channels can be shut down to save energy. Refer to Figure 1c for further understanding; Figure 1c illustrates a schematic diagram of a channel-level energy-saving scheme.

[0170] Figure 1c shows a schematic diagram of the interaction between two 400GE Ethernet interfaces. (Figure 1c:)

[0171] The 400GE Ethernet interface 1 and optical module 1 are interconnected via four sets of SerDes. These four sets of SerDes include four SerDes for data transmission from the 400GE Ethernet interface 1 to the optical module 1, and four SerDes for data transmission from the optical module 1 to the 400GE Ethernet interface 1. Similarly, the 400GE Ethernet interface 2 and optical module 2 are also interconnected via four sets of SerDes. These four sets of SerDes include four SerDes for data transmission from the 400GE Ethernet interface 2 to the optical module 2, and four SerDes for data transmission from the optical module 2 to the 400GE Ethernet interface 2. Each SerDes has a speed of 100Gbps.

[0172] Optical module 1 and optical module 2 are interconnected via four sets of optical fibers. These four sets of optical fibers include four fibers for transmitting data from optical module 1 to optical module 2, and four fibers for transmitting data from optical module 2 to optical module 1. Each fiber has a data rate of 100Gbps.

[0173] In one example, when the service traffic between 400GE Ethernet interface 1 and 400GE Ethernet interface 2 is low, three 100Gbps transceiver channels can be shut down to reduce power consumption. Specifically, the three SerDes channels between 400GE Ethernet interface 1 and optical module 1, the three SerDes channels between 400GE Ethernet interface 2 and optical module 2, and the three optical fibers between optical module 1 and optical module 2 can be shut down.

[0174] However, in the above scenarios, even if the traffic between Ethernet interface 1 and Ethernet interface 2 is very small (or even almost non-existent), a 100Gbps transceiver channel still needs to be kept in operation, resulting in a certain degree of power consumption waste.

[0175] It should be noted that in this application:

[0176] 1. Physical channels include, but are not limited to, AUI or PMD channels. For example, AUI may include SerDes, and PMD channels may be fiber optic cables or cables (e.g., copper cables).

[0177] 2. A channel rate of 100Gbps, as those skilled in the art will understand, is a common industry term and does not mean the channel rate is exactly 100Gbps. Rather, it means the channel rate is approximately equal to 100Gbps. The precise value of the channel rate could be, for example, 106.25Gbps or 103.125Gbps. Similarly, a channel rate (e.g., PCSL) of 25Gbps does not mean the channel rate is exactly 25Gbps, but rather that the channel rate is approximately equal to 25Gbps. The precise value of the channel rate could be, for example, 106.25 / 4Gbps or 103.125 / 4Gbps. Similarly, a channel rate of 50Gbps does not mean the channel rate is exactly 50Gbps, but rather that the channel rate is approximately equal to 50Gbps. The precise value of the channel rate could be, for example, 106.25 / 2Gbps or 103.125 / 2Gbps.

[0178] 3. The term "n*100GE Ethernet interface" is a common industry term, as those skilled in the art will understand. It does not mean that the Ethernet speed is precisely n*100Gbps, but rather that the Ethernet speed is approximately equal to n*100Gbps. The precise value of the Ethernet speed could be, for example, n*106.25Gbps or n*103.125Gbps. The value of n can be, for example, 1, 2, 4, or 8.

[0179] To improve energy efficiency, Figure 1d illustrates another energy-saving scheme. The energy-saving scheme shown in Figure 1d can clock-gated the MAC layer and physical layer even when there is no traffic, while simultaneously transmitting data in a specific format, such as a pseudo-random binary sequence (PRBS), into the channel. This ensures that the channel can be woken up in time so that it can be used to transmit traffic when it arrives.

[0180] However, this approach only saves power in the digital signal processing sections of the MAC layer and the PHY layer, but not in the analog signal processing section. Furthermore, in scenarios where communication occurs between Ethernet interfaces via optical modules, the optical modules are constantly operational, thus preventing energy savings.

[0181] In scenarios where communication occurs between Ethernet interfaces via optical modules, the power consumption ratio of the Ethernet interface (MAC layer + PHY) to the optical module is approximately 2:5, while the power consumption ratio of the Ethernet interface's digital signal processing to its analog signal processing is approximately 1:1. Therefore, in this scenario, the energy-saving benefit of the scheme shown in Figure 1d is approximately 1 / (2+5) = 14.2%, which is about 15%, indicating a moderate energy-saving effect.

[0182] In view of this, embodiments of this application provide an energy-saving solution and apparatus that can effectively reduce the power consumption of communication devices.

[0183] Before introducing the solutions provided in the embodiments of this application, we will first introduce the possible application scenarios of this application.

[0184] Referring to Figures 2a to 2h, which illustrate eight exemplary application scenarios of embodiments of this application.

[0185] As shown in Figure 2a, the transmitting and receiving devices are interconnected via SERDES. Both the transmitting and receiving devices include a MAC layer module, a PCS module, and a PMA module. The interconnection method shown in Figure 2a can be applied to scenarios such as chip interconnection, device interconnection, and board interconnection.

[0186] In the scenario shown in Figure 2a, the PCS of the transmitting device distributes the data to be transmitted on the PCSL. Correspondingly, the PMA of the transmitting device maps the data carried on the PCSL to the serdes between TX1 and RX1 and transmits it to the receiving device.

[0187] Correspondingly, the receiving device receives data through the serdes on TX1 and RX1. The PMA of the receiving device maps the data received through the serdes on TX1 and RX1 onto the PCSL and recovers the MAC frame sent by the transmitting device based on the data on the PCSL.

[0188] The difference between the scenario shown in Figure 2b and that in Figure 2a is that the transmitting device, in addition to the MAC layer module, PCS module, and PMA module, also includes a retimer. This retimer is used to recover the digital signal from the signal received from the PMA module and further perform error correction and signal amplification on the recovered digital signal. As an example, the retimer includes digital signal processing (DSP) and a driver (DRV). The DSP is used to recover the digital signal from the signal received from the PMA module and further perform error correction on the recovered digital signal. The driver is used to amplify the signal obtained after error correction.

[0189] In the scenario shown in Figure 2b, the PCS of the transmitting device distributes the data to be transmitted to be carried on the PCSL. Correspondingly, the PMA of the transmitting device maps the data carried on the PCSL to the serdes between TX1 and RX1 and transmits it to the re-timer. The re-timer maps the data received through the serdes between TX1 and RX1 to the serdes between TX3 and RX3 and transmits it to the receiving device.

[0190] Correspondingly, the receiving device receives data through the serdes on TX3 and RX3. The PMA of the receiving device maps the data received through the serdes on TX3 and RX3 onto the PCSL and recovers the MAC frame sent by the transmitting device based on the data on the PCSL.

[0191] The difference between the scenario shown in Figure 2c and that in Figure 2a is that, in addition to the MAC layer module, PCS module, and PMA module, the transmitting device also includes a secondary driver, which is used to equalize, repair, and amplify the signal received from the PMA module in the analog domain. Furthermore, the transmitting device and the receiving device are interconnected via a cable.

[0192] The scenario shown in Figure 2d differs from that in Figure 2a in that the transmitting device, in addition to the MAC layer module, PCS module, and PMA module, also includes a re-timer. As an example, the re-timer includes a DSP and a driver. Furthermore, the transmitting and receiving devices are interconnected via a cable. For a more detailed description of the re-timer, please refer to the preceding section; it will not be repeated here.

[0193] In the scenarios shown in Figures 2c and 2d, the PCS of the transmitting device distributes the data to be transmitted to be carried on the PCSL. Correspondingly, the PMA of the transmitting device maps the data carried on the PCSL to the serdes between TX1 and RX1 and transmits it to the secondary driver (or re-timer). The secondary driver (or re-timer) maps the data received through the serdes between TX1 and RX1 to the serdes between TX3 and RX3 and transmits it to the receiving device.

[0194] Correspondingly, the receiving device receives data through the serdes on TX3 and RX3. The PMA of the receiving device maps the data received through the serdes on TX3 and RX3 onto the PCSL and recovers the MAC frame sent by the transmitting device based on the data on the PCSL.

[0195] As shown in Figure 2e, the transmitting and receiving devices are interconnected via an optical lane. Both the transmitting and receiving devices include a MAC layer module, a PCS module, a PMA module, and an optical module. In both the transmitting and receiving devices, the PMA module and optical module are interconnected via SERDES. The optical module of the transmitting device includes a DSP, a driver, and a laser diode (LD). The optical module of the receiving device includes a photodiode (PD), a trans-impedance amplifier (TIA), and a DSP. The interconnection method shown in Figure 2e can be applied to short-distance or medium-distance optical interconnects. The DSP in the optical module can, for example, be an optical digital signal processor (oDSP).

[0196] The difference between the scenario shown in Figure 2f and the scenario shown in Figure 2e is that neither the optical module of the transmitting device nor the optical module of the receiving device includes a DSP. The interconnection method shown in Figure 2f can be applied to short-distance optical interconnection.

[0197] The difference between the scenario shown in Figure 2g and the scenario shown in Figure 2e is that the optical module of the receiving device does not include a DSP. The interconnection method shown in Figure 2g can be applied to short-distance optical interconnects.

[0198] In the scenarios shown in Figures 2e to 2g: the PCS of the transmitting device distributes the data to be transmitted to be carried on the PCSL. Correspondingly, the PMA of the transmitting device maps the data carried on the PCSL to the serdes between TX1 and RX1 and transmits it to the optical module. The optical module maps the data received through the serdes between TX1 and RX1 to the optical channel between TX2 and RX2 and transmits it to the receiving device.

[0199] Correspondingly, the receiving device receives data through the optical channels on TX2 and RX2. The optical module of the receiving device maps the data received through the optical channels on TX2 and RX2 onto the SERDES on TX3 and RX3 for transmission. The PMA of the receiving device maps the data received through the SERDES on TX3 and RX3 onto the PCSL and recovers the MAC frame sent by the transmitting device based on the data on the PCSL.

[0200] The difference between the scenario shown in Figure 2h and the scenario shown in Figure 2e is that neither the receiving nor transmitting device includes an optical module, but rather an electrical module. Correspondingly, the transmitting and receiving devices are interconnected via a cable. The electrical module of the transmitting device includes a DSP and a DRV, while the electrical module of the receiving device includes a DSP.

[0201] In the scenario shown in Figure 2h: the PCS of the transmitting device distributes the data to be transmitted to be carried on the PCSL. Correspondingly, the PMA of the transmitting device maps the data carried on the PCSL to the serdes between TX1 and RX1 and transmits it to the electrical module. The electrical module maps the data received through the serdes between TX1 and RX1 to the cable between TX2 and RX2 and transmits it to the receiving device.

[0202] Correspondingly, the receiving device receives data through the cables on TX2 and RX2. The electrical module of the receiving device maps the data received through the cables on TX2 and RX2 onto the serdes on TX3 and RX3 for transmission. The PMA of the receiving device maps the data received through the serdes on TX3 and RX3 onto the PCSL and recovers the MAC frame sent by the transmitting device based on the data on the PCSL.

[0203] Next, referring to Figure 3, the energy-saving method provided in the embodiments of this application will be described. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the signaling interaction of an energy-saving method provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0204] The method shown in Figure 3 can be applied to any of the application scenarios in Figures 2a to 2h. The first device in Figure 3 can correspond to the transmitting device in Figures 2a to 2h, and the second device in Figure 3 can correspond to the receiving device in Figures 2a to 2h. The method shown in Figure 3 includes the following steps S101-S104.

[0205] S101: The first device acquires first energy-saving indication information, the first energy-saving indication information includes a first energy-saving level, the first energy-saving level indicates the first energy-saving depth of the multi-segment channels included in the link through which the first device sends data to the second device, and the first energy-saving depth indicates the first energy-saving type of the multi-segment channels.

[0206] S102: The first device sends the first energy-saving instruction information to the second device.

[0207] In one example, the first device can send the first energy-saving indication information to the second device via a first message. This application embodiment does not specifically limit the first message. The first message may be, for example, a MAC frame, or a first control message. This application embodiment does not specifically limit the control protocol used by the first control message. The control protocol may be, for example, a protocol supported by the control plane of the first device, which will not be described in detail here.

[0208] In this application, the link through which the first device sends data to the second device includes multiple channels, including logical channels and physical channels.

[0209] in:

[0210] The logic channel includes a logic channel within the first device and a logic channel within the second device. The logic channel within the first device can be a PCSL in the PCS of the first device, and the logic channel within the second device can be a PCSL in the PCS of the second device.

[0211] In one example, the physical channel includes: a physical channel connecting the first device and the second device.

[0212] In another example, the physical channel includes, in addition to the physical channel connecting the first device and the second device, a physical channel within the first device and / or a physical channel within the second device.

[0213] As an example, when the method shown in Figure 3 is applied to the application scenario shown in Figure 2a, the multi-segment channel includes: the PCSL of the transmitting device, the serdes between TX1 and RX1, and the PCSL of the receiving device.

[0214] As another example, when the method shown in Figure 3 is applied to the application scenario shown in Figure 2b, Figure 2c, or Figure 2d, the multi-segment channel includes: the PCSL of the transmitting device, the serdes between TX1 and RX1, the serdes between TX3 and RX3, and the PCSL of the receiving device.

[0215] As another example, when the method shown in Figure 3 is applied to the application scenario shown in Figure 2e, Figure 2f, or Figure 2g, the multi-segment channel includes: the PCSL of the transmitting device, the serdes between TX1 and RX1, the optical channel between TX2 and RX2, the serdes between TX3 and RX3, and the PCSL of the receiving device.

[0216] As another example, when the method shown in Figure 3 is applied to the application scenario shown in Figure 2h, the multi-segment channel includes: the PCSL of the transmitting device, the serdes between TX1 and RX1, the cable between TX2 and RX2, the serdes between TX3 and RX3, and the PCSL of the receiving device.

[0217] In this application, the first energy-saving level indicates the first energy-saving depth of the multiple channels, wherein the energy-saving depth of the multiple channels is the same, for example, the energy-saving depth is E0. The first energy-saving depth is used to indicate the first energy-saving type of the multiple channels. Specifically, the first energy-saving depth is used to indicate the first energy-saving type of each channel in the multiple channels. For any two channels in the multiple channels, the first energy-saving type of these two channels can be the same or different. This application does not specifically limit this.

[0218] In one example, the first energy-saving indication information includes the first energy-saving depth corresponding to all channels in the multi-segment channels. In this scenario, the first energy-saving type indicated by the first energy-saving depth can include no energy saving, clock gating, or power gating. In other words, for any channel in the multi-segment channels (e.g., the first channel), the first energy-saving type of the first channel can include: no energy saving, clock gating, or power gating. Here, no energy saving means that the device (including but not limited to power supply, clock, and other processing circuits) is in an active state; clock gating means turning off the clock; and power gating means turning off the power supply.

[0219] In this scenario, the first energy-saving depth of all channels in the multi-channel segment can also be used to indicate the state of the multi-channel segment. Specifically, for a certain channel segment, if the first energy-saving type corresponding to that channel segment is not energy-saving, it indicates that the state of that channel segment is working. When the first energy-saving type corresponding to that channel segment is clock-gated or power-gated, it indicates that the state of that channel segment is not working.

[0220] In this application, a working channel (including physical channels and logical channels) refers to a channel used for transmitting service flows. A channel that is in a working state for a certain period of time (e.g., a first period of time) can be a channel that continuously transmits service flows during the first period of time, or a channel that intermittently transmits service flows during the first period of time. This application does not specifically limit this. Correspondingly, a non-working channel refers to a channel that is not used for transmitting service flows. Devices related to non-working channels can implement corresponding energy-saving measures to save energy.

[0221] In another example, the first energy efficiency level is used to indicate the first energy efficiency depth of a channel in a non-operating state among the multi-channel segments. In this scenario, the first energy efficiency type indicated by the first energy efficiency depth may include clock gating or power gating. In other words, for any channel in a non-operating state among the multi-channel segments (e.g., the second channel), the first energy efficiency type of the second channel may include clock gating or power gating.

[0222] In one example, the first energy-saving indication information may further include first channel status information, which indicates the status of the physical channel connecting the first device and the second device. As a specific example, the first channel status information indicates the status of each physical channel connecting the first device and the second device. In this case, if the first energy-saving level indicates the first energy-saving depth of the non-operating channels among the multiple channels, then based on the first energy-saving level and the first channel status information, it is possible to determine the operating physical channels among the physical channels connecting the first device and the second device, and the energy-saving type of the non-operating physical channels among the physical channels connecting the first device and the second device. For example:

[0223] The first and second devices are connected to four physical channels. The status information of the first channel is identified by four bits, which represent the status of physical channels 1 to 4 from high to low. A value of 1 indicates "working state" and a value of 0 indicates "non-working state". The power-saving depth E1 indicates clock gating and the power-saving depth E2 indicates power gating. Assuming the status information of the first channel is 1000 and the first power-saving depth is E1, it means that among these four physical channels, physical channel 1 is in the working state, the other three physical channels are in the non-working state, and the power-saving type of the other three physical channels is clock gating.

[0224] In one example, the first energy-saving indication information may also include the current energy-saving depth of the multi-segment channels. This allows the second device to determine whether to adjust the energy-saving type of the multi-segment channels based on the current energy-saving depth and the first energy-saving depth of the multi-segment channels. Regarding the current energy-saving depth, please refer to the preceding description of the first energy-saving depth; it will not be repeated here.

[0225] In another example, the first energy-saving indication information may further include second channel status information, which indicates the current status of the physical channel connecting the first device and the second device. In this way, the second device can determine whether to adjust the status of the physical channel connecting the first device and the second device based on the first and second channel status information.

[0226] In another example, the first energy-saving indication information may further include the start time of the first time period, used to instruct the second device to operate at the first energy-saving level from that start time. Optionally, the first energy-saving indication information may further include the end time of the first time period.

[0227] In one example, the first energy-saving indication information is used to trigger the second device to switch to the first energy-saving level. In other words, after receiving the first energy-saving indication information, the second device can trigger a switch in energy-saving level. As a specific example, the second device can switch to the first energy-saving level if the current energy-saving level is different from the first energy-saving level.

[0228] In one example, the first energy-saving level can be calculated by the first device. Specifically, the first device can perform the following steps A1-A2 to obtain the first energy-saving level.

[0229] Step A1: Determine the first traffic flow that the first device needs to send to the second device within the first time period.

[0230] In this application, the first time period is a future time period, or in other words, the first time period is a time period after the current moment.

[0231] The embodiments of this application do not specifically limit the duration of the first time period, and the duration of the first time period can be set according to the actual situation.

[0232] In one example, the first device can predict the first traffic based on historical traffic sent from the first device to the second device. As a specific example, the first device can analyze and process the aforementioned historical traffic using algorithms such as statistical models, machine learning models, and deep learning models to predict the first traffic. Alternatively, the first device can predict the first traffic based on the historical traffic and the traffic that the first device currently needs to send to the second device.

[0233] In another example, the first traffic may also be manually specified by the user (e.g., an administrator), which is not limited in this embodiment.

[0234] Step A2: Determine the first energy-saving level based on the first flow rate.

[0235] After determining the first flow rate, the first device can determine the first energy-saving level based on the first flow rate. Specifically, the first device can calculate the first energy-saving level based on the first flow rate, with the principle of ensuring the normal forwarding of the first flow rate and maximizing energy-saving benefits.

[0236] In a specific example, when determining the first energy-saving level, the first device can consider the link type between the first device and the second device. The link type between the first device and the second device mentioned here can correspond to any of the application scenarios in Figures 2a to 2h. In this scenario, step A2 can specifically include steps A21-A22 as follows.

[0237] Step A21: Based on the first traffic volume and the bandwidth of the physical channel connecting the first device and the second device, determine the number of physical channels in operation among the physical channels connecting the first device and the second device.

[0238] In one example, the first device may determine the number of physical channels in operation among the physical channels connected to the first device and the second device, based on the principle that the total bandwidth of the physical channels in operation is greater than the bandwidth corresponding to the first traffic.

[0239] Taking the link type between the first device and the second device as shown in Figure 2a as an example: Assuming that the first device sends data to the second device through 4 serdes, each serdes has a bandwidth of 100Gbps, and the first traffic is 50Gbps, then it can be determined that the number of serdes in the working state in the physical channel connecting the first device and the second device is 1.

[0240] Step A22: Determine the first energy-saving depth of the multi-segment channel based on the energy-saving depth information corresponding to the first link type. The energy-saving depth information corresponding to the first link type includes: the energy-saving depth and the energy-saving type of the multi-segment channel included in the first link type corresponding to the energy-saving depth.

[0241] The energy-saving depth information corresponding to the first link type is explained in conjunction with Tables 1 and 2 below.

[0242] In one example, if the first link type is the link type shown in Figure 2a, then the energy-saving depth information corresponding to the first link type can be shown in Table 1 below. Starting from the second row of Table 1, each row represents one energy-saving depth information. Table 1 shows the energy-saving type of each channel segment corresponding to the four energy-saving depths. In Table 1, the virtual channel includes the virtual channel of the transmitting device and the virtual channel of the receiving device. Under any energy-saving depth, the energy-saving type of the virtual channel of the transmitting device and the energy-saving type of the virtual channel of the receiving device are the same.

[0243] Table 1

[0244] In another example, if the first link type is any one of the link types in Figures 2b to 2d, then the energy-saving depth information corresponding to the first link type is shown in Table 2, which displays the energy-saving types of each channel segment under the four energy-saving depths. In Table 2, the virtual channel also includes the virtual channel of the transmitting device and the virtual channel of the receiving device. Under any energy-saving depth, the energy-saving type of the virtual channel of the transmitting device and the energy-saving type of the virtual channel of the receiving device are the same.

[0245] Table 2

[0246] In another example, if the first link type is any one of the link types in Figures 2e to 2h, then the energy-saving depth information corresponding to the first link type can be shown in Table 3 below. Table 3 shows the energy-saving types of multi-segment channels corresponding to the four energy-saving depths. In Table 3, the virtual channel also includes the virtual channel of the transmitting device and the virtual channel of the receiving device. At any energy-saving depth, the energy-saving type of the virtual channel of the transmitting device and the energy-saving type of the virtual channel of the receiving device are the same.

[0247] Table 3

[0248] It should be noted that Tables 1 to 3 are shown only for the convenience of understanding this solution and do not constitute a limitation on the embodiments of this application. The energy-saving depth information mentioned in this application is not limited to the contents shown in Tables 1 to 3.

[0249] In one example, the first device may store energy-saving depth information corresponding to multiple link types. The first device can first determine the first link type. After determining the first link type, it can determine the energy-saving depth information corresponding to the first link type from the energy-saving depth information corresponding to the multiple link types. For example, if the first device stores Tables 1 to 3, and the first link type is the link type shown in Figure 2a, then the first device can determine the energy-saving depth information shown in Table 1 as the energy-saving depth information corresponding to the first link type.

[0250] After determining the energy-saving depth information corresponding to the first link type, the first device can determine the first energy-saving depth of the multiple channels based on the energy-saving depth information corresponding to the first link type. Specifically, the first device can select the energy-saving depth with the best energy-saving effect from multiple energy-saving depths corresponding to the first link type as the first energy-saving depth. As a specific example, the first device can determine the energy-saving benefits that can be obtained by each energy-saving depth based on the sleep time and wake-up time of the channel under various energy-saving types, and determine the energy-saving depth with the best energy-saving benefits as the first energy-saving depth.

[0251] For example, assuming the energy-saving depth information corresponding to the first link type is as shown in Table 1, we can combine the time for the second device to perform sleep and wake-up on devices related to RX1, the time for the second device to perform sleep and wake-up on devices related to the virtual channel, and the duration of the first time period to calculate the energy-saving benefits obtained for energy-saving depths of 0, 1, and 2 respectively. Assuming that the energy-saving benefit corresponding to energy-saving depth 2 is the largest, then energy-saving depth 2 can be determined as the first energy-saving depth. The "time for performing sleep and wake-up" mentioned here refers to "sleep time and wake-up time".

[0252] S103: The second device receives the first energy-saving instruction information sent by the first device.

[0253] S104: The second device switches to the first energy-saving level according to the first energy-saving instruction information.

[0254] After the first device sends the first energy-saving instruction information to the second device, the second device can receive the first energy-saving instruction information. Furthermore, the second device can switch to the first energy-saving level based on the first energy-saving instruction information. For example, the second device can switch to the first energy-saving level if the current energy-saving level is different from the first energy-saving level. After switching to the first energy-saving level, the second device can operate at the first energy-saving level.

[0255] In one example, the second device switching to the first energy efficiency level includes at least two parts:

[0256] Part 1: The physical channel controlling the working state of the physical channel connecting the first device and the second device is in an operational state. In a specific implementation, this part can be a receiving component that controls the "operational state of the physical channel connecting the first device and the second device" to be in an operational state.

[0257] Part Two: Controlling the non-operating physical channels in the physical channels connecting the first and second devices to operate in the corresponding energy-saving mode. Specifically, in its implementation:

[0258] The second device can use the first energy-saving depth to query the energy-saving depth information corresponding to the aforementioned first link type, thereby obtaining the energy-saving type corresponding to the non-working physical channel in the physical channel connecting the first device and the second device, and further controlling the non-working physical channel to operate in the corresponding energy-saving type. Assuming the first energy-saving level is E1, and the energy-saving depth information corresponding to the first link type is shown in Table 1, the second device can determine that the energy-saving type of the aforementioned non-working physical channel is clock-gated, and accordingly, the second device can control the non-working physical channel to be in a clock-gated state.

[0259] In a specific example, the second device controls the non-working physical channel in the physical channel connecting the first device and the second device to operate in the corresponding energy-saving mode. This can refer to the second device controlling the receiving component corresponding to the "non-working physical channel in the physical channel connecting the first device and the second device" to operate in the corresponding energy-saving mode.

[0260] As described above, data received by the second device through its physical channel connected to the first device is mapped to the logical channel of the second device. In other words, the physical channel connecting the first and second devices has a certain mapping relationship with the logical channel within the second device. Accordingly, for a physical channel in the physical channel connecting the first and second devices that is in a working state, the corresponding logical channel in the second device is also in a working state. Therefore:

[0261] In one example, the switching of the second device to the first energy-saving level, in its specific implementation, also includes:

[0262] The system controls the logical channels in the first logical channel group to be in an operational state. Data transmitted on the operational physical channels of the physical channels connecting the first and second devices is mapped and carried in the first logical channel to ensure that the second device can properly process data received through the operational physical channels of the physical channels connecting the first and second devices. The first logical channel group includes one or more logical channels, and all logical channels in the first logical channel group are logical channels of the second device.

[0263] In one example, the second device further includes a second logical channel group, which also includes one or more logical channels, and the logical channels in the second logical channel group are in a non-operating state. In one example, the second logical channel group and the first logical channel group constitute all the logical channels of the second device that carry the traffic it receives from the first device. The second device can further control the logical channels in the second logical channel group to operate in a corresponding energy-saving mode. Specifically, the second device can perform the following steps B1-B3 to control the logical channels in the second logical channel group to operate in a corresponding energy-saving mode.

[0264] Step B1: Obtain the energy-saving depth information corresponding to the first link type based on the first link type between the first device and the second device.

[0265] For information on the first link type and the corresponding energy-saving depth, please refer to the relevant descriptions above; they will not be repeated here.

[0266] Step B2: Determine the energy-saving depth information that matches the first energy-saving depth in the energy-saving depth information corresponding to the first link type, so as to obtain the energy-saving type of the logical channel in the second logical channel group.

[0267] After obtaining the energy-saving depth information corresponding to the first link type, the energy-saving depth information corresponding to the first link type can be queried using the first energy-saving depth as an index, thereby obtaining energy-saving depth information that matches the first energy-saving depth. After obtaining the energy-saving depth information that matches the first energy-saving depth, the energy-saving type of the logical channel in the second logical channel group can be determined from it. For example:

[0268] Assuming the energy-saving depth information corresponding to the first link type is shown in Table 1, and the first energy-saving depth is E1, then according to Table 1, the energy-saving type of the logic channel in the second logic channel group is clock gating.

[0269] Step B3: Control the logic channels in the second logic channel group to operate in the corresponding energy-saving mode.

[0270] After determining the energy-saving type of the logic channels in the second logic channel group, the logic channels in the second logic channel group can be controlled to operate in the corresponding energy-saving type. For example, all logic channels in the second logic channel group can be controlled to operate in a clock-gated state. Controlling the logic channels to operate in the corresponding energy-saving type refers to controlling the devices and circuits related to the logic channels to operate in a clock-gated state.

[0271] In one example, as described above for Figures 2a to 2h:

[0272] The physical channel connecting the first device and the second device can be directly mapped to the logical channel of the second device. For example, in the scenarios shown in Figures 2a to 2d, the physical channel connecting the first device and the second device is directly mapped to the logical channel of the second device.

[0273] The physical channel connecting the first device and the second device can be indirectly mapped to the logical channel of the second device. For example, in the scenarios shown in Figures 2e to 2h, the physical channel connecting the first device and the second device is first mapped to the physical channel (i.e., serdes) inside the receiving device, and then mapped from the physical channel inside the second device to the logical channel of the second device.

[0274] In this application, mapping channel A (e.g., a physical channel connecting the first and second devices) to channel B (e.g., a logical channel of the second device) means that the data carried by channel A is mapped to be carried on channel B.

[0275] In one example, if the physical channel connecting the first device and the second device is indirectly mapped to the logical channel of the second device, then in this scenario, the second device includes a first module and a second module, which are connected via a physical channel. The second module is used to connect to the first device. In this case, data received by the second device through the physical channel connecting the first and second devices is first mapped to the physical channel connecting the first and second modules. Then, data transmitted on the physical channel connecting the first and second modules is mapped to the aforementioned first logical channel group. In this scenario, the switching of the second device to the first energy-saving level, in its specific implementation, also includes the following steps B4-B5.

[0276] Step B4: The first module sends a second energy-saving indication information to the second module. The second energy-saving indication information includes: third channel status information and the first energy-saving depth of the non-working channel in the multi-segment channel. The third channel status information indicates that the logical channel in the first logical channel group is in the working state.

[0277] In one example, the third channel status information may include the number of the logical channel in the first logical channel group. As an example, the logical channel numbers in the first logical channel group are consecutive; for instance, the first logical channel group includes four logical channels numbered 0, 1, 2, and 3. In this scenario, the first notification status information may include the maximum and minimum numbers of the logical channels in the third logical channel group.

[0278] Step B5: The second module controls the first physical channel in the physical channel between the first module and the second module to be in a working state, wherein the data transmitted on the working physical channel in the physical channel connecting the first device and the second device is mapped onto the first physical channel, and the data transmitted on the first physical channel is mapped to be carried in the first logical channel group.

[0279] In one example, the data transmitted on the physical channel in the working state of the physical channel connecting the first device and the second device is mapped to the first physical channel connecting the first module and the second module. Therefore, after the second module receives the second energy-saving instruction information, it can control the first physical channel to be in the working state to ensure that the first physical channel can normally carry the data received by the second device from the first device.

[0280] In addition, the specific implementation of the second device switching to the first energy-saving level also includes the following steps B6-B7.

[0281] Step B6: Determine the energy-saving type of the second physical channel based on the first energy-saving depth of the non-working channel in the multi-segment channel. The second physical channel is the non-working physical channel between the first module and the second module.

[0282] Step B7: Control the second physical channel to operate in the corresponding energy-saving mode.

[0283] In one example, the second device can query the energy-saving depth information corresponding to the first link type based on the first energy-saving depth indicated in the second energy-saving indication information, thereby obtaining the energy-saving type of the second physical channel, and further controlling the second physical channel to operate in the corresponding energy-saving type. For example, the energy-saving depth information corresponding to the first link type is shown in Table 3. If the first energy-saving depth is E1, then according to Table 3, the energy-saving type corresponding to the second physical channel is clock-gated. Therefore, the second device can control the second physical channel to operate in clock-gated state.

[0284] Regarding Module 1 and Module 2, it should be noted that:

[0285] If the link type between the first device and the second device is as shown in Figure 2e, or Figure 2f, or Figure 2g, then the first module can be a module in the receiving device that includes PMA, PCS, and MAC, and the second module is an optical module of the receiving device.

[0286] If the link type between the first device and the second device is as shown in Figure 2h, then the first module can be a module in the receiving device that includes PMA, PCS and MAC, and the second module is an electrical module of the receiving device.

[0287] It should be noted that the second device controlling the first physical channel to operate in a working state can mean that both the transmitting component and the receiving component of the first physical channel are operating in a working state. Similarly, the second device controlling the second physical channel to operate in a clock-gated state can mean that both the transmitting component and the receiving component of the second physical channel are in a clock-gated state.

[0288] In one example, after the first device determines the first energy-saving level, in addition to sending the first energy-saving instruction information to the second device, the first device can also switch to the first energy-saving level and operate at the first energy-saving level.

[0289] In one example, the first device switching to the first energy efficiency level may include at least two parts:

[0290] Part 1: The physical channel controlling the working state of the physical channel connecting the first device and the second device is in an operational state. In a specific implementation, this part can be a transmitting component that controls the working state of the physical channel connecting the first device and the second device.

[0291] Part Two: Controlling the non-operating physical channels in the physical channels connecting the first and second devices to operate in the corresponding energy-saving mode. Specifically, in its implementation:

[0292] The first device can use the first energy-saving depth to query the energy-saving depth information corresponding to the aforementioned first link type, thereby obtaining the energy-saving type corresponding to the non-working physical channel in the physical channel connecting the first device and the second device, and further controlling the non-working physical channel to operate in the corresponding energy-saving type. Assuming the first energy-saving level is E1, and the energy-saving depth information corresponding to the first link type is shown in Table 1, the first device can determine that the energy-saving type of the aforementioned non-working physical channel is clock-gated, and accordingly, the first device can control the non-working physical channel to be in a clock-gated state.

[0293] In a specific example, the first device controls the non-working physical channel in the physical channel connecting the first device and the second device to operate in the corresponding energy-saving mode. This can refer to the first device controlling the transmitting component corresponding to the "non-working physical channel in the physical channel connecting the first device and the second device" to operate in the corresponding energy-saving mode.

[0294] As described above, the data carried on the logical channel of the first device is mapped to the physical channel connecting the first and second devices for transmission. In other words, the physical channel connecting the first and second devices has a certain mapping relationship with the logical channel within the first device. Correspondingly, for the physical channel in the physical channel connecting the first and second devices that is in a working state, the corresponding logical channel in the first device is also in a working state. Therefore:

[0295] In one example, the switching of the first device to the first energy-saving level, in its specific implementation, also includes:

[0296] The control ensures that the logical channels in the third logical channel group are in an active state. The data carried by the third logical channel group is mapped to and transmitted on the physical channel in the active state of the physical channel connecting the first and second devices. The third logical channel group includes one or more logical channels, all of which are logical channels of the first device.

[0297] In one example, the first device further includes a fourth logical channel group, which also includes one or more logical channels, and the logical channels in the fourth logical channel group are in a non-operating state. In one example, the fourth logical channel group and the third logical channel group constitute all the logical channels through which the first device carries traffic sent to the second device. The first device can further control the logical channels in the fourth logical channel group to operate in a corresponding energy-saving mode. Specifically, the first device can perform the following steps C1-C3 to control the logical channels in the fourth logical channel group to operate in a corresponding energy-saving mode.

[0298] Step C1: Obtain the energy-saving depth information corresponding to the first link type based on the first link type between the first device and the second device.

[0299] For information on the first link type and the corresponding energy-saving depth, please refer to the relevant descriptions above; they will not be repeated here.

[0300] Step C2: Determine the energy-saving depth information that matches the first energy-saving depth in the energy-saving depth information corresponding to the first link type, so as to obtain the energy-saving type of the logical channel in the fourth logical channel group.

[0301] After obtaining the energy-saving depth information corresponding to the first link type, the energy-saving depth information corresponding to the first link type can be queried using the first energy-saving depth as an index, thereby obtaining energy-saving depth information matching the first energy-saving depth. After obtaining the energy-saving depth information matching the first energy-saving depth, the energy-saving type of the logical channel in the fourth logical channel group can be determined from it. For example:

[0302] Assuming the energy-saving depth information corresponding to the first link type is shown in Table 1, and the first energy-saving depth is E1, then according to Table 1, the energy-saving type of the logic channel in the fourth logic channel group is clock gating.

[0303] Step C3: Control the logic channels in the fourth logic channel group to operate in the corresponding energy-saving mode.

[0304] After determining the energy-saving type of the logic channels in the fourth logic channel group, the logic channels in the fourth logic channel group can be controlled to operate in the corresponding energy-saving type. For example, all logic channels in the fourth logic channel group can be controlled to operate in a clock-gated state. Controlling the logic channels to operate in the corresponding energy-saving type refers to controlling the devices and circuits related to the logic channels to operate in a clock-gated state.

[0305] In one example, as described above for Figures 2a to 2h:

[0306] The logical channel of the first device can be directly mapped to the physical channel connecting the first device and the second device. For example, in the scenario shown in Figure 2a, the logical channel of the first device can be directly mapped to the physical channel connecting the first device and the second device.

[0307] The logical channel of the first device can also be indirectly mapped to the physical channel connecting the first device and the second device. For example, in the scenarios shown in Figures 2b to 2h, the logical channel of the first device is first mapped to the physical channel (i.e., serdes) inside the first device, and then the physical channel inside the first device is mapped to the physical channel connecting the first device and the second device.

[0308] In one example, if the logical channel of the first device is indirectly mapped to the physical channel connecting the first and second devices, then in this scenario, the first device includes a third module and a fourth module, which are connected via a physical channel. The fourth module is used to connect to the second device. In this case, the data carried on the logical channel of the first device is first mapped to the physical channel connecting the third and fourth modules for transmission. Then, the data transmitted on the physical channel connecting the third and fourth modules is mapped to the physical channel connecting the first and second devices for transmission to the second device. In this scenario, the switching of the first device to the first energy-saving level, in its specific implementation, also includes the following steps C4-C5.

[0309] Step C4: The third module sends a third energy-saving indication message to the fourth module. The third energy-saving indication message includes: fourth channel status information and the first energy-saving depth of the physical channel in the non-working state among the multi-segment channels. The fourth channel status information indicates that the logical channel in the third logical channel group is in the working state.

[0310] Step C5: The fourth module controls the third physical channel in the physical channel between the third module and the fourth module to be in working state. The data carried by the third logical channel group is mapped to the third physical channel for transmission. The data transmitted on the third physical channel is mapped to the physical channel connecting the first device and the second device, and transmitted on the physical channel in working state.

[0311] In addition, the specific implementation of the first device switching to the first energy-saving level also includes the following steps C6-C7.

[0312] Step C6: Determine the energy-saving type of the fourth physical channel based on the first energy-saving depth of the non-working channel in the multi-segment channel. The fourth physical channel is the non-working physical channel between the third module and the fourth module.

[0313] Step C7: Control the fourth physical channel to operate in the corresponding energy-saving mode.

[0314] Regarding Modules 3 and 4, it should be noted that:

[0315] If the link type between the first device and the second device is as shown in Figure 2e, or Figure 2f, or Figure 2g, then the third module can be a module in the transmitting device that includes PMA, PCS, and MAC, and the fourth module is an optical module of the transmitting device.

[0316] If the link type between the first device and the second device is as shown in Figure 2h, then the third module can be a module in the transmitting device that includes PMA, PCS and MAC, and the fourth module is an electrical module of the transmitting device.

[0317] It should be noted that the first device controlling the third physical channel to operate in a working state can mean that both the transmitting and receiving components of the third physical channel are operating in a working state. Similarly, the first device controlling the fourth physical channel to operate in a clock-gated state can mean that both the transmitting and receiving components of the fourth physical channel are in a clock-gated state.

[0318] The implementation principle of steps C4-C7 is the same as that of steps B4-B7. Therefore, for the specific implementation of steps C4-C7, please refer to the description of steps B4-B7 above. The description will not be repeated here.

[0319] As described above, using the solution of this application embodiment, the second device can receive the first energy-saving instruction information sent by the first device, thereby controlling the second device to switch to the first energy-saving level and operate at the first energy-saving level. Alternatively, the first device can also switch to the first energy-saving level and operate at that level. The first and second devices can achieve channel-level energy-saving control, and when performing energy-saving control on the multiple channels, control can be performed based on the first energy-saving depth, resulting in higher precision in energy-saving control and, correspondingly, better power consumption reduction. In other words, this solution can effectively reduce power consumption.

[0320] In one example, the first device may also send a switching instruction to the second device, which instructs the second device to switch from a first energy-saving level to a target operating mode. That is, the switching instruction is used to instruct the second device to switch operating modes.

[0321] In a specific example, the first device can send the handover instruction information to the second device via a second message, which is different from the aforementioned first message. Similar to the first message, the second message can be a MAC frame or a second control message; this embodiment does not impose specific limitations. As an example, the first device can send the handover instruction information to the second device before the end of a first time period, so that the second device can complete the handover to the target operating mode at the end of the first time period.

[0322] In another specific example, the switching indication information can be carried within the aforementioned first energy-saving indication information. Correspondingly, the first energy-saving indication information may also include the target operating mode. In one example, the switching indication information could be a first moment, used to instruct the second device to begin switching from the first energy-saving level to the target operating mode at that first moment. The first moment mentioned here can be a moment within a first time period, for example, the moment obtained by subtracting the wake-up time of the second device's channel from the end of the first time period. This allows the second device to complete the switching to the target operating mode at the end of the first time period. In this scenario, after receiving the first energy-saving indication information, the second device can first switch to the first energy-saving level, and then switch from the first energy-saving level to the target operating mode when the first moment arrives.

[0323] In one example, the aforementioned target operating mode can be a normal operating mode, which can also be understood as a non-energy-saving mode. In normal operating mode, all the aforementioned channels are in operation. In this scenario, after operating at the first energy-saving level for a period of time, the first and second devices switch to normal operating mode.

[0324] In another example, the aforementioned target operating mode may include a second energy-saving level, wherein the second energy-saving level indicates a second energy-saving depth of the multi-segment channels, and the second energy-saving depth indicates a second energy-saving type of the multi-segment channels. Regarding the second energy-saving level, please refer to the description of the first energy-saving level above; it will not be repeated here. In one example, in addition to including the second energy-saving level, the target operating mode may also include fifth channel status information to indicate the status of the physical channel connecting the first device and the second device. Thus, the target operating mode can indicate the operating physical channel in the physical channel connecting the first device and the second device, and the second energy-saving depth of the non-operating physical channel in the physical channel connecting the first device and the second device.

[0325] In a scenario where the first device sends a switching instruction to the second device, the first device can also control the first device to switch from the first energy-saving level to the target working mode. In this way, both the first device and the second device operate in the target working mode, thereby enabling normal communication between the first device and the second device.

[0326] Specifically, when the target operating mode is the second energy-saving level, the first device switches to the second energy-saving level, and the second device also switches to the second energy-saving level. The specific implementation of the first device switching to the second energy-saving level is the same as the principle of the first device switching to the first energy-saving level. Therefore, for the specific implementation of "the first device switching to the second energy-saving level," please refer to the previous description of "the first device switching to the first energy-saving level," which will not be repeated here. Similarly, the specific implementation of the second device switching to the second energy-saving level is the same as the principle of the second device switching to the first energy-saving level. Therefore, for the specific implementation of "the second device switching to the second energy-saving level," please refer to the previous description of "the second device switching to the first energy-saving level," which will not be repeated here.

[0327] In one example, the aforementioned target operating mode can be determined through the following steps D1-D2.

[0328] Step D1: Determine the second data flow that the first device needs to send to the second device within the second time period, where the second time period is the time period following the first time period.

[0329] In one example, the start time of the second time period is the same as the end time of the first time period.

[0330] Step D2: Determine the target operating mode based on the second flow rate.

[0331] The implementation principle of steps D1-D2 is the same as that of steps A1-A2. Therefore, for the specific implementation of steps D1-D2, please refer to the description of steps A1-A2 above. The description will not be repeated here.

[0332] As a specific example, in the scenario where the aforementioned target operating mode includes a second energy-saving level, the second energy-saving level is determined based on the second flow rate.

[0333] As another specific example, in the scenario where the target operating mode is the normal operating mode, the normal operating mode can be the default operating mode. That is, after the first and second devices have been running at the first energy-saving level for a period of time, they will switch to the normal operating mode by default.

[0334] In one example, the aforementioned first energy-saving level further indicates the third energy-saving depth of the channels in operation within the multi-channel configuration, and the third energy-saving depth indicates the third energy-saving type of the channels in operation within the multi-channel configuration. The third energy-saving type mentioned here can be clock-gated or power-gated. Specifically, the third energy-saving depth can indicate the third energy-saving type of the channels in operation within each of the multi-channel configurations, wherein for any two channels in operation, the third energy-saving type of these two channels can be the same or different. The third energy-saving type mentioned here includes clock-gated or power-gated. In other words, for the "channels in operation within the multi-channel configuration," they are not always in a non-energy-saving state; they can also support operation in a clock-gated state or a power-gated state, thereby effectively reducing power consumption.

[0335] In one example, the total number of physical channels connected to the first device and the second device is M, where M is an integer greater than 1. As a specific example, when all M physical channels are in operation, the first energy-saving level also indicates the third energy-saving depth of the operating channels among the multiple channels. That is, when all physical channels connected to the first device and the second device need to be used to transmit service traffic, all M physical channels can operate in the third energy-saving type. Correspondingly, other channels that have a mapping relationship with these M physical channels can also operate in the corresponding third energy-saving type. The other channels mentioned here include at least: logical channels within the first device and logical channels within the second device. Optionally, the other channels also include: physical channels within the first device, and / or, physical channels within the second device.

[0336] As another example, when only one of the aforementioned M physical channels is operational, the first energy-saving level also indicates the third energy-saving depth of the operational channel among the multiple channels. In other words, when only one physical channel connecting the first device and the second device is used to transmit service traffic, this physical channel is not operating at full speed, but rather in the third energy-saving type for part of the time. Correspondingly, other channels that have a mapping relationship with this physical channel can also operate in the corresponding third energy-saving type. In this case, when the traffic to be sent from the first device to the second device is small, power consumption can be effectively reduced.

[0337] In this application, the third energy-saving type corresponding to different channel segments with mapping relationships can be the same or different, and the embodiments of this application do not make specific limitations.

[0338] In one example, if the third power-saving type of the channel in the aforementioned multi-channel configuration is clock-gated, then the channel in the configuration can, for example, be used to transmit data in a specific format so that the channel can be quickly woken up. The specific data format mentioned here could be, for example, PRBS.

[0339] For ease of description, any one of the physical channels in the "physical channels in the working state of the physical channels connecting the first device and the second device" is referred to as the "fifth physical channel". In one example, when the fifth physical channel corresponds to the third energy-saving depth, the first device operates at the first energy-saving level. In specific implementation, this includes:

[0340] In response to pending traffic, the fifth physical channel is controlled to be in a non-energy-saving state to forward the pending traffic; in response to no pending traffic, the fifth physical channel is controlled to be in a clock-gated or power-gated state. Specifically, in response to pending traffic, the first device controls the transmitting component of the fifth physical channel to be in a non-energy-saving state; in response to no pending traffic, the first device controls the transmitting component of the fifth physical channel to be in a clock-gated or power-gated state. That is, when traffic needs to be forwarded, the fifth physical channel is controlled to be in a non-energy-saving state, thereby utilizing the fifth physical channel to forward traffic; when traffic does not need to be forwarded, the fifth physical channel is controlled to be in a clock-gated or power-gated state to save power consumption of the fifth physical channel. In this scenario, compared with the aforementioned method of always keeping one physical channel working, this solution can effectively reduce power consumption.

[0341] In a specific example, the first device may be equipped with a first buffer. When the first device receives data, it first buffers the received data in the first buffer. Furthermore, the first device polls the first buffer in real time to determine whether the first buffer contains data. If it determines that the first buffer contains data, the first device may, in response to the presence of data in the first buffer, wake up the fifth physical channel (specifically, wake up the transmitting component of the fifth physical channel), that is, control the fifth physical channel to be in a non-energy-saving state to forward the data in the first buffer. Conversely, if it determines that the first buffer does not contain data, the first device may, in response to the absence of data in the first buffer, control the fifth physical channel to be in a clock-gated state or a power-gated state (specifically, control the transmitting component of the fifth physical channel to be in a clock-gated state or a power-gated state).

[0342] Accordingly, in one example, where the fifth physical channel corresponds to the third energy-saving depth, the second device operates at the first energy-saving level in a specific implementation, including:

[0343] The second device establishes a traffic model to predict the pattern of traffic transmission from the first device to the second device through the fifth physical channel. Furthermore, based on this pattern, the second device wakes up the receiving component of the fifth physical channel when the first device transmits traffic to the second device through the fifth physical channel, and controls the receiving component of the fifth physical channel to be in either a clock-gated or power-gated state when the first device does not transmit traffic to the second device through the fifth physical channel.

[0344] In addition, considering that the first device needs a certain switching time to switch from the first energy saving level to the target working mode, during this switching time, some traffic to be sent from the first device to the second device may not be sent in time. In this scenario, the first device can cache the traffic that cannot be sent in time in the second cache. After the first device completes the switch to the target working mode, the data in the second cache is sent to the second device, thereby avoiding packet loss of business traffic at the first device.

[0345] This application does not specifically limit the capacity of the second cache. In one example, the capacity of the second cache may be the product of the bandwidth difference and the aforementioned switching time. The bandwidth difference is the difference between the first total bandwidth and the second total bandwidth. The first total bandwidth is the total bandwidth of the physical channel in the working state of the physical channel connecting the first device and the second device corresponding to the first energy saving level. The second total bandwidth is the total bandwidth of the physical channel in the working state of the physical channel connecting the first device and the second device corresponding to the target working mode.

[0346] Using the solution of this application embodiment, the operating modes of the first and second devices can be adaptively adjusted according to the traffic sent from the first device to the second device. Theoretically, this solution can achieve a transition between any two operating modes. This can be understood in conjunction with Figure 4, which shows a schematic diagram of the operating mode transition.

[0347] In Figure 4, the working mode EE x1y1,x2y2 This refers to the physical channel connecting the transmitting and receiving devices:

[0348] There are y1 physical channels in the working state and y2 physical channels in the non-working state. The energy-saving depth of the physical channels in the working state is x1, and the energy-saving depth of the physical channels in the non-working state is x2. y1 and y2 can be obtained from the first channel status information in the above embodiments. x1 corresponds to the third energy-saving level in the above embodiments, and x2 corresponds to the first energy-saving level in the above embodiments. The total number of physical channels connected to the transmitting and receiving devices is N.

[0349] As shown in Figure 4:

[0350] Work mode EE0N,00 This indicates that all N physical channels are in working condition, and the energy-saving depth of these N physical channels is 0 (no energy saving).

[0351] Work mode EE 0(N-1),X1 This indicates that all N-1 physical channels are in working condition and the energy saving depth of these N-1 physical channels is 0 (no energy saving), while one physical channel is in non-working condition and its energy saving depth is X.

[0352] Work mode EE 0(N-p),Yp This indicates that all Np physical channels are in working state and the energy saving depth of these Np physical channels is 0 (no energy saving), while p physical channels are in non-working state and their energy saving depth is Y.

[0353] Work mode EE 01,Z(N-1) This indicates that one physical channel is in a working state and its energy-saving depth is 0 (no energy saving), while the other (N-1) physical channels are in a non-working state and their energy-saving depth is Z.

[0354] Work mode EE W1,K(N-1) This indicates that one physical channel is in a working state and its energy-saving depth is W, while the other (N-1) physical channels are in a non-working state and their energy-saving depth is K.

[0355] Work mode EE QN,00 This indicates that all N physical channels are in working condition, and the energy-saving depth of these N physical channels is Q.

[0356] It should be noted that although only the state and energy-saving depth of the physical channel are shown in Figure 4, in application, the state of other channels that have a mapping relationship with the physical channel is consistent with the state of the physical channel. Correspondingly, the energy-saving depth of other channels that have a mapping relationship with the physical channel is also consistent with the energy-saving depth of the physical channel.

[0357] Next, referring to the scenario shown in Figure 5, a possible implementation of the embodiments of this application will be introduced. Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary application scenario provided by an embodiment of this application. It can correspond to the scenarios shown in Figures 2e to 2h. Figure 5 shows the channel through which the transmitting device sends data to the receiving device. Wherein:

[0358] When the application scenario shown in Figure 5 corresponds to the application scenario shown in Figure 2e, “PMD / DSP” in Figure 5 corresponds to the optical module in Figure 2e.

[0359] When the application scenario shown in Figure 5 corresponds to the application scenario shown in Figure 2f, the “PMD / DSP” in Figure 5 corresponds to the optical module in Figure 2f.

[0360] When the application scenario shown in Figure 5 corresponds to the application scenario shown in Figure 2g, the “PMD / DSP” in Figure 5 corresponds to the optical module in Figure 2g.

[0361] When the application scenario shown in Figure 5 corresponds to the application scenario shown in Figure 2h, the “PMD / DSP” in Figure 5 corresponds to the electrical module in Figure 2h.

[0362] As shown in Figure 5:

[0363] For the transmitting device, there are 4 serdes with a rate of 100Gbps between its two PMAs. In addition, the PCS of the transmitting device includes 16 PCSLs (not shown in the PCSL diagram). The data on these 16 PCSLs are mapped to these 4 serdes with a rate of 100Gbps through a 16:4 ratio.

[0364] For the receiving end, there are also 4 serdes with a rate of 100Gbps between its two PMAs.

[0365] The transmitting and receiving devices are connected via four physical channels (fiber optic cables or cables), each with a speed of 100Gbps.

[0366] In addition, the PCS of the receiving device includes 16 PCSLs (not shown in the PCSL diagram). The data carried on the 4 serdes of the receiving end is mapped to the 16 PCSLs of this receiving device in a 4:16 ratio.

[0367] In one example, the working mode transition process of both the transmitting device and the receiving device can be shown in Figure 6, which is a schematic diagram of a working mode transition provided by an embodiment of this application.

[0368] 1. In the initial state, when the link traffic approaches 400Gbps, both the transmitting and receiving devices operate in EE mode. 04,00 For an understanding of the operation, please refer to Figure 7a, which shows a schematic diagram of one working mode. As shown in Figure 7a, the four SERDES in the transmitting device, the four physical channels connecting the transmitting device and the receiving device, the four SERDES in the receiving device, and the 16 PCSLs of the transmitting device and the 16 PCSLs of the receiving device are all in working condition.

[0369] 2. As the link traffic gradually decreases from 400Gbps to 300Gbps, both the transmitting and receiving devices operate in EE mode. 03,21For an understanding of the operation, please refer to Figure 7b, which shows a schematic diagram of one working mode. As shown in Figure 7b, the three SERDES in the transmitting device, the three physical channels connecting the transmitting and receiving devices, the three SERDES in the receiving device, and the twelve PCSLs of the transmitting and receiving devices are all in working state. The other channels are in energy-saving state with an energy-saving depth of 2 (e.g., the corresponding energy-saving type is power gating).

[0370] 3. As the link traffic gradually decreases from 300Gbps to 200Gbps, both the transmitting and receiving devices operate in EE mode. 02,22 For an understanding of the operation, please refer to Figure 7c, which shows a schematic diagram of one working mode. As shown in Figure 7c, the two SERDES in the transmitting device, the two physical channels connecting the transmitting and receiving devices, the two SERDES in the receiving device, and the eight PCSLs in the transmitting and receiving devices are all in working state. The other channels are in power-saving state with a power-saving depth of 2 (e.g., the corresponding power-saving type is power gating).

[0371] 4. As the link traffic gradually decreases from 200Gbps to 100Gbps, both the transmitting and receiving devices operate in EE mode. 01,23 For an understanding of the operation, please refer to Figure 7d, which shows a schematic diagram of one working mode. As shown in Figure 7d, one SERDES in the transmitting device, one physical channel connecting the transmitting and receiving devices, one SERDES in the receiving device, and four PCSLs in the transmitting and receiving devices are all in working state. Other channels are in power-saving state with a power-saving depth of 2 (e.g., the corresponding power-saving type is power gating).

[0372] 5. When the link traffic decreases further, for example, to less than 1Gbps, both the transmitting and receiving devices operate in EE mode. 11,23 For an understanding of the operation, please refer to Figure 7e, which illustrates one working mode. As shown in Figure 7e, one SERDES in the transmitting device, one physical channel connecting the transmitting and receiving devices, one SERDES in the receiving device, and four PCSLs in both the transmitting and receiving devices are all in active mode. Other channels are in power-saving mode with a power-saving depth of 2 (e.g., power gating). Furthermore, the active channels also operate at power-saving depth 1, meaning that the active channels operate part-time and are in power-saving mode part-time.

[0373] 6. When the link traffic further decreases, approaching 0, both the sending and receiving devices operate in EE mode. 00,24 For an understanding of the operation, please refer to Figure 7f, which illustrates a schematic diagram of one operating mode. As shown in Figure 7f, the four SERDES in the transmitting device, the four physical channels connecting the transmitting and receiving devices, the four SERDES in the receiving device, and the 16 PCSLs in both the transmitting and receiving devices are all in power-saving mode. In one example, EE 00,24 It can also be represented as EE 24,00 Among them, energy saving depth 2 indicates power gating.

[0374] 7. As the link traffic further increases, the sending and receiving devices can adjust the aforementioned EE based on the link traffic. 04,00 EE 03,21 EE 02,22 EE 01,23 , and EE 11,23 It can run in any of the following working modes.

[0375] Next, we will explain the energy-saving benefits of this application scheme with specific examples.

[0376] Referring to Figure 8, Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of link traffic provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0377] The link traffic shown in Figure 8 is the link traffic corresponding to a 100GE Ethernet interface. As a specific example, the sending device sends traffic to the receiving device through two physical channels, both of which have a rate of 50Gbps.

[0378] As shown in Figure 8, initially, the link traffic was 32Gbps and lasted for 10 seconds. Then, the link traffic decreased to about 2.16Gbps and lasted for 77 seconds. After that, the link traffic increased to 32Gbps and lasted for 10 seconds, and so on. These details will not be elaborated here.

[0379] In one example, the transition process of the operating modes of the transmitting device and the receiving device can be shown in Figure 9, which is a schematic diagram of another operating mode transition provided by the embodiment of this application.

[0380] 1. Initial state: Both the transmitting and receiving devices are in working mode EE. 02,00 run.

[0381] The first device determines that the predicted future traffic trend is "link traffic of 32Gbps for 10 seconds. Then, the link traffic decreases to about 2.16Gbps for 77 seconds".

[0382] 2. The transmitting and receiving devices operate in EE mode. 02,00 The system ran for 10 seconds, completing peak communication with an average traffic of approximately 32Gbps, meeting the requirements for the fastest communication.

[0383] 3. The transmitting and receiving devices operate in EE mode. 11 , 31 Operation means that for the two physical channels connecting the transmitting and receiving devices, one is in an active state with a power saving depth of 1 (e.g., corresponding to clock gating), and the other is in a non-active state with a power saving depth of 3 (e.g., corresponding to power gating).

[0384] In 77 seconds in working mode EE 11 , 31 It operates while achieving energy savings and carrying a flow rate of 77s*2.16Gbps.

[0385] The wake-up time of the physical channel with a power saving depth of 1 is less than 10 microseconds (µs). During these 77 seconds, the transmitter can set a 500Kbit buffer (50Gbps * 10µs = 500Kbit). When there is no traffic, the transmitter sends PRBS through the physical channel with a power saving depth of 1. The main logic unit of the digital circuit part of the transmitter's MAC (or PHY) performs clock gating power saving. When there is traffic, the physical channel with a power saving depth of 1 is immediately woken up to transmit the traffic without affecting the normal transmission of service traffic.

[0386] 3. When the 10-second peak communication occurs again, the operating mode of both the transmitting and receiving devices switches to EE. 02,00 Because the physical channel that was originally at energy-saving depth 1 could operate quickly, while the other channel at energy-saving depth 3 required approximately 100µs to operate, the transmitting and receiving devices briefly operated at EE. 01,31 Then switch to EE 02,00 In other words, when a peak occurs, the system may first handle the peak traffic at 50Gbps, and then at 100Gbps.

[0387] Using this solution, the energy saving benefit is approximately (77*0.5+77*0.5*0.15) / (77+10)=51%. Here, 0.15 is approximately the energy saving benefit of clock gating a single physical channel.

[0388] Existing EEE technology achieves less than 20% energy savings when link utilization is 2%. The energy-saving solution shown in Figure 1c achieves less than 50% energy savings, and the energy-saving solution shown in Figure 1d achieves less than 15% energy savings. Therefore, this solution can effectively improve energy efficiency.

[0389] Based on the energy-saving method provided in the above embodiments, this application also provides a corresponding energy-saving device, which is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0390] Referring to Figure 10, this figure is a schematic diagram of the structure of an energy-saving device provided in an embodiment of this application. The energy-saving device 1000 shown in Figure 10 includes: a transceiver unit 1001 and a processing unit 1002. Wherein:

[0391] The transceiver unit 1001 is used to perform transceiver operations, wherein the transceiver operations include receiving operations and / or sending operations. Specifically, the transceiver unit 1001 may include a receiving unit and / or a sending unit, wherein the receiving unit is used to perform receiving operations, and the sending unit is used to perform sending operations.

[0392] The processing unit 1002 is used to perform operations other than sending and receiving operations.

[0393] The energy-saving device 1000 shown in Figure 10 can be applied to the first device or the second device mentioned in the above embodiments.

[0394] When the device 1000 is applied to the first device mentioned in the above embodiments, the device 1000 is used to execute the method steps performed by the first device provided in the above method embodiments. Correspondingly, the transceiver unit 1001 is used to perform the transceiver operation performed by the first device, and the processing unit 1002 is used to perform the processing operation performed by the first device.

[0395] In this scenario, the transceiver unit 1001 specifically includes a sending unit.

[0396] The processing unit 1002 is used to acquire first energy-saving indication information, the first energy-saving indication information including a first energy-saving level, the first energy-saving level indicating the first energy-saving depth of the multi-segment channels included in the link from the first device to the second device, and the first energy-saving depth indicating the first energy-saving type of the multi-segment channels.

[0397] The sending unit is used to send the first energy-saving instruction information to the second device.

[0398] In one possible implementation, the first energy-saving type of the first channel in the multi-channel configuration includes: no energy saving, clock gating, or power gating.

[0399] In one possible implementation, the first energy efficiency level indicates the first energy efficiency depth of a non-operating channel among the multiple channels.

[0400] In one possible implementation, the first energy-saving type of the second channel in the non-operating state of the multi-segment channel includes: clock gating or power gating.

[0401] In one possible implementation, the multi-segment channel includes a physical channel connecting the first device and the second device, and the first energy-saving indication information further includes: first channel status information, which is used to indicate the status of the physical channel connecting the first device and the second device, and the status includes: working status or non-working status.

[0402] In one possible implementation, the sending unit is further configured to: send switching instruction information to the second device, the switching instruction information instructing the second device to perform a switch from the first energy-saving level to the target operating mode.

[0403] In one possible implementation, the target operating mode includes a normal operating mode, which indicates that all of the multiple channels are in an operating state.

[0404] In one possible implementation, the target operating mode includes: a second energy-saving level, the second energy-saving level indicating a second energy-saving depth of the multi-segment channel, and the second energy-saving depth indicating a second energy-saving type of the multi-segment channel.

[0405] In one possible implementation, the switching indication information is carried in the first energy-saving indication information, which further includes the target operating mode.

[0406] In one possible implementation, the processing unit 1002 is further configured to: control the first device to switch from the first energy-saving level to the target operating mode.

[0407] In one possible implementation, the first energy-saving indication information is used to trigger the second device to switch to the first energy-saving level.

[0408] In one possible implementation, the first energy-saving indication information further includes: the current energy-saving depth of the multi-segment channels.

[0409] In one possible implementation, the processing unit 1002 is further configured to: determine a first flow to be sent by the first device to the second device within a first time period; and determine the first energy-saving level based on the first flow and the link type between the first device and the second device.

[0410] In one possible implementation, the processing unit 1002 is specifically configured to: determine the number of physical channels in the working state of the physical channels connected to the first device and the second device based on the first traffic and the bandwidth of the physical channels connected to the first device and the second device; determine the first energy-saving depth of the multi-segment channels based on the energy-saving depth information corresponding to the first link type, wherein the energy-saving depth information corresponding to the first link type includes: the energy-saving depth and the energy-saving type of the multi-segment channels included in the first link type corresponding to the energy-saving depth.

[0411] In one possible implementation, the processing unit 1002 is further configured to: control the first device to switch to the first energy-saving level and operate at the first energy-saving level.

[0412] In one possible implementation, the processing unit 1002 is further configured to: determine a second flow to be sent by the first device to the second device within a second time period, wherein the second time period is a time period following the first time period; and determine the target operating mode based on the second flow.

[0413] In one possible implementation, the first energy-saving level further indicates a third energy-saving depth of the channel in operation among the multi-channel segments, the third energy-saving depth indicating a third energy-saving type of the channel in operation among the multi-channel segments, the third energy-saving type including: clock gating or power gating.

[0414] In one possible implementation, the total number of physical channels connected to the first device and the second device is M, where M is an integer greater than 1, wherein all M physical channels are in a working state, or only one of the M physical channels is in a working state.

[0415] In one possible implementation, the "physical channel in the working state of the physical channel connecting the first device and the second device" includes a fifth physical channel. When the fifth physical channel corresponds to a third energy-saving depth, the processing unit 1002 is used to: control the fifth physical channel to be in a non-energy-saving state to forward the traffic to be sent in response to traffic to be sent, and control the fifth physical channel to be in a clock-gated or power-gated state in response to no traffic to be sent.

[0416] In one possible implementation, controlling the fifth physical channel to be in a non-energy-saving state to forward the traffic to be sent in response to available traffic includes: controlling the fifth physical channel to be in a non-energy-saving state to forward the traffic to be sent in response to data being included in the first buffer. Controlling the fifth physical channel to be in a clock-gated or power-gated state in response to no traffic to be sent includes: controlling the fifth physical channel to be in a clock-gated or power-gated state in response to no data being included in the first buffer.

[0417] When the device 1000 is applied to the second device mentioned in the above embodiments, the device 1000 is used to execute the method steps performed by the second device provided in the above method embodiments. Correspondingly, the transceiver unit 1001 is used to perform the transceiver operation performed by the second device, and the processing unit 1002 is used to perform the processing operation performed by the second device.

[0418] In this scenario, the transceiver unit 1001 specifically includes a receiving unit.

[0419] The receiving unit is configured to receive first energy-saving indication information sent by the first device. The first energy-saving indication information includes a first energy-saving level. The first energy-saving level indicates the first energy-saving depth of the multiple channels included in the link through which the first device sends data to the second device. The first energy-saving depth indicates the first energy-saving type of the multiple channels.

[0420] The processing unit 1002 is used to switch to the first energy-saving level according to the first energy-saving indication information.

[0421] In one possible implementation, the first energy-saving type of the first channel in the multi-channel configuration includes: no energy saving, clock gating, or power gating.

[0422] In one possible implementation, the first energy efficiency level indicates the first energy efficiency depth of a non-operating channel among the multiple channels.

[0423] In one possible implementation, the first energy-saving type of the second channel in the non-operating state of the multi-segment channel includes: clock gating or power gating.

[0424] In one possible implementation, the multi-segment channel includes a physical channel connecting the first device and the second device, and the first energy-saving indication information further includes: first channel status information, which is used to indicate the status of the physical channel connecting the first device and the second device, and the status includes: working status or non-working status.

[0425] In one possible implementation, the receiving unit is further configured to: receive switching instruction information sent by the first device, the switching instruction information instructing the second device to perform a switch from the first energy-saving level to the target operating mode.

[0426] In one possible implementation, the target operating mode includes a normal operating mode, which indicates that all of the multiple channels are in an operating state.

[0427] In one possible implementation, the target operating mode includes: a second energy-saving level, the second energy-saving level indicating a second energy-saving depth of the multi-segment channel, and the second energy-saving depth indicating a second energy-saving type of the multi-segment channel.

[0428] In one possible implementation, the switching indication information is carried in the first energy-saving indication information, which further includes the target operating mode.

[0429] In one possible implementation, the first energy-saving indication information is used to trigger the second device to switch to the first energy-saving level.

[0430] In one possible implementation, the first energy-saving indication information further includes: the current energy-saving depth of the multi-segment channels.

[0431] In one possible implementation, the first energy-saving level further indicates a third energy-saving depth of the channel in operation among the multi-channel segments, the third energy-saving depth indicating a third energy-saving type of the channel in operation among the multi-channel segments, the third energy-saving type including: clock gating or power gating.

[0432] In one possible implementation, the total number of physical channels connected to the first device and the second device is M, where M is an integer greater than 1, wherein all M physical channels are in a working state, or only one of the M physical channels is in a working state.

[0433] For the specific implementation of each unit of the device 1000, please refer to the description of the steps performed by the first device and the second device in the above method embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0434] Furthermore, this application also provides a communication device 1100, as shown in FIG11a, which is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in this application embodiment. The communication device 1100 includes a communication interface 1101 and a processor 1102 connected to the communication interface 1101. The communication device 1100 can be used to execute the methods in the above embodiments.

[0435] In one example, the communication device 1100 can be applied to the first device described above to execute the method steps performed by the first device as provided in the above embodiments. In this case:

[0436] The processor 1102 is configured to acquire first energy-saving indication information, the first energy-saving indication information including a first energy-saving level, the first energy-saving level indicating the first energy-saving depth of the multi-segment channels included in the link through which the first device sends data to the second device, and the first energy-saving depth indicating the first energy-saving type of the multi-segment channels.

[0437] The communication interface 1101 is used to send the first energy-saving instruction information to the second device.

[0438] In one possible implementation, the communication interface 1101 is further configured to: send switching instruction information to the second device, the switching instruction information instructing the second device to perform a switch from the first energy-saving level to the target operating mode.

[0439] In one possible implementation, the processor 1102 is further configured to: control the first device to switch from the first energy-saving level to the target operating mode.

[0440] In one possible implementation, the processor 1102 is further configured to: determine a first flow to be sent by the first device to the second device within a first time period; and determine the first energy-saving level based on the first flow and the link type between the first device and the second device.

[0441] In one possible implementation, the processor 1102 is specifically configured to: determine the number of physical channels in the working state of the physical channels connected to the first device and the second device based on the first traffic and the bandwidth of the physical channels connected to the first device and the second device; determine the first energy-saving depth of the multi-segment channels based on the energy-saving depth information corresponding to the first link type, wherein the energy-saving depth information corresponding to the first link type includes: the energy-saving depth and the energy-saving type of the multi-segment channels included in the first link type corresponding to the energy-saving depth.

[0442] In one possible implementation, the processor 1102 is further configured to: control the first device to switch to the first energy-saving level and operate at the first energy-saving level.

[0443] In one possible implementation, the processor 1102 is further configured to: determine a second flow to be sent by the first device to the second device within a second time period, the second time period being a time period following the first time period; and determine the target operating mode based on the second flow.

[0444] In another example, the communication device 1100 can be applied to the second device described above to perform the method steps performed by the second device as provided in the above embodiments. In this case:

[0445] The communication interface 1101 is used to receive first energy-saving indication information sent by the first device. The first energy-saving indication information includes a first energy-saving level. The first energy-saving level indicates the first energy-saving depth of the multi-segment channels included in the link through which the first device sends data to the second device. The first energy-saving depth indicates the first energy-saving type of the multi-segment channels.

[0446] The processor 1102 is used to switch to the first energy-saving level according to the first energy-saving indication information.

[0447] In one possible implementation, the communication interface 1101 is further configured to: receive switching instruction information sent by the first device, the switching instruction information instructing the second device to perform a switch from the first energy-saving level to the target operating mode.

[0448] Optionally, in addition to the communication interface 1101 and the processor 1102, the communication device 1100 also includes a memory 1103 and a bus system 1104. Referring to FIG11b, which is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application, as shown in FIG11b, the processor 1102, the communication interface 1101, and the memory 1103 can be connected via a bus system or other means. FIG11b illustrates an example of connection via bus system 1104.

[0449] The processor 1102 in Figures 11a and 11b can be a central processing unit (CPU), a network processing unit (NP), or a combination of a CPU and an NP. The processor 1102 may further include a hardware chip. This hardware chip can be an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (PLD), or a combination thereof. The PLD can be a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a generic array logic (GAL), or any combination thereof.

[0450] The memory 1103 in Figure 11b may include volatile memory, such as random-access memory (RAM); the memory 1103 may also include non-volatile memory, such as flash memory, hard disk drive (HDD), or solid-state drive (SSD); the memory 1103 may also include a combination of the above types of memory. For example, the memory 1103 may store the aforementioned first power-saving indication information.

[0451] Optionally, memory 1103 stores an operating system and programs, executable modules, or data structures, or subsets thereof, or extended sets thereof. The programs may include various operation instructions for implementing various operations. The operating system may include various system programs for implementing various basic services and handling hardware-based tasks. Processor 1102 can read the programs in memory 1103 to implement the methods provided in the embodiments of this application, for example, implementing the steps executed by the first or second device in FIG3.

[0452] Bus system 1104 can be a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus or an Extended Industry Standard Architecture (EISA) bus, etc. Bus system 1104 can be divided into address bus, data bus, control bus, etc. For ease of illustration, only one thick line is used in Figure 11b, but this does not mean that there is only one bus or one type of bus.

[0453] In addition, the number of processors 1102 in the communication device 1100 can be one or more, with one processor being used as an example in both Figures 11a and 11b.

[0454] Furthermore, this application embodiment also provides a communication device 1200, as shown in FIG12, which is a structural schematic diagram of a communication device provided in this application embodiment. The communication device 1200 includes an interface circuit 1201 and a processing circuit 1202 connected to the interface circuit 1201. The communication device 1200 can be used to execute the methods in the above embodiments.

[0455] In one example, the communication device 1200 can be applied to the first device described above to execute the method steps performed by the first device as provided in the above embodiments. In this case:

[0456] The processing circuit 1202 is used to acquire first energy-saving indication information, the first energy-saving indication information including a first energy-saving level, the first energy-saving level indicating the first energy-saving depth of the multi-segment channels included in the link from the first device to the second device, and the first energy-saving depth indicating the first energy-saving type of the multi-segment channels.

[0457] The interface circuit 1201 is used to send the first energy-saving instruction information to the second device.

[0458] In one possible implementation, the interface circuit 1201 is further configured to: send switching instruction information to the second device, the switching instruction information instructing the second device to perform a switch from the first energy-saving level to the target operating mode.

[0459] In one possible implementation, the processing circuit 1202 is further configured to: control the first device to switch from the first energy-saving level to the target operating mode.

[0460] In one possible implementation, the processing circuit 1202 is further configured to: determine a first flow rate to be sent by the first device to the second device within a first time period; and determine the first energy-saving level based on the first flow rate and the link type between the first device and the second device.

[0461] In one possible implementation, the processing circuit 1202 is specifically configured to: determine the number of physical channels in the working state of the physical channels connected to the first device and the second device based on the first flow rate and the bandwidth of the physical channels connected to the first device and the second device; determine the first energy-saving depth of the multi-segment channels based on the energy-saving depth information corresponding to the first link type, wherein the energy-saving depth information corresponding to the first link type includes: the energy-saving depth and the energy-saving type of the multi-segment channels included in the first link type corresponding to the energy-saving depth.

[0462] In one possible implementation, the processing circuit 1202 is further configured to: control the first device to switch to the first energy-saving level and operate at the first energy-saving level.

[0463] In one possible implementation, the processing circuit 1202 is further configured to: determine a second flow to be sent by the first device to the second device within a second time period, the second time period being a time period following the first time period; and determine the target operating mode based on the second flow.

[0464] In another example, the communication device 1200 can be applied to the second device described above to execute the method steps performed by the second device as provided in the above embodiments. In this case:

[0465] The interface circuit 1201 is used to receive first energy-saving indication information sent by the first device. The first energy-saving indication information includes a first energy-saving level. The first energy-saving level indicates the first energy-saving depth of the multi-segment channels included in the link through which the first device sends data to the second device. The first energy-saving depth indicates the first energy-saving type of the multi-segment channels.

[0466] The processing circuit 1202 is used to switch to the first energy-saving level according to the first energy-saving indication information.

[0467] In one possible implementation, the interface circuit 1201 is further configured to: receive switching instruction information sent by the first device, the switching instruction information instructing the second device to perform a switch from the first energy-saving level to the target operating mode.

[0468] The circuits in the embodiments of this application include, but are not limited to, ASICs, PLDs, or combinations thereof.

[0469] This application also provides a communication system, which includes a first device and / or a second device, wherein the first device is used to execute the method steps performed by the first device as provided in the above embodiments (e.g., the method steps performed by the first device in FIG3), and the second device is used to execute the method steps performed by the second device as provided in the above embodiments (e.g., the method steps performed by the second device in FIG3).

[0470] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing instructions or computer programs that, when executed on a processor, can implement any one or more operations of the methods described in the foregoing embodiments (e.g., the method shown in FIG3).

[0471] This application also provides a computer program product, including a computer program that, when run on a processor, can implement any one or more of the operations described in the foregoing embodiments (e.g., the method shown in FIG3).

[0472] The terms “first,” “second,” “third,” “fourth,” etc. (if present) in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a particular order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments described herein can be implemented in a sequence other than that illustrated or described herein. Furthermore, the terms “comprising” and “having,” and any variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that comprises a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, products, or apparatus.

[0473] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0474] In the embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical business division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces, indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units, and may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0475] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0476] Furthermore, the various business units in the embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit. The integrated unit can be implemented in hardware or as a software business unit.

[0477] If the integrated unit is implemented as a software business unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or all or part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods of the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0478] Those skilled in the art will recognize that, in one or more of the examples above, the services described in this invention can be implemented using hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software, these services can be stored in a computer-readable medium or transmitted as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media include computer storage media and communication media, wherein communication media include any medium that facilitates the transmission of computer programs from one place to another. Storage media can be any available medium accessible to general-purpose or special-purpose computers.

[0479] The above specific embodiments further illustrate the purpose, technical solution, and beneficial effects of the present invention. It should be understood that the above are merely specific embodiments of the present invention.

[0480] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit it. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. An energy saving method, characterized by, Applied to a first device, the method comprises: obtaining first energy saving indication information, the first energy saving indication information comprising a first energy saving level, the first energy saving level indicating a first energy saving depth of a plurality of segments of a link comprising a plurality of segments of a link between the first device and a second device, the first energy saving depth indicating a first energy saving type of the plurality of segments of the link; sending the first energy saving indication information to the second device.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The first energy saving type of a first segment of the plurality of segments of the link comprises: no energy saving, clock gating or power gating.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein, The first energy saving level indicates the first energy saving depth of a non-working segment of the plurality of segments of the link.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein, The first energy saving type of a second non-working segment of the plurality of segments of the link comprises: clock gating or power gating.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The plurality of segments of the link comprises a physical link between the first device and the second device, and the first energy saving indication information further comprises: first segment state information, the first segment state information being used to indicate a state of the physical link between the first device and the second device, the state comprising: a working state or a non-working state.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The method further comprises: sending switching indication information to the second device, the switching indication information indicating that the second device performs switching from the first energy saving level to a target working mode.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein, The target working mode comprises: a normal working mode, the normal working mode indicating that all the plurality of segments of the link are in the working state.

8. The method of claim 6, wherein, The target working mode comprises: a second energy saving level, the second energy saving level indicating a second energy saving depth of the plurality of segments of the link, the second energy saving depth indicating a second energy saving type of the plurality of segments of the link.

9. The method according to any one of claims 6-8, characterized in that, The switching indication information is carried in the first energy saving indication information, and the first energy saving indication information further comprises the target working mode.

10. The method according to any one of claims 6-9, characterized in that, The method further comprises: controlling the first device to switch from the first energy saving level to the target working mode.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, The first energy saving indication information is used to trigger the second device to switch to the first energy saving level.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, The first energy saving indication information further comprises: a current energy saving depth of the plurality of segments of the link.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that, The method further comprises: determining a first traffic to be sent by the first device to the second device within a first time period; determining the first energy saving level according to the first traffic and a link type between the first device and the second device.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein, The determination of the first energy saving level according to the first traffic and the link type between the first device and the second device comprises: determining a number of physical segments in a working state of a physical link between the first device and the second device according to the first traffic and a bandwidth of the physical link between the first device and the second device; determining the first energy saving depth of the plurality of segments of the link according to energy saving depth information corresponding to the first link type, the energy saving depth information corresponding to the first link type comprising: an energy saving depth and an energy saving type of the plurality of segments of the link comprising the first link type corresponding to the energy saving depth.

15. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that, The method further comprises: controlling the first device to switch to the first energy saving level and run in the first energy saving level.

16. The method of any one of claims 6-10, wherein, The method further comprises: determining a second traffic to be sent by the first device to the second device in a second time period, the second time period being a time period after the first time period; determining the target working mode according to the second traffic.

17. The method of claim 5, wherein, The first energy saving level further indicates a third energy saving depth of the working state channel in the multi-stage channel, the third energy saving depth indicates a third energy saving type of the working state channel in the multi-stage channel, and the third energy saving type includes clock gating or power gating.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein, The total number of physical channels connected by the first device and the second device is M, and the M is an integer greater than 1, wherein the M physical channels are in a working state, or only one of the M physical channels is in a working state.

19. An energy saving method, characterized by, The method applied to the second device comprises: receiving first energy saving indication information sent by the first device, the first energy saving indication information comprising a first energy saving level, the first energy saving level indicating a first energy saving depth of a multi-stage channel included in a link through which the first device sends data to the second device, the first energy saving depth indicating a first energy saving type of the multi-stage channel; switching to the first energy saving level according to the first energy saving indication information.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein, The first energy saving type of the first channel in the multi-stage channel includes: no energy saving, clock gating or power gating.

21. The method of claim 19, wherein, The first energy saving level indicates a first energy saving depth of a non-working state channel in the multi-stage channel.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein, The first energy saving type of the second channel in the non-working state in the multi-stage channel includes: clock gating or power gating.

23. The method of any one of claims 19-22, wherein, The multi-stage channel includes physical channels connected by the first device and the second device, and the first energy saving indication information further comprises: first channel state information, the first channel state information being used to indicate a state of a physical channel connected by the first device and the second device, the state including a working state or a non-working state.

24. The method of any one of claims 19-23, wherein, The method further comprises: receiving switching indication information sent by the first device, the switching indication information indicating that the second device performs switching from the first energy saving level to a target working mode.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein, The target working mode includes: a normal working mode, the normal working mode indicating that all the multi-stage channels are in a working state.

26. The method of claim 24, wherein, The target working mode includes: a second energy saving level, the second energy saving level indicating a second energy saving depth of the multi-stage channel, the second energy saving depth indicating a second energy saving type of the multi-stage channel.

27. The method of any one of claims 24-26, wherein, The switching indication information is carried in the first energy saving indication information, and the first energy saving indication information further comprises the target working mode.

28. The method of any of claims 19-27, wherein, The first energy saving indication information is used to trigger the second device to switch to the first energy saving level.

29. The method of any of claims 19-28, wherein, The first energy saving indication information further comprises: a current energy saving depth of the multi-stage channel.

30. The method of claim 23, wherein, The first energy saving level further indicates a third energy saving depth of the working state channel in a multi-stage channel, the third energy saving depth indicates a third energy saving type of the working state in the multi-stage channel, and the third energy saving type includes clock gating or power gating.

31. The method of claim 30, wherein, The total number of physical channels connected by the first device and the second device is M, and the M is an integer greater than 1, wherein the M physical channels are in an operating state, or only one of the M physical channels is in an operating state.

32. An energy saving device, characterized by, The device comprises at least one unit for performing the method of any one of claims 1-31.

33. An energy saving device, characterized by, The energy-saving device comprises an interface circuit and a processing circuit. The interface circuit is configured to perform the transceiving operation of any one of claims 1-18, and the processing circuit is configured to perform other operations than the transceiving operation of any one of claims 1-18; or The interface circuit is configured to perform the transceiving operation of any one of claims 19-31, and the processing circuit is configured to perform other operations than the transceiving operation of any one of claims 19-31.

34. A communication system, characterized by The communication system comprises a first device and / or a second device, wherein: The first device is configured to perform the method of any one of claims 1-18, and the second device is configured to perform the method of any one of claims 19-31.

35. A computer readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer program product comprises instructions or a computer program, which, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method of any one of claims 1-31.

36. A computer program product, characterised in that, The computer program product comprises instructions or a computer program, which, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method of any one of claims 1-31.

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