Server Blade Packet Control for Switching Module Power Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
High power consumption in large-scale blade server systems due to numerous server blades and switching modules, which affects energy efficiency and cooling requirements.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method to categorize data packets into priority groups and control their transmission, allowing only high-priority packets to be sent during on-time periods and pausing regular priority packets during off-time periods, thereby reducing the operational power state of switching modules and conserving energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If data transmission is continuously maintained in blade server systems, then system performance and responsiveness are improved, but power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic transmission of data packets by dividing continuous data flow into discrete time windows. During off-time periods, data transmission is paused or reduced, allowing switching modules to enter low-power states. This periodic action maintains essential system performance while significantly reducing average power consumption compared to continuous transmission.
2Reliability
If all data packets are transmitted without prioritization, then data completeness is maintained, but power consumption increases due to continuous switching module operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating treatment of data packets based on their priority levels. High-priority packets receive guaranteed transmission during on-time periods, while low-priority packets are deferred to subsequent windows. This selective prioritization ensures critical data completeness while allowing the switching module to enter low-power states during off-time periods, reducing overall power consumption.
3Reliability
If switching modules operate continuously to handle all data packets, then data transmission reliability is improved, but heat generation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces heat generation by implementing periodic operation of switching modules. During off-time periods, switching modules can enter low-power states with minimal or no data transmission, significantly reducing heat generation. The periodic resumption of transmission during on-time periods maintains data transmission reliability for high-priority packets while allowing thermal dissipation during off periods.
Data Source
AI summary
Some of the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method comprising categorizing each data packet of a plurality of data packets into one of at least two priority groups of data packets; and controlling transmission of data packets of a first priority group of data packets during a first off-time period such that during the first off-time period, data packets of the first priority group of data packets are prevented from being transmitted to a switching module from one or more server blades. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.