Centralized Power Management for Distributed WLAN Access Points
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Solution Overview
Problem
In distributed WLAN systems, the complexity and inefficiency of power management increase due to the need for both Ethernet switches and central APs to manage power allocation across multiple APs, leading to increased overheads and device management challenges.
Innovation Solution
A power supply management method where power sourcing equipment centrally controls and manages power distribution between level-1 and level-2 powered devices, determining which level-2 power supply ports to power on based on available output power, reducing the need for level-1 powered devices to perform power management and negotiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If distributed APs are deployed to improve network coverage, then network coverage is improved, but device management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the WLAN into a centralized control domain (central AP) and distributed execution domain (distributed APs). The central AP handles all management and configuration tasks, while distributed APs simply execute commands, thereby improving network coverage without increasing management complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If both Ethernet switch and central AP perform power management, then power allocation capability is improved, but system overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power management function from the central AP and consolidates it entirely in the Ethernet switch. The switch detects power requirements of distributed APs and allocates power centrally, eliminating the need for central AP to perform power management and reducing system overhead.
Solution Approach 2:
The Ethernet switch is given multiple functions: data forwarding and centralized power management. By making the switch universal, the patent eliminates the need for the central AP to handle power management separately, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining power allocation capability.
3Extent of automation
If central AP performs power allocation for distributed APs, then power management control is improved, but central AP overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power allocation function from the central AP and transfers it to the Ethernet switch. The switch now performs automated power detection and allocation for distributed APs, maintaining automated power management control while significantly reducing the processing overhead of the central AP.
Data Source
AI summary
A power supply management method performed by power sourcing equipment, includes receiving a power-on request from a level-1 powered device, where the power-on request includes a port identifier of a level-2 power supply port that is detected to be valid in the level-1 powered device, determining, based on the power-on request and an outputtable power of the power sourcing equipment, a level-2 power supply port that is allowed to be powered on in the level-1 powered device, and sending a power-on instruction to the level-1 powered device, where the power-on instruction includes a port identifier of the level-2 power supply port that is allowed to be powered on in the level-1 powered device. The power sourcing equipment uses the level-1 powered device and a level-2 powered device connected to the level-1 powered device as a whole, and centrally performs power supply control and power management.