Communication Apparatus Auto-Negotiation Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing communication technologies face inefficiencies in packet transmission due to mismatched communication modes between devices operating in auto-negotiation and fixed modes, leading to packet collisions and the inability to shift to Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE) power saving mode when devices are not both in auto-negotiation mode.
Innovation Solution
A communication apparatus and method that enable the EEE power saving mode by changing the communication mode to auto-negotiation, allowing devices to shift to the power saving mode even when not both are in auto-negotiation mode, by altering the settings of connected devices through a user interface or directly via CPU commands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the communication mode is changed to fixed mode to avoid packet collisions, then packet transmission reliability is improved, but the ability to shift to EEE power saving mode is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The invention dynamically switches the communication mode between fixed mode and auto-negotiation mode based on real-time detection of packet transmission issues. When packet collisions are detected, the system transitions from auto-negotiation mode to fixed mode to ensure reliable transmission. When no collisions occur, it returns to auto-negotiation mode to enable EEE power saving functionality, creating a dynamic adaptation mechanism that resolves the contradiction between reliability and energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the communication mode parameter (from fixed to auto-negotiation and vice versa) based on detected transmission conditions. This parameter switching allows the system to optimize between two conflicting states: fixed mode for reliability during collision-prone periods, and auto-negotiation mode for energy efficiency during stable transmission periods.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the communication mode is set to auto-negotiation mode to enable EEE power saving mode, then energy efficiency is improved, but packet collisions occur due to mode mismatch with fixed mode devices
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements a feedback mechanism that continuously monitors packet transmission for signs of collisions or retransmissions. When such issues are detected, the system provides feedback to switch from auto-negotiation mode to fixed mode. When transmission is stable, the feedback triggers a return to auto-negotiation mode, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to transmission conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication mode is made dynamic rather than static, automatically transitioning between auto-negotiation and fixed modes based on real-time transmission quality. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to capture the energy benefits of auto-negotiation mode during stable periods while switching to fixed mode when reliability becomes compromised.
3Speed
If the communication mode is fixed to full-duplex to improve transmission speed, then communication speed is improved, but compatibility with auto-negotiation mode devices is reduced causing packet collisions
Solution Approach 1:
The invention makes the communication mode dynamic by switching between fixed full-duplex mode and auto-negotiation mode based on the presence and behavior of connected devices. When devices requiring full-duplex high-speed communication are detected, the system adopts fixed mode. When auto-negotiation mode devices are present, it switches to auto-negotiation mode, creating adaptive compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the communication mode parameter dynamically based on detected device characteristics and transmission performance. This parameter switching enables the system to optimize for speed when appropriate while maintaining compatibility with diverse devices through auto-negotiation when needed.
Data Source
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AI summary
A communication apparatus capable of activating an EEE power saving mode when not activated. The communication apparatus is operable in an auto-negotiation mode. When a CPU of the communication apparatus determines that a power saving mode to be realized in the auto-negotiation mode is to be activated, if an other-party apparatus at the other end of communication has been set to a fixed mode, the CPU causes the other-party apparatus to be set to the auto-negotiation mode.