Dynamic Channel Set Adjustment for CPE Power Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Customer premise equipment (CPE) devices often operate at high power consumption levels due to worst-case scenario configurations, even during periods of lighter data traffic, leading to unnecessary energy usage.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a system that dynamically adjusts the channel set provided to CPE devices based on current traffic flow, allowing the devices to reduce power consumption by using fewer resources when traffic is low and increasing resources as needed to support higher traffic levels, thereby optimizing power usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If CPE devices are configured to operate at a level capable of handling worst-case scenario traffic load, then service reliability is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice reliabilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic power management that adjusts the operational state of CPE devices based on real-time traffic conditions. The system transitions devices between active and reduced-power states dynamically, matching power consumption to actual traffic load rather than maintaining fixed worst-case readiness. This resolves the contradiction by making the system adaptive to varying conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters (power state, channel set size) based on traffic flow conditions. By monitoring traffic metrics and adjusting device parameters accordingly, the system can operate at high performance when needed and reduce power consumption during low-traffic periods, effectively resolving the trade-off between reliability and energy use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If CPE devices operate continuously at high performance level, then traffic handling capability is improved, but energy waste increases during light traffic periods

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetraffic handling capabilityVSAvoidenergy waste
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements periodic monitoring of traffic conditions and adjusts device operation accordingly. By cycling between active and reduced-power states based on periodic traffic assessments, the system avoids continuous high-performance operation during light traffic while maintaining readiness when needed, reducing energy waste without sacrificing overall productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary assessment of traffic conditions before transitioning devices to reduced-power states. By monitoring traffic patterns and predicting future load requirements, the system can proactively adjust power consumption levels, ensuring that devices are scaled down only when appropriate, thus avoiding energy waste while maintaining traffic handling capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Use of energy by moving object

If channel set size is reduced to lower power consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but ability to handle increased traffic demand decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidability to handle increased traffic
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts channel set size based on real-time traffic conditions. Rather than using a fixed channel allocation, the system can expand or contract the channel set as traffic demands change, maintaining energy efficiency during low-traffic periods while preserving the ability to handle increased demand when it arises.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms that monitor traffic flow and adjust channel allocation accordingly. By continuously measuring traffic conditions and responding with appropriate channel set adjustments, the system maintains optimal energy efficiency while ensuring adequate capacity is available when traffic demand increases.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3028423B1Dynamic power reduction management of network devices
Publication Date: 2018.04.04 ARRIS ENTERPRISES LLC
  • EP3028423B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3028423B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3028423B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Power consumption levels of a network device can be adjusted based upon traffic flow at the device. A network device can recognize a situation where the traffic flow associated with a CPE device reaches a level that can be supported by a smaller channel set, and when this situation arises, the CPE device can request and receive an updated, smaller channel set. In response to receiving the smaller channel set, the CPE device can operate using fewer resources, thereby reducing power consumption at the CPE device. When traffic level at the CPE device warrants, the CPE device can request and receive a new or updated, larger channel set.