Dynamic Network Link Power Management for Variable Bandwidth
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current techniques for managing network devices fail to adjust power consumption and bandwidth based on traffic rate, leading to unnecessary power consumption by idle interfaces and links during non-peak utilization times.
Innovation Solution
A network device creates a port group for connected links, ranks them, selects a control channel, and powers off non-essential links based on configuration, policy, or traffic prediction, with periodic health checks to conserve power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If all links are kept powered on to maintain network availability, then network reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic link power management where links are transitioned between active and powered-off states based on real-time traffic conditions. The controller monitors traffic rates and dynamically adjusts link power states, keeping links active during peak utilization and powering them off during non-peak times, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining availability and reducing power consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter of links from a static 'always on' state to a dynamic state that transitions between 'active' and 'powered-off' based on traffic rate thresholds. This parameter change allows the system to optimize power consumption while maintaining network reliability through controlled state transitions
2Productivity
If bandwidth is increased to handle peak traffic, then network capacity is improved, but power consumption increases during non-peak times
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by maintaining only the necessary bandwidth capacity during non-peak times rather than keeping full bandwidth active. By powering off excess links during low-utilization periods and activating them only when traffic demands increase, the system avoids energy wastage while preserving the ability to handle peak traffic when needed
3Use of energy by moving object
If links are powered off to save power, then power consumption is reduced, but network reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by monitoring traffic rates and predicting future traffic patterns before making power state decisions. The controller activates links in advance when traffic increase is anticipated and powers them off after confirming sustained low utilization, thus maintaining reliability while optimizing power consumption through proactive state management
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the controller continuously monitors link utilization and traffic rates, using this information to dynamically adjust link power states. The system receives feedback on actual traffic patterns and adjusts its power management decisions accordingly, ensuring reliability is maintained while achieving power savings
Data Source
AI summary
A first network device may create a port group for a plurality of links directly connected to a second network device, and may select the first network device as a controller network device and the second network device as a worker network device. The first network device may rank the plurality of links of the port group to generate a list of ranked links, and may select, from the list of ranked links, a highest ranked link as a control channel. The first network device may power off one or more of the plurality of links, except the control channel, based on one of a configuration, a policy, or a traffic prediction, and may identify a termination of a time period associated with powering off the one or more of the plurality of links. The first network device may power on the one or more of the plurality of links based on the termination of the time period.