Dynamic PoE Power Management via Device Database
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power over Ethernet (PoE) systems require significant upfront planning and manual reconfiguration to manage power priorities and limits for devices connected via network cables, lacking the ability to dynamically adjust based on device type or schedule, and do not allow remote reconfiguration or flexible management.
Innovation Solution
A database is used to store parameters such as priority, power limit, and schedule for each user device, allowing power management based on device identity, type, and global factors, enabling remote configuration and alerting administrators about power status, independent of the port or source device, and ensuring consistent settings across connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If power priorities and limits are manually configured for each port, then power distribution control is achieved, but significant upfront planning and manual reconfiguration overhead is required
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically discovers device types connected to ports and retrieves corresponding power parameters from a database without requiring manual configuration. The source device autonomously matches devices to power classes based on discovery information, eliminating the need for administrators to manually plan and configure power settings for each port.
Solution Approach 2:
The power configuration system transitions from static manual setup to dynamic automatic configuration. Power parameters are retrieved from a database based on real-time device discovery and connection information, allowing the system to adapt automatically when devices are moved or reconnected without requiring manual reconfiguration.
2Device complexity
If power parameters are port-specific, then power management is simplified, but reconfiguration is needed when devices are moved to different ports
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a centralized database that stores power parameters universally applicable to device types rather than port-specific configurations. Any source device can serve multiple functions by retrieving appropriate power parameters from the database based on the connected device type, allowing consistent power management across different ports and source devices.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of copying port-specific configurations when devices are moved, the system copies device type information to the database and retrieves the appropriate power parameters based on this information. This eliminates the need for manual reconfiguration while maintaining consistent power settings across different ports.
3Ease of operation
If power is allocated based on fixed port priorities, then power distribution is controlled, but flexibility to adjust based on device type and schedule is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from fixed port-based power allocation to dynamic device-type-based allocation. Power parameters including priority, power class, and schedule are retrieved from a database based on real-time device discovery information, allowing the system to adapt power distribution to actual device needs and operational schedules rather than static port assignments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses device discovery information as feedback to automatically determine appropriate power parameters. By continuously monitoring what devices are connected and retrieving corresponding parameters from the database, the system adapts power allocation to match actual network conditions and device requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A source device to provide power through a network cable and a user device is to draw power from the network cable. A database is to store a parameter associated with the user device. The source device is to access the stored parameter based on receipt of information related to the user device and is to compare at least one of a current power drawn and an additional power requested by the user device to a power limit of the user device based on the accessed parameters. The source device is to send a power message to the user device based on the comparison, the power message to relate to an amount of the power the user device is to draw.