Dynamic Port Power Control for Parallel Computer Network Energy Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional interconnecting networks with trunking, where multiple physical lines are bundled to form one logical high-speed line, often provide excessive line communication speed, leading to wasteful power consumption and adverse system effects due to constant operation of switch apparatuses, even during low communication periods.
Innovation Solution
A network management method that dynamically adjusts the line transmission speed by powering ON or OFF physical port units in switch apparatuses based on detected data transmission speed, using a predicted schedule and user instructions to optimize power usage and maintain necessary communication speeds without disconnecting logical lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If multiple physical lines are bundled to form one logical high-speed line in the interconnecting network, then the line transmission speed is enhanced, but power consumption increases due to constant operation of all port units
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the line transmission speed adjustable rather than fixed. The system can dynamically change the number of active physical lines based on actual communication needs, transitioning from a static high-speed configuration to a flexible, demand-driven model that optimizes both speed and power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of line transmission speed from a fixed maximum to a variable parameter. By modifying the number of active port units (1 to N lines), the system adapts the transmission speed parameter to match actual communication requirements, thereby reducing power consumption during low-demand periods while maintaining high speed capability when needed.
2Speed
If all port units operate continuously to maintain maximum line transmission speed, then communication speed requirements are met, but power saving cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by activating only the necessary number of port units rather than all units continuously. The system determines the minimum required transmission speed and activates only the corresponding number of physical lines, avoiding excessive action (all units operating) during periods when maximum speed is not required, thus reducing wasted energy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms to monitor actual communication needs and adjust port unit operation accordingly. By detecting real-time data transmission requirements, the system feedback-adjusts the number of active port units, ensuring that power consumption is optimized based on actual demand rather than maintaining constant maximum operation.
3Loss of energy
If port units are disabled to save power during low communication periods, then power consumption is reduced, but the network form changes causing large adverse effects on the system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the port units into multiple independent physical lines that can be individually controlled. This segmentation allows the system to disable only specific port units while keeping others active, thereby reducing power consumption without causing complete network reconfiguration or instability, as the remaining active lines maintain the logical line functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the operational state of port units based on real-time communication needs. Rather than static disabling of all ports, the system dynamically transitions between different operational states (1 to N lines active), maintaining system stability while achieving power savings during low-demand periods through controlled, gradual changes.
Data Source
AI summary
A network management apparatus interconnects a plurality of computers through physical lines having a predetermined line speed to manage a switch apparatus constructing a parallel computer system. The switch apparatus comprises a plurality of physical port units to enable or disable the same through individual power supply ON/OFF control for the physical port units, thereby changing and controlling the line transmission speed according to the enable number. A logical port constructing unit in the network management apparatus bundles the physical lines by a plurality of physical port units in the switch apparatus to construct logical lines. A port control unit changes the number of operations of a plurality of physical port units assigned to the logical port units through the power supply ON/OFF control according to a necessary data transmission speed for the logical port units, thereby dynamically changing the line transmission speed.