Ethernet Power Management for Idle Device Shutdown
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for managing electrical power supply via Ethernet cables do not effectively reduce energy consumption and electromagnetic emissions by selectively powering down Ethernet devices when they are not in use.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for managing electrical power to Ethernet devices using a management system that maps Ethernet devices to identifiers, allowing for automatic interruption or re-establishment of power based on input information from user devices or electronic calendars, separate from the management system, ensuring complete power cutoff when not needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If Ethernet devices are kept permanently powered on to ensure availability, then device accessibility is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power management by enabling Ethernet devices to switch between active and powered-off states based on real-time usage conditions. The system continuously monitors usage patterns and automatically adjusts power supply, making the power state dynamic rather than static, thus resolving the contradiction between permanent availability and energy conservation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic monitoring of usage conditions and implements periodic power state transitions. By checking usage patterns at regular intervals and switching power states accordingly, the system ensures devices are available when needed while minimizing energy consumption during idle periods, addressing both reliability and energy efficiency requirements.
2Use of energy by moving object
If Ethernet devices are completely powered off to reduce energy consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but device availability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary monitoring of usage conditions before transitioning devices to powered-off state. By detecting usage patterns in advance and predicting idle periods, the system can safely power down devices before they are actually needed, maximizing energy efficiency while maintaining availability when required. This proactive approach prevents unnecessary power-off transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system continuously monitors device usage conditions and uses this information to control power state transitions. The usage detection unit provides feedback about actual device usage, which the control unit uses to make intelligent decisions about when to power devices on or off, ensuring availability is maintained while optimizing energy consumption.
3Ease of operation
If manual power management is used to control Ethernet devices, then operational control is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables Ethernet devices to manage their own power states automatically based on detected usage conditions. The usage detection unit monitors device usage and the control unit automatically transitions power states without requiring manual user intervention. This self-service approach simplifies operation while the underlying automation handles the complexity of power management decisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameter from manual power state selection to automatic usage-based power state transition. By monitoring usage parameters and automatically adjusting power state based on these parameter changes, the system provides simple operational control through usage patterns while the complexity of decision-making is handled by the automated system rather than requiring complex user interfaces or manual procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a method for managing the supply of electrical power to Ethernet devices. The Ethernet devices are connected to a management system via an Ethernet cable supplying them with current. When input information is received by the management system, the management system determines, on the basis of a first list of the Ethernet devices, whether it has to interrupt the supply of power to one or more of the Ethernet devices or, conversely, to re-establish the supply of power thereto.