Ethernet Power Management Scanning Multiple Sources
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network devices with variable power consumption and multiple power sources face challenges in managing power efficiently, particularly when auxiliary devices are connected, leading to potential overburdening of Power over Ethernet (PoE) sources and reliability issues during power outages.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for managing power in network devices that scan multiple power inputs to identify active sources, determine available and required power, and control operations based on sufficient power availability, including switching to alternative power sources and limiting power supply to auxiliary devices if necessary, using sensors and process controllers to ensure reliable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If Power over Ethernet (PoE) is used to power network devices and auxiliary devices, then flexibility and ease of operation are improved, but the PoE source may be overburdened when power requirements exceed available power
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors power consumption of the network device and auxiliary devices, and dynamically adjusts power allocation based on available power from the PoE source. When power requirements exceed availability, the system receives feedback about power shortfall and implements corrective actions such as disconnecting auxiliary devices or switching power sources, ensuring reliable operation without overburdening the PoE source
Solution Approach 2:
The power management system dynamically adapts power distribution based on real-time conditions. It can switch between different power sources (PoE, AC adapter, battery), dynamically connect or disconnect auxiliary devices, and adjust power allocation to the network device itself, transforming a static power supply system into a dynamic one that responds to changing power availability and requirements
2Reliability
If multiple power sources are provided for network devices, then reliability during power outages is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power management system operates autonomously to monitor power sources, detect failures, and switch between power sources without user intervention. The controller automatically manages the complexity of multiple power sources by implementing failover logic, source selection, and coordinated shutdown sequences, allowing the system to self-manage the complexity while providing reliable power during outages
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges multiple power sources (PoE input, AC adapter input, battery) into a unified power management architecture. The controller integrates these diverse power sources and auxiliary devices under single control, managing them as a cohesive system rather than separate components, which reduces operational complexity despite having multiple physical power sources
3Adaptability or versatility
If auxiliary devices are connected to network devices, then adaptability and versatility are improved, but power requirements increase and may exceed available power
Solution Approach 1:
Before connecting auxiliary devices, the system performs preliminary power availability assessment by scanning for auxiliary devices and calculating total power requirements. It proactively determines whether the PoE source can support the intended power load, and if not, it prepares alternative actions such as disconnecting the auxiliary device, switching to another power source, or adjusting network device power consumption before the power shortage occurs
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes power-related parameters dynamically based on auxiliary device connections. It monitors power consumption parameters of auxiliary devices, adjusts power allocation parameters for the network device, and modifies operational parameters (such as data transmission rates) to reduce power consumption when auxiliary devices are connected, thereby adapting to the increased power requirements while maintaining system functionality
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
A network apparatus and method for managing power supplied to a network device (215). A plurality of power inputs (320,115,375) to the network device are scanned (350,355) to ascertain if a power signal is present and to identify an active power source (320,115,375). Available power is determined from the active power source (320,115,375) and required power (315) for the network device (215) and any operatively connected auxiliary devices is also determined. The required power is compared to available power to determine if available power is sufficient to power the network device. An operation of the network device is controlled (370) based upon the active power source and/or if available power is insufficient to power the network device.