Ethernet Suspend Mode via Unused Conductor Pairs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ethernet-based communications systems lack a Suspend mode, which would allow for reduced power consumption while maintaining a low-level connection, similar to IEEE Std 1394, leading to longer reconnection times after link drops.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a Suspend Mode in Ethernet communications systems by using idle signals on normally unused conductor pairs to power down transmitters and receivers, allowing for quick detection of disconnections and low power operation, and utilizing existing signaling levels and timing to transition between Active and Suspend modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If transmitters and receivers remain powered on to maintain readiness for data transmission, then reconnection speed is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically transitions between Active Mode (full power) and Suspend Mode (reduced power) based on data transmission needs. The PHY device can power down transmitters and receivers during idle periods while maintaining the ability to quickly resume data transmission when needed, resolving the contradiction between continuous readiness and power conservation
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational state parameters of the PHY device by introducing a Suspend Mode where transmitters and receivers are powered down. The use of idle signals on unused conductor pairs serves as a parameter change mechanism to indicate transition to low-power state, enabling both power reduction and maintained reconnection capability
2Stability of the object's composition
If idle signals are sent on normally used conductor pairs to maintain Active Mode, then connection stability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the function of idle signal transmission by assigning it to normally unused conductor pairs (C and D) rather than the actively used pairs (A and B). This segmentation allows the used pairs to remain in low-power state while the unused pairs maintain connection stability through idle signaling, resolving the contradiction between connection stability and power consumption
3Productivity
If all transmitters and receivers are kept active to enable immediate data transmission, then productivity is improved, but energy loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by maintaining the logical connection and using idle signals on unused pairs to indicate readiness for resumption. When data transmission is needed, the PHY can quickly transition from Suspend Mode back to Active Mode without full re-initialization, achieving both energy efficiency and maintained productivity through advance preparation of the connection state
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention describes a communications system having a first link partner and a second link partner that are connected by a communications link having at least four pairs of conductors. According to IEEE Standard 802.3 (e.g. Ethernet) for 1000Base-T, a data link is maintained (in a period absent data transmission) by sending idle signals over four pairs of conductors of the cable to maintain a logical connection. This idle signal scheme is replaced with an alternate idle signaling scheme that uses only two pairs of conductors to maintain a logical connection and therefore can operate with using lower power. The other two pairs of conductors of the four pairs of conductors are unused to maintain a logical connection absent data transfer, and therefore can be used to implement a Suspend Mode of operation. During Suspend Mode, the physical layer of each link partner powers down unnecessary circuitry so as to operate in a low power environment. To initiate the Suspend Mode, idle signals are sent on one of the un-used pairs of the conductors mentioned above. To exit Suspend mode, idle signals are sent on respective conductors simultaneously.