FlexE PHY Dynamic Shutdown for Energy Saving

Solution Overview

Problem

In communication networks using Flexible Ethernet (FlexE), energy is wasted as all Physical Layer (PHY) devices remain active even during off-peak hours, leading to increased power consumption and reduced device lifespan.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a method to dynamically shut down or activate PHY devices in a FlexE group based on measured traffic rates and predefined thresholds, optimizing power usage and extending device lifespan.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If all PHYs in the FlexE group remain active continuously, then network availability and service continuity are ensured, but power consumption increases and device lifespan decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork availabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic PHY shutdown and activation mechanisms where the number of active PHYs is adjusted based on real-time traffic conditions. The system transitions from a static all-PHY-active state to a dynamic state where PHYs are selectively activated or shut down according to measured traffic rates compared against thresholds, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining network availability when needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameter of PHY devices from a fixed active state to a variable state based on traffic rate measurements. By monitoring traffic rates and comparing them against predefined thresholds (first threshold for shutdown, second threshold for activation), the system adjusts the number of active PHYs, transforming the static power consumption model into a dynamic one that adapts to actual network demand

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If all PHYs in the FlexE group remain active continuously, then network service continuity is maintained, but device lifespan is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice continuityVSAvoiddevice lifespan

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic PHY shutdown and activation mechanisms where the number of active PHYs is adjusted based on real-time traffic conditions. The system transitions from a static all-PHY-active state to a dynamic state where PHYs are selectively activated or shut down according to measured traffic rates compared against thresholds, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining network availability when needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs periodic monitoring of traffic rates and threshold comparisons to determine when PHYs should be shut down or activated. This periodic action allows the system to maintain service continuity during high-traffic periods while reducing device operation during low-traffic periods, thereby extending device lifespan through reduced cumulative operating hours

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Use of energy by moving object

If the number of active PHYs is reduced during low traffic periods, then power consumption is reduced, but network performance may be affected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidnetwork performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where traffic rates are continuously measured and compared against predefined thresholds to determine PHY shutdown/activation decisions. The system uses feedback from traffic rate monitoring to dynamically adjust the number of active PHYs, ensuring that power consumption is reduced during low-traffic periods while maintaining adequate network performance capacity when traffic increases

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic PHY shutdown and activation mechanisms where the number of active PHYs is adjusted based on real-time traffic conditions. The system transitions from a static all-PHY-active state to a dynamic state where PHYs are selectively activated or shut down according to measured traffic rates compared against thresholds, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining network availability when needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11296969B2Methods and devices for energy saving in communication network

Publication Date: 2022.04.05 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

AI summary

A method for energy saving in a communication network is provided. The method is implemented by a first network device in a communication network. The first network device may be communicatively connected to a second network device by a FlexE group. The method may comprise measuring a traffic rate of one or more FlexE clients carried over the FlexE group, and determining whether one or more PHYs of the FlexE group is to be shut down or activated based on the measured traffic rate and a first shutdown threshold or a first activation threshold.