Group Power Management for Network Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional network device wake-up methods, such as Wake-on-LAN, require known device addresses for awakening, which is impractical for anonymous or group wake-up scenarios in service networks where device addresses are unknown or constantly changing.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a power management module with a wake module and a network interface that monitors for a group address, allowing network devices to transition to a low power state and be awakened by a data packet identifying a shared group MAC address, enabling anonymous or group wake-up without direct addressing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If network devices use conventional Wake-on-LAN with known device addresses, then individual device wake-up is reliable, but group wake-up of anonymous devices is impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by making the wake-up mechanism serve multiple functions: it can wake up both individual devices (using their specific MAC addresses) and groups of anonymous devices (using a common group address). The network device is configured to respond to wake-up packets containing either its own MAC address or a pre-configured group address, thereby achieving multi-functionality in the wake-up system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a group address as an intermediary element that mediates between the wake-up initiator and multiple target devices. Instead of requiring direct knowledge of each device's address, the initiator sends a wake-up packet with a group address, and all devices configured with that group address can be awakened. This intermediary group address solves the problem of waking anonymous devices without prior address knowledge.
2Loss of energy
If network devices remain in low power state to conserve energy, then power consumption is reduced, but network discovery and communication are impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring network devices with group addresses before they enter low power state. This pre-configuration enables the devices to be awakened by group address packets even when in low power mode, maintaining network discoverability without requiring continuous full power operation. The devices prepare in advance by storing the group address in a register, allowing them to respond to wake-up calls later.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables periodic wake-up checks by keeping the network interface in a monitored state during low power mode. The device periodically checks for wake-up packets containing its MAC address or group address, allowing it to maintain energy savings while still being discoverable and communicable on the network when needed.
3Measurement precision
If service discovery protocols require active device participation, then discovery accuracy is high, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling devices to autonomously respond to wake-up packets without requiring continuous active participation in discovery protocols. Devices in low power state can self-activate upon receiving a wake-up packet with their MAC address or group address, eliminating the need for continuous discovery protocol participation while maintaining the ability to be discovered and communicate when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for group power management of network devices. Some embodiments of an apparatus include a power management module, where the power management module is to transition the apparatus from a normal state to a low power state. The apparatus includes a wake module having a processor that remains active in the low power state, and a register to store a group address. The apparatus includes a network interface that is monitored by the processor in the low power state, where the processor detects a data packet identifying the group address at the network interface, and where the power management module returns the apparatus to the normal state upon detection of the data packet.