IEEE 802 Network Power Saving via Coordinated Sleep Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power-saving methods in IEEE 802-style and ITU-T G.984-style networks, such as Ethernet networks, are inefficient as they continue to consume power in receivers even when transmitters are in low power states, and lack effective mechanisms for devices to initiate power-saving modes without signal detection.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that enables user or network devices to initiate a sleep mode, allowing transmitters and receivers to power down for specified periods, using sleep control message flows and modified message formats to facilitate power savings in optical networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional power-saving methods are used where transmitters enter low power states, then transmitter power consumption is reduced, but receiver continues to consume power and link synchronization is maintained only partially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by establishing cyclic sleep modes where devices alternate between active and sleep states in regular intervals. The network controller coordinates sleep cycles for multiple devices, enabling them to enter sleep mode during predetermined time periods and wake up when data needs to be transmitted, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by having devices enter sleep mode before actual data transmission occurs. The network controller pre-establishes sleep schedules and coordinates wake-up times, allowing devices to remain in low-power states until needed. This prevents unnecessary power consumption during idle periods while ensuring readiness for data communication when required.
2Use of energy by moving object
If devices enter sleep mode to save power, then power consumption is reduced, but link synchronization and signal detection capability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where devices periodically send wake-up signals or status notifications to their network controllers even during sleep mode. The network controller uses this feedback information to track device states, coordinate wake-up times, and maintain synchronization. When a device needs to transmit data, it sends a wake-up signal that triggers the controller to resume synchronization protocols, ensuring reliable communication upon wake-up.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-establishing synchronization protocols and wake-up procedures before devices actually need to communicate. The network controller pre-calculates wake-up times and prepares synchronization parameters in advance, so when devices wake up from sleep mode, they can quickly re-synchronize without interruption. This prevents synchronization losses and maintains reliable link operation.
3Reliability
If receivers remain active to detect transmitter wake-up signals, then link synchronization is maintained, but power savings are significantly reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the network controller as an intermediary that performs the function of detecting transmitter wake-up signals. Instead of receivers remaining active to detect wake-up signals directly, the network controller monitors for wake-up indications from multiple devices and coordinates their wake-up times. This intermediary approach allows receivers to enter deep sleep modes while the controller maintains awareness of network state and synchronizes communication accordingly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action by having receivers wake up at predetermined intervals or upon receiving wake-up signals from the network controller to perform brief synchronization checks, then return to sleep mode. This periodic wake-up approach allows receivers to maintain link synchronization capability without remaining continuously active, significantly reducing power consumption while ensuring they are ready for data transmission when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for power saving in IEEE 802-style and ITU-T G.984-style networks overcomes the limitations of conventional techniques using information from user and network devices for initiating power savings by the user or network device, enabling power savings on links such as optical networks. This innovative technique provides a system and method for communications between user and network devices, facilitating either the user or network device initiating a sleep mode for the user device. The implementation of a sleep mode in a device allows powering down of the device's transmitter and receiver for a specified length of time, during which the transmitter and receiver (also referred to as the physical interface of the device) consume diminished power.