Intermediate Device Wake-Up Protocol for Network Power Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
As the number of devices connected to a network increases, power consumption rises, and existing solutions like Wake on LAN (WoL) are not universally applicable, leading to devices being left on or requiring manual power control, which is inefficient.
Innovation Solution
An intermediate computing device acts as a translator to send a wake-up message and data request, allowing devices without WoL support to enter low power states while still enabling data sharing by using RF or infrared signals, and can wake up in response to various requests.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If devices are left turned on to support data sharing, then data sharing capability is maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by having the intermediate device monitor and detect data requests before the source device needs to be active. The intermediate device prepares to relay requests and maintains a mapping of available data sources, enabling the source device to remain in low-power state while still being accessible for data sharing when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediate device is introduced as a mediator between the requesting device and the source device. This intermediary monitors the network, detects data requests, determines which source device has the requested data, and relays requests and responses between devices. This allows source devices to remain powered off while maintaining data sharing capability through the intermediary.
2Use of energy by moving object
If WoL feature is enabled to allow one device to turn on another, then devices can enter low power states, but device complexity increases due to WoL support requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate device serves as a mediator that handles the complexity of detecting data requests, determining source devices, and sending wake-up signals. Source devices themselves remain simple without needing WoL capabilities, as the intermediate device manages all the complex operations of monitoring, decision-making, and device activation on their behalf.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate device provides self-service functionality by autonomously monitoring network traffic, detecting data requests, identifying appropriate source devices, and initiating wake-up sequences. This eliminates the need for source devices to have intelligent WoL support, as the intermediate device performs all these functions automatically without human intervention.
3Use of energy by moving object
If manual power control is used for devices without WoL support, then devices can be powered off when not in use, but ease of operation decreases due to manual intervention requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate device implements a feedback mechanism by continuously monitoring the network for data requests and automatically responding by waking up the appropriate source devices. This closed-loop system eliminates manual power control requirements, as the intermediate device receives feedback about data access needs and autonomously adjusts device power states accordingly.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides self-service power management where the intermediate device automatically detects when data is needed and wakes up the necessary source devices without human intervention. This eliminates the need for users to manually power devices on or off, as the system autonomously manages power states based on actual data sharing requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus relating to powering on devices via an intermediate computing device are described. In an embodiment, a request for data by a first device may be detected at a second device. The second device may determine a third device that stores the requested data and cause it to be turned on if the third device is in a reduced power consumption state. Other embodiments are also disclosed.