Link Down Power Saving for Network Data Path Components
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Solution Overview
Problem
Network devices continue to consume power in data path components even when link faults occur, leading to significant resource wastage due to non-operational components.
Innovation Solution
Network devices automatically execute power saving actions based on predefined power save profiles triggered by link down events, and reverse these actions when the fault is resolved, conserving resources and reducing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If network devices continue to provide power to data path components when link faults occur, then the components remain operational and ready for quick recovery, but significant power wastage occurs due to non-operational components consuming resources
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-configuring power save profiles that define power saving actions for different link down triggers. When a link fault occurs, the system automatically selects and executes the appropriate power saving action from pre-defined profiles, enabling quick recovery without manual intervention while optimizing power consumption based on the specific fault condition
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts power consumption by differentiating between various link down triggers (physical layer, data link layer, network layer) and applying appropriate power saving actions accordingly. The power save profiles enable dynamic power management that adapts to different fault conditions, balancing between power conservation and operational readiness
2Loss of energy
If network devices manually execute power saving actions for each link fault, then power consumption is optimized, but administrative overhead and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by enabling network devices to automatically detect link faults, classify them into appropriate triggers, select corresponding power save profiles, and execute power saving actions without manual administrator intervention. The link recovery state machine autonomously manages the entire power saving and recovery process, eliminating administrative overhead while optimizing power consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms through the link recovery state machine that continuously monitors link status and automatically reverses power saving actions when link faults are resolved. This closed-loop feedback system ensures optimal power management while maintaining network reliability without requiring continuous administrative monitoring
3Productivity
If network devices automatically reverse power saving actions when link faults clear, then operational status is restored quickly, but asynchronous coordination between multiple network devices becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses preliminary action by pre-configuring power save profiles that map specific link down triggers to corresponding power saving actions and their reversal mechanisms. When a link fault occurs and is subsequently resolved, the system automatically executes the predefined reversal actions without requiring complex real-time coordination between multiple devices
Solution Approach 2:
Each network device independently manages its own power saving actions and recovery process through the link recovery state machine. When a link fault is resolved, devices autonomously reverse their power saving actions without requiring synchronous coordination with other devices, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining fast recovery
Data Source
AI summary
In general, this disclosure describes a network device comprising a physical interface comprising a port and a data path component; a storage device configured to store a power save profile for the network device, wherein the power save profile specifies one or more link down triggers each associated with a power saving action; and processing circuitry having access to the storage device. The processing circuitry may be configured to determine, based on a link fault associated with the port, a link down trigger of the one or more link down triggers specified in the power save profile. The processing circuitry may further be configured to execute the power saving action associated with the link down trigger to reduce power consumed by the data path component.