Network Data Path Power Control from Link Down Detection
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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 and inefficiency, especially in high-speed ports, due to the physical and MAC layer components.
Innovation Solution
Network devices automatically execute power saving actions based on predefined power save profiles triggered by link down events, reducing power consumption by disabling or lowering power modes of data path components, and reversing these actions when the fault is resolved.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If network devices continue to provide power to data path components after link fault detection, then reliability and quick recovery are improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary classification of link down triggers into different types (permanent vs. temporary faults) before deciding on power saving actions. This allows the device to proactively enter low-power mode for permanent faults while maintaining readiness for temporary faults, resolving the contradiction by preparing appropriate responses in advance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the power state of data path components based on the classified link fault type. For permanent faults, components are transitioned to low-power mode; for temporary faults, components remain active. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by matching power consumption to actual operational needs.
2Use of energy by moving object
If network devices execute power saving actions immediately upon link fault detection, then energy consumption is reduced, but recovery time increases when faults are temporary
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary classification of link down triggers before executing power saving actions. By identifying the fault type in advance, the system avoids premature power saving actions for temporary faults, thus reducing recovery time while still achieving energy savings for permanent faults.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from link status monitoring to determine whether to execute or reverse power saving actions. Continuous monitoring provides feedback on link recovery status, allowing the system to reverse power saving actions when temporary faults are resolved, thereby minimizing recovery time.
3Use of energy by moving object
If manual power saving actions are required for each network device experiencing link faults, then power consumption is reduced, but operational complexity and administrative overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects link faults, classifies them into types, and executes appropriate power saving actions without manual intervention. The device serves itself by monitoring its own link status and autonomously managing power consumption, thereby eliminating administrative overhead while achieving energy savings.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors link status and uses this feedback to automatically trigger or reverse power saving actions. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables autonomous power management, resolving the contradiction by eliminating the need for manual administrative actions.
4Ease of manufacture
If uniform power saving actions are applied to all link faults, then ease of implementation is improved, but adaptability to different fault types deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments link down triggers into different types (permanent faults and temporary faults) based on classification criteria. This segmentation allows different power saving actions to be applied to different fault types, improving adaptability while maintaining implementation simplicity through clear categorization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies different power saving actions to different fault types rather than using a uniform approach. Permanent faults receive aggressive power saving actions, while temporary faults receive milder actions or none at all. This local differentiation improves adaptability while keeping the implementation straightforward through type-based routing.
Data Source
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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.