MAC-PHY Running State Control for Optical Link Energy Saving
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication apparatuses interconnected through optical fibers face high power consumption due to constant rated power consumption of link interfaces, even in low-traffic scenarios, leading to inefficient energy usage.
Innovation Solution
A method for determining a running state that adjusts link bandwidth and energy-saving policies at the MAC and physical layers, using out-of-band or in-band negotiation to reduce power consumption by dynamically adjusting the link bandwidth based on traffic statistics and environmental conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If link bandwidth is reduced during energy-saving time periods, then power consumption is reduced, but communication capacity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of link bandwidth by switching between first running state (first link bandwidth) and second running state (second link bandwidth) based on time points and traffic conditions. The MAC layer and physical layer components dynamically change their operating states to match actual communication needs, achieving both energy saving and maintained communication capacity when necessary.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the link bandwidth parameter from a fixed rated value to a variable parameter that can take different values (first link bandwidth or second link bandwidth) based on operational conditions. This parameter change is implemented through negotiating and adjusting MAC layer and physical layer configurations, allowing the system to optimize between power consumption and communication capacity.
2Loss of energy
If running states of MAC layer and physical layer components are adjusted, then energy-saving effect is enhanced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication apparatus into distinct functional layers (MAC layer and physical layer) with independent running states. By separating the control of these layers and allowing independent state adjustment, the system achieves comprehensive energy saving while managing complexity through modular design. Each layer can be optimized independently based on actual needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic energy-saving operations by defining energy-saving time periods with start and end time points. The system periodically transitions to and from energy-saving states based on these time periods, creating a rhythmic pattern of high and low power consumption that accumulates significant energy savings over time while maintaining predictable system behavior.
3Use of energy by moving object
If link bandwidth is dynamically adjusted based on traffic statistics, then energy efficiency is improved, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where traffic statistics are continuously monitored and used to adjust link bandwidth decisions. The system collects traffic data, analyzes patterns, and uses this feedback to determine when to transition between running states. This closed-loop control optimizes energy efficiency while the feedback nature of the control simplifies the decision-making process compared to open-loop complex control.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication apparatus performs self-adjustment of its running states based on monitored traffic conditions and pre-configured energy-saving policies. The system automatically determines when to enter or exit energy-saving modes without requiring complex external control, using its own traffic statistics and policy rules to make decisions. This self-service approach reduces overall control complexity while maintaining energy efficiency.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for determining a running state, a communication apparatus, and a storage medium are disclosed, and belong to the field of optical communication technologies. In the method, in response to a current time point being a start time point of a first energy-saving time period, a first communication apparatus sets a first sending apparatus to be in a first running state according to a first energy-saving policy, so that link bandwidth between the first sending apparatus and a second receiving apparatus is first link bandwidth. The first sending apparatus and the second receiving apparatus are interconnected through an optical fiber, and both the first sending apparatus and the second receiving apparatus are configured to perform medium access control MAC layer and physical layer processing on data. Therefore, in embodiments of this application, running states of related components at a MAC layer and a physical layer of the first communication apparatus may be set, to implement an energy-saving policy by adjusting the link bandwidth, so that power consumption of the first communication apparatus is reduced.