MoCA Power Management via Cable Probing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In MoCA networks, devices attempting to join simultaneously with different last operating frequencies (LOFs) often miss synchronizing due to statistically synchronized timing, leading to prolonged power consumption as they wait to form a network.
Innovation Solution
A communication device with a power management module that determines the presence or absence of an external cable by probing signal characteristics, transitioning to a sleep mode when disconnected and periodically awakening to check for reconnection, thereby reducing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If devices attempt to join MoCA network simultaneously with different LOFs, then network formation capability is maintained, but power consumption increases due to prolonged synchronization waiting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power management by transitioning the communication device between operational mode and sleep mode based on cable connection status. The power management module continuously monitors cable presence and dynamically adjusts device operation state, allowing full network formation capability when cable is connected while entering low-power state when disconnected, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining network formation capability and reducing power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the communication device based on cable connection detection. When cable is disconnected, the device transitions to sleep mode with modified operational parameters (reduced power consumption, suspended network formation attempts). When cable is reconnected, parameters are restored to enable full network formation capability. This parameter change approach allows the device to adapt its power consumption level to actual operational needs.
2Reliability
If devices continuously monitor for cable connection and network status, then connection reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic monitoring instead of continuous monitoring. The power management module periodically checks cable connection status and network availability, allowing the device to enter sleep mode between monitoring intervals. This periodic action maintains connection reliability by detecting cable disconnection events while significantly reducing power consumption compared to continuous monitoring, as the device can remain in low-power state for extended periods.
3Adaptability or versatility
If devices perform extensive beacon listening and network searching, then network acquisition capability is improved, but synchronization delay increases when multiple devices join simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary cable connection detection before initiating extensive beacon listening and network searching. By first checking cable presence through the power management module, the device can quickly determine if the coaxial cable is connected and skip unnecessary network searching if disconnected. This preliminary action reduces synchronization delay when multiple devices join simultaneously, as devices with disconnected cables can quickly enter sleep mode without performing time-consuming network acquisition procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are provided for power management in communication devices, particularly based on cable connectivity. A power management component in a system may be configured to manage power use in the system based on measurements associated with a signal path used for communication by the system via a communication port, wherein the managing includes. Managing the power use may include determining, based on the measurements, connectivity related information associated with connectivity of the system via the communication port; applying, based on the connectivity related information, one or more power use reduction measures, wherein the one or more power use reduction measures include transitioning between different power related states; and monitoring one or more conditions to determine when to stop, undo, or reverse at least one of the one or more power use reduction measures.