Multicast Wake-Up Packet Device Identifier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for remotely waking a sleeping computer often result in unintended wake-ups due to common network traffic, leading to excessive power usage and reduced power savings.
Innovation Solution
The use of multicast packets to wake up specific devices by including identifiers within the packet, allowing only intended devices to transition from a sleeping state to an awake state, while other devices in the multicast group remain asleep.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If ARP requests are used to wake up sleeping computers remotely, then remote waking capability is achieved, but unintended wake-ups occur due to common network traffic
Solution Approach 1:
The network traffic is segmented into two categories: wake-up packets containing specific device identifiers and common network traffic. The sleeping device only processes wake-up packets by checking if the packet contains its unique identifier, while ignoring other network traffic. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by enabling remote waking capability while preventing unintended wake-ups from common network traffic.
2Loss of energy
If the computer remains in low power state during idle periods, then power savings are achieved, but the computer cannot communicate with other computers
Solution Approach 1:
The network adapter is configured in advance to monitor specific wake-up packets even when the computer is in low power state. The adapter remains in a low-power monitoring mode, pre-configured with the device identifier to recognize wake-up packets. When a wake-up packet is detected, the computer transitions to full power state. This preliminary action enables the computer to maintain communication readiness for remote waking while preserving power savings during idle periods.
Data Source
AI summary
Sleeping device(s) may be changed from a sleeping state to an awake state using a multicast packet that sent to a multicast address of a multicast wake-up group. The packet may include an identifier for one or more particular device(s) in the multicast group, which, when received by the device(s), causes the device(s) to wake up.