Network Connection Detector Using Waveform Reflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Network devices consume excessive power due to repetitive transmission and monitoring of link pulses when establishing connections, especially when infrastructure does not support higher speed modes, leading to unnecessary power waste and prolonged connection establishment times.
Innovation Solution
A network connection detector and method that sends a test wave and detects reflected waves to determine physical connections, allowing network devices to switch to a power-saving mode before establishing connections, using a waveform generator and reflected wave detector to assess connection status and adjust operation modes accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If link pulses are repetitively transmitted and monitored to establish network connection, then connection reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing link pulse transmission and monitoring only after physical connection is confirmed through cable detection. The system detects cable insertion first, then activates the link pulse mechanism, avoiding continuous operation and reducing power consumption while maintaining connection reliability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic action by transmitting link pulses at intervals (every 16ms as per IEEE802.3 standard) only when connection is established, rather than continuously. This periodic transmission maintains connection reliability while significantly reducing power consumption compared to continuous monitoring.
2Speed
If auto negotiation prefers 1000M mode, then connection speed is improved, but connection establishment time increases due to repeated failed attempts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by detecting cable type before auto-negotiation begins. The system identifies whether only two pairs of wires are connected, then adjusts the connection mode selection in advance, preventing repeated failed 1000M attempts and reducing connection establishment time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamics by making the connection mode adaptive based on detected cable capabilities. Rather than statically preferring 1000M mode, the system dynamically adjusts to use 100M mode when only two pairs are available, optimizing both speed and establishment time based on actual conditions.
3Stability of the object's composition
If link pulse monitoring is continuous, then connection stability is improved, but unnecessary power consumption occurs when connection is not established
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by monitoring link pulses only at regular intervals (every 16ms) after connection is established, rather than continuously. This maintains connection stability through periodic verification while eliminating unnecessary power consumption during idle or failed connection states.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses preliminary cable detection to determine whether to activate link pulse monitoring at all. When no cable is detected or connection fails after attempted establishment, the system stops monitoring, preventing unnecessary power consumption while maintaining stability when connection exists.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Significantly reduces power consumption by disabling unnecessary circuit components during connection establishment, enabling faster and more efficient network connection setup while ensuring reliable connections are established.
Implementation Method 1
sends a test wave and receives a reflected test wave
Implementation Method 2
detects a first reflected wave that corresponds to the first test wave and is reflected from the first contact
Data Source
AI summary
A network device, a network connection detector and a detection method thereof are disclosed. The network device includes a socket, a waveform generator and a reflected wave detector. The waveform generator sends a first test wave to at least a first contact of a plurality of contacts of a socket and then the reflected wave detector detects a first reflected wave that is corresponding to the first test wave and is reflected from the first contact. Thus a first control signal is generated according to detection result of the first reflected wave.