Network Controller Wake-Up via MAC Address Configuration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Network controllers for certain embedded computing devices, such as set-top boxes, do not directly support the special packet wake-up function, necessitating an alternative network-based wake-up solution to meet emerging power use requirements and standby power modes.
Innovation Solution
Configuring a standard network controller to respond to packets based on a destination media access control (MAC) address, allowing the terminal device to wake up from a low power state using a predetermined locally administered MAC address, eliminating the need for specialized hardware and enabling efficient power management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a standard network controller is used without specialized wake-up hardware, then device cost is reduced and procurement is simplified, but the ability to respond to network-based wake-up packets in low power mode is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The network controller is configured to perform multiple functions: normal network communication and wake-up packet detection. By programming the controller to recognize wake-up packets during low power states, the same hardware component serves dual purposes, eliminating the need for dedicated wake-up hardware while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the network controller based on power state. During low power mode, the controller operates in a restricted mode with limited functionality but sufficient capability to detect wake-up packets. When awakened, it transitions to full operational mode, effectively using parameter changes to enable wake-up functionality without permanent hardware additions.
2Reliability
If the network controller remains active to detect wake-up packets, then wake-up functionality is enabled, but power consumption during standby mode increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of keeping the full network controller active during standby, the system employs partial action by enabling only the essential packet detection capability. The controller performs minimal monitoring functions sufficient to detect wake-up packets while remaining in a low power state, avoiding full operational power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The network controller operates in periodic cycles during standby mode, entering low power states and briefly activating to check for wake-up packets at intervals. This periodic operation allows the system to maintain wake-up capability while significantly reducing average power consumption compared to continuous operation.
3Reliability
If a specialized wake-up packet format is used, then wake-up detection is reliable, but network traffic complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wake-up packet uses the standard Ethernet frame format, allowing the same network infrastructure and protocol stack to handle both wake-up packets and regular network traffic. This universal approach eliminates the need for specialized packet formats or separate handling mechanisms, reducing network traffic complexity while maintaining reliable wake-up detection through configured MAC address recognition.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are described herein for achieving network-based wake-up functionality for power management functions using a standard network controller for embedded applications. A network controller is configured to receive packets sent via a network and to respond to the packets depending on a destination media access control (MAC) address contained in the packets. A processor coupled to the network controller configures an operational MAC address for network traffic that the network controller is responsive to based on an operating state.