Network Controller Path Selection for Power Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing demand for networked devices with multiple interfaces leads to higher power consumption, contributing to increased costs, reduced battery life, and increased design complexity due to heat generation, necessitating a solution to optimize energy efficiency while maintaining quality of service (QoS).
Innovation Solution
A hybrid network system with a network controller that determines the most power-efficient network path by leveraging multiple MAC/PHY stacks, such as IEEE 1905.1, and dynamically adjusts device capabilities based on usage requirements, disabling unnecessary interfaces and optimizing data transmission paths to reduce power consumption without compromising QoS.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple network interfaces are enabled to provide seamless operation and high network availability, then QoS and device interoperability are improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts network interface states based on operational requirements. The controller monitors network conditions and automatically transitions interfaces between active and power-saving states, enabling the system to adapt its power consumption profile to actual network availability needs rather than maintaining static high-power operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of network interfaces by introducing multiple power states (full power, reduced power, sleep modes) and transitioning between them based on traffic patterns and QoS requirements. This parameter adjustment allows the system to maintain necessary network availability while operating at lower power levels during periods of reduced demand.
2Use of energy by moving object
If device functionality is reduced to lower power consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but QoS may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial functionality by activating only the necessary network interfaces and security features required for current traffic patterns. Rather than disabling all non-essential functions completely, the system selectively reduces functionality to the minimum required level, maintaining QoS for critical operations while achieving power savings from reduced device activity.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller implements feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor network traffic patterns, QoS metrics, and power consumption levels. Based on this feedback, the system automatically adjusts the activation state of network interfaces and security features, ensuring that QoS requirements are met while minimizing power consumption by disabling only those functions that are not currently needed.
3Productivity
If network interfaces operate at full capability to handle unpredictable network requests, then performance is improved, but power consumption and heat generation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic polling and scheduled activation of network interfaces rather than continuous full-capability operation. Network interfaces are activated in periodic intervals to check for traffic and perform necessary operations, then returned to lower-power states. This periodic action maintains network responsiveness and performance while significantly reducing average power consumption compared to continuous full-capability operation.
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with an embodiment, a network device includes a network controller and at least one network interface coupled to the network controller that includes at least one media access control (MAC) device configured to be coupled to at least one physical layer interface (PHY). The network controller may be configured to determine a network path comprising the at least one network interface that has a lowest power consumption and minimum security attributes of available media types coupled to the at least one PHY.