Network Device Clock Network Power Management
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In facilities with high numbers of network devices, such as server farms and data centers, the collective power consumption by network devices is significant, necessitating effective power-saving techniques.
Innovation Solution
A method for power saving in network devices involves determining when a component needs to provide or process packet data, prompting the relevant component to activate its clock network, sending the data for processing, determining when the processing is complete, and then prompting the component to deactivate its clock network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If clock network is kept continuously active in network device components, then data processing can occur without delay, but power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic activation of clock networks by using wake-up modules that trigger clock activation only when data is available for processing. The clock network transitions between active and inactive states periodically based on data arrival, rather than remaining continuously active. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining productivity when needed while reducing power consumption during idle periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs self-service mechanisms where components monitor their own data buffer status and autonomously activate/deactivate their clock networks without external control. Each component's wake-up module detects when its input buffer contains data and automatically enables the clock network, eliminating the need for continuous external monitoring and reducing overall system power consumption while maintaining processing readiness.
2Use of energy by moving object
If clock network is deactivated to save power, then power consumption reduces, but data processing is delayed when data arrives
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action through wake-up modules that continuously monitor data buffers for incoming data. When data arrives in the buffer before the clock network is active, the wake-up module detects this condition and triggers immediate clock activation, ensuring data processing begins without delay. This preliminary monitoring mechanism prevents processing delays while maintaining power savings during truly idle periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback mechanisms where components report their buffer status to wake-up modules, which then determine clock activation decisions. The wake-up module receives feedback about data availability and adjusts clock network activation accordingly. This closed-loop feedback system ensures clocks are activated only when necessary, minimizing delays while optimizing power consumption based on real-time system conditions.
3Reliability
If multiple components maintain continuous clock operation for reliable data processing, then system reliability improves, but collective power consumption becomes significant
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the clock network control into independent, component-specific wake-up modules rather than using a centralized continuous clock system. Each component's clock network is controlled independently based on its own data availability, allowing selective activation of only the necessary segments of the overall system. This segmentation maintains reliability for active components while reducing collective power consumption by deactivating idle segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the operational state parameter of clock networks between active and inactive modes based on data flow conditions. The wake-up modules monitor data buffer parameters and change the clock network's operational parameter accordingly, transitioning from continuous operation to event-driven operation. This parameter adaptation maintains processing reliability when data is present while minimizing power consumption during idle periods.
Data Source
AI summary
A first component of a network device determines that the first component is to provide packet data to a second component of the network device for processing by the second component. In connection with determining that the first component is to provide packet data to the second component of the network device, the first component prompts the second component to activate a clock network of the second component. In connection with prompting the second component to activate the clock network, the first component sends the packet data to the second component to be processed by the second component. The first component determines when the second component has completed processing of the packet data, and prompts the second component to deactivate the clock network in response to determining that the second component has completed processing of the packet data.