Network Device Duty Cycling for Power Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
As the number of devices connected to data networks increases, conventional Ethernet networks face challenges in reducing power consumption while maintaining high data rates, particularly for portable and handheld devices, which can lead to battery life concerns.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for duty cycling portions of a network device based on aggregate throughput, where data processing is adjusted by slowing down or powering down components during periods of low data transmission to conserve power, ensuring that the device processes data at varying rates to match the aggregate throughput requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If data processing is performed at high data rates to meet increasing network demands, then network throughput is improved, but power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the data processing rate adjustable rather than fixed. The network device dynamically changes its processing rate based on actual traffic conditions, switching between high performance modes when traffic is heavy and low power modes when traffic is light. This resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to adapt its productivity and energy consumption to match actual needs rather than operating at constant high levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the network device, specifically the data processing rate, based on traffic conditions. By monitoring aggregate throughput and adjusting the processing rate parameter accordingly, the system can maintain adequate network performance while reducing power consumption during periods of lower traffic demand. This parameter adjustment strategy directly addresses the contradiction between throughput and power consumption.
2Use of energy by moving object
If processing rate is reduced to conserve power, then power consumption is decreased, but data processing capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the aggregate throughput of the network device and using this information to adjust the data processing rate. The system measures actual traffic conditions and feeds this information back to the control mechanism that regulates processing speed. This feedback loop ensures that the processing rate is reduced only when traffic conditions permit, maintaining an optimal balance between power consumption and data processing capability rather than using a fixed low-power mode.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of a method and system for duty cycling a network device based on aggregate throughput of the device are provided. In this regard, a limit on aggregate ingress and egress data of a network device during a time interval may be determined. Processing of data by the network device may be duty cycled based on the determination. The device may process data at a first rate during a first portion of the time interval and process data at a second rate during a remaining portion of the time interval. In this regard, portions of the device may be slowed or powered down during the first portion of the time interval. Power consumed by the device during the first portion of the time interval may be less than power consumed by the device during the remaining portion of the time interval.