Network Device Loop-Back Unit for Power Saving Link State
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Ethernet network devices consume excessive power due to the need to maintain an active link state with external network devices, leading to insufficient power savings when in a power-off or standby state.
Innovation Solution
A network device with a loop-back processing unit that maintains the link state by looping back signals between receiving and transmitting lines, even when the device is in a power-off or standby state, using a communication control unit and optionally a power control unit to manage power consumption and signal storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the network device is turned OFF to save power, then power consumption is reduced, but the link state with external network devices becomes inactive and communication cannot be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The network device is segmented into two operational modes: a full power mode where the communication control unit processes signals normally, and a power-saving mode where only the loop-back processing unit remains active to maintain link state. This segmentation allows the device to consume minimal power while preserving network connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The loop-back processing unit acts as an intermediary that receives signals from the receiving line and transmits them back through the transmitting line, creating a dummy response that maintains the link state with external network devices without requiring full communication control unit operation.
2Reliability
If the communication control unit is always ON to maintain active link state, then link state is maintained, but power consumption increases excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The communication control unit is divided into a main processing portion that can be powered down and a loop-back processing portion that remains active. This segmentation enables selective power management where only essential link-maintenance functions consume power.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the communication control unit have different power states: the loop-back processing unit operates continuously at full functionality to maintain link state, while the main processing unit enters low-power state when no actual communication is needed. This local quality differentiation optimizes power consumption.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the network device uses conventional power saving techniques, then power is saved in power-off state, but the external network device cannot transmit Ethernet frames because link state is inactive
Solution Approach 1:
The loop-back processing unit performs preliminary actions by continuously responding to link state maintaining frames from external devices, even when the main communication control unit is powered down. This preliminary response keeps the link state active, enabling the device to quickly resume full communication capability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The network device serves itself by using its own transmitting line to send looped-back signals in response to received signals, creating a self-sustaining link state maintenance mechanism that operates independently of the main communication control unit.
Data Source
AI summary
A network device includes: a connector connected to a network; a receiving line connected to the connector; a transmitting line connected to the connector; a communication control unit configured to control communication with an external network device by receiving a signal from the network through the connector and the receiving line, and transmitting the signal to the network through the transmitting line and the connector; and a loop-back processing unit configured to loop back the signal transmitted through the receiving line, to the transmitting line when the communication control unit is in a power-off state or a standby state.