Network Device Power Mode Transition Using Shared Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network communication devices face challenges in transitioning between operational and power-saving modes, resulting in prolonged downtime and potential data loss due to the time-consuming process of copying data and initializing communication interfaces.
Innovation Solution
A network communication device architecture featuring a first control unit and a second control unit with shared storage, where the second unit acts as a proxy during power-saving mode, allowing for data processing and communication without transitioning to the primary mode, thereby reducing transition time and preventing data loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If data copying and communication interface initialization are performed during mode transition, then data integrity is maintained, but transition time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the second control unit pre-load and maintain communication interface settings and data buffers in advance. When mode transition is needed, the second control unit is already prepared with the necessary communication parameters and data structures, eliminating the need for time-consuming initialization and data copying during the actual transition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the second control unit acts as a mediator between the first control unit and the communication interface. The second control unit maintains a shared memory space that stores communication state information, allowing seamless transition without direct data copying between control units and the communication interface.
2Reliability
If communication interface initialization is performed during mode transition, then communication functionality is ensured, but transition time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The second control unit performs preliminary initialization of the communication interface and maintains active connection states in advance. Communication parameters such as IP addresses, port numbers, and protocol settings are pre-configured in shared memory, allowing the system to switch modes without re-initializing the communication interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuity of useful action by maintaining the communication interface in a ready state through the second control unit. The communication interface remains actively managed with continuous background processes that preserve connection states, allowing immediate resumption of communication without interruption during mode transitions.
3Reliability
If data copying is performed during mode transition, then data consistency is maintained, but transition time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the data storage functions by implementing a shared memory space that is commonly accessed by both the first and second control units. This eliminates the need for separate data copies between control units, as both units access the same unified data structure, ensuring data consistency without the time cost of copying operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a logical copy mechanism where the second control unit creates a virtual copy of the communication state and data buffers in shared memory. This virtual copying allows the second control unit to operate with identical data without physically copying data during transition, maintaining data consistency while avoiding the time penalty of actual data copying.
Data Source
AI summary
A network communication device includes a first control unit that has a first application, a second control unit that has a second application and a communication processing section, and a shared storage unit, wherein, in a first mode where the first control unit is in an operation state, the first application performs a predetermined process using the shared storage unit, and the communication processing section performs communication in response to an instruction from the first application, and wherein, if the first control unit transitions from the first mode to a second mode in which power consumption is lower than that in the first mode, the first application stops execution of the process, the second application performs a process based on data related to the first application, stored in the shared storage unit, and the communication processing section performs communication in response to an instruction from the second application.