Network Feature Handoff Under Power Budget Constraints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power management techniques in network devices do not consider the power budget constraints of the entire network or the specific power requirements of different features, leading to suboptimal power consumption and performance trade-offs, as well as increased complexity in network management.
Innovation Solution
A network node determines a subset of features to offload to another node based on power budget specifications using power consumption management logic, which involves signaling capabilities and route data to ensure features are executed within the budget across the network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple features (TCAM filtering, VPN decapsulation, DPI) are executed in network devices, then data transmission performance and security are improved, but power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments feature execution across multiple network nodes rather than requiring all features to be executed at a single node. The first network node identifies features to offload and the second network node executes them, dividing the processing workload across the network infrastructure to reduce power consumption at any single location while maintaining overall transmission performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a power consumption management logic as an intermediary component that mediates between feature execution requirements and power budget constraints. This logic identifies power budget specifications, determines which features should be offloaded, and coordinates the signaling between network nodes to enable flexible feature distribution based on power availability
2Productivity
If traditional power management techniques are used, then individual device power consumption is optimized, but network-wide power budget constraints and feature-specific power requirements are not considered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes power management universal by considering multiple factors simultaneously: network-wide power budgets, individual feature power requirements, and node-specific capabilities. The power consumption management logic performs multiple functions - identifying power budget specifications, determining feature offloading decisions, and coordinating node capabilities - to create an adaptable power management system that works across diverse network configurations
3Use of energy by stationary object
If existing power management techniques are used, then power consumption is managed, but flexibility and dynamic adjustment are limited, resulting in suboptimal trade-offs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustment capability through a flexible power consumption management logic that can adapt to changing network conditions. The system dynamically determines which features to offload based on real-time power budget specifications and node capabilities, rather than using static power management rules. The signaling mechanism enables dynamic coordination between network nodes to optimize power consumption in response to varying traffic patterns and power constraints
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are devices, systems, methods, and processes for intelligently managing power consumption in a network by allocating a power budget for packet processing. The power budget can be allocated based on criticality and/or the trust level of the flow. A network device may determine which subsets of features can be executed within the power budget for specific flows. Network devices can signal their capability to run features based on power consumption and adherence to the power budget, allowing for cooperative end-to-end power-based decision-making and policy enforcement. Network devices unable to run all features can select a subset of the features within their power budget and a viable path where other network devices can execute the missing features. Source route information can be added to indicate the path and missing features to be executed by network devices down the segment routing path.