Network Node Power Saving Mode Management Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network devices face inefficiencies in power saving modes due to lack of coordination between different communication layers, leading to increased power consumption and false fault indications when in low power modes.
Innovation Solution
A network node with a power saving mode management module that informs higher layers about its power saving status, allowing coordinated check message sending and reducing the need to exit low power modes, thereby enhancing power savings and reducing false fault indications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the interface enters power saving mode to reduce power consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but coordination between layers breaks down causing false fault indications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a power saving mode management module as an intermediary between the physical layer interface and higher protocol layers. This mediator translates and coordinates power mode states across layers, ensuring that when the interface enters power saving mode, all higher layers are properly notified and can adjust their check message timing accordingly, preventing false fault indications while maintaining power savings
2Reliability
If check messages are sent frequently to maintain network monitoring, then network reliability is improved, but power consumption increases due to frequent exits from low power mode
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic check message timing where the frequency and scheduling of check messages adapt based on the power saving mode state. When the interface is in power saving mode, check messages are coordinated to occur only during active periods or using wake-up mechanisms, allowing the system to dynamically balance monitoring needs against power consumption rather than using fixed frequent intervals
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic check messages with coordinated timing across layers. Instead of continuous or random checking, the system uses scheduled periodic check messages that are synchronized with the power saving mode cycles, allowing the interface to enter and exit power saving mode predictably while maintaining adequate network monitoring through these periodic checks
Data Source
AI summary
A network node has an interface which has different modes of operation, including at least a power saving mode and a normal operating mode. The node has a power saving mode management module for maintaining information about whether the interface is in the power saving mode of operation. The power saving mode management module is able to make available to one or more layers higher than the physical layer of the interface information about whether the interface is in the power saving mode of operation.