Network Path Management for Power Reduction in Relay Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
In information processing systems, the redundancy of communication paths between relay apparatus often exceeds the redundancy of communication paths on the node side, leading to inefficient use of resources and increased power consumption, as system administrators spend significant time manually identifying and managing excess communication paths, which becomes more challenging as network scale grows.
Innovation Solution
An information processing system that includes a management apparatus which determines, based on interface units and path information, whether the number of communication paths exceeds the number of interface units and controls the relay apparatus to block excess communication paths, thereby reducing unnecessary paths and conserving power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the number of communication paths between relay apparatus is increased to ensure redundancy, then network reliability is improved, but the number of interface units required on the node side increases, leading to increased device complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a management apparatus as an intermediary between nodes and relay apparatus. This management apparatus automatically manages communication paths through relay apparatus, allowing high redundancy at the relay level without requiring corresponding interface units at the node level. The management apparatus acts as a mediator that handles path selection and blocking, enabling the system to maintain high reliability while keeping node complexity low.
2Reliability
If multiple communication paths are maintained for redundancy, then network reliability is improved, but power consumption increases due to unnecessary active links
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements dynamic path management where the management apparatus actively monitors and adjusts the state of communication paths. Paths are dynamically blocked or unblocked based on actual communication needs, allowing the system to maintain redundancy capability while minimizing active power consumption. The management apparatus can switch between active and blocked states for different paths, creating a dynamic energy-saving mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention allows communication paths to be temporarily discarded (blocked) when not needed for active communication, while maintaining the capability to recover (unblock) them when required for redundancy or failover scenarios. This discarding and recovering mechanism enables the system to reduce power consumption by blocking unnecessary paths while preserving the ability to restore redundancy when needed.
3Use of energy by moving object
If manual management of communication paths is performed to identify and block excess paths, then power consumption is reduced, but significant time and labor are required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements self-service automation where the management apparatus autonomously identifies, evaluates, and blocks excess communication paths without human intervention. The system automatically monitors communication patterns, determines which paths are unnecessary for maintaining required redundancy levels, and blocks them to reduce power consumption. This eliminates the need for manual path management while achieving energy savings.
Solution Approach 2:
The management apparatus employs feedback mechanisms to continuously monitor communication usage patterns and automatically adjust path blocking decisions. By receiving feedback on actual communication flows and redundancy requirements, the system can intelligently determine which paths to block or unblock, automating the entire path management process and eliminating manual intervention while optimizing power consumption.
4Use of energy by moving object
If communication paths are blocked to reduce redundancy, then power consumption is reduced, but network reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The management apparatus performs preliminary analysis and evaluation before blocking communication paths. It assesses the current network state, identifies redundant paths, and verifies that blocking certain paths will not compromise the minimum required redundancy levels. This preliminary action ensures that power-saving blocking decisions do not inadvertently reduce reliability below acceptable thresholds.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback monitoring to ensure that blocked paths do not compromise network reliability. The management apparatus receives feedback on communication patterns and can dynamically unblock paths if reliability requirements are not met. This feedback mechanism creates a safety net that prevents reliability degradation while maintaining power-saving benefits from path blocking.
Data Source
AI summary
A control unit included in an information processing system determines, on the basis of information indicative of interface units and path information indicative of communication paths through a plurality of relay apparatus, whether or not the number of communication paths for access from the interface units to a node is greater than the number of the interface units. When the number of the communication paths is greater than the number of the interface units, the control unit controls the plurality of relay apparatus so as to block a part of the communication paths.