Network Port Power Management via Loop Mitigation Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing loop mitigation protocols in networks, such as Spanning Tree Protocol, do not effectively address power consumption optimization by continuously blocking and re-evaluating redundant links, leading to unnecessary energy expenditure.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a power saving module in network devices to detect blocked ports by loop mitigation protocols, reducing their speed or powering them down, while maintaining the appearance of the original link speed to avoid recalculating the network topology, thereby reducing power consumption without affecting the network's operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If loop mitigation protocols continuously monitor and re-evaluate redundant links, then network stability is maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the port operational state adjustable based on its role in the network topology. Blocked ports (those prevented from forwarding data by loop mitigation protocols) can be dynamically transitioned to a low-power state while maintaining their logical presence in the network. This allows the system to adapt power consumption levels according to the actual operational needs of each port, reducing energy waste on redundant links while preserving network stability through the dynamic nature of the spanning tree protocol.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by applying different operational states to different ports based on their specific roles. Instead of uniformly maintaining all ports in a full-power state, the system selectively places only those ports that are blocked by loop mitigation protocols into a low-power state. This localized approach ensures that power savings are achieved specifically at redundant links without affecting the operational status or power consumption of active network ports, thereby resolving the contradiction between network stability and power consumption.
2Use of energy by moving object
If blocked ports are powered down to save energy, then power consumption decreases, but network topology recalculations may be triggered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by proactively placing blocked ports into a low-power state before any topology changes occur. By anticipating that blocked ports will remain inactive for extended periods, the system pre-establishes their reduced operational state, thereby avoiding the need for reactive topology recalculations. This preliminary positioning of ports in low-power states prevents unnecessary recalculation events while ensuring power savings are achieved from the outset.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms through the loop mitigation protocol's continuous monitoring of network topology. The protocol receives feedback about which ports are blocked and uses this information to determine which ports should be placed in low-power states. This feedback loop ensures that power management decisions are based on actual network conditions, preventing unnecessary topology recalculations while maintaining accurate power optimization. The feedback mechanism allows the system to respond to topology changes only when truly necessary, rather than continuously recalculating.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of reducing power consumption in a network. A first network device powers down or reduces the port speed of a port if said port is blocked by a loop mitigation protocol.