Network Power Module for Priority-Based Traffic Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices face challenges in managing network connectivity during low-power states, leading to inefficient power usage and unreliable operation of high-priority applications like VoIP and background updating, due to stringent or liberal network policies.
Innovation Solution
A network power module that controls networking hardware based on device power states and application priorities, using a policy store to determine priority and power state, enabling power-up for data reception and transmission, and employing timers to manage traffic flow and revert to low-power states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the device is in a low-power state with stringent network policy, then power consumption is reduced, but high-priority applications cannot reliably operate
Solution Approach 1:
The network power module dynamically adjusts network hardware power states based on application priority and traffic patterns. High-priority applications can trigger network hardware activation even when the device is in low-power state, while low-priority traffic is suppressed. This dynamic control resolves the contradiction by making the system adaptive rather than statically restrictive.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the power state parameter of network hardware based on application priority levels. When high-priority applications need network access, the network hardware is powered up despite the device being in low-power state. This parameter change allows the system to maintain energy efficiency while ensuring reliable operation of critical applications.
2Ease of operation
If the network policy is too liberal, then applications can transmit data freely, but power is used unnecessarily
Solution Approach 1:
The network power module applies different quality levels of network access to different applications based on their priority. High-priority applications receive full network access with hardware powered up, while low-priority applications have their traffic suppressed or queued. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by providing liberal access only where necessary while conserving power for non-critical traffic.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of providing full network access to all applications (excessive action), the system provides partial network access only to high-priority applications when needed. The network hardware is activated selectively rather than continuously, providing just enough network capability for critical operations while avoiding unnecessary power consumption for non-essential traffic.
3Reliability
If the network hardware is powered up continuously, then all applications can communicate reliably, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network hardware operates in periodic cycles rather than continuously. It remains in low-power state during idle periods and activates only when high-priority applications require network access. The system uses timers and event-driven mechanisms to periodically assess network needs and adjust power states accordingly, resolving the contradiction between continuous connectivity and power conservation.
Solution Approach 2:
The network power module autonomously manages network hardware power states based on application priority and traffic patterns without requiring continuous user intervention. It self-adjusts the power state of network hardware, activating it only when necessary for high-priority applications and keeping it in low-power state otherwise, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliable connectivity and energy efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
This application describes client devices that control network transmission based on a power state. The client device determines a power state of the computing device and a priority of an application executing on the computing device. The client device determines whether to permit the application to communicate with a remote network accessible device via the network communication hardware based at least on the priority of the application and the power state of the computing device. Also described is a power state service that selects a client device to be provided with a notification based on power states of the client devices.