Network Presence Offload via Embedded Processor Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network devices must remain powered on to maintain control connections for social media services, leading to significant power consumption due to their 'always on' use model, which is inefficient and not energy-friendly.
Innovation Solution
The network presence is offloaded from a host processor to an embedded processor in a network interface controller, allowing the device to enter a low-power sleep mode while the embedded processor maintains the network connection, and then transfers it back to the host processor when the device wakes up, enabling the device to conserve power while still receiving important events.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the network device remains powered on to maintain control connection, then network presence and responsiveness are ensured, but power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network device into two distinct processing units: a host processor and an embedded processor. The host processor handles power-intensive operations and enters sleep mode, while the embedded processor maintains network presence with minimal power consumption. This segmentation allows the system to separate the functions of network maintenance and data processing, enabling the host to power down without losing network connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The embedded processor acts as an intermediary between the network and the host processor. It maintains the control connection and monitors network events, serving as a low-power mediator that keeps the network presence alive while the host processor sleeps. The embedded processor can wake the host processor when specific events occur, eliminating the need for the host to remain continuously powered on.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the device enters sleep mode to reduce power consumption, then energy efficiency improves, but network presence and connectivity are lost
Solution Approach 1:
Before the host processor enters sleep mode, it performs preliminary actions by transferring network connection state and configuration to the embedded processor. The embedded processor is pre-configured to maintain the control connection and monitor for wake events. This preliminary setup ensures that network presence is already established and maintained when the host powers down, preventing any loss of connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The embedded processor provides self-service by autonomously maintaining the network control connection without requiring the host processor to be active. It independently handles network traffic, monitors for events matching wake criteria, and manages the network presence on its own, allowing the host processor to sleep without compromising network functionality.
3Reliability
If the host processor maintains network connection continuously, then network events are received promptly, but device complexity and power usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the processing responsibilities between two specialized units: the host processor for complex data processing and the embedded processor for network protocol management. This segmentation allows the embedded processor to handle network events with simplified logic, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliable event delivery. The host processor can focus on application-specific tasks without burden of continuous network protocol handling.
Data Source
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AI summary
Devices having corresponding methods and computer-readable media comprise: a host processor, wherein the host processor is configured to execute a host client while the device is in an awake mode, and wherein the host client maintains a network connection while executing; and a network interface controller comprising an embedded processor, wherein the embedded processor is configured to execute an embedded client while the device is in a sleep mode, wherein the embedded client is configured to maintain the network connection while executing.