Network Device Sleep Mode Controller Power Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network devices face challenges in transitioning between normal and sleep modes without losing network connections, leading to inefficient restart processes and increased power consumption, especially when network disruptions occur during testing or debugging.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for remote controlling the power consumption state of network devices, using a communication protocol and sleep mode controller to manage transitions between normal and sleep modes without relying on high-power components, and distinguishing between signal absence due to device shutdown and physical disconnection, allowing for controlled power management and avoiding unnecessary sleep mode entry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the network device enters sleep mode to reduce power consumption, then power consumption is reduced, but the device cannot distinguish between signal absence due to shutdown and physical disconnection, leading to unnecessary restarts
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts its operational state based on detected conditions. The sleep mode controller continuously monitors network signals and transitions the device between normal operation and sleep mode accordingly, optimizing power consumption while maintaining connection awareness
Solution Approach 2:
A sleep mode controller acts as an intermediary component that mediates between the network interface and the main device functionality. It monitors network signals independently and controls the transition to sleep mode, preventing unnecessary restarts while enabling power savings
2Reliability
If the device maintains network connection monitoring to avoid unnecessary sleep mode entry, then connection stability is improved, but power consumption increases due to continuous monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs partial monitoring by only detecting specific network signal conditions rather than continuously monitoring all network parameters. This selective monitoring approach maintains connection stability awareness while reducing power consumption compared to full continuous monitoring
3Use of energy by moving object
If the device enters sleep mode during testing or debugging, then power consumption is reduced, but restart processes increase downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from network signal detection to determine when to enter or exit sleep mode. During testing or debugging, the presence of network signals provides feedback that prevents unnecessary sleep mode transitions, thereby avoiding restart delays while still enabling power savings when appropriate
Data Source
AI summary
The instant invention improves the control of a low-power consumption state of network devices linked to a network switch by a suitable network such as an optical network. It allows for the sleep mode also to shut down the power supplies of the components of the network device necessary for the normal data link layer network communication according to the OSI model and the higher layers of the communication protocols. In the same way, the invention prevents that a disruption of the optical network leads to a sleep mode of the network device. Further, even in a freeze state, it is possible to activate the network device and bring it in a sleep mode. For this purpose, a special communication protocol is provided.