Network Switch Port Power Control via Dynamic Interface Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Network systems with embedded Ethernet switches often waste power due to unused transport ports that remain active even when no data is being transmitted, as they typically enter a power-saving mode with connection interface units still activated.
Innovation Solution
A network system with a controller that turns off the power supplies of unused connection interface units and transport ports when no data is being transmitted, and includes a wake-up mechanism to quickly restore power when data transmission resumes, allowing the system to enter an access point or router mode to optimize power usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the connection interface units remain activated to maintain data transmission capability, then the system can quickly resume data transmission, but power consumption increases due to unused ports remaining active
Solution Approach 1:
The Ethernet switch is divided into multiple independently controllable connection interface units, each capable of being activated or deactivated separately based on data transmission needs. This segmentation allows the system to power down unused ports while keeping the switch structure intact and ready for quick reactivation.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection interface units transition between active and inactive states dynamically based on data transmission requirements. The controller monitors data traffic and adjusts the power state of each connection interface unit in real-time, enabling the system to adapt its power consumption to actual operational needs.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the connection interface units are turned off to save power, then power consumption decreases, but the system takes longer to resume data transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The controller maintains configuration data and state information in memory even when connection interface units are powered down. This preliminary preservation of operational context allows the system to quickly restore full functionality by simply reactivating power to the connection interface units without requiring lengthy reinitialization or reconfiguration processes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If all transport ports are kept active to ensure network versatility, then the system can handle multiple data streams simultaneously, but power consumption increases due to unused ports
Solution Approach 1:
Different connection interface units are assigned different power states based on their individual usage status. Used ports remain active with full functionality, while unused ports are powered down. This local differentiation allows the system to maintain overall network versatility while eliminating power waste at the specific port level.
Data Source
AI summary
A network system includes a wireless network device, a network control device, and a first controller. The wireless network device includes an RF unit for transmitting/receiving frames and a first connection interface unit. The network control device includes a second connection interface unit, wherein the second connection interface unit is coupled to the first connection interface unit via a transmission connection, in order to perform data transmission with the first connection interface unit. When there is no data transmitted via the transmission connection, the first controller turns off at least one of power supplies of the first connection interface unit and the second connection interface unit. The first controller may be disposed in the network control device or the wireless network device.