Network Switch Power Reduction via Traffic-Adaptive Link Capacity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Network devices have significant power consumption requirements, and existing technologies lack effective methods to dynamically adjust power consumption based on varying traffic loads, leading to inefficient energy usage.
Innovation Solution
A network switch with multiple power consumption configurations and a controller that detects traffic loads to reconfigure the switch by powering on or off ports and crossbar switch modules, and adjusting operating frequencies to match link capacities with traffic demands, thereby reducing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the network switch operates at high power consumption configuration to maintain high link capacity, then the link capacity is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network switch dynamically adjusts its power consumption configuration based on real-time traffic load detection. The controller monitors traffic load continuously and reconfigures the switch between different power modes (first, second, and third power consumption configurations) to match the actual traffic demands, thereby optimizing the balance between link capacity and power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the network switch by implementing multiple power consumption configurations with different link capacities. The switch can be reconfigured from a first power consumption configuration (providing first link capacity) to a second power consumption configuration (providing lower second link capacity) when traffic load is below a threshold, and to a third power consumption configuration (providing higher third link capacity) when traffic load exceeds a threshold.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the network switch reduces power consumption by lowering link capacity, then the power consumption is reduced, but the ability to handle traffic load decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The network switch implements a feedback mechanism where the controller continuously detects traffic load on the network link system and uses this information to adjust the power consumption configuration. When traffic load is detected to be below a first boundary threshold for a time duration, the switch reconfigures to lower power consumption mode. When traffic load exceeds a second boundary threshold, the switch reconfigures to higher power consumption mode, ensuring adequate capacity while saving energy during low-demand periods.
3Loss of energy
If the network switch frequently reconfigures power consumption settings to match traffic load, then the energy efficiency is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network switch implements preliminary action by detecting traffic load conditions and reconfiguring power consumption settings before traffic demands exceed capacity or before energy waste occurs. The controller monitors traffic load and proactively adjusts the power configuration when thresholds are approached, preventing both energy waste and potential packet dropping while maintaining relatively simple operational logic.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the disclosure provide a method for reducing power consumption in a network switch. The method includes detecting a traffic load on a network link system coupled to the network switch. The network switch can include a first power consumption configuration providing a first link capacity for the network link system, and a second power consumption configuration, which is lower than the first power consumption configuration, providing a second link capacity that is lower than the first link capacity. The method further includes determining whether the traffic load on the network link is lower than a first boundary threshold, and reconfiguring the network switch from the first power consumption configuration into the second power consumption configuration if the traffic load is lower than the first boundary threshold.