Network Switching Device Power State Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In network switching systems with master and backup devices, differing numbers or forwarding performances of packet forwarding units and network interface units lead to excess power consumption in backup devices, which existing technologies fail to reduce effectively.
Innovation Solution
A network switching device configuration that includes a power state control unit to manage the power states of network interface units and packet forwarding units, allowing for different power states with varying power consumption and forwarding performance, with the master device notifying the backup device of its power state changes to optimize power usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the backup network switching device is configured with the same number and performance of packet forwarding units and network interface units as the master device to ensure redundancy, then the reliability is improved, but the power consumption of the backup device increases excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the power states of packet forwarding units and network interface units in the backup device based on the actual power states of the master device. Instead of maintaining fixed high-performance configurations, the system changes operational parameters (power states) to match between master and backup devices, reducing unnecessary power consumption while preserving redundancy capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamics by enabling real-time synchronization of power states between master and backup devices. The backup device dynamically adjusts its operational mode based on the master device's current state, transitioning between different power consumption levels while maintaining the ability to take over immediately if needed
2Use of energy by moving object
If the power state of the backup network switching device is reduced to lower power consumption, then the power consumption is improved, but the forwarding performance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by changing the power state parameters dynamically rather than statically. The backup device adjusts its power consumption level to match the master device's actual needs, ensuring that forwarding performance is optimized for the current operational context rather than maintaining constant high performance
3Productivity
If the master network switching device operates at high power state to maintain high forwarding performance, then the productivity is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the master device communicates its current power state to the backup device. This feedback loop enables the backup device to adjust its power consumption accordingly, creating a coordinated system where power usage is optimized based on actual operational requirements rather than predetermined configurations
Data Source
AI summary
A first network switching device communicates to and from a second network switching device different in at least one of a device configuration and a device performance. The network switching device has at least one of plurality of network interface units and packet forwarding unit which is a power state control subject. A power state control unit of the first network switching device transmits, in order to change the power state of the second network switching device, a forwarding performance notification including the forwarding performance of a power state control subject after the change to the second network switching device.