ONU Deep Energy Saving via CPU Channel Message Processing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical network units (ONUs) face high power consumption issues, particularly in standby states, with no effective energy-saving solutions provided by current technologies, leading to increased operational costs and environmental emissions.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that monitor the ONU's current state in real time, switching to a CPU channel for data processing in deep energy-saving states, and powering off unnecessary hardware modules to reduce power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the ONU uses hardware modules in the acceleration channel for data processing, then data processing speed is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata processing speedVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent dynamically switches between acceleration channel (hardware module) and CPU channel based on real-time service flow detection. When service flow is below threshold, the system transitions from hardware acceleration mode to CPU processing mode, enabling adaptive power consumption management that balances speed and energy usage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the processing parameter by switching the active processing channel based on service flow parameters. When service flow drops below a threshold, the system changes from using hardware acceleration modules to using CPU channels, effectively changing the operational state to reduce power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Use of energy by moving object

If the ONU enters deep energy saving state to reduce power consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but service processing capability may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidservice processing capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism that continuously monitors service flow and dynamically adjusts the processing channel. When service flow is detected below a threshold in deep energy saving state, the system activates CPU channel processing, ensuring service capability is maintained while preserving energy efficiency. The feedback loop prevents unnecessary service degradation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If the ONU remains in full load running state to maintain service capability, then service processing is ensured, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice processing capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the processing capability into two distinct channels: acceleration channel for high-performance processing and CPU channel for low-power processing. This segmentation allows the system to allocate appropriate processing resources based on actual service flow, maintaining service capability while reducing power consumption during low-demand periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4351044B1Method and apparatus for controlling power consumption of ONU, electronic device, and storage medium
Publication Date: 2026.04.15 ZTE CORP
  • EP4351044B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4351044B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4351044B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Examples of the disclosure relate to the field of terminal devices and provide a method and apparatus for controlling power consumption of an ONU, an electronic device, and a storage medium. The method includes: monitoring a current state of the ONU in real time, wherein the state at least includes a deep energy saving state, and data flow of the ONU in the deep energy saving state is lower than a preset threshold; and performing message processing on received data through a CPU channel and performing a power-off operation on a hardware module in an acceleration channel of the ONU when the ONU is currently in the deep energy saving state; wherein the acceleration channel is connected to a data ingress of the ONU, and the hardware module in the acceleration channel is configured to perform message processing on the received data of the ONU; and the CPU channel is a channel established between the data ingress of the ONU and a CPU and is configured to perform message processing on the received data of the ONU through the CPU. Accordingly, running power consumption of the ONU is reduced, and energy saving and emission reduction of an operator network communication system are realized.