Optical Link Bandwidth Switching for Communication Energy Saving
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication apparatuses interconnected through optical fibers face high power consumption due to constant rated power consumption of link interfaces, regardless of traffic levels, leading to inefficient energy usage.
Innovation Solution
A method for determining a running state by adjusting link bandwidth and implementing energy-saving policies at the MAC and physical layers, using out-of-band and in-band negotiation methods, and dynamically adjusting module parameters to reduce power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If link bandwidth is reduced to save energy, then power consumption is reduced, but communication service quality may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic link bandwidth adjustment by transitioning the optical module between different running states (first running state with higher bandwidth and second running state with lower bandwidth) based on traffic requirements. This dynamic state switching allows the system to adapt bandwidth consumption to actual communication needs, reducing power consumption during low-traffic periods while maintaining service quality during high-traffic periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the optical module by adjusting the link bandwidth parameter between different states. The first running state corresponds to a first link bandwidth parameter, while the second running state corresponds to a second link bandwidth parameter. This parameter change enables the system to optimize power consumption by selecting appropriate bandwidth levels based on traffic patterns.
2Use of energy by moving object
If energy-saving policies are implemented at MAC and physical layers, then power consumption is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the energy-saving implementation into two distinct layers: MAC layer energy-saving policies and physical layer running state management. The MAC layer handles policy determination and timing, while the physical layer handles optical module state switching. This segmentation allows each layer to focus on specific functions, making the overall complex system more manageable and maintainable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a negotiation mechanism as an intermediary between the MAC layer and physical layer. The MAC layer sends energy-saving negotiation packets to the peer device, and both devices coordinate their state transitions through this intermediary communication protocol. This intermediary layer simplifies the coordination complexity by providing a standardized interface for inter-layer and inter-device communication.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining a running state and a communication apparatus are disclosed. In the method, in response to a current time point being a start time point of a first energy-saving time period, a first communication apparatus sets a first sending apparatus to be in a first running state according to a first energy-saving policy, so that link bandwidth between the first sending apparatus and a second receiving apparatus is first link bandwidth. The first sending apparatus and the second receiving apparatus are interconnected through an optical fiber, and both the first sending apparatus and the second receiving apparatus are configured to perform MAC layer and physical layer processing on data.