Optical Module Wake-on-LAN via Side-band Handshaking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical modules face challenges in reducing power consumption during link-down states while maintaining the ability to instantly wake up for data transmission, and existing solutions lack compatibility with legacy modules and efficient power-saving mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a Wake-on-LAN feature through a side-band handshaking protocol independent of normal data traffic, allowing optical modules to enter a power-saving mode and wake up quickly using a power-saving handshake and idle patterns, compatible with both new and legacy systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If optical modules enter power-saving mode during link-down state, then power consumption is reduced, but wake-up response time may be delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The optical module performs preliminary actions by maintaining the ability to detect wake-up patterns while in power-saving mode. The module pre-configures its detection circuitry to recognize specific idle patterns that indicate incoming data, allowing it to wake up immediately without full initialization when traffic is detected, thus resolving the contradiction between power savings and wake-up speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The module implements periodic monitoring of the optical signal at reduced power levels during link-down state. Instead of complete shutdown, it performs periodic checks for wake-up patterns, enabling fast response when data arrives while consuming significantly less power than continuous operation, thereby balancing power consumption with wake-up responsiveness.
2Use of energy by moving object
If Wake-on-LAN feature is implemented, then power-saving capability is improved, but compatibility with legacy modules may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The optical module implements multi-functionality by incorporating both traditional continuous operation mode and Wake-on-LAN power-saving mode within the same hardware architecture. The module can adaptively switch between modes and communicate with both legacy modules (using traditional signaling) and Wake-on-LAN capable modules (using idle pattern handshaking), thus achieving universal compatibility while providing advanced power-saving capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The module uses idle patterns as an intermediary mechanism for Wake-on-LAN operation. These idle patterns serve as a universal language that can be recognized by both legacy modules (as normal idle signals) and Wake-on-LAN modules (as wake-up triggers), enabling backward compatibility while implementing power-saving features through a mediating signaling mechanism.
3Use of energy by moving object
If optical modules reduce TX and RX laser power during idle periods, then energy consumption decreases, but signal detection capability may be degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The optical module implements dynamic power adjustment where TX and RX laser power levels are adaptively changed based on operational state. During idle periods, power is reduced to save energy, but the module dynamically switches to full power mode when wake-up patterns are detected, ensuring signal detection capability is maintained when needed while achieving energy savings during inactive periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The module changes operational parameters (laser power levels) based on traffic conditions. During link-down state, it transitions to low-power parameters for energy savings, but maintains the ability to quickly switch back to high-power parameters upon detecting wake-up patterns, thus balancing energy consumption with reliable signal detection through parameter adaptation.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments described herein achieve Wake-on-LAN to allow optical modules the ability to wake up link partners instantaneously when there is data to be transmitted or received. As such, Wake-on-LAN features are provided for a side-band handshaking protocol and channel that is independent from the normal data traffic path.