Communication Network Power Saving Through Packet-Rate Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Communication networks face challenges in providing economically operated and environmentally friendly services due to high power consumption by numerous network devices, leading to increased operational costs and carbon emissions.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a packet monitoring and power management system that dynamically adjusts the operating state of processors based on data packet traffic load, transitioning between active and sleep states using threshold values to optimize power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If processors are kept in active state to handle data packet traffic, then network service reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power management by transitioning processors between active and sleep states based on real-time packet rate monitoring. The system dynamically adjusts processor operating states to match actual network traffic demands, ensuring reliability when needed while reducing power consumption during low-traffic periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operating parameter (power state) of processors based on the packet rate parameter. By monitoring packet rates and comparing them against thresholds, the system adjusts processor states to optimize the balance between service reliability and power consumption.
2Use of energy by moving object
If processors are transitioned to sleep state to reduce power consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but response time to handle traffic increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary monitoring of packet rates and proactively transitions processors to sleep state before traffic demands arise. By continuously monitoring network traffic patterns, the system prepares processors in advance, ensuring they can be quickly activated when traffic increases while maximizing sleep periods for energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where packet rate monitoring continuously provides information about network traffic conditions. This feedback loop enables the system to adjust processor states in real-time, transitioning to sleep when traffic is low and activating when traffic increases, thus balancing energy efficiency with response time requirements.
3Use of energy by moving object
If packet rate monitoring and dynamic state adjustment is implemented, then power consumption is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal power management approach where a single monitoring and control mechanism manages multiple processors across different network devices. The packet rate monitoring system and threshold-based control logic serve as a multi-functional solution that can be applied universally to various processor configurations and network traffic scenarios.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a first processor; and a memory having instructions stored thereon that, when executed by the first processor, cause the apparatus to monitor a flow of data packets on a network plane. The apparatus is also caused to calculate a packet rate of the flow of the data packets. The apparatus is further caused to compare the packet rate with a first threshold value. The apparatus is additionally caused to, in response to determining the packet rate is less than the first threshold value, cause an operating state of a second processor communicatively coupled with the apparatus to change from an active state to a sleep state.