Per-device backup power control for network devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network systems fail to efficiently control backup power consumption in network environments, leading to rapid depletion of backup power during outages, as they lack the ability to manage power use on a per-device basis.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for controlling backup power consumption in network environments by identifying a backup power consumption plan, detecting interruptions in main power delivery, and selectively managing power usage on a per-device basis through switches and routers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the UPS shuts off a port to conserve battery power, then battery power conservation is improved, but critical network devices may fail to receive backup power
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network devices into different groups based on their criticality levels (critical, non-critical, and optional devices). This segmentation allows the UPS to apply different power management strategies to different device groups during backup power operation, ensuring critical devices receive priority power allocation while non-critical devices can be powered down to conserve battery power.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements per-device power management where each network device can have its own power consumption profile and criticality designation. This local quality approach allows the system to make granular power allocation decisions at the individual device level rather than applying blanket port-level shutdowns, thereby maintaining power supply reliability for critical devices while optimizing battery power conservation.
2Reliability
If the UPS continues to deliver power to all devices during backup power operation, then network device operation is maintained, but battery power is depleted faster than necessary
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power management where the UPS continuously monitors battery power levels, device criticality, and power consumption patterns. Based on these real-time conditions, the system dynamically adjusts power allocation decisions, transitioning devices between powered and powered-down states. This dynamic approach optimizes the duration of backup power operation by adapting to changing conditions rather than using static power management rules.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the UPS monitors the operational status of network devices, battery power levels, and power consumption patterns. This feedback information is used to continuously refine power allocation decisions, ensuring that backup power runtime is maximized while maintaining operation of critical devices. The system learns from observed power consumption patterns to optimize future power management decisions.
3Ease of operation
If per-port power control is used to manage backup power, then power delivery can be controlled at the port level, but individual device power management is not possible when multiple devices share a port
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional port-level power control (two-dimensional control at the UPS interface) to device-level power control by introducing a new dimension of management through integration with network switches and routers. This dimensional expansion allows the system to manage power at the individual device level even when multiple devices share the same physical port, by using logical device identification and network layer addressing to distinguish between devices connected to the same port.
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems, methods, and computer-readable media for controlling backup power consumption by network devices in a network environment. In some examples, a backup power consumption plan for controlling power consumption by network devices of a network environment from a UPS of the network environment is identified. An interruption of power deliver over a main power delivery channel to the network devices during operation of the network devices can be detected. Subsequently, power consumption by the network devices from the UPS can be selectively controlled on a per-device basis according to the backup power consumption plan. Specifically, power consumption by the network devices from the UPS can be controlled on a per-device basis according to the backup power consumption plan in response to detecting the interruption of power delivery over the main power delivery channel to the network devices.