PoE Power Allocation via Network Profiles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Power over Ethernet (PoE) systems face challenges in efficiently allocating power to multiple computing devices due to varying power requirements and the reliance on custom configuration information, which is problematic for mass deployment of standard software images in corporate environments.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses network profiles to determine power needs and priorities for computing devices by accessing a profile database via a network, allowing for standardized software images and efficient power allocation based on user, device, and application parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If custom configuration information is stored at the computing device to enable power request/priority processing, then power allocation accuracy is improved, but device complexity and deployment difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power management information from the computing device itself and stores it externally in a network-accessible database. The PSE retrieves this information over the network rather than relying on local device configuration, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining accurate power allocation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a network database as an intermediary between the PSE and the power management information. Instead of direct device-PSE communication for configuration, the database mediates by storing and providing power management information to the PSE, simplifying the overall system architecture.
2Ease of manufacture
If standardized software images are deployed to computing devices, then ease of manufacture and deployment are improved, but power request/priority processing capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the requirement for custom software images by extracting power management information from the device software and storing it externally in a network database. This allows standardized software images to be deployed while still providing customized power management capabilities through the external database.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a centralized database that can serve multiple computing devices with standardized software images. Each device can retrieve its specific power management information from this shared database, eliminating the need for custom software images while maintaining device-specific power management capabilities.
3Speed
If power is allocated based on local device information, then power allocation speed is improved, but adaptability to different users and applications deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-storing power management information in a network database before power allocation is needed. The PSE can quickly retrieve this pre-prepared information and make rapid power allocation decisions without needing to gather information from multiple sources at the moment of allocation.
Solution Approach 2:
The network database acts as an intermediary that consolidates user preferences, application requirements, and device characteristics into pre-prepared power management information. This allows the PSE to make adaptable power allocation decisions quickly by retrieving comprehensive information from the database rather than gathering it in real-time.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for power over Ethernet (PoE) provisioning for a computing device using a network profile. Various types of power management information can be used in a process for determining a power request/priority. Power management information such as user information or device information can be stored in a profile in a network database. This network database can be accessed by a switch in determining a power request/priority for a computing device.