PoE Powered Device Autoclass Power Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) systems face inefficiencies in power allocation, particularly due to the over-allocation of power to devices that do not utilize their full capacity, and the inability of some powered devices to meet startup timing requirements for advanced classification methods like autoclass.
Innovation Solution
A powered device that determines type information about the power sourcing equipment (PSE) to selectively transmit power requests, allowing for more efficient power allocation by utilizing autoclass when supported by the PSE, and avoiding unnecessary power requests when autoclass is not supported.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If autoclass classification mechanism is used to allocate power based on effective maximum power consumption, then power allocation efficiency is improved, but compatibility with legacy PSE devices that do not support autoclass deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The powered device changes its classification behavior based on the detected PSE type. When an autoclass-supported PSE is detected, the device consumes maximum power during classification to enable accurate power allocation. When a legacy PSE is detected, the device uses traditional classification methods. This parameter change in classification approach resolves the contradiction by adapting to different PSE capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The classification mechanism is made dynamic by first detecting the PSE type and then selecting the appropriate classification approach. The system transitions from a static classification approach to a dynamic one that adapts based on PSE capabilities, allowing the device to optimize power allocation with autoclass PSEs while maintaining compatibility with legacy PSEs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional classification methods are used to ensure compatibility with all PSE devices, then adaptability is improved, but power allocation accuracy deteriorates due to over-allocation of power
Solution Approach 1:
The classification approach is changed from a fixed traditional method to a variable method that adapts to PSE capabilities. When autoclass is supported, the parameter of power allocation accuracy is improved by using maximum power consumption during classification. This eliminates power over-allocation waste while maintaining broad compatibility through fallback to traditional methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from PSE type detection to adjust the classification behavior. By detecting whether the PSE supports autoclass and then selecting the appropriate classification approach, the system avoids power over-allocation waste that would occur with traditional methods, while still ensuring compatibility across all PSE types.
3Measurement precision
If powered devices consume maximum power during classification for autoclass, then power allocation precision is improved, but startup timing requirements become more stringent
Solution Approach 1:
The power consumption during classification is made dynamic rather than always maximum. The device consumes maximum power only when autoclass is supported and when timing conditions are met. This dynamic approach maintains measurement precision for power allocation while reducing timing constraints by using traditional classification methods when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of always consuming maximum power during classification, the device uses partial action (traditional classification) when autoclass is not supported or timing is constrained. This partial approach to maximum power consumption resolves the contradiction by applying maximum power only when it provides benefit without excessive timing requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a Powered Device (PD) in a Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) system. The invention proposes that the PD selectively transmit to a Power Sourcing Equipment (PSE) a power request based on the support of that PSE for autoclass. An autoclass supporting PSE will determine the maximum power that needs to be allocated to the PD based on measuring the power used by the autoclass supporting PD during classification. If the PSE does not support autoclass, it will instead allocate a default maximum power (based on the classification) to the PD. When the PD is operational it determines whether autoclass is supported by the PSE (230). If autoclass is supported then no power request should be sent (250) as otherwise the PSE will allocate power based on this request instead of on the more accurate measurement.