Network-Wide PoE Power Prioritization via Central Controller
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Power over Ethernet (PoE) systems lack a mechanism for network-wide prioritization of Powered Devices (PDs), leading to localized prioritization and manual labor-intensive changes, which is inefficient and prone to errors during power shortages or changes in network requirements.
Innovation Solution
A dynamically configurable prioritization scheme across multiple Power Sourcing Equipments (PSEs) that allows for network-wide coordination, enabling priority levels to be assigned and updated centrally, eliminating the need for manual reconfiguration of Ethernet cables, and ensuring immediate policy enforcement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If localized prioritization is implemented at each switch, then power management is simple to configure, but network-wide coordination and optimization are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple localized PSE power management functions into a unified network-wide system. A central controller aggregates power status information from multiple PSEs and coordinates power allocation across the entire network, enabling global optimization while maintaining individual PSE operational independence.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a central controller as an intermediary between multiple PSEs and the network management system. This intermediary collects power status data from individual PSEs, performs centralized analysis and decision-making, and distributes coordinated power allocation decisions back to the PSEs, enabling network-wide optimization without requiring complex direct PSE-to-PSE communication.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual reconfiguration of Ethernet cables is performed to change priority levels, then priority assignment is flexible, but labor intensity and error probability increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical process of physically reconfiguring Ethernet cable connections with an automated software-based system. The central controller dynamically adjusts power allocation and priority levels through electronic communication with PSEs, eliminating the need for manual cable unplugging and replugging while maintaining flexible priority assignment capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic priority assignment where the central controller can reallocate power and adjust priority levels in real-time based on network conditions and requirements. This dynamic system allows priority changes to be made through software configuration rather than static physical reconfiguration, enabling rapid adaptation without manual intervention.
3Ease of operation
If power allocation changes are made manually at each switch, then local control is maintained, but response time to emergencies increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the central controller continuously monitors power status information from multiple PSEs across the network. When power shortages or emergencies are detected, the controller automatically analyzes the situation and sends real-time power allocation adjustments to affected PSEs, enabling rapid response while maintaining local control through distributed PSE execution of centralized decisions.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods described herein allow a configurable policy for managing Power over Ethernet (PoE) to be implemented by Power Sourcing Equipments (PSEs) across a network. The policy specifies a set of rules for prioritizing power distribution over Ethernet for the computer network. When Powered Devices (PDs) are connected via Ethernet cables to the PSEs, the PDs send identification information about themselves (e.g., device type and location) to the PSEs. The PSEs assign priority levels to the PDs by electronically comparing the identification information to the set of rules. When a present level of available power is insufficient to power all the PDs via PoE, the PSEs use the priority levels to determine which PDs to power down.