Network Port Link Speed Adjustment for Energy Savings
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network systems consume significant energy in access layer switches due to high downlink speeds, which is wasteful when network utilization is low.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method to automatically adjust the link speed of network ports based on utilization, reducing energy consumption by reconfiguring ports to run at lower speeds when utilization drops below a certain threshold.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If network ports operate at high speeds continuously, then data transmission capability is improved, but energy consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic link speed adjustment where network ports automatically transition between different speed modes (e.g., 2.5Gbps, 1Gbps, 100Mbps) based on real-time utilization conditions. The system monitors traffic patterns and dynamically reconfigures port speeds to match actual demand, eliminating the need for continuous high-speed operation while maintaining transmission capability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of network ports by adjusting their speed settings based on utilization thresholds. When traffic falls below certain thresholds for predetermined periods, the system automatically lowers port speed parameters to reduce energy consumption. This parameter adjustment is performed systematically across multiple ports based on monitored traffic conditions.
2Use of energy by moving object
If link speed is reduced to save energy, then energy consumption decreases, but data transmission performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system continuously monitors traffic utilization on network links and uses this information to determine when speed reduction is appropriate. The feedback loop compares actual traffic against threshold values and only triggers speed reduction when utilization consistently falls below thresholds for predetermined periods, ensuring that performance is maintained when needed while enabling energy savings when demand is low.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary assessment of traffic patterns by monitoring utilization over predetermined time periods before executing speed reduction. This preliminary monitoring phase ensures that speed changes are triggered only when traffic conditions consistently indicate low demand, preventing premature or inappropriate speed reductions that could impact performance.
3Use of energy by moving object
If automatic speed adjustment is implemented, then energy savings are achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service functionality where network switches automatically monitor their own traffic utilization and make decisions about speed adjustment without external intervention. The system uses built-in monitoring capabilities and automated control logic to evaluate traffic conditions and execute speed changes independently, reducing the need for complex external management systems while achieving energy savings.
Data Source
AI summary
Energy savings through adjustment of link speed may be provided. A utilization of a port may be monitored. The port may be configured to run at a plurality of speeds. Based on monitoring the utilization of the port, it may be determined that the utilization of the port has dropped, for a first predetermined time period, below a supported speed lower than a current port speed. Energy consumed by the port may be lowered, in response to determining that the utilization of the port has dropped, for the first predetermined time period, below a supported speed lower than the current port speed. Lowering the energy consumed by the port may comprise re-configuring the port to run at a second speed comprising a supported speed below the current speed. When the utilization of the port exceeds a predefined threshold over a second predetermined time period, the port speed may be increased.