Power Group Controller for PoE Access Points
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Solution Overview
Problem
In power management for network devices, particularly in environments where multiple wireless access points share a common power source via Power over Ethernet (PoE), there is a challenge in dynamically adjusting transmission power levels to optimize system performance without exceeding the power limits of the Power Sourcing Equipment (PSE), which can lead to power shutdowns and interference issues.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a power group controller that tracks and manages power consumption across a group of devices, prioritizes power allocation based on Quality of Service (QoS) characteristics, and communicates with the PSE to ensure that power limits are not exceeded, allowing for dynamic adjustment of transmission power levels to optimize system performance while preventing power shutdowns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If transmission power levels are increased to optimize system performance, then wireless signal quality and coverage are improved, but power consumption increases and may exceed PSE power limits causing shutdowns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic transmission power adjustment where the system continuously monitors power consumption and signal quality, then adaptively changes transmission power levels in real-time. This allows the system to optimize wireless performance while preventing power limits from being exceeded, resolving the contradiction between reliability and energy use.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms by monitoring power consumption levels and signal quality metrics, then using this information to adjust transmission power settings. This closed-loop control ensures that power increases only occur when beneficial for signal quality and never exceed PSE limits, simultaneously improving reliability while controlling energy consumption.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple devices share a common power source, then device deployment flexibility is improved, but power management complexity increases and may lead to power allocation issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a power management intermediary system that sits between the PSE and multiple powered devices. This intermediary monitors power consumption across all devices, tracks power limits, and coordinates power allocation dynamically. This mediator simplifies the complexity of managing multiple devices on a shared power source while maintaining deployment flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a universal power management approach where a single control mechanism handles power allocation for multiple different device types sharing the same PSE. This multi-functional power management system adapts to various device power requirements while maintaining centralized control, reducing management complexity despite increased deployment flexibility.
3Productivity
If transmission power is dynamically adjusted, then system performance optimization is improved, but power limit violations may occur causing shutdowns and interference
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-calculating and pre-allocating power budgets to different devices and transmission scenarios. Before dynamic adjustments are made, the system ensures that power limits are not violated by预先 establishing safe operating parameters. This preliminary power planning allows performance optimization while preventing shutdowns and maintaining stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a power cushioning mechanism where a safety margin or buffer is maintained below the absolute PSE power limit. This beforehand cushioning prevents power limit violations even during dynamic transmission power adjustments, ensuring system reliability and stability while still allowing performance optimization within the safe operating envelope.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments are generally directed to managing power consumption of powered devices. In some embodiments, the powered devices draw power from a common source of power, which is limited. Under certain circumstances, exceeding the power limits can cause interruption of power to one or more of the devices, thus introducing a source of communication failures. To ensure reliable communications, an attempt to increase a power consumption of a first powered device in a power group is first reviewed to determine if the increase will cause a supplied power of the group to exceed a maximum power of the group. If the increase will cause the maximum power to be exceeded, the increase is modified, in some circumstances, to fit within the maximum power level. Alternatively, power consumption of a lower priority device is reduced to accommodate the requested power consumption increase.