Network Relay Device Standby Power Reduction via Wireless Unit Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional network relay devices consume high standby power as both wired and wireless communication units remain active at all times, leading to inefficient energy usage.
Innovation Solution
A network relay device with a monitoring unit to determine the operational state of connected wired devices, allowing the wireless communication unit to be selectively turned off when not in use, and automatically restarted when needed, along with a malfunction monitoring feature to ensure seamless communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If both wired and wireless communication units are always running to relay communications at any time, then communication availability is improved, but standby power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the wireless communication unit's operation state changeable rather than fixed. The control unit dynamically switches the wireless communication unit between operational and stopped states based on real-time monitoring of the wired network device's communication state, allowing the system to adapt its power consumption to actual communication needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through the monitoring unit that continuously observes the wired network device's communication state and provides this information to the control unit. This feedback loop enables the system to make informed decisions about whether to maintain or stop the wireless communication unit's operation, ensuring communication availability is preserved only when necessary.
2Loss of energy
If the wireless communication unit is stopped to reduce power consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but communication responsiveness may be delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the monitoring unit continuously track the wired network device's communication state in advance. This proactive monitoring allows the control unit to anticipate when communication will be needed and maintain the wireless communication unit in an operational state beforehand, preventing any delay when communication actually occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action through continuous monitoring of the wired network device's communication state. This periodic checking ensures that the system regularly assesses whether the wireless communication unit should be active, allowing it to stop during extended idle periods while quickly restarting when communication needs arise.
3Ease of operation
If the wireless communication unit is automatically restarted when communication is needed, then convenience is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the control unit to perform multiple functions: monitoring the wired network device's communication state, determining when the wireless communication unit should operate, and automatically restarting the wireless communication unit when needed. This multi-functional approach consolidates complexity into a single control mechanism rather than requiring separate systems for each function.
Data Source
AI summary
The Ethernet converter includes a LAN switch, an RF device and an antenna, a wired device monitoring module, and an RF device controller. The RF device and the antenna carry out communication with wireless network devices. The wired device monitoring module monitors the operation state of the wired network devices via the LAN switch. The RF device controller controls the operation of the RF device on the basis of the operating state of the wired network devices. If the result of monitoring is that the wired network devices are not operating, the RF device controller stops the operation of the RF device so that power consumption by the RF device is less than when the wired network devices are operating.