Network Switch Packet Inspection for SoC Wake on LAN
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Solution Overview
Problem
System on a Chip (SoC) architectures cannot selectively power the Network Interface Controller (NIC) independently, preventing remote power-on functionality via Wake on LAN (WOL) magic packets, as the entire SoC is either powered on or off.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing a switch to inspect incoming packets for magic packets and inform a management controller, which then powers on the SoC computer, enabling remote power-on capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the entire SoC is powered on to enable WOL functionality, then remote power-on capability is achieved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the SoC into two independent power domains: a first power domain for the network switch that remains powered on to receive and inspect magic packets, and a second power domain for the rest of the SoC that can be powered off to save energy. The network switch is physically or logically separated from the main SoC processing units, allowing selective powering of only the networking functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The network switch acts as an intermediary component between the external network and the main SoC. It inspects incoming packets for magic packets and, upon detection, triggers the power management controller to power on the second power domain. This intermediary enables WOL functionality without requiring the entire SoC to remain powered on.
2Reliability
If the NIC is separated from the SoC to enable selective powering, then WOL functionality is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The networking functionality is segmented into a separate network switch component with its own power domain, independent of the main SoC. This segmentation allows the network switch to be selectively powered on while the rest of the SoC remains off, enabling WOL functionality without requiring full SoC operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The network switch serves multiple functions: it handles normal network traffic switching, inspects incoming packets for magic packets, and triggers power management events. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate components, reducing overall system complexity while enabling WOL.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques to inspect packets to determine a destination node are provided. In one aspect, a Wake on Lan (WOL) packet may be received at a switch. A destination node of the WOL packet may be determined. An indication of the determined destination node may be sent to a management controller. The management controller may cause the destination node to awaken.