Network Switch Port Power Control via Segmentation and Dynamics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Network devices have significant power consumption, and existing technologies have not effectively addressed the need to reduce this consumption while maintaining network functionality.
Innovation Solution
A network switch with a power controller that selectively powers down ports with no network traffic and maintains at least one port in a power-on mode, receiving power control instructions from other switches, allowing for dynamic power mode changes based on traffic conditions or instructions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If all ports in the network switch are kept in power-on mode to ensure network functionality, then network reliability is maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network switch is divided into independently controllable port units, each capable of being powered on or off separately. The power controller divides the plurality of ports into first ports (kept powered on) and second ports (dynamically powered off), allowing selective power management that maintains network functionality while reducing overall power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The power mode of ports is made dynamic rather than static. The power controller dynamically adjusts the power state of ports based on real-time traffic conditions, transitioning ports between powered-on and powered-off states as needed. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain reliability when ports are needed while minimizing power consumption when they are not.
2Use of energy by moving object
If ports are powered down to reduce power consumption, then energy efficiency improves, but network responsiveness to traffic changes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The power controller monitors network traffic in advance and proactively powers on ports before traffic arrives, rather than waiting for traffic to detect and then activating ports. This preliminary action ensures that ports are ready to handle traffic immediately when needed, maintaining network responsiveness while still allowing ports to be powered off during idle periods to save energy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the power controller continuously monitors traffic conditions on each port and adjusts the power state accordingly. When traffic is detected on a powered-off port, the controller receives this feedback and powers on the port. This closed-loop feedback ensures the system responds appropriately to traffic changes while maintaining energy efficiency during idle periods.
3Use of energy by moving object
If selective port power management is implemented, then power consumption is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power control functionality is merged with the existing switch control plane. The power controller is integrated into the network switch architecture, utilizing existing control mechanisms and protocols. This merging approach allows selective port power management to be implemented without adding significant external complexity, as the power control functions are combined with the switch's existing control infrastructure.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the disclosure can provide a network switch having reduced power consumption. The network switch can include a plurality of ports that are configured to receive and transmit network traffic. The plurality of ports can be configured in a power-on mode and a power-off mode. Further, at least a first port among the plurality of ports can be configured to remain in the power-on mode and to receive power control instructions. In addition, the network switch can include a power controller. The power controller can change the power modes of selected ports among the plurality of ports in response to the power control instructions received through the first port.