Interconnection Network Switch Power Management via Dynamic Line Binding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional interconnection networks in parallel computer systems face inefficiencies in power consumption due to excessive line communication speed being offered beyond required data transmission speed, leading to wasteful energy usage and potential network disruptions when disabling port functions to conserve power.
Innovation Solution
A network management method that dynamically adjusts the power state of switch devices based on required data transmission speed, shutting off unnecessary switch devices when data transmission is lower than line transmission speed and resetting them when the speed increases, thereby optimizing power consumption and maintaining network integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a plurality of physical lines are bound to form a logical line to enhance line transmission speed, then line transmission speed is improved, but power consumption increases due to all port portions being operated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the line transmission speed adjustable rather than fixed. The management device dynamically changes the number of physical lines bound in the logical line based on communication load conditions, allowing the system to adapt between high-speed mode (more lines bound) and power-saving mode (fewer lines bound), thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining high transmission speed and reducing power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of line transmission speed by adjusting the number of physical lines bound in the logical line. When communication load is low, the system reduces the transmission speed parameter by binding fewer lines, thereby reducing power consumption. When load is high, it increases the parameter by binding more lines, resolving the contradiction between speed and power usage.
2Use of energy by moving object
If port function is disabled to conserve power consumption, then power consumption is reduced, but network form is deformed due to logical complete shutting-off of lines
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of completely disabling port functions (excessive action), the patent applies partial action by selectively reducing the number of physical lines bound in the logical line while keeping the port portions operational. This partial reduction in line binding achieves power savings without completely shutting off network paths, thus maintaining network form integrity while consuming less power.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the binding configuration of physical lines to logical lines based on communication load. When load is low, fewer lines are bound (reducing power consumption), but the port portions remain active and can be reconfigured, preventing network form deformation. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between power saving and network reliability.
3Productivity
If line transmission speed is enhanced by providing a plurality of physical lines, then data transmission capability is improved, but data transmission speed becomes lower than required when communication amount is small
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the line transmission speed parameter dynamically based on communication load. When communication amount is small, the system reduces the parameter by binding fewer physical lines to the logical line, matching the actual data transmission requirements and avoiding wasteful energy usage. When communication amount is large, it increases the parameter to provide sufficient transmission capability, thus resolving the contradiction between productivity and energy loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The system makes the line transmission speed dynamic rather than static. The management device monitors communication load and adjusts the number of bound physical lines accordingly, allowing the data transmission capability to match actual needs in real-time, thereby eliminating wasteful energy consumption while maintaining adequate productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
An interconnection network is provided with switch devices for computers for a plurality of computers, respectively, a predetermined number of physical lines for switch devices for computers are bound to form each of logical lines, the physical lines forming the logical lines interconnect the other switch devices for computer via a plurality of switch devices for relay to form a parallel computer system. When a data transmission speed required between the computers is judged to be lower than a line transmission speed determined by the number of physical lines of any switch device for relay, switch setting-off unit turns off power of the whole switch device for relay that has been judged to shut off the switch device for relay from the interconnection network.