Switching Hub VLAN Power Management for Image Formers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems fail to simultaneously achieve power saving and compliance with dynamic VLAN techniques, as they do not discuss how to securely transmit information necessary for a communication apparatus to participate in a virtual network while reducing power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A communication system with a switching hub and a communication apparatus that includes a first packet processing unit, a storage unit for identification information, and a management unit to manage participation in a virtual network, along with a power supply unit that switches between normal and power-saving modes, allowing secure transmission of information needed for VLAN participation while reducing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If power is reduced to achieve power-saving mode, then power consumption is reduced, but the ability to transmit VLAN participation information is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The communication apparatus is segmented into multiple functional units with different power requirements: a first packet processing unit for VLAN information transmission, a second packet processing unit for data communication, and control units. This segmentation allows selective power supply to only the first packet processing unit during power-saving mode, enabling VLAN information transmission while maintaining data communication capability through the second unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus performs preliminary actions by establishing VLAN participation information transmission capability before entering power-saving mode. The first packet processing unit is designed to handle VLAN information independently, and the system pre-configures the minimal necessary functionality to maintain VLAN participation status even when most other functions are powered down.
2Use of energy by moving object
If communication link is cut off to save power, then power consumption is reduced, but reconnection requires retransmitting MAC address information
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by maintaining the first packet processing unit in a low-power state rather than completely shutting down the communication link. This allows the apparatus to quickly resume VLAN information transmission upon waking from power-saving mode without requiring full reconnection procedures and retransmission of MAC address information.
Solution Approach 2:
The first packet processing unit is designed to autonomously handle VLAN participation information transmission independently of the main control unit. This self-service capability allows the unit to maintain and retransmit necessary VLAN information automatically when transitioning between power-saving and normal modes, without requiring intervention from the main processor or reconnection procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
A CPU of an image forming apparatus controls, according to establishment of a sleep change condition, a MAC/PHY in a network unit to change the image forming apparatus from a link-up state to a link-down state. The CPU controls the image forming apparatus to change from a normal mode to a deep sleep mode. A CPU of the network unit controls, according to the change of the image forming apparatus from the normal mode to the deep sleep mode, the MAC/PHY to change the link-down state of the image forming apparatus to the link-up state. The CPU controls the MAC/PHY to transmit a MAC address necessary for causing the image forming apparatus to participate in VLAN to a switching hub.