Transmit Queue Management for Energy Efficient Networking
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Solution Overview
Problem
As the demand for higher data rates in Ethernet networks increases, conventional approaches lead to significant power consumption, posing a challenge for battery life in portable devices and requiring new methods to reduce energy usage.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for queue management that allows network devices to transition into and out of energy-saving modes based on timers, queue conditions, and event criteria, using an Energy Efficient Networking (EEN) trigger to manage power consumption by buffering or arming/disarming triggers within transmit queues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conventional transmission technologies are used to achieve higher data rates, then data transmission performance is improved, but power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power management by allowing the network device to transition between normal operating mode and energy-saving mode based on real-time queue conditions and timing criteria. The transmit queue is dynamically monitored, and when it becomes empty for a predetermined time period, the device automatically enters energy-saving mode. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by adapting power consumption levels to actual data transmission needs, achieving high data rates when necessary while conserving energy during idle periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the network device by introducing a power consumption parameter that can be adjusted between two states: normal mode with higher power consumption for optimal data transmission performance, and energy-saving mode with reduced power consumption when the transmit queue is empty. This parameter change approach allows the system to optimize the trade-off between data rate and power consumption based on actual traffic conditions.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the network device transitions to energy-saving mode to reduce power consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but data transmission latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by monitoring the transmit queue continuously and predicting when it will become empty before actually entering energy-saving mode. A predetermined time period threshold is used to anticipate idle conditions, allowing the device to transition to energy-saving mode proactively rather than reactively. This preliminary monitoring and prediction mechanism ensures that the device enters energy-saving mode at the optimal moment, minimizing latency impact while maximizing energy savings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the state of the transmit queue continuously influences the power mode of the network device. When the queue becomes empty for the predetermined time period, feedback triggers the transition to energy-saving mode. When new data arrives in the queue, feedback triggers the transition back to normal mode. This closed-loop feedback system dynamically adjusts power consumption based on actual data transmission needs, resolving the contradiction between energy efficiency and latency.
3Use of energy by moving object
If frequent transitions between normal mode and energy-saving mode occur to optimize power usage, then energy consumption is reduced, but system stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs beforehand cushioning by introducing a predetermined time period threshold that must elapse before allowing a transition to energy-saving mode. This time cushion prevents premature or premature transitions by ensuring the queue remains empty for a sufficient duration. Additionally, the patent buffers new incoming data in the transmit queue, which acts as a cushion to prevent immediate transitions back to normal mode, thereby stabilizing the system against frequent mode changes and maintaining operational stability.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of a method and system for queue management for energy efficient networking are provided. In various embodiments of the invention a network device may determine whether to transition into or out-of an energy-saving mode of operation, and arm an EEN trigger by buffering the EEN trigger in a queue and/or setting one or more flags. The network device may transition into or out-of the energy-saving mode upon the EEN trigger being read from the queue or upon the queue becoming empty while the trigger is armed. Upon the occurrence of an event meeting one or more criteria prior to the EEN trigger being read from the queue or prior to the queue being empty, the EEN trigger may be disarmed. The network device may disarm the EEN trigger by deleting the EEN trigger from the queue and/or by resetting the flag.