UPS Resource Sharing for Network Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing UPS systems in data telecommunications networks face challenges in efficiently managing power resources for inline power applications, leading to potential oversubscription and unpredictable outcomes during power failures, as they struggle to anticipate the worst-case current draw from multiple network devices connected to a single UPS resource.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system where one network device acts as a 'master' to track and communicate the worst-case power commitments of other 'slave' network devices, comparing these commitments to the available UPS resources and sending notifications when capacity is nearing exhaustion, allowing for proactive resource adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple network devices share a single UPS resource, then UPS utilization efficiency is improved, but the risk of oversubscription and unpredictable outcomes during power failures increases
Solution Approach 1:
The master network device performs preliminary assessment of worst-case power commitments from multiple slave devices before actual power failure occurs. This advance evaluation allows the system to proactively identify potential oversubscription scenarios and notify administrators, enabling preventive action before reliability issues arise during power failures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the master device continuously monitors and communicates power commitment information from slave devices, compares it against available UPS resources, and provides notifications when capacity is nearing exhaustion. This closed-loop feedback enables dynamic resource management and prevents oversubscription while maintaining high UPS utilization.
2Reliability
If UPS resources are allocated based on worst-case scenarios for each device, then power backup reliability is improved, but resource utilization efficiency deteriorates due to over-provisioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the power management functions of multiple network devices into a single master device that consolidates information from multiple slave devices. This consolidation allows the system to evaluate total power commitments against UPS capacity as a unified resource pool, enabling efficient utilization while maintaining reliability through centralized worst-case scenario assessment.
3Ease of operation
If the system proactively monitors and notifies about power capacity, then resource management quality is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The master network device automatically performs self-service functions by autonomously collecting power commitment information from slave devices, calculating worst-case scenarios, comparing against UPS capacity, and generating notifications without requiring external intervention. This automation improves resource management quality while the modular design keeps the added complexity contained within the master device's software logic.
Data Source
AI summary
In a network deploying a plurality of network devices with PSE capabilities, a UPS resource may be effectively shared among those network devices by selecting at least one network device to be “master” and transmitting information reflecting worst case power commitments from “slave” network devices to the at least one master network device so that the master network device may keep track of the worst case power commitments of the plural network devices as a group. This information is compared to the known capabilities of the UPS resource and, where a deficiency or near-deficiency exists, the situation is communicated to network management for responsive action.