Wake Reference Count for Network Packet Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Power saving circuitry in computing devices wakes up for a predetermined time to process network packets, leading to extended periods of being out of a suspended state, which undermines energy saving goals as many packets are processed in shorter times than expected.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a wake reference count system that increments and decrements based on packet processing, allowing components to return to a suspended state once all packets are consumed, and maintaining a list of unconsumed packets to manage power usage efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the device wakes up for a predetermined period to process network packets, then all packets can be processed reliably, but the device remains out of suspended state longer than necessary, increasing energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the wake-up duration adjustable rather than fixed. The system dynamically determines the actual time needed to process received packets and returns to suspended state as soon as processing is complete, rather than waiting for a predetermined period. This resolves the contradiction by allowing reliable packet processing while minimizing energy consumption through adaptive timing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the time parameter from a fixed predetermined value to a variable duration based on actual packet processing needs. By monitoring packet reception and processing status, the system adjusts the wake-up duration parameter in real-time, enabling it to extend the wake period only as long as necessary to handle incoming packets, thus reducing unnecessary energy consumption while maintaining processing reliability.
2Productivity
If the device stays in powered-on state to handle multiple packets, then packet processing is efficient, but energy saving goals are undermined due to extended wake time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains continuous packet processing capability during the wake period by keeping the network interface and processor active. Multiple packets received during this continuous active period are processed without requiring additional wake-up cycles, ensuring processing efficiency while limiting energy consumption to only the necessary duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically monitors its own packet processing status and determines when to return to suspended state without external intervention. By self-managing the wake-up duration based on actual processing needs, the device eliminates energy waste from overly long wake periods while maintaining efficient packet handling.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the device wakes up frequently for short periods, then energy consumption is reduced, but packet processing may be interrupted or delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent prepares for potential multiple packets by extending the wake period just enough to handle burst traffic that may arrive during the initial wake-up. The system proactively determines a sufficient wake duration based on network conditions and packet arrival patterns, ensuring that packet processing can continue without interruption while still limiting the overall wake time to minimize energy consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method are disclosed for increasing time a computing device remains in a suspended state during network transmissions. On a first network packet of a plurality of network packets being received while the device is in a suspended state, a wake reference count is incremented and components of the device are temporarily switched from the suspended state to a powered-on state for consumption of the network packet. The wake reference count is incremented for each of the other network packets, and decremented each time each of the packets is consumed by the components of the computing device. In response to the wake reference count being fully decremented, the components are automatically returned from the powered-on state to the suspended state.