Patent · US Active

Method and system for low power idle signal transmission in ethernet networks

US7920597B2 · kind B2 · utility

12Cited by
9References
27Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateSep 21, 2007
Grant dateApr 5, 2011
Priority date
Expiry dateMay 4, 2029

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY02D30/50
  • WIPO fieldDigital communication
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

Aspects of a method and system for low power IDLE signal transmission in Ethernet networks are provided. In this regard, during time periods between transmissions of actual data by a local Ethernet link partner, the local Ethernet Link partner may generate one or more signals, in place of a standard Ethernet IDLE signal, that enable synchronization between Ethernet link partners. In this manner, the generated signals may enable reducing power consumption as compared to standard Ethernet IDLE signals. Accordingly, link activity may be monitored to enable detecting periods when there may be no actual data for transmission and the generated signals may be transmitted. The generated signals may be transmitted at a reduced symbol rate as compared to standard Ethernet IDLE signals. The generated signals may be transmitted via fewer network links as compared to standard Ethernet IDLE signals.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.