Method and system for packet based signaling between A Mac and A PHY to manage energy efficient network devices and/or protocols
US9323311B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 22, 2009 |
| Grant date | Apr 26, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 16, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02D30/50
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
In an Ethernet network comprising link partners that are coupled via an Ethernet link, an energy efficient network (EEN) communication control policy may be established above a MAC layer. The EEN control policy may determine a power level mode of operation for the link partners. Power level mode control data may be communicated from hardware, software and/or firmware of upper layer protocols to PHY devices. The control data may specify when, where and/or how long to implement the power level mode. The control data may be communicated via a “magic” packet comprising start and/or end of frame delimiters and bits that indicate the power level mode. The PHY devices may detect, parse and/or interpret the “magic” packet and may enter and/or exit a lower power mode of operation. The PHY devices may respond to by generating a magic packet and sending the packet to upper layers.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.