JP2012221323A - Communication apparatus, power saving control method, program, and chip - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a communication apparatus capable of satisfying both requirements of power saving and communication performance.SOLUTION: The communication apparatus includes an Ethernet processing section 103 that has a power saving function and transmits/receives an Ethernet frame to/from a network; a communication protocol processing section 101 that generates an Ethernet frame; and a power saving timing management section 102 that analyzes a parameter of the Ethernet frame received from the communication protocol processing section 101, and when the Ethernet frame is a frame for disconnecting a TCP connection, outputs the Ethernet frame to the Ethernet processing section 103 to cause the Ethernet processing section 103 to enter into a power saving mode, and when the Ethernet frame is not the frame for disconnecting the TCP connection, outputs the Ethernet frame to the Ethernet processing section 103.

Description

  The present invention relates to a communication apparatus such as a network apparatus, and more particularly to an Ethernet (registered trademark) device.

  In recent years, Ethernet (registered trademark) devices tend to increase power consumption by supporting high-speed communication such as 1 Gbit and 10 Gbit. Especially, in the field of embedded devices, it supports power saving while maintaining communication performance. Is the situation that is desired.

  As a technique for realizing such power saving, for example, in Patent Document 1, in a conventional network device, the power saving function is turned on at the timing when Ethernet communication is interrupted, and the power saving function is turned off when communication is required. The structure to make is disclosed.

JP 2007-328671 (summary of the first page and FIG. 1 etc.)

  However, in the prior art, when the communication is necessary and the power saving function is switched ON / OFF, a waiting time (hereinafter referred to as “recovery lag”) such as waiting for device operation stabilization normally occurs. For this reason, there has been a problem that communication performance deteriorates in practical operation.

  The present invention solves the above-described conventional problems, and an object thereof is to provide a communication device that achieves both power saving and communication performance.

  In order to achieve the above object, a communication apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention includes an Ethernet processing unit that has a power saving function and transmits / receives an Ethernet frame to / from a network, and a communication protocol processing unit that generates the Ethernet frame And analyzing the parameters of the Ethernet frame passed from the communication protocol processing unit, and if the Ethernet frame is a frame for disconnecting a TCP connection, outputting the Ethernet frame to the Ethernet processing unit The Ethernet processing unit is shifted to a power saving state, and when the Ethernet frame is not a frame for cutting a TCP connection, the Ethernet frame is output to the Ethernet processing unit. Comprising a that power saving timing management unit.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the communication apparatus which can make power saving and communication performance compatible can be provided.

1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a network device according to a first exemplary embodiment; It is a figure which shows the Ethernet frame format for TCP. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an internal operation of a power saving timing management unit in the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a network device according to a second exemplary embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an internal operation of a power saving timing management unit in the second embodiment. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an internal operation of a power saving timing management unit according to the third embodiment. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a network device according to a third exemplary embodiment.

  A communication apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention has a power saving function, an Ethernet processing unit that transmits and receives an Ethernet frame to and from a network, a communication protocol processing unit that generates the Ethernet frame, and the communication protocol processing unit. When the parameters of the passed Ethernet frame are analyzed, and the Ethernet frame is a frame for cutting a TCP connection, the Ethernet frame is output to the Ethernet processing unit and the Ethernet processing unit is set in a power saving state. A power saving timing management unit that outputs the Ethernet frame to the Ethernet processing unit when the Ethernet frame is not a frame for disconnecting a TCP connection. Comprising a.

  According to this configuration, when the Ethernet packet transmitted from the communication protocol processing unit to the power saving timing management unit is a packet for disconnecting the TCP connection, the power saving timing management unit transits to the power saving state. Therefore, the timing of transition to the power saving state can be made when the TCP connection is disconnected. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the return lag that occurs when the power saving function is switched on / off after communication is required, and to suppress the deterioration of the communication performance. Thereby, it is possible to provide a communication device that achieves both power saving and TCP connection communication performance.

  In addition, a communication device according to an aspect of the present invention manages a content distribution setting value indicating permission or non-permission of content distribution, and notifies the power saving timing management unit of the content distribution setting value The power saving timing management unit transmits the Ethernet frame to the Ethernet processing unit and transmits the Ethernet frame when the content distribution setting value for which content distribution is not permitted is notified from the content distribution setting management unit. When the Ethernet processing unit is shifted to the power saving state and the content distribution setting value for permitting content distribution is notified from the content distribution setting management unit, the parameters of the Ethernet frame passed from the communication protocol processing unit are set. Analyzing the Ethernet If the frame is a frame for cutting a TCP connection, the Ethernet frame is output to the Ethernet processing unit, the Ethernet processing unit is shifted to a power saving state, and the Ethernet frame cuts the TCP connection. If the frame is not, the Ethernet frame may be output to the Ethernet processing unit.

  According to this configuration, when distribution of AV content that requires communication performance is permitted by the content distribution management unit, both communication performance and power saving are achieved, and communication of AV content is not permitted when distribution is not permitted. Even if the performance deteriorates, it is possible to perform an operation with an emphasis on power saving. Therefore, it is possible to implement power saving as much as possible by dynamically linking the control of the power saving function with the setting state of the communication device.

  Further, in the communication device according to one aspect of the present invention, the power saving timing management unit modifies the Ethernet frame, transmits the modified Ethernet frame to the Ethernet processing unit, and saves the Ethernet processing unit. It is good also as making it change to a state.

  According to this configuration, an Ethernet frame transmission / reception sequence at the time of disconnection can be simplified.

  In the communication device according to one aspect of the present invention, the power saving timing management unit may cause the Ethernet processing unit to transition to a power saving state every time the Ethernet frame is transmitted.

  According to this configuration, both communication performance and power saving can be achieved efficiently.

  In the communication device according to one aspect of the present invention, the power saving timing management unit sets the Ethernet processing unit to a power saving state by notifying the Ethernet processing unit to make a transition to a power saving state. It is good also as notifying the standby | waiting time until it becomes power saving after receiving the said notification with the notification for making it change and making the said Ethernet process part change to a power saving state.

  According to this configuration, the power saving frequency can be dynamically changed by changing the time until transition to the power saving state, while achieving both power saving and communication performance. Thereby, the minimum communication performance can be guaranteed.

  In the communication device according to one aspect of the present invention, the standby time may be a predetermined period from the notification.

  In the communication device according to one aspect of the present invention, the standby time may be a predetermined period from the transmission of the Ethernet frame.

  According to this configuration, both communication performance and power saving can be achieved efficiently.

  In the communication device according to one aspect of the present invention, the power saving timing management unit causes the Ethernet processing unit to transition to the power saving state by causing functions other than reception of the Ethernet processing unit to enter a power saving state. It is good as well.

  According to this configuration, a minimum communication function can be secured even in the power saving state.

  In order to achieve the above object, a power saving control method according to an aspect of the present invention includes a first step of generating an Ethernet frame by a communication protocol processing unit and transmitting the Ethernet frame to the power saving timing management unit, and the power saving control method. A second step of analyzing parameters of the Ethernet frame passed from the communication protocol processing unit by the timing management unit, and the Ethernet frame passed from the communication protocol processing unit are frames for cutting a TCP connection. In this case, the Ethernet frame is transmitted from the power saving timing management unit to the Ethernet processing unit, the Ethernet processing unit is shifted to the power saving state, and the Ethernet frame passed from the communication protocol processing unit is transferred to the TCP connection. If not frame for cutting the Deployment, and a third step of transmitting the Ethernet frame to the Ethernet processor from the power-saving timing management unit.

  According to this configuration, when the Ethernet packet transmitted from the communication protocol processing unit to the power saving timing management unit is a packet for disconnecting the TCP connection, the power saving timing management unit transits to the power saving state. Therefore, the timing of transition to the power saving state can be made when the TCP connection is disconnected. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the return lag that occurs when the power saving function is switched on / off after communication is required, and to suppress the deterioration of the communication performance. Thereby, it is possible to provide a communication device that achieves both power saving and TCP connection communication performance.

  In addition, the power saving control method according to one aspect of the present invention is configured to permit or disallow content distribution from the content distribution setting management unit to the power saving timing management unit before the second step of analyzing the parameters of the Ethernet frame. A fourth step of notifying the content distribution setting value indicating permission may be included.

  According to this configuration, when distribution of AV content that requires communication performance is permitted by the content distribution management unit, both communication performance and power saving are achieved, and communication of AV content is not permitted when distribution is not permitted. Even if the performance deteriorates, it is possible to perform an operation with an emphasis on power saving. Therefore, it is possible to implement power saving as much as possible by dynamically linking the control of the power saving function with the setting state of the communication device.

  Further, in the power saving control method according to one aspect of the present invention, the power saving timing management unit modifies the Ethernet frame, transmits the modified Ethernet frame to the Ethernet processing unit, and causes the Ethernet processing unit to It is good also as making it change to a power saving state.

  According to this configuration, the frame transmission / reception sequence at the time of disconnection can be simplified.

  In the power saving control method according to one aspect of the present invention, the power saving timing management unit may cause the Ethernet processing unit to transition to a power saving state every time the Ethernet frame is transmitted.

  According to this configuration, both communication performance and power saving can be achieved efficiently.

  Further, in the power saving control method according to one aspect of the present invention, the power saving timing management unit causes the Ethernet processing unit to save power by notifying the Ethernet processing unit to make a transition to a power saving state. It is good also as notifying the standby | waiting time until it becomes power saving after receiving the said notification with the notification for changing to a power saving state with respect to the said Ethernet process part.

  According to this configuration, the power saving frequency can be dynamically changed by changing the time until transition to the power saving state, while achieving both power saving and communication performance.

  In the power saving control method according to one aspect of the present invention, the standby time may be a predetermined period from the notification.

  In the power saving control method according to an aspect of the present invention, the standby time may be a predetermined period from the transmission of the Ethernet frame.

  According to this configuration, both communication performance and power saving can be achieved efficiently.

  In the power saving control method according to one aspect of the present invention, the power saving timing management unit transitions the Ethernet processing unit to the power saving state by causing functions other than reception of the Ethernet processing unit to enter a power saving state. It is also possible to make it.

  According to this configuration, a minimum communication function can be secured even in the power saving state.

  In order to achieve the above object, a program according to an aspect of the present invention causes a computer to execute the above power saving control method.

  According to this configuration, a program having the above characteristics can be provided.

  To achieve the above object, a chip according to one aspect of the present invention has a power saving function, an Ethernet processing unit that transmits and receives an Ethernet frame to and from a network, and a communication protocol process that generates the Ethernet frame. And the parameter of the Ethernet frame passed from the communication protocol processing unit, and when the Ethernet frame is a frame for cutting a TCP connection, the Ethernet frame is output to the Ethernet processing unit When the Ethernet processing unit is shifted to the power saving state and the Ethernet frame is not a frame for disconnecting the TCP connection, the Ethernet processing unit receives the Ethernet frame. ; And a power saving timing management unit for force.

  According to this configuration, when the Ethernet packet transmitted from the communication protocol processing unit to the power saving timing management unit is a packet for disconnecting the TCP connection, the power saving timing management unit transits to the power saving state. Therefore, the timing of transition to the power saving state can be made when the TCP connection is disconnected. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the return lag that occurs when the power saving function is switched on / off after communication is required, and to suppress the deterioration of the communication performance. As a result, it is possible to provide a chip that achieves both power saving and TCP connection communication performance.

  The chip according to one aspect of the present invention includes a content distribution setting management unit that manages content distribution setting values indicating permission or non-permission of content distribution and notifies the power saving timing management unit of the content distribution setting values. The power saving timing management unit transmits the Ethernet frame to the Ethernet processing unit and notifies the Ethernet processing unit when the content distribution setting value for which content distribution is not permitted is notified from the content distribution setting management unit. When the processing unit is shifted to a power saving state and the content distribution setting value of content distribution permission is notified from the content distribution setting management unit, the parameters of the Ethernet frame passed from the communication protocol processing unit are analyzed. The Ethernet network When the network is a frame for cutting a TCP connection, the Ethernet frame is output to the Ethernet processing unit, the Ethernet processing unit is shifted to a power saving state, and the Ethernet frame cuts the TCP connection. If it is not a frame for use, the Ethernet frame may be output to the Ethernet processing unit.

  According to this configuration, when distribution of AV content that requires communication performance is permitted by the content distribution management unit, both communication performance and power saving are achieved, and communication of AV content is not permitted when distribution is not permitted. Even if the performance deteriorates, it is possible to perform an operation with an emphasis on power saving. Therefore, it is possible to implement power saving as much as possible by dynamically linking the control of the power saving function with the setting state of the communication device.

  In the chip according to one aspect of the present invention, the power saving timing management unit modifies the Ethernet frame, transmits the modified Ethernet frame to the Ethernet processing unit, and sets the Ethernet processing unit to a power saving state. It is good also as making it change to.

  According to this configuration, an Ethernet frame transmission / reception sequence at the time of disconnection can be simplified.

  In the chip according to one aspect of the present invention, the power saving timing management unit may cause the Ethernet processing unit to transition to a power saving state every time the Ethernet frame is transmitted.

  According to this configuration, both communication performance and power saving can be achieved efficiently.

  In the chip according to one aspect of the present invention, the power saving timing management unit transitions the Ethernet processing unit to the power saving state by notifying the Ethernet processing unit to transition to the power saving state. In addition to the notification for shifting to the power saving state, the Ethernet processing unit may be notified of a standby time from when the notification is received until the power saving state is achieved.

  According to this configuration, the power saving frequency can be dynamically changed by changing the time until transition to the power saving state, while achieving both power saving and communication performance.

  In the chip according to one embodiment of the present invention, the standby time may be a predetermined period from the notification.

  In the chip according to one aspect of the present invention, the waiting time may be a predetermined period from the transmission of the Ethernet frame.

  According to this configuration, both communication performance and power saving can be achieved efficiently.

  In the chip according to one aspect of the present invention, the power saving timing management unit causes the Ethernet processing unit to transition to the power saving state by causing functions other than reception of the Ethernet processing unit to enter a power saving state. It is good.

  According to this configuration, a minimum communication function can be secured even in the power saving state.

  Hereinafter, a network device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In each embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the same parts as those already described, and the detailed description thereof is omitted. The following embodiments are for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the present invention.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a network device 10 according to the present embodiment.

  The network device 10 corresponds to the communication device according to the embodiment of the present invention, and includes a communication protocol processing unit 101, a power saving timing management unit 102, and an Ethernet processing unit 103, as shown in FIG.

  The external network device 11 and the network device 10 are connected by an Ethernet cable. When the external network device 11 and the network device 10 perform communication using TCP, in the network device 10, the communication protocol processing unit 101 creates an Ethernet frame for TCP and outputs it to the power saving timing management unit 102.

  The power saving timing management unit 102 analyzes the parameters of the received Ethernet frame for TCP, determines whether or not the power saving function should be turned on, and shifts the Ethernet processing unit 103 to the power saving state. Specifically, the Ethernet processing unit 103 is handed over the TCP Ethernet frame as it is or partially modified, and at the same time, notifies whether or not the power saving should be turned on. When the power saving function is turned ON, a power saving ON notification is performed. When the power saving function is turned OFF, a power saving OFF notification is performed. As a result, the Ethernet processing unit 103 shifts to a power saving state (power saving ON state) or a power saving state (power saving OFF state). The Ethernet frame will be described in detail later.

  The Ethernet processing unit 103 is a standard Ethernet processing unit included in a terminal, computer, switch, router, or the like connected to the Ethernet, and has a power saving function. The Ethernet processing unit 103 receives the Ethernet frame and the power saving ON notification or the power saving OFF notification, and transmits the Ethernet frame to the external network device 11. When the Ethernet processing unit 103 receives the power saving ON notification, the Ethernet processing unit 103 transmits an Ethernet frame to the external network device 11, and immediately after that, transitions to the power saving ON state. When a power saving OFF notification is received, an Ethernet frame is transmitted to the external network device 11 and no transition to the power saving ON state is performed.

  Here, the power saving ON state and the power saving OFF state in the Ethernet processing unit 103 will be described. The power saving ON state refers to a state in which an Ethernet device is operated with low power, for example, a state in which there is a restriction such that an operation such as transmission of an Ethernet frame cannot be performed. Specifically, an operation typified by the IEEE 802.3az standard is shown (the description is omitted because it is a known operation). The power saving OFF state refers to a state in which an Ethernet device is operated with normal power, and refers to a state in which a normal Ethernet operation can be performed.

  That is, when the Ethernet processing unit 103 receives a power saving ON notification, the Ethernet processing unit 103 shifts to a power saving ON state immediately after transmitting an Ethernet frame, and can receive only but cannot transmit. In addition, when receiving the power saving OFF notification, the Ethernet processing unit 103 does not transition to the power saving ON state, but continues the reception and transmission possible state. Note that the Ethernet processing unit 103 may be in a state in which neither transmission nor reception is possible while power saving is on.

  When the Ethernet processing unit 103 receives the Ethernet frame and the power saving ON notification or the power saving OFF notification again after transitioning to the power saving ON state, the Ethernet processing unit 103 transitions to the power saving OFF state. It is determined whether or not the Ethernet network is transmitted to the external network device 11 and the state is changed to the power saving ON state.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an Ethernet frame format for TCP.

  The related parameters described in FIG. 2 will be described. The Ethernet Ethernet frame format includes a MAC header 701, an IP header 702, a TCP header 703, and payload data 704.

  The MAC header 701 corresponds to a MAC header in the Ethernet frame format, and is a header that stores destination and source information based on a MAC address.

  The IP header 702, the TCP header 703, and the payload data 704 correspond to the payload portion of the Ethernet frame format. The IP header 702 is a header that stores destination and source information by IP address. The TCP header 703 is a header configured in the format shown in FIG. 2, and representatively, a transmission source port number (70301), a destination port number (70302), a sequence number (70303) for indicating a sequence number, It is composed of an acknowledgment number (70304) for indicating the received sequence number, a control flag (70305), and the like. In particular, the Control Flag (70305) indicates the contents of the frame. The ACK (7030501) indicates for data distribution, the RST (7030302) indicates forcible connection disconnection, and the FIN (7035033) indicates normal connection disconnection. ) Etc. When RST (7030502) is 1, it indicates that forced disconnection is requested. When FIN (703503) is 1, it indicates that normal connection disconnection is requested.

  The Control Flag (70305) is generally used for communication on the Internet or the like, and points to the one conforming to the TCP / IP format whose standard is disclosed in RFC.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an internal operation of the power saving timing management unit 102 according to the present embodiment.

  In the analysis of the Ethernet frame shown in FIG. 3 (step S201), the power saving timing management unit 102 analyzes the Ethernet frame passed from the communication protocol processing unit 101 and confirms that the format is for TCP shown in FIG. Confirm and read the value of Control Flag (70305).

  In the control flag determination (step S202) illustrated in FIG. 3, the power saving timing management unit 102 determines whether the RST bit (7030502) or the FIN bit (7030503) is 1 or 0 in the value of the control flag (70305). To check.

  When both the RST bit (7030502) and the FIN bit (703503) are 0, forced connection disconnection or normal connection disconnection is not requested, and the connection between the network device 10 and the external network device 11 is continued. In this case, the power saving timing management unit 102 generates a power saving OFF notification for notifying the Ethernet processing unit 103 (step S203).

  Further, when at least one of the RST bit (7030502) and the FIN bit (7035033) is 1, or when the Ethernet frame is not in the format for TCP shown in FIG. 2, forced connection disconnection or normal connection disconnection is performed. Since the connection other than the requested format or the format for TCP is established, the connection between the network device 10 and the external network device 11 is disconnected. In this case, the power saving timing management unit 102 generates a power saving ON notification for notifying the Ethernet processing unit 103 (step S204). Note that the case where the Ethernet frame is not in the format for TCP shown in FIG. 2 includes, for example, the case where the Ethernet frame is ICMP or a packet which does not require high speed, such as a UDP connectionless packet.

  In the modification of the Ethernet frame shown in FIG. 3 (step S205), the power saving timing management unit 102 may modify the contents of the Ethernet frame. For example, when an Ethernet frame having a FIN bit (703503) indicating normal termination of 1 is notified, the FIN bit (703503) is corrected to 0, and an RST bit (7030302) indicating forced disconnection is set. Modify to 1. This modification can simplify the frame transmission / reception sequence when the connection is disconnected.

  Since it is arbitrary whether or not to modify the Ethernet frame (step S205), the power saving timing management unit 102 may omit the step of modifying the Ethernet frame (step S205) in FIG.

  Finally, the power saving timing management unit 102 outputs the received Ethernet frame itself or the modified Ethernet frame and the power saving ON notification or the power saving OFF notification to the Ethernet processing unit 103 (step S206). Thereby, the Ethernet processing unit 103 transitions to the power saving ON state or the power saving OFF state.

  Even when the FIN bit (7035033) or the RST bit (7030502) of the Ethernet frame received by the network device 10 from the external network device 11 is 1, the power saving timing management unit 102 sends the power saving ON notification to the Ethernet process. It is also possible to notify the unit 103 and set the Ethernet processing unit 103 to the power saving ON state.

  In addition, the power saving timing management unit 102 may cause the Ethernet processing unit 103 to transition to the power saving state every time an Ethernet frame is transmitted. Specifically, in FIG. 3, the power saving ON or power saving OFF notification (step S203) may be notified each time an Ethernet frame is transmitted, or may be omitted in a predetermined case. For example, when it is not necessary to always establish a connection, such as a Blu-ray recorder, a power saving ON notification or a power saving OFF notification may be sent only when the first Ethernet frame is transmitted, and then omitted. In addition, when it is necessary to always establish a connection, such as a network server, it is preferable to send a power saving ON notification or a power saving OFF notification each time an Ethernet frame is transmitted.

  Further, the above is merely an example, and parameters and processing order to be referred to or modified in the power saving timing management unit 102 may be other than the above examples unless departing from the gist of the present invention.

  In the network device 10 according to the present embodiment, attention is paid to the fact that communication performance is generally required for data distribution by a TCP connection, and power saving is turned on until the TCP connection is established and disconnected. By not switching power saving OFF, the communication performance within each TCP connection is prevented from deteriorating.

  In other words, by turning on power saving immediately after sending a TCP connection disconnection packet, the communication performance is not deteriorated without switching between power saving ON and power saving OFF while establishing a TCP connection that requires communication performance. It is possible to achieve both power saving and communication performance.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the network device 30 according to the present embodiment. The network device 30 according to the present embodiment is different from the network device 10 according to the first embodiment in that the network device 30 includes a content distribution setting management unit 304.

  The network device 30 corresponds to the communication device according to the embodiment of the present invention, and includes a communication protocol processing unit 101, a power saving timing management unit 302, an Ethernet processing unit 103, and a content distribution setting management unit 304 as shown in FIG. It has. Note that the operations of the communication protocol processing unit 101 and the Ethernet processing unit 103 have been described in the first embodiment, and thus description thereof is omitted.

  The content distribution setting management unit 304 holds a content distribution setting value which is setting information indicating whether data distribution via a network is permitted or not permitted. The external network device 11 and the network device 30 are connected by an Ethernet cable. When the external network device 11 and the network device 30 perform communication using TCP, the content distribution setting management unit 304 allows the network device 30 to distribute data based on the content distribution setting value that is held. Then, the data delivery permission value is notified to the power saving timing management unit 302. In addition, when data distribution is not permitted, the content distribution setting value for which data distribution is not permitted is notified to the power saving timing management unit 302.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an internal operation of the power saving timing management unit 302 in the present embodiment. Also, the TCP Ethernet frame format in the present embodiment is the same as the TCP Ethernet frame format shown in FIG. 2 in the first embodiment.

  In the determination of the distribution permission notification (step S401), the power saving timing management unit 302 generates a power saving ON notification (step S207) when the data distribution non-permission notification is received from the content distribution setting management unit 304. After that, the Ethernet frame and the power saving ON notification are output to the Ethernet processing unit 103 (step S206).

  In addition, when the distribution permission notification (step S401) is received and the data distribution permission management notification is received from the content distribution setting management unit 304, the power saving timing management unit 302 analyzes the Ethernet frame (step S201). Thereafter, operations similar to those in the first embodiment (steps S202 to S206) are performed. Here, the following description is omitted.

  The network device 30 according to the present embodiment always performs an operation of turning on the power saving, or the power saving ON or the power saving OFF depending on the setting state of the network device 30 that permits or does not allow the data distribution via the network. The power saving function is controlled by performing an operation of switching between or dynamically linking the setting state of the network device 30.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, when distribution of AV content requiring communication performance is permitted in network device 30, the operation of Embodiment 1 is performed in order to achieve both communication performance and power saving. When the distribution of AV content is not permitted, it is possible to perform an operation that emphasizes power saving even if the communication performance deteriorates. Therefore, the control of the power saving function is dynamically linked with the setting state of the device. Thus, power saving can be performed as much as possible. In particular, this is an effective form for an embedded network device such as a network server or a Blu-ray recorder that has a setting for permitting or not permitting distribution of AV content via a network.

(Embodiment 3)
FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the network device 50 according to the present embodiment. The difference between the network device 50 according to the present embodiment and the network device 10 according to the first embodiment is that the power saving timing management unit 502 notifies the Ethernet processing unit 503 of the transition to the power saving state. The timer value that is the waiting time from when the notification is received to when the power is saved is notified.

  The network device 50 corresponds to the communication device in the embodiment of the present invention, and includes a communication protocol processing unit 101, a power saving timing management unit 502, an Ethernet processing unit 503, and a content distribution setting management unit 304 as shown in FIG. It has. Since the operations of the communication protocol processing unit 101 and the content distribution setting management unit 304 have been described in the first or second embodiment, description thereof will be omitted.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an internal operation of the power saving timing management unit 502 according to the present embodiment. Also, the TCP Ethernet frame format in the present embodiment is the same as the TCP Ethernet frame format shown in FIG. 2 in the first embodiment.

  In the last process (step S606) of the flowchart shown in FIG. 7, the power saving timing management unit 502 is preset with an Ethernet frame and a power saving ON notification or a power saving OFF notification to the Ethernet processing unit 503. A timer value for satisfying the minimum guaranteed communication performance is output to the Ethernet processing unit 503.

  Here, the timer value waits until the Ethernet processing unit 503 transitions to the power saving ON state for a predetermined period from the transmission of the power saving ON notification or the Ethernet packet in order to satisfy the preset minimum guaranteed communication performance. It's time.

  As the timer value, a value represented by the following (Equation 1) is used as an example.

    Tdev = (L ÷ S) −Tsend (Formula 1)

here,
Tdev = Timer value notified to Ethernet processing unit 103 (sec)
S = Minimum guaranteed communication performance (bit / sec)
L = Ethernet frame size (bit)
Tsend = time required to transmit an Ethernet frame (sec)

  Here, the minimum guaranteed communication performance indicated by S indicates the minimum communication speed to be guaranteed. Further, the size of the Ethernet frame indicated by L indicates the size per Ethernet frame. L / S indicates the time required per 1 bit of the Ethernet frame.

  The power saving timing management unit 502 transmits the above-described Tdev to the Ethernet processing unit 503 when a predetermined period is set as a timer value from the power saving ON notification. Further, the power saving timing management unit 502 transmits the above-described L ÷ S to the Ethernet processing unit 503 when a predetermined period from the transmission of the Ethernet packet is set as a timer value.

  The Ethernet processing unit 503 receives the Ethernet frame, the power saving ON notification or the power saving OFF notification, and the timer value, and transmits the Ethernet frame to the external network device 11. If the Ethernet processing unit 503 has received the power saving ON notification, the Ethernet processing unit 503 transmits the Ethernet frame to the external network device 11 and then transitions to the power saving ON state after the timer value has elapsed. Further, when the power saving OFF notification is received, the transition to the power saving ON state is not performed. Other operations are the same as those of the Ethernet processing unit 103 described in the first embodiment, and thus description thereof is omitted.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the power-saving state is dynamically changed by changing the time until transition to the power-saving ON state while achieving both power-saving and communication performance. Can be changed. Thereby, the minimum communication performance can be guaranteed.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible, and it goes without saying that these are also included in the scope of the present invention.

  For example, each process in the above-described embodiments may be realized by software. In the case of realizing with software, the software may be distributed by software download or the like. Further, this software may be recorded and distributed on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM. This also applies to other embodiments in this specification. Further, the processing in each of the above embodiments may be realized not only by software but also by hardware (dedicated circuit). For example, in the case of software, it may be realized by a program for executing control of the above-described power saving function by a computer, and in the case of hardware by a chip having the above-described configuration.

  In the future, as Ethernet devices such as 1 Gbit and 10 Gbit become faster, power consumption will increase, especially in embedded devices, and the power consumption will be very large, so both communication performance and power saving will be compatible. The present invention can be a very effective technique.

  As described above, the communication device, the power saving control method, the program, and the chip according to the present invention have the effect of achieving both Ethernet communication performance and power saving, and have a network repeater, a computer with a built-in network function, and a television It is useful for hard disk recorders such as Blu-ray recorders.

10, 30, 50 Network device (communication device, chip)
101 Communication protocol processing unit 102, 302, 502 Power saving timing management unit 103, 503 Ethernet processing unit 11 External network device 304 Content distribution setting management unit 70305 Control Flag
7030502 RST
7030503 FIN

Claims (25)

An Ethernet processing unit having a power saving function and transmitting and receiving Ethernet frames to and from the network;
A communication protocol processing unit for generating the Ethernet frame;
The parameter of the Ethernet frame passed from the communication protocol processing unit is analyzed, and when the Ethernet frame is a frame for cutting a TCP connection, the Ethernet frame is output to the Ethernet processing unit and the Ethernet process is performed. And a power saving timing management unit that outputs the Ethernet frame to the Ethernet processing unit when the Ethernet frame is not a frame for disconnecting a TCP connection. A content distribution setting management unit that manages content distribution setting values indicating permission or non-permission of content distribution and notifies the power distribution timing management unit of the content distribution setting values;
The power saving timing management unit
When the content distribution setting value for which content distribution is not permitted is notified from the content distribution setting management unit, the Ethernet processing unit is transmitted to the Ethernet processing unit and the Ethernet processing unit is shifted to a power saving state.
When the content distribution setting value of content distribution permission is notified from the content distribution setting management unit, the parameter of the Ethernet frame passed from the communication protocol processing unit is analyzed, and the Ethernet frame disconnects the TCP connection. In the case where the frame is to output the Ethernet frame to the Ethernet processing unit, the Ethernet processing unit is shifted to a power saving state, and the Ethernet frame is not a frame for cutting a TCP connection. The communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the Ethernet frame is output to the Ethernet processing unit. The communication according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the power saving timing management unit modifies the Ethernet frame, transmits the modified Ethernet frame to the Ethernet processing unit, and causes the Ethernet processing unit to transition to a power saving state. apparatus. The power saving timing management unit
The communication apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the Ethernet processing unit is changed to a power saving state each time the Ethernet frame is transmitted. The power saving timing management unit
The Ethernet processing unit is transitioned to the power saving state by notifying the Ethernet processing unit to transition to the power saving state,
The communication apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a notification of transition to a power saving state is sent to the Ethernet processing unit, and a waiting time from when the notification is received until power saving is achieved. . The communication apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the standby time is a predetermined period from the notification. The communication apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the standby time is a predetermined period from the transmission of the Ethernet frame. The power saving timing management unit according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the Ethernet processing unit transitions to a power saving state by causing functions other than reception of the Ethernet processing unit to enter a power saving state. Communication device. A first step of generating an Ethernet frame by the communication protocol processing unit and transmitting the Ethernet frame to the power saving timing management unit;
A second step of analyzing the parameters of the Ethernet frame passed from the communication protocol processing unit by the power saving timing management unit;
When the Ethernet frame passed from the communication protocol processing unit is a frame for disconnecting a TCP connection, the Ethernet processing unit transmits the Ethernet frame to the Ethernet processing unit from the power saving timing management unit and the Ethernet processing unit When the Ethernet frame transferred from the communication protocol processing unit is not a frame for disconnecting the TCP connection, the Ethernet frame is transmitted from the power saving timing management unit to the Ethernet processing unit. A power saving control method including a third step. Before the second step of analyzing the parameters of the Ethernet frame,
The power saving control method according to claim 9, further comprising a fourth step of notifying a content delivery setting value indicating permission or non-permission of content delivery from the content delivery setting management unit to the power saving timing management unit. 11. The power saving timing management unit according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the power saving timing management unit modifies the Ethernet frame, transmits the modified Ethernet frame to the Ethernet processing unit, and transitions the Ethernet processing unit to a power saving state. Power control method. 12. The power saving control method according to claim 9, wherein the power saving timing management unit causes the Ethernet processing unit to transition to a power saving state each time the Ethernet frame is transmitted. The power saving timing management unit
The Ethernet processing unit is transitioned to the power saving state by notifying the Ethernet processing unit to transition to the power saving state,
The power saving according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein a notification is made to the Ethernet processing unit together with a notification for transitioning to a power saving state, and a standby time from when the notification is received until power saving is achieved. Control method. The power saving control method according to claim 13, wherein the standby time is a predetermined period from the notification. The power saving control method according to claim 13, wherein the standby time is a predetermined period from the transmission of the Ethernet frame. 16. The power saving timing management unit according to claim 9, wherein the power saving timing management unit shifts the Ethernet processing unit to a power saving state by causing functions other than reception of the Ethernet processing unit to enter a power saving state. Power control method. The program which makes a computer perform the power saving control method of any one of Claims 9-16. An Ethernet processing unit having a power saving function and transmitting and receiving Ethernet frames to and from the network;
A communication protocol processing unit for generating the Ethernet frame;
The parameter of the Ethernet frame passed from the communication protocol processing unit is analyzed, and when the Ethernet frame is a frame for cutting a TCP connection, the Ethernet frame is output to the Ethernet processing unit and the Ethernet process is performed. And a power saving timing management unit that outputs the Ethernet frame to the Ethernet processing unit when the Ethernet frame is not a frame for disconnecting a TCP connection. A content distribution setting management unit that manages content distribution setting values indicating permission or non-permission of content distribution and notifies the power distribution timing management unit of the content distribution setting values;
The power saving timing management unit
When the content distribution setting value for which content distribution is not permitted is notified from the content distribution setting management unit, the Ethernet processing unit is transmitted to the Ethernet processing unit and the Ethernet processing unit is shifted to a power saving state.
When the content distribution setting value of content distribution permission is notified from the content distribution setting management unit, the parameter of the Ethernet frame passed from the communication protocol processing unit is analyzed, and the Ethernet frame disconnects the TCP connection. In the case where the frame is to output the Ethernet frame to the Ethernet processing unit, the Ethernet processing unit is shifted to a power saving state, and the Ethernet frame is not a frame for cutting a TCP connection. The chip according to claim 18, wherein the Ethernet frame is output to the Ethernet processing unit. 20. The chip according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the power saving timing management unit modifies the Ethernet frame, transmits the modified Ethernet frame to the Ethernet processing unit, and causes the Ethernet processing unit to transition to a power saving state. . The power saving timing management unit
The chip according to any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein each time the Ethernet frame is transmitted, the Ethernet processing unit is shifted to a power saving state. The power saving timing management unit
The Ethernet processing unit is transitioned to the power saving state by notifying the Ethernet processing unit to transition to the power saving state,
The chip according to any one of claims 18 to 21, wherein a notification for transition to a power saving state is given to the Ethernet processing unit, and a standby time from when the notification is received until the power saving state is established. The chip according to claim 22, wherein the waiting time is a predetermined period from the notification. The chip according to claim 22, wherein the waiting time is a predetermined period from the transmission of the Ethernet frame. 25. The power saving timing management unit according to any one of claims 18 to 24, wherein the Ethernet processing unit transitions to a power saving state by causing functions other than reception of the Ethernet processing unit to enter a power saving state. Chip.

Images