U.S. patent application number 17/189230 was filed with the patent office on 2022-09-01 for managing power over ethernet through a switch.
The applicant listed for this patent is Charter Communications Operating, LLC. Invention is credited to Volkan Sevindik.
Application Number | 20220279440 17/189230 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | |
Filed Date | 2022-09-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220279440 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sevindik; Volkan |
September 1, 2022 |
MANAGING POWER OVER ETHERNET THROUGH A SWITCH
Abstract
The embodiments disclosed herein provide managing power over
Ethernet through a switch. In particular, the embodiments provide a
mechanism for a Power Over Ethernet (POE) switch device to request
change of operation of Citizens Broadband Radio Service Devices
(CBSDs) to dynamically adjust power requirements of the CBSDs. The
POE switch device is configured to determine a power transfer rate
is outside a predetermined range, and send a request to an
identified CBSD of a plurality of CBSDs to operate under a
different power mode to alter a power requirement of the identified
CBSD. In this way, the POE switch device dynamically manages
operation of the plurality of CBSDs and distributes power among the
plurality of CBSDs based on power requirements, loads, and/or
Spectrum Access Systems (SAS) limitations of the plurality of
CBSDs. Such a configuration increases the number and/or type of
CBSDs that can be deployed in a particular region.
Inventors: |
Sevindik; Volkan; (Parker,
CO) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Charter Communications Operating, LLC |
St. Louis |
MO |
US |
|
|
Appl. No.: |
17/189230 |
Filed: |
March 1, 2021 |
International
Class: |
H04W 52/02 20060101
H04W052/02; H04L 12/40 20060101 H04L012/40; H04L 12/10 20060101
H04L012/10; H04L 12/28 20060101 H04L012/28 |
Claims
1. An electronic device, comprising: an upstream Power Over
Ethernet (POE) port configured to receive power from a cable modem
termination system (CMTS); a plurality of downstream POE ports
configured to transfer power to a corresponding plurality of
Citizens Broadband Radio Service Devices (CBSDs); a memory; and a
processor device coupled to the memory and configured to: transfer
power from the CMTS to the plurality of CBSDs via the corresponding
plurality of downstream POE ports; determine a combined power
transfer rate from the CMTS to the plurality of CBSDs is outside of
a predetermined range; based on the combined power transfer rate,
send a request via one of the plurality of downstream POE ports to
a first CBSD of the plurality of CBSDs to operate under a different
power mode than a current power mode to alter a power requirement
of the first CBSD.
2. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the processor device
is further configured to receive, from the first CBSD, confirmation
that the first CBSD is operating under the different power
mode.
3. The electronic device of claim 2, wherein the confirmation from
the first CBSD indicates that a Spectrum Access System (SAS)
granted a request from the first CBSD to operate under the
different power mode.
4. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the processor device
is further configured to receive, from the first CBSD, a denial
such that the first CBSD continues operating under the current
power mode.
5. The electronic device of claim 4, wherein the processor device
is further configured to, based on the denial from the first CBSD,
request via one of the plurality of downstream POE ports that a
second CBSD of the plurality of CBSDs operate under a different
power mode than a current power mode to alter a power requirement
of the second CBSD.
6. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the different power
mode is at least one of Category A or Category B; wherein Category
A is a lower power mode permitting maximum Effective Isotropic
Radiated Power (EIRP) of about 1 Watt; and wherein Category B is a
higher power mode permitting maximum EIRP of about 50 Watts.
7. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein determining the
combined power transfer rate is outside of a predetermined range
comprises determining the combined power transfer rate is below a
predetermined threshold; wherein requesting the first CBSD operates
under the different power mode comprises based on the combined
power transfer rate being below the predetermined threshold,
requesting the first CBSD changes operation from a lower power mode
to a higher power mode.
8. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein determining the
combined power transfer rate is outside of a predetermined range
comprises determining the combined power transfer rate is above a
predetermined threshold; wherein requesting the first CBSD operates
under the different power mode comprises based on the combined
power transfer rate being above a predetermined threshold,
requesting the first CBSD changes operation from a higher power
mode to a lower power mode.
9. The electronic device of claim 1, further comprising
determining, by the electronic device, a current load of the first
CBSD is low among the plurality of CBSDs; wherein determining the
combined power transfer rate is outside of a predetermined range
comprises determining the combined power transfer rate is above a
predetermined threshold; wherein requesting the first CBSD operates
under the different power mode comprises based on the combined
power transfer rate being above a predetermined threshold and the
current load of the first CBSD, requesting the first CBSD changes
operation from a higher power mode to a lower power mode.
10. The electronic device of claim 1, further comprising
determining, by the electronic device, a current load of the first
CBSD is low among the plurality of CBSDs; wherein determining the
combined power transfer rate is outside of a predetermined range
comprises determining the combined power transfer rate is above a
predetermined threshold; wherein requesting the first CBSD operates
under the different power mode comprises based on the combined
power transfer rate being above a predetermined threshold and the
current load of the first CBSD, requesting the first CBSD changes
operation to an off power mode for a predetermined time period.
11. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the processor device
is further configured to receive from the first CBSD at least one
of media access control (MAC) address, power mode type, average
load during a predetermined time period, high load time during a
predetermined time period, power-related issue, or a power limit
range.
12. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the processor device
is further configured to determine to transmit the request to the
first CBSD based on at least one of current power requirements of
each of the plurality of CBSDs, historical power requirements of
each of the plurality of CBSDs, historical load of each of the
plurality of CBSDs, or current load of each of the plurality of
CBSDs.
13. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the processor device
is further configured to manage power transfer among the plurality
of CBSDs to maximize the combined power transfer rate to the
plurality of CBSDs under a predetermined power transfer rate
limit.
14. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the processor device
is further configured to manage power transfer among the plurality
of CBSDs to maximize load across the plurality of CBSDs.
15. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the electronic device
is in electronic communication with the first CBSD via a first
cable modem (CM).
16. A method, comprising: directing, by an electronic device, power
transfer from a cable modem termination system (CMTS) via an
upstream Power Over Ethernet (POE) port to a plurality of Citizens
Broadband Radio Service Devices (CBSDs) via a corresponding
plurality of downstream POE ports; determining, by the electronic
device, a combined power transfer rate from the CMTS to the
plurality of CBSDs outside of a predetermined range; based on the
combined power transfer rate, sending a request by the electronic
device via one of the plurality of downstream POE ports to a first
CBSD of the plurality of CBSDs to operate under a different power
mode than a current power mode to alter a power requirement of the
first CBSD.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein the different power mode is at
least one of Category A or Category B; wherein Category A is a
lower power mode permitting maximum Effective Isotropic Radiated
Power (EIRP) of about 1 Watt; and wherein Category B is a higher
power mode permitting maximum EIRP of about 50 Watts.
18. The method of claim 16, wherein determining the combined power
transfer rate is outside of a predetermined range comprises
determining the combined power transfer rate is below a
predetermined threshold; wherein requesting the first CBSD operates
under the different power mode comprises based on the combined
power transfer rate being below the predetermined threshold,
requesting the first CBSD changes operation from a lower power mode
to a higher power mode.
19. The method of claim 16, wherein determining the combined power
transfer rate is outside of a predetermined range comprises
determining the combined power transfer rate is above a
predetermined threshold; wherein requesting the first CBSD operates
under the different power mode comprises based on the combined
power transfer rate being above a predetermined threshold,
requesting the first CBSD changes operation from a higher power
mode to a lower power mode.
20. The method of claim 16, further comprising receiving, by the
electronic device, from the first CBSD at least one of media access
control (MAC) address, power mode type, an average load during a
predetermined time period, a high load time during a predetermined
time period, a power-related issue, or a power limit range.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] For strand-based deployment of a Citizens Broadband Radio
Service (CBRS) network, Citizens Broadband Radio Service Devices
(CBSDs) may be placed on and powered by a cable strand. Multiple
CBSDs may be powered via a Power Over Ethernet (POE) switch device.
However, deploying and/or expanding such a network may be limited
or complicated by power requirements of the POE switch device
and/or CBSDs.
SUMMARY
[0002] The embodiments disclosed herein provide managing Power Over
Ethernet through a switch. In particular, the embodiments provide a
mechanism for a Power Over Ethernet (POE) switch device to request
change of operation of Citizens Broadband Radio Service Devices
(CBSDs) to dynamically adjust power requirements of the CBSDs. The
POE switch device is configured to determine a power transfer rate
is outside a predetermined range and send a request to an
identified CBSD of a plurality of CBSDs to operate under a
different power mode to alter a power requirement of the identified
CBSD. In this way, the POE switch device dynamically manages
operation of the plurality of CBSDs and distributes power among the
plurality of CBSDs based on power requirements, loads, and/or
Spectrum Access Systems (SAS) limitations of the plurality of
CBSDs. Such a configuration increases the number and/or type of
CBSDs that can be deployed in a particular region.
[0003] In one embodiment, an electronic device is provided. The
electronic device includes an upstream Power Over Ethernet (POE)
port configured to receive power from a cable modem termination
system (CMTS). The electronic device further includes a plurality
of downstream POE ports configured to transfer power to a
corresponding plurality of Citizens Broadband Radio Service devices
(CBSDs). The electronic device further includes a memory and a
processor device coupled to the memory. The processor device is
configured to transfer power from the CMTS to the plurality of
CBSDs via the corresponding plurality of downstream POE ports. The
processor device is further configured to determine a power
transfer rate from the CMTS to the plurality of CBSDs is outside of
a predetermined range. The processor device is further configured
to, based on the power transfer rate, send a request via the
downstream POE port to a first CBSD of the plurality of CBSDs to
operate under a different power mode than a current power mode to
alter a power requirement of the first CBSD.
[0004] In another embodiment, a method is provided. The method
includes directing, by an electronic device, power transfer from a
cable modem termination system (CMTS) via an upstream Power Over
Ethernet (POE) port to a plurality of Citizens Broadband Radio
Service Devices (CBSDs) via a corresponding plurality of downstream
POE ports. The method further includes determining, by the
electronic device, a power transfer rate from the CMTS to the
plurality of CBSDs outside of a predetermined range. The method
further includes, based on the power transfer rate, sending a
request by the electronic device via one of the plurality of
downstream POE ports to a first CBSD of the plurality of CBSDs to
operate under a different power mode than a current power mode to
alter a power requirement of the first CBSD.
[0005] Those skilled in the art will appreciate the scope of the
disclosure and realize additional aspects thereof after reading the
following detailed description of the embodiments in association
with the accompanying drawing figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] The accompanying drawing figures incorporated in and forming
a part of this specification illustrate several aspects of the
disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the
principles of the disclosure.
[0007] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system for managing power
over Ethernet illustrating certain aspects of various embodiments
disclosed herein;
[0008] FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating processing steps for
managing power over Ethernet using a POE switch device;
[0009] FIG. 3A is a message sequence diagram illustrating example
messages communicated between and actions taken by several of the
elements illustrated in FIG. 1 to confirm operation under a
different power mode, according to one embodiment;
[0010] FIG. 3B is a message sequence diagram illustrating example
messages communicated between and actions taken by several of the
elements illustrated in FIG. 1 to deny, by a Spectrum Access System
(SAS), operation of a Citizens Broadband Radio Service Device
(CBSD) under a different power mode, according to one
embodiment;
[0011] FIG. 3C is a message sequence diagram illustrating example
messages communicated between and actions taken by several of the
elements illustrated in FIG. 1 to deny, by the CBSD, operation
under a different power mode, according to one embodiment;
[0012] FIG. 4 is a message sequence diagram illustrating example
messages communicated between and actions taken by several of the
elements illustrated in FIG. 1 to confirm operation of a CBSD at a
higher power mode based on a power transfer rate below a
predetermined threshold, according to one embodiment;
[0013] FIG. 5 is a message sequence diagram illustrating example
messages communicated between and actions taken by several of the
elements illustrated in FIG. 1 to confirm operation of a CBSD at a
lower power mode based on a power transfer rate above a
predetermined threshold, according to one embodiment;
[0014] FIG. 6 is a message sequence diagram illustrating example
messages communicated between and actions taken by several of the
elements illustrated in FIG. 1 to confirm operation of a CBSD at an
off power mode based on a power transfer rate above a predetermined
threshold, according to one embodiment; and
[0015] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a computing device suitable for
implementing one or more of the processing devices disclosed
herein, according to one embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0016] The embodiments set forth below represent the information to
enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments and
illustrate the best mode of practicing the embodiments. Upon
reading the following description in light of the accompanying
drawing figures, those skilled in the art will understand the
concepts of the disclosure and will recognize applications of these
concepts not particularly addressed herein. It should be understood
that these concepts and applications fall within the scope of the
disclosure and the accompanying claims.
[0017] Any flowcharts discussed herein are necessarily discussed in
some sequence for purposes of illustration, but unless otherwise
explicitly indicated, the embodiments are not limited to any
particular sequence of steps. The use herein of ordinals in
conjunction with an element is solely for distinguishing what might
otherwise be similar or identical labels, such as "first message"
and "second message," and does not imply a priority, a type, an
importance, or other attribute, unless otherwise stated herein. The
term "about" used herein in conjunction with a numeric value means
any value that is within a range of ten percent greater than or ten
percent less than the numeric value.
[0018] As used herein and in the claims, the articles "a" and "an"
in reference to an element refers to "one or more" of the element
unless otherwise explicitly specified. The word "or" as used herein
and in the claims is inclusive unless contextually impossible. As
an example, the recitation of A or B means A, or B, or both A and
B.
[0019] The embodiments disclosed herein provide managing power over
Ethernet through a switch. In particular, the embodiments provide a
mechanism for a Power Over Ethernet (POE) switch device to request
change of operation of Citizens Broadband Radio Service Devices
(CBSDs) to dynamically adjust power requirements of the CBSDs. The
POE switch device is configured to determine a power transfer rate
is outside a predetermined range and send a request to an
identified CBSD of a plurality of CBSDs to operate under a
different power mode to alter a power requirement of the identified
CBSD. In this way, the POE switch device dynamically manages
operation of the plurality of CBSDs and distributes power among the
plurality of CBSDs based on power requirements, loads, and/or
Spectrum Access Systems (SAS) limitations of the plurality of
CBSDs. Such a configuration increases the number and/or type of
CBSDs that can be deployed in a particular region.
[0020] For strand-based deployment of a Citizens Broadband Radio
Service (CBRS) network, CBSDs are placed on and powered by a cable
strand. In particular, cable modems (CM) provide backhaul
connection and power to the CBSDs. The CMs (and the CBSDs) are
coupled with and receive power from a POE switch device (a slave
device), which is coupled to a cable modem termination system
(CMTS). Generally, CBSDs operate under two categories, Category A
(may also be referred to as CAT-A) and Category B (may also be
referred to as CAT-B). CAT-A CBSDs transmit a maximum Effective
Isotropic Radiated Power (EIRP) of about 1 Watt, while CAT-B CBSDs
transmit a maximum EIRP of about 50 Watts. On-strand CBSDs are
usually limited to CAT-A because of limited power provided
on-strand and the high power requirements of CAT-B CBSDs. Even
then, the POE switch device has limited power it can supply, even
to all CAT-A CBSDs, thereby limiting the number and type of CBSDs
that can be deployed. Accordingly, power management and mitigation
measures are needed to dynamically manage power provided to the
CBSDs, thereby increasing the type and/or number of CBSDs that can
be deployed.
[0021] The embodiments provided herein facilitate an improvement to
computer functionality by providing a system that manages power
over Ethernet through a switch. In particular, the POE switch
device dynamically manages operation of a plurality of CBSDs and
distributes power to the plurality of CBSDs. Such a configuration
increases the number of CBSDs that can be deployed in a particular
region. In other words, the POE switch device monitors, analyzes,
and/or adjusts operation of the plurality of CBSDs based on current
and/or historical data. Thus, the examples are directed to specific
improvements in computer functionality.
[0022] The embodiments provided herein employ a new kind of POE
switch device that manages operation of CBSDs to increase
deployment of CBSDs. Previously, POE switch devices were slave
devices without any intelligence. The POE switch device of the
current disclosure is able to monitor, analyze, and/or adjust
operation of a plurality of CBSDs. Such functionality was not
previously available to such computing devices. Accordingly, the
embodiments discussed herein are directed to a non-abstract
improvement in computer functionality.
[0023] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system 10 for managing power
over Ethernet, illustrating certain aspects of various embodiments
disclosed herein. The system 10 includes a POE switch device 12 in
communication with and receiving power from a CMTS 14. The CMTS 14
is in communication with a power supply 16 (e.g., power plant) and
a communication network 18. The CMTS 14 then delivers power and
data to the POE switch device 12. Then the POE switch device 12
delivers power and data to cable modems (CMs) 20(1)-20(3) (referred
to generally as CMs 20), which in turn deliver power and data to
CBSDs 22(1)-22(3) (referred to generally as CBSDs 22). Accordingly,
the POE switch device 12 communicates with and delivers power to
the CBSDs 22. It is noted that the CMs 20 and/or CBSDs 22 are
exclusively powered only by the POE switch device 12. In other
words, the CMs 20 and/or CBSDs 22 are devoid of any other power
source other than the POE switch device 12. Further, CMTS 14 and
CMs 20 define a Data Over Cable Services Interface Specification
(DOCSIS) Network. DOCSIS protocol is used to transfer data over the
DOCSIS network. While there are multiple version of the DOCSIS
protocol and DOCSIS standard, the systems and methods disclosed
herein work with any version of the DOCSIS protocol, DOCSIS
standard, and/or other DOCSIS release.
[0024] Although only one POE switch device 12 is illustrated, it is
noted that multiple POE switch devices 12 may be coupled to the
CMTS 14. The POE switch device 12 (may also be referred to as an
electronic device, POE switch, switch, etc.) includes an upstream
Power Over Ethernet (POE) port 24 configured to receive power and
data from the CMTS 14. The POE switch device 12 includes downstream
POE ports 26(1)-26(3) (referred to generally as downstream POE
ports 26) configured to transfer power and data to a plurality of
CBSDs 22. In other words, the POE switch device 12 communicates
with and propagates power to the CBSDs 22.
[0025] The POE switch device 12 includes a memory 28 and a
processor device 30 coupled to the memory 28. The POE switch device
12 further includes an identifier 32 uniquely associated with the
POE switch device 12. In certain embodiments, the identifier 32 may
include, by way of non-limiting example, a Media Access Control
(MAC) address or a serial number. A MAC address is a unique
identifier assigned to a network interface controller (NIC) for use
as a network address. A serial number is a unique identifier
assigned to a device to uniquely identify the device.
[0026] The POE switch device 12 manages power delivered to the CMs
20 and/or CBSDs 22. To do so, the POE switch device 12 measures a
power transfer rate 34 of power transferred through the POE switch
device 12. In particular, the power transfer rate 34 indicates the
current power transfer from the CMTS 14 through the POE switch
device 12 to the CMs 20 and/or CBSDs 22. Note that the power
transfer rate 34 is cumulative of the power being transferred from
the POE switch device 12 to all of the CMs 20 and/or CBSDs 22. The
POE switch device 12 has a maximum power limit of power that can be
transferred (i.e., received by and/or delivered from). To further
manage and distribute power to each of the CMs 20 and/or CBSDs 22,
the POE switch device 12 records historical data 36 of the POE
switch device 12. The POE switch device 12 can use current data
and/or historical data of the POE switch device 12 to manage
operation of the CBSDs 22 (and thereby manage power delivered to
the CBSDs 22).
[0027] In certain embodiments, the CMTS 14 is at a cable company's
headend (e.g., local office). The CMTS 14 is configured to provide
high-speed data services (e.g., fiber internet, cable internet,
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), etc.). The CMTS 14 receives
signals from the communication network 18 and converts those
signals for transmission to the CM 20. Further, the CMTS 14
receives signals from the CM 20 and converts those signals into
Internet Protocol (IP) packets for transmission over the
communication network 18. As noted above, the CMTS 14 is further
configured to receive power from a power supply 16 and transmit
power (e.g., via coaxial cables) to the CMs 20 and/or CBSDs 22. As
similarly noted above, although only one POE switch device 12 is
shown, the CMTS 14 may supply power to multiple POE switch devices
12. As also noted above, CMs 20 provide backhaul connection and
power to the CBSDs 22. Accordingly, the CMs 20 transfer
communication and power from the POE switch device 12 to a
corresponding CBSD 22. In turn, each CBSD 22 communicates with one
or more CBRS endpoint devices 38 (e.g., cellphones, computer
devices, etc.).
[0028] CBSD 22 is a device or base station that supports a CBRS
band (e.g., 4G LTE, 5G LTE, etc.) to communicate with CBRS endpoint
devices 38 which communicate in the CBRS band. The CBRS band refers
to 150 MHz of spectrum between 3.5 GHz to 3.7 GHz designated by the
United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for sharing
among different tiers of users, including incumbent users (e.g.,
Navy, commercial fixed satellite stations, etc.), priority access
license (PAL) users, and general authorized access (GAA) users. The
CBRS band utilizes SAS 40 to manage users and sharing of the
spectrum (e.g., controlling interference levels). Each CBSD 22 must
register with and communicate with a SAS 40 to request
authorization to broadcast in the CBRS band. When such a request is
made, SAS 40 may consult an FCC database 41 (e.g., to determine
tier of user, current regulations, etc.) and/or an Environmental
Sensing Capability (ESC) 42. The ESC 42 is a network of sensors to
detect use of CBRS, particularly along the coastline. As a result,
SAS 40 limits interference within CBRS, as well as between CBRS and
radar operations (e.g., of the Navy).
[0029] Each CBSD 22 includes a memory 28 and a processor device 30
coupled to the memory 28. Each CBSD 22 includes an identifier 32
uniquely associated with the CBSD 22. CBSDs 22 operate in a power
mode 44, such as an off power mode, a lower power mode, and/or a
higher power mode. For example, CBSDs 22 generally broadcast in
either CAT-A power mode or CAT-B power mode. As noted above, CAT-A
CBSDs 22 transmit maximum EIRP of about 1 Watt. CAT-B CBSDs 22
transmit maximum EIRP of about 50 Watts. Some CBSDs 22 are able to
broadcast as either CAT-A or CAT-B. However, to do so, the CBSDs 22
must communicate with SAS 40 and receive permission to broadcast as
CAT-A or CAT-B. As an example, if SAS 40 determines that there is
too much interference, SAS 40 may deny a request from the CBSD 22
to upgrade from CAT-A to CAT-B. Further, if SAS 40 determines there
is too much interference, SAS 40 may deny a request from the CBSD
22 to even operate as a CAT-A.
[0030] The CBSD 22 sends data, among other information, to the POE
switch device 12. For example, the CBSD 22 may send performance
data 46, such as current power requirements of each of the
plurality of CBSDs 22, current load of each of the plurality of
CBSDs 22, etc. Note that the power requirements of the CBSD 22
depend on the load of the CSBD 22, which depends on the number of
CBRS endpoint devices 38 in communication with the CBSD 22. The
more users, the higher the load, the more power is needed. The CBSD
22 may send historical data 48, such as historical power
requirements of each of the plurality of CBSDs 22, historical load
of each of the plurality of CBSDs 22, average load during a
predetermined time period (e.g., day, week, month, etc.), and/or
high load time during a predetermined time period (e.g., day, week,
month, etc.), etc. For example, a first CBSD 22(1) may experience
high loads every Thursday, from 2 PM to 3 PM, or lower loads during
February. Such data accumulates over time, such that patterns
generally emerge for use by the POE switch device 12 in managing
power distribution to the CBSDs.
[0031] The POE switch device 12 receives from the first CBSD 22(1)
an identifier 32 (e.g., a MAC address), power mode 44 (e.g., CAT-A,
CAT-B, or off power mode), performance data 46 (e.g., power-related
issue, a power limit range), and/or historical data 48 (e.g.
average load during a predetermined time period, high load time
during a predetermined time period), etc. Power-related issues
could include rebooting due to lower power, and power limit range
includes minimum and maximum power limits. For example, if a CBSD
22 drops below a minimum power limit, the CBSD 22 may keep
rebooting and sounding an alarm. Accordingly, the CBSD 22 may need
a minimum power limit to prevent such undesirable behavior.
[0032] Based on current and/or historical data 36, 48 of the POE
switch device 12 and/or the CBSDs 22, the POE switch device 12 is
configured to manage power transfer among the plurality of CBSDs 22
to maximize the power transfer rate 34 to the plurality of CBSDs 22
under a predetermined power transfer rate limit. The POE switch
device 12 is configured to manage power transfer among the
plurality of CBSDs 22 to maximize load, power, coverage, and/or
CBRS endpoint devices 38 across the plurality of CBSDs 22. In other
words, for example, the POE switch device 12 operates to maximize
the number of CBSDs 22 operating in a CAT-B power mode 44. Doing so
maximizes the geographic coverage of the CBSDs 22 because CAT-B
CBSDs 22 (outputting 50 Watts of power) can broadcast further and
provide coverage almost fifty times more than CAT-A CBSDs 22
(outputting 1 Watt of power). Further, if two CBSDs 22 are
operating in CAT-B power mode 44 but experience different loads,
the POE switch device 12 can determine which of the two CBSDs 22 to
request downgrading. The POE switch device 12 can decrease power of
a first CBSD 2291) during non-busy hours to increase coverage of a
second CBSD 22(2). If the POE switch device 12 has extra power not
being utilized, the POE switch device 12 can upgrade a CBSD 22 from
CAT-A to CAT-B power mode 44 to increase coverage while
experiencing the increased power.
[0033] With such information provided by the CBSDs 22, the POE
switch 12 can determine times, days, weeks, and/or months with
varying loads and/or power requirements (e.g., high loads, high
power requirements, low loads, low power requirements, etc.). Such
data may be used, for example, to identify which CBSDs 22 may be
candidates to receive less or more power, and/or which CBSDs 22
would benefit most from operating as a CAT-B, etc. Further, such
data may be used to anticipate loads and power requirements and
proactively take steps to mitigate problems and/or optimize
performance. For example, a POE switch device 12 may determine that
a first CBSD 22(1) is likely to experience a drop in load, while a
second CBSD 22(2) is likely to experience a rise in load based on
historical data 48. The POE switch device 12 can then request the
first CBSD 22(1) downgrade from a CAT-B to a CAT-A power mode 44 to
compensate for the expected increased load of the second CBSD
22(2).
[0034] The POE switch device 12 receives power from the CMTS 14 via
the upstream POE port 24 and transfers power from the CMTS 14 to
the plurality of CBSDs 22 via the corresponding plurality of
downstream POE ports 26. The POE switch 12 also measures a power
transfer rate from the CMTS 14 to the CMs 20 and/or CBSDs 22. The
POE switch device 12 monitors for whether a power transfer rate
from the CMTS 14 to the plurality of CBSDs 22 is outside of a
predetermined range (e.g., above a predetermined threshold or below
a predetermined threshold). If the POE switch device 12 determines
the power transfer rate is outside of the predetermined range, the
POE switch device 12 identifies one of the plurality of CBSDs 22 as
a candidate for altering power requirements of the CBSD 22. For
example, the POE switch device 12 determines to transmit the
request to the first CBSD 22(1) based on at least one of current
power requirements of each of the plurality of CBSDs 22, historical
power requirements of each of the plurality of CBSDs 22, historical
load of each of the plurality of CBSDs 22, and/or current load of
each of the plurality of CBSDs 22. Based on the power transfer rate
34, the POE switch device 12 sends a request via the downstream POE
port 26(1) to a first CBSD 22(1) of the plurality of CBSDs 22 to
operate under a different power mode 44 than a current power mode
44 to alter a power requirement of the first CBSD 22(1).
[0035] The first CBSD 22(1) determines whether the first CBSD 22(1)
should alter a power requirement. This may be based on current load
requirements of the first CBSD 22(1). If the first CBSD 22(1)
determines that the first CBSD 22(1) should change operation, the
first CBSD 22(1) communicates with SAS 40 for permission to change
operation. If SAS 40 determines that changing operation is
acceptable, the first CBSD 22(1) changes operation and communicates
confirmation to the POE switch device 12. In this way, the POE
switch device 12 receives, from the first CBSD 22(1), confirmation
that the first CBSD 22(1) is operating under the different power
mode 44. This confirmation from the first CBSD 22(1) indicates that
a SAS 40 granted a request from the first CBSD 22(1) to operate
under the different power mode 44.
[0036] If either the first CBSD 22(1) or SAS 40 denies the request,
the first CBSD 22(1) identifies another CBSD 22(2), 22(3) to
contact. In this way, for example, the POE switch device 12
receives, from the first CBSD 22(1), a denial such that the first
CBSD 22(1) continues operating under the current power mode 44.
Based on the denial from the first CBSD 22(1), the POE switch
device 12 requests via the downstream POE port 26 that a second
CBSD 22(2) of the plurality of CBSDs 22 operates under a different
power mode 44 than a current power mode 44 to alter a power
requirement of the second CBSD 22(2).
[0037] As an example, the POE switch device 12 may determine the
power transfer rate is below a predetermined threshold. The POE
switch device 12, based on the power transfer rate being below the
predetermined threshold, then requests the first CBSD 22(1) changes
operation from a lower power mode 44 to a higher power mode 44. For
example, the POE switch device 12 may request that the first CBSD
22(1) change operation from CAT-A to CAT-B.
[0038] As another example, the POE switch device 12 may determine a
current load of the first CBSD 22(1) is low among the plurality of
CBSDs 22 and/or the power transfer rate is above a predetermined
threshold. The POE switch device 12, based on the power transfer
rate being above a predetermined threshold and/or the current load
of the first CBSD 22(1), then requests the first CBSD 22(1) changes
operation from a higher power mode 44 to a lower power mode 44. For
example, the POE switch device 12 may request that the first CBSD
22(1) change operation from CAT-B to CAT-A or from CAT-A to an off
power mode 44.
[0039] FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating processing steps for
managing power over Ethernet using the POE switch device 12 of FIG.
1. The POE switch device 12 directs power transfer from a CMTS 14
via an upstream POE port 24 to a plurality of CBSDs 22 via a
corresponding plurality of downstream POE ports 26 (1000). The POE
switch device 12 determines a power transfer rate from the CMTS 14
to the plurality of CBSDs 22 is outside of a predetermined range
(1002). The POE switch device 12, based on the power transfer rate,
sends a request by the POE switch device 12 via one of the
plurality of downstream POE ports 26 to a first CBSD 22(1) of the
plurality of CBSDs 22 to operate under a different power mode 44
than a current power mode 44 to alter a power requirement of the
first CBSD 22(1) (1004). In certain embodiments, the different
power mode 44 is at least one of Category A, Category B, or an off
power mode.
[0040] In certain embodiments, the POE switch device 12 determines
the power transfer rate is below a predetermined threshold.
Accordingly, the POE switch device 12, based on the power transfer
rate being below the predetermined threshold, requests the first
CBSD 22(1) changes operation from a lower power mode 44 to a higher
power mode 44 (e.g., from CAT-A to CAT-B).
[0041] In certain embodiments, the POE switch device 12 determines
the power transfer rate is above a predetermined threshold.
Accordingly, the POE switch device 12, based on the power transfer
rate being above a predetermined threshold, requests the first CBSD
22 changes operation from a higher power mode 44 to a lower power
mode 44 (e.g., from CAT-B to CAT-A, or from CAT-A to power off
mode).
[0042] FIGS. 3A-3C are message sequence diagrams illustrating
example messages based on requests for a first CBSD 22(1) to
operate at a different power mode 44.
[0043] FIG. 3A is a message sequence diagram illustrating example
messages communicated between and actions taken by several of the
elements illustrated in FIG. 1 to confirm operation under a
different power mode 44, according to one embodiment. In this
embodiment, the POE switch device 12 measures a power transfer rate
34 outside a predetermined range (2000). Then, the POE switch
device 12 analyzes data of a plurality of CBSDs 22 to identify a
first CBSD 22(1) of the plurality of CBSDs 22 (2002). The POE
switch sends to the first CBSD 22(1) a request to operate under a
different power mode 44 (2004). The first CBSD 22(1) analyzes
current performance data (e.g., current load and/or power
requirements) (2006). The first CBSD 22(1) determines that the
first CBSD 22(1) can operate at the different power mode 44. For
example, the first CBSD 22(1) may determine that the current load
and/or power requirements are above an upper predetermined
threshold or below a lower predetermined threshold. The first CBSD
22(1) sends to a SAS 40 a request for grant to operate under the
different power mode 44 (2008). SAS 40 sends a grant to the first
CBSD 22(1) to operate at a different power mode (2010). The first
CBSD 22(1) operates at a different power mode 44 (2012). The first
CBSD 22(1) sends to the POE switch device 12 confirmation of
operation at a different power mode 44 (2014).
[0044] FIG. 3B is a message sequence diagram illustrating example
messages communicated between and actions taken by several of the
elements illustrated in FIG. 1 to deny, by a Spectrum Access System
(SAS), operation of a Citizens Broadband Radio Service Device
(CBSD) under a different power mode 44, according to one
embodiment. In this embodiment, the POE switch device 12 measures a
power transfer rate 34 outside a predetermined range (2000). Then,
the POE switch device 12 analyzes data of a plurality of CBSDs 22
to identify a first CBSD 22(1) of the plurality of CBSDs 22 (2002).
The POE switch sends to the first CBSD 22(1) a request to operate
under a different power mode 44 (2004). The first CBSD 22(1)
analyzes current performance data (e.g., current load and/or power
requirements) (2006). The first CBSD 22(1) determines that the
first CBSD 22(1) can operate at the different power mode 44. For
example, the first CBSD 22(1) may determine that the current load
and/or power requirements are above an upper predetermined
threshold or below a lower predetermined threshold. The first CBSD
22(1) sends a request to SAS 40 for grant to operate under the
different power mode 44 (2008). However, the SAS 40 sends to the
first CBSD 22(1) a denial to operate at a different power mode 44
(2020). For example, the SAS 40, based on the ESC 42, may determine
that interference is too high. The first CBSD 22(1) sends to the
POE switch device 12 the SAS 40 denial to operate at a different
power mode 44 (2022). The POE switch device 12 analyzes data of a
plurality of CBSDs 22 to identify a second CBSD 22(2) of the
plurality of CBSDs 22 (2024). Accordingly, the POE switch device 12
sends to a second CBSD 22(2) a request to operate at a different
mode (2026).
[0045] FIG. 3C is a message sequence diagram illustrating example
messages communicated between and actions taken by several of the
elements illustrated in FIG. 1 to deny, by the CBSD, operation
under a different power mode 44, according to one embodiment. In
this embodiment, the POE switch device 12 measures a power transfer
rate 34 outside a predetermined range (2000). Then, the POE switch
device 12 analyzes data of a plurality of CBSDs 22 to identify a
first CBSD 22(1) of the plurality of CBSDs 22 (2002). The POE
switch sends to the first CBSD 22(1) a request to operate under a
different power mode 44 (2004). The first CBSD 22(1) analyzes
current performance data (e.g., current load and/or power
requirements) (2006). The first CBSD 22(1) determines that the
first CBSD 22(1) cannot operate at the different power mode 44. For
example, the first CBSD 22(1) may determine that the current load
and/or power requirements are above an upper predetermined
threshold. The first CBSD 22(1) sends to the POE switch device 12 a
denial to operate at a different power mode 44 (2030). The POE
switch device 12 analyzes data of the plurality of CBSDs 22 to
identify a second CBSD 22(2) of the plurality of CBSDs 22 (2032).
The POE switch device 12 sends to the second CBSD 22(2) a request
to operate at a different power mode 44 (2034).
[0046] FIGS. 4-6 are sequence diagrams illustrating example
messages based on different power transfer rates 34.
[0047] FIG. 4 is a message sequence diagram illustrating example
messages communicated between and actions taken by several of the
elements illustrated in FIG. 1 to confirm operation of a CBSD at a
higher power mode 44 based on a power transfer rate 34 below a
predetermined threshold, according to one embodiment. The POE
switch device 12 measures a power transfer rate 34 below a
predetermined threshold (3000). The POE switch device 12 analyzes
data of a plurality of CBSDs 22 to identify a first CBSD 22(1) of
the plurality of CBSDs 22 (3002). The POE switch device 12 sends to
the first CBSD 22(1) a request to operate at a higher power mode 44
(3004). The first CBSD 22(1) analyzes current performance data
(e.g., current load and/or power requirements) (3006). For example,
the first CBSD 22(1) may determine that the current load and/or
power requirements are below a lower predetermined threshold. The
first CBSD 22(1) sends to an SAS 40 a request for grant to operate
at a higher power mode 44 (e.g., CAT-B) (3008). The SAS 40 sends to
the first CBSD 22(1) a grant to operate at a higher power mode 44
(e.g., CAT-B) (3010). The first CBSD 22(1) operates at a higher
power mode 44 (e.g., CAT-B) (3012). The first CBSD 22 sends to the
POE switch device 12 confirmation of operation at a higher power
mode 44 (e.g., CAT-B) (3014).
[0048] FIG. 5 is a message sequence diagram illustrating example
messages communicated between and actions taken by several of the
elements illustrated in FIG. 1 to confirm operation of a CBSD at a
lower power mode 44 based on a power transfer rate 34 above a
predetermined threshold, according to one embodiment. The POE
switch device 12 measures a power transfer rate 34 above a
predetermined threshold (4000). The POE switch device 12 analyzes
data of a plurality of CBSDs 22 to identify a first CBSD 22(1) of
the plurality of CBSDs 22 (4002). The POE switch device 12 sends to
the first CBSD 22(1) a request to operate a lower power mode 44
(e.g., CAT-A) (4004). The first CBSD 22(1) analyzes current
performance data (e.g., current load and/or power requirements)
(4006). For example, the first CBSD 22(1) may determine that the
current load and/or power requirements are below a lower
predetermined threshold. The first CBSD 22(1) sends to an SAS 40 a
request for grant to operate at a lower power mode 44 (e.g., CAT-A)
(4008). The SAS 40 sends to the first CBSD 22(1) a grant to operate
at a lower power mode 44 (e.g., CAT-A) (4010). The first CBSD 22(1)
operates at a lower power mode 44 (e.g., CAT-A) (4012). The first
CBSD 22(1) sends to the POE switch device 12 confirmation of
operation at a lower power mode 44 (e.g., CAT-A) (4014).
[0049] FIG. 6 is a message sequence diagram illustrating example
messages communicated between and actions taken by several of the
elements illustrated in FIG. 1 to confirm operation of a CBSD at an
off power mode 44 based on a power transfer rate above a
predetermined threshold, according to one embodiment. The POE
switch device 12 measures a power transfer rate above a
predetermined threshold (5000). The POE switch device 12 analyzes
data of a plurality of CBSDs 22 to identify a first CBSD 22(1) of
the plurality of CBSDs 22 (5002). The POE switch device 12 sends a
request to power down for a predetermined time period (5004). The
first CBSD 22(1) analyzes current performance data (e.g., current
load and/or power requirements) (5006). For example, the first CBSD
22(1) may determine that the current load and/or power requirements
are below a lower predetermined threshold. The first CBSD 22(1)
sends to the POE switch device 12 confirmation of power down for
the predetermined time period (5008). The first CBSD 22(1) powers
down for the predetermined time period (5010).
[0050] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a computing device 50
containing components suitable for implementing any of the
processing devices disclosed herein. The computing device 50
includes a processor device 52, a system memory 54, and a system
bus 56. The system bus 56 provides an interface for system
components including, but not limited to, the system memory 54 and
the processor device 52. The processor device 52 can be any
commercially available or proprietary processor.
[0051] The system bus 56 may be any of several types of bus
structures that may further interconnect to a memory bus (with or
without a memory controller), a peripheral bus, and/or a local bus
using any of a variety of commercially available bus architectures.
The system memory 54 may include non-volatile memory 58 (e.g.,
read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory
(EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory
(EEPROM), etc.), and volatile memory 60 (e.g., random-access memory
(RAM)). A basic input/output system (BIOS) 62 may be stored in the
non-volatile memory 58 and can include the basic routines that help
transfer information between elements within the source computing
device 50. The volatile memory 60 may also include a high-speed
RAM, such as static RAM, for caching data.
[0052] The computing device 50 may further include or be coupled to
a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium such as the
storage device 64, which may comprise, for example, an internal or
external hard disk drive (HDD) (e.g., enhanced integrated drive
electronics (EIDE) or serial advanced technology attachment
(SATA)), HDD (e.g., EIDE or SATA) for storage, flash memory, or the
like. The storage device 64 and other drives associated with
computer-readable media and computer-usable media may provide
non-volatile storage of data, data structures, computer-executable
instructions, and the like.
[0053] A number of modules can be stored in the storage device 64
and in the volatile memory 60, including an operating system 66 and
one or more program modules, which may implement the functionality
described herein in whole or in part. All or a portion of the
examples may be implemented as a computer program product 68 stored
on a transitory or non-transitory computer-usable or
computer-readable storage medium, such as the storage device 64,
which includes complex programming instructions, such as complex
computer-readable program code, to cause the processor device 52 to
carry out the steps described herein. Thus, the computer-readable
program code can comprise software instructions for implementing
the functionality of the examples described herein when executed on
the processor device 52. The processor device 52, in conjunction
with the network manager in the volatile memory 60, may serve as a
controller or control system for the computing device 50 that is to
implement the functionality described herein.
[0054] The computing device 50 may also include one or more
communication interfaces 70, depending on the particular
functionality of the computing device 50. The communication
interfaces 70 may comprise one or more wired Ethernet transceivers,
wireless transceivers, fiber, satellite, and/or coaxial interfaces
by way of non-limiting examples.
Those skilled in the art will recognize improvements and
modifications to the preferred embodiments of the disclosure. All
such improvements and modifications are considered within the scope
of the concepts disclosed herein and the claims that follow.
* * * * *