Method and apparatus for transparent implementation of link-suspend capabilities in network devices

摘要

A method and apparatus for transparent implementation of link-suspend capabilities in network devices is presented, which is capable of operating in full or substantially full power operational mode, as well as in a low power "link-suspend" operational mode. The low power "link-suspend" (LS) mode reduces the power consumption of a LAN communications link at the physical layer by eliminating the need to transmit continuous standard idles to maintain link between two linked partners. In the LS mode, a low duty cycle "link-suspend-packet" (LSP) is transmitted between periods of silent line state (SLS). During the SLS, which is a non-data transmission period, the transmitter may be turned off to conserve power. The transmitter power is turned back on when it is time to transmit LSPs or data.