Patent ID: 8601299
Filing Date: 2013-12-03
Classification: G06F,H04L

Abstract:
1. A method for power efficiency in a network switch, said network switch having a power supply system that supplies power for said network switch, comprising: generating, in response to an installation of a power over Ethernet line card in said network switch, a power request that identifies a first amount of power needed to support a powering of a plurality of Ethernet ports in said power over Ethernet line card; transmitting, via a communication bus, said power request to said power supply system; receiving, from said power supply system via said communication bus, a response to said power request that identifies a second amount of power; increasing a total power output of said power supply system to said network switch by said second amount of power; establishing said second amount of power as a total power budget for said power over Ethernet line card; and determining an amount of power to be provided to each of said plurality of Ethernet ports in said power over Ethernet line card based on said total power budget.