Patent ID: 8661275
Filing Date: 2014-02-25
Classification: G06F,Y02D

Abstract:
1. A method for power management, comprising: coordinating a first Network Interface Controller (NIC) to operate in a low power mode, coordinating the first NIC to operate in the low power mode includes receiving an instruction to operate in low power mode from a second NIC; receiving a predetermined time threshold from the second NIC; operating the first NIC in the low power mode; starting a timer automatically in response to the first NIC operating in the low power mode, the timer being located internal to the first NIC or external to the first NIC; transitioning the first NIC from the low power mode to a power-up sequence if a sleep packet is not received from the second NIC at the first NIC within the predetermined time threshold; and resetting the timer if the sleep packet is received from the second NIC at the first NIC within the predetermined time threshold, wherein the first NIC operates within a first storage controller, wherein the transitioning the first NIC from the low power mode to the power-up sequence if the sleep packet is not received from the second NIC at the first NIC within the predetermined time threshold includes initiating a power-up sequence for the first storage controller.