Patent ID: 8275915
Filing Date: 2012-09-25
Classification: H04L,Y02D

Abstract:
1. A power control method, comprising the steps of: generating a first signal by a network state detection unit, wherein the first signal changes from a first value to a second value when a network cable is linked to a network interface and electrical signals are received from the network cable via the network interface; generating a second signal by a LAN controller, wherein the second signal changes from a first value to a second value when the network cable is unplugged from the network interface; generating a power switching signal by a control unit to control an ON and OFF status of a power supply of the LAN controller, the power switching signal being generated according to the first and second signals, wherein the power supply is switched ON when the first signal changes from the first value to the second value thereof, and the power supply is switched OFF when the second signal changes from the first value to the second value thereof, wherein the LAN controller is turned OFF when the network cable is unplugged from the network interface, and turned ON when the network cable is both plugged back in and electrical signals are received from the network cable via the network interface, wherein the first signal is generated by the network state detection unit according to a pulse signal also generated by the network state detection unit, the pulse signal having an oscillating value when electrical signals are received from the network cable via the network interface, and a constant value when electrical signals are not received from the network cable via the network interface, the first signal changing from a first value to a second value when the pulse signal changes from a constant value to an oscillating value, and wherein the pulse signal is generated both when the network cable is plugged into the network interface and when it is unplugged from the network interface.