Energy Efficient Ethernet - Supermicro SSE-G48-TG4 Reference Manual

Super Micro Intelligent Switch Command Line Interface User Guide

3.68 Energy Efficient Ethernet

IEEE 802.3 defines the Ethernet standard and subsequent power requirements based on cable
connections operating at 100 meters. Enabling power saving mode can reduce power used for
cable lengths of 60 meters or less, with more significant reduction for cables of 20 meters or less,
and continue to ensure signal integrity. IEEE 802.3az specifies a mechanism for reducing power
consumption when a link is idle. It is known as "Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE)."
The power-saving methods provided by this switch include this EEE power saving feature when
there is no activity on a link: Under normal operation, the switch continuously auto-negotiates to
find a link partner, keeping the MAC interface powered up even if no link connection exists. When
using power-savings mode, the switch checks for energy on the circuit to determine if there is a
link partner. If none is detected, the switch automatically turns off the transmitter, and most of the
receive circuitry (entering Sleep Mode). In this mode, the low-power energy-detection circuit
continuously checks for energy on the cable. If none is detected, the MAC interface is also
powered down to save additional energy. If energy is detected, the switch immediately turns on
both the transmitter and receiver functions, and powers up the MAC interface.
This feature is "Off" by default. To enable the feature on a particular port use the following
command:
input "interface ex <interface-id>".
SMIS(config)# interface ex 0/1
input "EEE mode" and then input "exit".
SMIS(config-if)# EEE mode
SMIS(config-if)# exit
To confirm that the port is configured for EEE:
input "show interface ex <interface-id>".
SMIS(config)# show interface ex 0/1
To disable this feature:
input "interface ex <interface-id>".
SMIS(config)# interface ex 0/1
input "no EEE mode" and then input "exit".
SMIS(config-if)# no EEE mode
SMIS(config-if)# exit
To confirm that EEE is disabled on the port:
input "show interface ex <interface-id>".
SMIS(config)# show interface ex 0/1
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