Abstract: A method is provided in which a network access system receives an initial request from a device requesting access to the network. In response to successfully authenticating the initial access request, the system causes a code to be transmitted in light emitted by one or more light fixtures within a physical space in which access to the network is to be restricted. The system receives information from the device requesting access to the network and determines whether to permit the device access to the network based on the initial request and on whether the received information is derived from the code transmitted by the one or more light fixtures, thereby indicating that the requesting device is within the physical space.

Abstract: A method is provided in one example embodiment and includes receiving a message at a network element configured for routing packets, where the message directs a network device to change its power state; identifying the network device as being associated with a network for which the network element has responsibility; and communicating at least a portion of the message from the network element to the network device.

Abstract: A method is provided in which a network access system receives an initial request from a device requesting access to the network. In response to successfully authenticating the initial access request, the system causes a code to be transmitted in light emitted by one or more light fixtures within a physical space in which access to the network is to be restricted. The system receives information from the device requesting access to the network and determines whether to permit the device access to the network based on the initial request and on whether the received information is derived from the code transmitted by the one or more light fixtures, thereby indicating that the requesting device is within the physical space.

Abstract: Techniques are presented herein to enable identification of light fixtures. A light fixture modulates light emitted by the light fixture with an identifier associated with the light fixture. The identifier may be encoded or encrypted before it is modulated. In one example, the identifier is a Universally Unique Identifier (UUID). A user device is positioned to detect light emitted by the light fixture. The user device demodulates the light to obtain the identifier. The identifier, time and location associated with detection of the identifier are sent to a management entity for use in provisioning the light fixture on a network.

Abstract: A lighting control system is provided which accepts user lightning commands, generates controls in accordance with predetermined operating policies and directs light fixtures to produce brightness, color, or directional pattern of the light emitted by the light fixtures. The lighting control system determines whether the light emitted by the light fixtures complies with government regulations, and building policies, and insures that controls are adjusted such that all regulations regarding lighting safety and working conditions, as well as building policy and energy management targets are adhered to. In addition, a way to reconcile conflicting user requests for lighting settings is provided.

Abstract: Techniques presented herein are directed to lighting management techniques supporting lighting functions of networked light fixtures. In accordance with one example, a light fixture in networked lighting system accepts a lighting request transmitted by a computing device. The light fixture determines whether the lighting request is a control message or a query message and performs one or more operations in response to the lighting request depending on whether the lighting request is a control message or a query message.

Abstract: Techniques presented herein are directed to lighting management techniques supporting lighting functions of networked light fixtures. In accordance with one example, a light fixture in networked lighting system accepts a lighting request transmitted by a computing device. The light fixture determines whether the lighting request is a control message or a query message and performs one or more operations in response to the lighting request depending on whether the lighting request is a control message or a query message.

Abstract: Techniques presented herein are directed to lighting management techniques supporting lighting functions of networked light fixtures. In accordance with one example, a light fixture in networked lighting system accepts a lighting request transmitted by a computing device. The light fixture determines whether the lighting request is a control message or a query message and performs one or more operations in response to the lighting request depending on whether the lighting request is a control message or a query message.

Abstract: A lighting control system is provided which accepts user lightning commands, generates controls in accordance with predetermined operating policies and directs light fixtures to produce brightness, color, or directional pattern of the light emitted by the light fixtures. The lighting control system determines whether the light emitted by the light fixtures complies with government regulations, and building policies, and insures that controls are adjusted such that all regulations regarding lighting safety and working conditions, as well as building policy and energy management targets are adhered to. In addition, a way to reconcile conflicting user requests for lighting settings is provided.

Abstract: Techniques are presented herein to enable identification of light fixtures. A light fixture modulates light emitted by the light fixture with an identifier associated with the light fixture. The identifier may be encoded or encrypted before it is modulated. In one example, the identifier is a Universally Unique Identifier (UUID). A user device is positioned to detect light emitted by the light fixture. The user device demodulates the light to obtain the identifier. The identifier, time and location associated with detection of the identifier are sent to a management entity for use in provisioning the light fixture on a network.

Abstract: A method is provided in one example embodiment and includes receiving a message at a network element configured for routing packets, where the message directs a network device to change its power state; identifying the network device as being associated with a network for which the network element has responsibility; and communicating at least a portion of the message from the network element to the network device.

Abstract: A method is provided in one example embodiment and includes computing energy usage associated with a domain that includes a plurality of endpoints; identifying particular endpoints of the plurality of endpoints that are capable of switching from a first power source to a battery power source; and communicating a broadcast message to the particular endpoints to switch to their corresponding battery power source.

Abstract: A method is provided in one example embodiment and includes communicating a query over a network to a plurality of entities that reside in a domain, the query including a request for data relating to energy use. The query can be generated by one or more computing devices belonging to the domain. A selected one of the computing devices can control power consumption for the entities in the domain. In other embodiments, a discovery protocol (DP) and a link layer discovery protocol (LLDP) is used for transporting events regarding the entities that connect or disconnect from the network. The entities send discovery events over a DP/LLDP protocol, identifying them as part of the domain. In yet other embodiments, the method includes querying a selected one of the entities to determine, if the selected entity moved to a certain energy level, an energy consumption value at the certain energy level.

Abstract: A method is provided in one example embodiment and includes generating a message to be communicated over a network to a plurality of entities that reside in a domain. The message includes data relating to energy use. The message can be generated by one or more computing devices belonging to the domain. A selected one of the computing devices can control power consumption for the entities in the domain. In more specific embodiments, a formatting of the message is done at an application level. The formatting of the message is independent of a transport protocol of the message.

Abstract: A method is provided in one example embodiment and includes sending a first message from a controller to a particular network device. The message causes the particular network device to modulate its power and to generate a power signature. The method also includes receiving a second message that is indicative of the power signature being detected, the second message is an acknowledgment message that includes an identification of the particular network device. The power signature can be detected by any number of components such as a power source, a power outlet, a metering point.

Abstract: A method is provided in one example embodiment and includes communicating a query over a network to a plurality of entities that reside in a domain, the query including a request for data relating to energy use. The query can be generated by one or more computing devices belonging to the domain. A selected one of the computing devices can control power consumption for the entities in the domain. In other embodiments, a discovery protocol (DP) and a link layer discovery protocol (LLDP) is used for transporting events regarding the entities that connect or disconnect from the network. The entities send discovery events over a DP/LLDP protocol, identifying them as part of the domain. In yet other embodiments, the method includes querying a selected one of the entities to determine, if the selected entity moved to a certain energy level, an energy consumption value at the certain energy level.

Abstract: A method is provided in one example embodiment and includes receiving a message at a network element configured for routing packets, where the message directs a network device to change its power state; identifying the network device as being associated with a network for which the network element has responsibility; and communicating at least a portion of the message from the network element to the network device.

Abstract: A method is provided in one example embodiment and includes computing energy usage associated with a domain that includes a plurality of endpoints; identifying particular endpoints of the plurality of endpoints that are capable of switching from a first power source to a battery power source; and communicating a broadcast message to the particular endpoints to switch to their corresponding battery power source.

Abstract: A method is provided in one example embodiment and includes communicating a query over a network to a plurality of entities that reside in a domain, the query including a request for data relating to energy use. The query can be generated by one or more computing devices belonging to the domain. A selected one of the computing devices can control power consumption for the entities in the domain. In other embodiments, a discovery protocol (DP) and a link layer discovery protocol (LLDP) is used for transporting events regarding the entities that connect or disconnect from the network. The entities send discovery events over a DP/LLDP protocol, identifying them as part of the domain. In yet other embodiments, the method includes querying a selected one of the entities to determine, if the selected entity moved to a certain energy level, an energy consumption value at the certain energy level.