Is Ultra Low Power Mode (ULP) part of Energy Efficient Ethernet (IEEE 802.3az)?

[rw82]

Hi

Is Ultra Low Power Mode (ULP) an Intel proprietary feature or is it part of Energy Efficient Ethernet (IEEE 802.3az)?

The reason I'm asking is because we're having issues with Intel i219-LM onboard NIC connected to a 1G/10G copper switch.

When we remove the cable and insert it again the link is not re-established. Switch vendor says this is because EEE is not supported on the switch, but I have disabled EEE in Windows and the problem remains until I disable ULP.

[Ankoo]

Hello,

Ultra Low Power is (apparently) an Intel feature that complements the IEEE 802.3az (Low Power Idle or Energy Efficient Ethernet) standard already supported by most Intel network cards.

What are the issues ?

[JunAn_Intel · Accepted solution]

Hello rw82,

Thank you for posting in Intel Ethernet Communities. 

Ultra Low Power Mode (ULP) is part of Energy Efficient Ethernet (IEEE 802.3az) and is not an Intel proprietary feature. ULP is a power-saving mode that reduces the power consumption of Ethernet network devices during periods of low network activity.

Regarding your issue with the Intel i219-LM onboard NIC, it is possible that ULP is causing the problem. When ULP is enabled, the Ethernet controller may enter a low-power state that makes it less responsive to link changes or other events. This could explain why the link is not re-established when you remove and reinsert the cable.

Disabling EEE in Windows may not necessarily disable ULP, as these are separate features. To disable ULP, you may need to change the power management settings of the Ethernet adapter in Windows. You should be able to find these settings in the Device Manager, under the properties of the Ethernet adapter.

You may be able to disable ULP in the BIOS settings of your computer, if this option is available. Keep in mind that disabling ULP may increase power consumption and negate some of the power-saving benefits of Energy Efficient Ethernet. And you might check the whether the driver version is up to date.

https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/products/sku/82185/intel-ethernet-connection-i219lm/downloads.html

Looking forward to your reply.

We will follow up after 3 business days in case we don't hear from you.

Best regards,

JunAn_Intel

Intel Customer Support