Dynamic Link Bandwidth Control for Lower Network Energy Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing demand for greater bandwidth in data networks is leading to increased energy consumption, despite advances in semiconductor technology, which has plateaued in terms of power efficiency, resulting in higher operating costs and energy inefficiencies, especially during low traffic periods when excess bandwidth is unused.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method where nodes in a data network dynamically adjust available bandwidth by powering off hardware and dropping data packets based on buffer fill levels, using protocols like RED and TCP, to reduce energy consumption by eliminating excess bandwidth and maintaining efficient traffic handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If bandwidth is increased to meet growing data transmission demands, then data transmission capacity is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic bandwidth adjustment where network links can be turned on or off based on real-time traffic conditions. The system transitions from static bandwidth allocation to dynamic control, allowing links to be activated only when needed and deactivated during low-utilization periods, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining required transmission capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational state parameter of network links between active and inactive modes. By adjusting this binary parameter based on traffic load thresholds, the system optimizes the balance between transmission capacity and energy consumption, enabling links to operate at full bandwidth only when necessary.
2Use of energy by moving object
If hardware devices are turned off during low traffic periods to reduce energy consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but data transmission capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where network nodes continuously monitor traffic load on links and adjust bandwidth allocation accordingly. When traffic falls below a threshold, the system feedback signals to reduce bandwidth or turn off links; when traffic exceeds the threshold, feedback triggers bandwidth activation. This closed-loop control ensures transmission capability is maintained when needed while enabling energy savings during low-utilization periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The network system automatically adjusts its own bandwidth allocation based on observed traffic patterns without requiring external intervention. Nodes autonomously determine when to activate or deactivate links based on local traffic measurements, enabling the system to self-optimize its energy efficiency while maintaining service quality.
3Reliability
If excess bandwidth is maintained to handle traffic peaks, then data transmission reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases during low utilization periods
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of maintaining full bandwidth capacity continuously, the system applies partial action by activating only the necessary portion of bandwidth based on current traffic demands. During low-utilization periods, only minimal bandwidth is maintained; during peak periods, additional bandwidth is activated. This approach eliminates energy waste from maintaining excessive capacity while ensuring sufficient bandwidth is available when needed for reliable transmission.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a first node configured to receive the data packets from a plurality of source nodes of the data network and to selectively route some of the received data packets to a link via a port of the first node. The apparatus also includes a link-input buffer that is located in the first node and is configured to store the some of the received data packets for transmission to the link via the port. The first node is configured to power off hardware for transmitting received data packets to the link in response to a fill level of the link-input buffer being below a threshold.