Dynamic Power Allocation for Network Switches
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Solution Overview
Problem
Data centers face significant power consumption and heat generation inefficiencies due to network equipment remaining powered on even during low activity, with networking power being a substantial component of total power consumption, and existing solutions have focused on server and internet levels rather than networking power management.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a monitoring module, analysis module, and control module that dynamically allocates resources and switches off network equipment at different hierarchical levels when not in use, optimizing power consumption by consolidating equipment usage and reducing redundant power usage through proactive resource allocation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If network equipment is kept powered on at all times, then network availability and responsiveness are maintained, but power consumption and heat generation increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power management by transitioning network equipment between active and low-power states based on real-time traffic monitoring. The system continuously assesses network conditions and adjusts equipment power states accordingly, making the power consumption adaptive rather than static. This resolves the contradiction by making availability dynamic - high availability when traffic exists, reduced availability when traffic is absent - rather than maintaining constant high availability at constant high power cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic traffic monitoring and equipment state transitions. Network equipment is monitored at regular intervals, and power states are adjusted periodically based on observed traffic patterns. This periodic action allows the system to maintain equipment in active states during high-traffic periods and transition to low-power states during low-traffic periods, balancing availability requirements with power consumption concerns.
2Use of energy by moving object
If network equipment is switched off during low activity, then power consumption is reduced, but network responsiveness and availability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary traffic analysis and prediction to anticipate future network activity. By monitoring traffic patterns and predicting upcoming demand, the system can maintain equipment in active states proactively before traffic actually arrives, rather than reactively after traffic begins. This preliminary action ensures availability is already established when needed while avoiding unnecessary prolonged active states that waste power.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback loops where traffic monitoring data feeds back into power management decisions. Real-time traffic measurements are fed back to the control system, which adjusts equipment power states based on current conditions. This feedback mechanism ensures that power consumption is minimized while maintaining availability - equipment is kept active only as long as traffic conditions justify it, with automatic transitions to low-power states when traffic subsides.
3Use of energy by moving object
If power management is implemented at multiple hierarchical levels, then power optimization is maximized, but system complexity and control difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the network into hierarchical segments (core network, aggregation network, access network) and applies power management independently at each segment level. Each hierarchical level has its own monitoring and control mechanisms, allowing localized optimization decisions. This segmentation reduces overall system complexity by breaking down the monolithic power management problem into smaller, manageable sub-problems that can be solved independently at each network tier.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is designed with universal power management capabilities that can operate across multiple hierarchical levels using the same fundamental principles and mechanisms. The same traffic monitoring, analysis, and state transition logic applies uniformly at core, aggregation, and access network levels. This multi-functionality approach reduces complexity by reusing the same control architecture and decision-making algorithms across different network tiers rather than requiring specialized systems for each level.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for routing network traffic in a data network having a plurality of network switches, the method including identifying network traffic to be routed in the data network, evaluating multiple options for provisioning resources in the data network to handle the identified network traffic, selecting one option from the multiple options for provisioning resources based on at least one predetermined policy, and controlling the plurality of network switches based on the selected option.