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 being constantly powered on, even during low activity periods, which increases capital and recurring costs and affects density, reliability, and manageability.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a monitoring module, analysis module, and control module that dynamically allocates resources to network equipment based on workload behavior and network topology, allowing for the static or dynamic shutdown of network equipment at various hierarchical levels, optimizing power consumption and reducing redundant power usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If network equipment is constantly powered on to ensure availability, then network reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power management for network equipment by introducing a power allocation manager that continuously monitors workload demands and adjusts the power states of network switches and routers accordingly. The system transitions network equipment between active, standby, and powered-off states based on real-time traffic analysis, thereby maintaining network reliability when needed while reducing power consumption during low-demand periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of network equipment by adjusting power allocation based on workload characteristics. The power allocation manager analyzes traffic patterns and modifies power states (on/off transitions) of network switches and routers, dynamically adapting the network infrastructure's power consumption level to match actual usage requirements while preserving service availability.
2Productivity
If network equipment is constantly powered on to handle peak loads, then network capacity is improved, but energy costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The power allocation manager performs preliminary analysis of workload demands and proactively allocates or deallocates power to network equipment before peak or low-demand periods occur. By predicting traffic patterns and pre-adjusting power states, the system ensures network capacity is available when needed while avoiding energy waste during low-utilization periods, thereby reducing overall energy costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the power allocation manager continuously monitors network traffic patterns, workload demands, and power consumption levels. Based on this feedback, the manager dynamically adjusts power allocation to network switches and routers, creating a closed-loop control system that optimizes the balance between network capacity and energy expenditure in real-time.
3Speed
If network equipment is powered on during low activity periods, then network responsiveness is improved, but power density efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic monitoring and evaluation of network traffic patterns by the power allocation manager. Instead of maintaining constant power states, the system periodically assesses workload demands and adjusts power allocation accordingly, transitioning network equipment between active and low-power states in periodic cycles that match actual usage patterns, thereby improving power density efficiency while maintaining responsiveness when needed.
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 allocating at least one data path in the data network to handle the identified network traffic, selecting one option from the multiple options for data-path allocation based on at least one predetermined policy, and controlling the plurality of network switches based on the selected option.