Energy Cost Aware Routing Protocol for Network Path Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current networking protocols do not consider power consumption when making routing decisions, leading to inefficiencies in network path selection and energy usage.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that measure and profile power consumption at a component level, incorporating an 'energy cost' metric into routing protocols to optimize energy-efficient routing, eliminating the need for external hardware and providing both coarse and fine-grained power consumption analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If traditional routing protocols are used, then routing decisions are based on throughput and efficiency metrics, but power consumption is not considered leading to energy inefficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies traditional routing protocols by introducing power consumption as a new parameter for routing decisions. The system collects power consumption data from network devices and incorporates it into routing protocol calculations, enabling routes to be selected based on both traditional metrics (throughput, latency) and energy efficiency parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where power consumption data is continuously collected from network devices, analyzed, and fed back into routing decisions. This feedback loop enables dynamic adjustment of routing paths based on real-time power consumption patterns, allowing the network to adapt to changing energy conditions.
2Measurement precision
If power consumption measurement is implemented at component level, then accurate power profiling is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal power measurement framework that can be integrated into existing network devices without requiring completely separate measurement infrastructure. The system uses multi-functional components that simultaneously perform routing, monitoring, and power measurement functions, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining accurate component-level power profiling.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces intermediary software modules and protocols that facilitate power measurement without requiring direct physical access to all network components. These intermediaries aggregate power data from multiple sources and present unified measurements, simplifying the measurement architecture while maintaining precision.
3Measurement precision
If external hardware is used for power measurement, then power consumption can be measured, but the need for additional hardware increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables network devices to measure their own power consumption using built-in sensors and monitoring capabilities that are already present in modern networking hardware. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external power measurement devices, as each router and switch can autonomously collect and report its own power metrics to the routing system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges power measurement functionality with existing network device operations by integrating power monitoring into the routing protocol stack. This combination allows power data to be collected alongside traditional routing metrics using the same hardware infrastructure, eliminating the need for separate external measurement hardware.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present invention include selecting a route based on energy cost. Energy cost is evaluated based on a power metric. The power metric is determined based on an energy cost related attribute and a corresponding weight. In embodiments of the present invention, money can be saved based on electricity savings. In embodiments of the present invention “green” power can be used more often than fossil fuel power.