Explicit Over-Power Notification for Network Power Congestion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network routing technologies face challenges in managing power congestion, particularly in equal-cost multi-path routing (ECMP), and lack effective methods to communicate power budget exceedance upstream, leading to inefficiencies and increased energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a sustainability-aware networking logic in network nodes that includes marking data packets with an explicit over-power notification (EOPN) indication when power measurements exceed a predetermined budget, and throttling subsequent packets based on power-related indications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If explicit congestion notification (ECN) is used to signal network congestion, then packet dropping is avoided and network reliability is improved, but there is no way to communicate power budget exceedance upstream leading to increased energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism by introducing an Explicit Over-Power Notification (EOPN) bit in packet headers that allows downstream network devices to communicate power budget exceedance conditions back to upstream devices. This enables end-to-end power status communication similar to how ECN works for congestion, allowing source devices to adjust transmission rates and prevent power congestion without packet loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the existing ECN mechanism to serve dual purposes: traditional congestion notification and new power budget notification. By reusing the ECN framework and adding power-specific bits (EOPN, PTE), the system achieves multi-functionality where a single notification infrastructure handles both congestion and power management, reducing the need for separate communication channels.
2Productivity
If equal-cost multi-path routing (ECMP) is deployed to increase bandwidth, then network throughput is improved, but managing power congestion becomes significantly more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different paths in the ECMP configuration to have different power characteristics. Each path can be independently evaluated for power consumption, and the EOPN mechanism can be applied selectively to specific paths or combinations of paths. This enables fine-grained power management where only power-constrained paths trigger notifications, while others continue normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic power-based path selection where the network can adaptively adjust which ECMP paths are active based on real-time power conditions. When power budget is exceeded on certain paths, the system can dynamically reroute traffic through alternative paths with lower power consumption, making the ECMP configuration flexible and responsive to power availability rather than static.
3Reliability
If current ECN-based congestion signaling is used, then packet loss is reduced, but dynamic adjustment of network operations based on power usage is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements comprehensive feedback mechanisms including EOPN bits in packet headers for immediate power status notification, PTE (Power Throttle Eligible) bits for indicating which flows can be throttled, and ECMP-exclude bits for guiding path selection. Receivers echo power indications back to senders, enabling continuous feedback loops that allow dynamic adjustment of transmission rates, path selection, and power consumption without compromising packet delivery reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are devices, systems, methods, and processes for managing power congestion in multi-path routing systems. Indications may be similar to the ECN, and may be used in network headers, including headers for IPV6, SRv6, NSH, or other tunneling protocols. The indications, namely EOPN, PTE, and ECMP-exclude, can provide a mechanism for managing network power consumption and controlling ECMP routing based on flow priority and characteristics. The power budget can be dynamically adjusted based on the current power source mix, which may help to achieve sustainability goals. Hashing optimizations and signaling can be utilized to manage network power congestion and bandwidth-normalized power efficiency availability. A process may be implemented to ensure there is sufficient capacity to serve the expected traffic for different next-hop paths. Additionally, the ECN can be used to quickly react to congestion, bring capacity back online, and maintain optimal network performance, even in the absence of congestion.