Explicit Over-Power Notification for Dynamic Network Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network routing technologies, particularly in equal-cost multi-path routing (ECMP), face challenges in managing power congestion and inefficiencies due to the lack of effective communication of power usage exceeding predetermined budgets, leading to increased energy consumption and inability to dynamically adjust network operations based on power conditions.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating sustainability-aware networking logic in network nodes to mark data packets with explicit over-power notifications (EOPN) and power-based throttle indications, allowing for dynamic path adjustments and power management by throttling or rerouting packets based on power usage, thereby avoiding high-power paths and optimizing energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If ECMP is deployed to increase bandwidth through load-balancing traffic over multiple paths, then network throughput is improved, but power consumption increases due to activation of multiple network paths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic path selection that adjusts network routing based on real-time power measurements. The system transitions from static ECMP load-balancing to dynamic routing where paths are selected or excluded based on power budget constraints, allowing the network to adapt its power consumption profile while maintaining throughput requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the routing parameter selection criteria from purely performance-based (bandwidth, latency) to power-aware routing by introducing power measurements as a key parameter. This enables the network to modify routing decisions based on power budget availability, effectively controlling power consumption while maintaining network functionality
2Loss of energy
If power budget is exceeded in network routing, then energy efficiency is improved by throttling traffic, but network productivity decreases due to reduced data flow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where power measurements are continuously monitored and used to adjust routing decisions. The system measures power consumption, compares it against power budgets, and provides feedback through path exclusion markings that steer traffic away from over-powered paths, creating a closed-loop control system for power management
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial throttling by selectively excluding only the paths that exceed power budgets while maintaining traffic flow through alternative paths. This approach throttles power consumption partially rather than completely stopping traffic, achieving energy efficiency while preserving necessary network productivity
3Reliability
If ECN is used to signal congestion, then packet dropping is reduced, but power management capability is insufficient as there is no way to communicate power budget exceedance back upstream
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces power measurement data as an intermediary information element that enables communication of power status upstream. Similar to how ECN uses congestion markings, the system uses power measurement data to signal power budget status, allowing upstream nodes to make informed routing decisions without directly dropping packets
Solution Approach 2:
The system extends the functionality of existing congestion notification mechanisms to include power management capabilities. By using similar marking and signaling approaches for both congestion and power status, the system achieves multi-functionality where a single framework handles both packet delivery reliability and power budget management
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.