Communications Network Traffic-Based Power Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current operator networks face challenges in reducing energy consumption without compromising performance, as existing solutions like blade servers and virtualization only offer limited energy efficiency improvements.
Innovation Solution
A method and control unit for monitoring traffic in communications networks to dynamically adjust the number of paths and network elements based on traffic load, rerouting traffic, and placing unused elements in standby mode to reduce power consumption, while maintaining service levels by activating additional elements during high demand.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If network elements are kept in active mode to maintain service quality, then service level is preserved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning network elements between active and standby modes based on real-time traffic conditions. The control unit dynamically adjusts the operational state of network elements, switching them to standby mode during low traffic periods to save energy while maintaining service quality through rapid reactivation capability when traffic increases.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameter of network elements from a fixed active state to a variable state that can switch between active and standby modes. This parameter change allows the system to adapt power consumption levels according to traffic demand while preserving service quality through the ability to quickly restore full capacity when needed.
2Reliability
If multiple paths are maintained for redundancy and load balancing, then service quality is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by activating only the necessary number of paths based on current traffic load rather than maintaining all available paths continuously. The control unit determines the optimal number of active paths and keeps excess paths in standby mode, reducing power consumption while maintaining sufficient service quality through the ability to activate additional paths when traffic increases.
3Use of energy by stationary object
If network capacity is reduced during low traffic periods, then power consumption decreases, but service quality may be impacted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-positioning network elements in standby mode during low traffic periods, ready for rapid activation. The control unit anticipates potential traffic increases and maintains elements in a state that allows quick transition to full capacity, thus reducing power consumption during low demand while preserving the ability to maintain service quality when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
End-to-end communication in a communications network is controlled by determining, based on monitoring of traffic in the communications network, the number of paths, or links, needed between the first and the at least second network element. If it is determined, based on the traffic load, that not all available paths are needed:—Selecting at least one path that should not be used to carry traffic,—Rerouting any traffic using the selected at least one path to at least one alternative path, and—Placing any network elements or links not carrying traffic after the rerouting in standby mode in which the power consumption of the elements is reduced, to reduce the power consumption in the network.