Power-Saving Traffic Distribution in Communications Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communications networks face challenges in reducing power consumption without compromising performance, particularly in achieving energy efficiency through tunnelling techniques.
Innovation Solution
A control unit and method that monitor traffic load between end nodes, determine power-saving traffic distributions, and redirect traffic to place inactive paths in standby mode, using signaling protocols like RSVP-TE and GMPLS to manage network elements and links, ensuring energy savings without impacting network capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple paths are maintained between end nodes for protection switching and load balancing, then network reliability and capacity are improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the path state changeable between active and standby modes. The control unit dynamically adjusts the number of active paths based on real-time traffic load monitoring, allowing the network to transition from a static multi-path configuration to a dynamic configuration that adapts to changing conditions, thereby reducing power consumption when full capacity is not needed while maintaining reliability when required
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameter of network paths from binary (active/inactive) to a three-state system (active, standby, shutdown). By introducing the standby state where paths maintain readiness but consume less power, the system can quickly transition to protection mode if needed while reducing power consumption during normal operation with sufficient capacity
2Loss of energy
If paths are placed in standby mode to save power, then energy efficiency is improved, but network capacity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring standby paths that can be rapidly activated if needed. The control unit monitors traffic load and maintains paths in standby mode with minimal power consumption, ready to be switched to active mode immediately if traffic increases or failures occur, thus preparing the network in advance for potential capacity needs without continuously consuming full power
3Use of energy by moving object
If traffic is concentrated on fewer active paths, then power consumption is reduced, but traffic engineering complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by creating a control unit that performs multiple functions: monitoring traffic load, determining optimal path distribution, calculating power savings, and executing path state transitions. This multi-functional control unit consolidates complex traffic engineering tasks into a single system that automatically manages the balance between power consumption and network capacity without requiring complex manual configuration
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention include a communications network using end-to-end tunnels. A control unit monitors the traffic load on at least two paths, as well as determines a power saving traffic distribution if the total traffic on the at least first and second paths if the traffic load does not exceed the capacity of both or all paths between the same end nodes. The power saving traffic distribution puts at least one of the first and second paths in a standby mode in which it carries no traffic. A command unit redirects traffic according to the power saving distribution and to order at least one network element or at least one link in the path or paths to be put in standby mode to enter into a power saving standby mode.