Network Routing via Power Procurement Profiles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Computer networks face significant costs and environmental impacts due to the electrical power consumption of routers and other devices, which increase with packet processing, and existing routing methods do not consider the source or generation method of this power.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a route selection device that considers the electrical power procurement profiles of devices within the network to determine the most cost-effective and environmentally friendly routes for packet routing, using power procurement profiles to select routes that minimize energy costs and favor renewable sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If routers direct network packets based on traditional routing metrics (congestion, hops), then network connectivity and packet delivery are maintained, but electrical power consumption costs and environmental impact increase without optimization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the routing parameters by incorporating power procurement profiles into routing decisions. Routers now consider not only traditional metrics like congestion and hops but also the electrical power consumption characteristics and procurement arrangements of intermediate devices, transforming routing from a purely connectivity-based decision to a multi-criteria optimization that includes energy cost parameters
Solution Approach 2:
The routing system becomes dynamic by continuously considering real-time power procurement profiles and energy consumption data. The routing decisions adapt based on changing energy costs, renewable energy availability, and power consumption patterns of network devices, allowing the network to dynamically optimize for energy efficiency alongside traditional performance metrics
2Productivity
If routers process more network packets, then network productivity and service capability increase, but electrical power consumption and associated costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where routers receive and process power procurement profiles from intermediate devices. This feedback loop allows the routing system to learn about energy consumption patterns and procurement arrangements, enabling informed routing decisions that balance productivity goals with energy cost minimization by routing packets through devices with more favorable power arrangements
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the network favors routes with lower energy costs, then financial costs and environmental impact are reduced, but routing flexibility and adaptability to different network conditions decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The routing system achieves multi-functionality by simultaneously optimizing for multiple objectives: traditional network performance metrics (connectivity, congestion, hops) and energy efficiency metrics (power consumption, procurement costs, renewable energy usage). The power procurement profile mechanism provides a universal framework that can accommodate various energy arrangements and environmental preferences without sacrificing routing flexibility
Data Source
AI summary
In general, this disclosure describes techniques of selecting routes for network packets through a computer network based, at least in part, on electrical power procurement arrangements of devices in the computer network. A computing system includes a hardware processor and a database storing power procurement profiles. Each of the power procurement profiles stores data indicating an arrangement between an operator of one or more of routing devices to procure electrical power from a utility company for facilities in which the routing devices are located. The power procurement profiles are mapped to ranges of network addresses associated with the facilities for retrieval of the power procurement profiles for the routers based on the network addresses assigned to the routers.