Network Routing Protocol Power Management for Link Utilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Computer networks often operate with excess capacity during off-peak hours, leading to opportunities for power savings while maintaining full routing functionality, but existing technologies lack efficient methods to dynamically reduce network capacity without impacting performance.
Innovation Solution
Implementing network routing protocols that dynamically discover network topology, identify power management candidate links, and adjust their power state based on utilization thresholds, using protocols like Spanning Tree, Link-State, and Distance-Vector routing to selectively reduce power consumption without compromising routing functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by stationary object
If network capacity is reduced during off-peak hours, then power consumption is reduced, but routing functionality may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The network is segmented into active and inactive links based on utilization thresholds. During off-peak hours, links with low traffic are deactivated while maintaining the overall network topology through routing protocol updates, allowing power savings without complete loss of routing functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The network employs dynamic link activation and deactivation based on real-time utilization thresholds. Links are dynamically adjusted between active and inactive states according to traffic conditions, enabling the network to adapt power consumption while maintaining routing capabilities when needed.
2Use of energy by stationary object
If network capacity is reduced, then power savings are achieved, but network performance may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Different links in the network are treated differently based on their utilization characteristics. High-utilization links remain active while low-utilization links are deactivated, creating a non-uniform network state that optimizes power savings without significantly impacting overall network performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The network changes operational parameters by adjusting link states based on utilization thresholds. When thresholds are met, links transition between active and inactive states, dynamically modifying network capacity to balance power savings with performance requirements.
3Use of energy by stationary object
If routing protocols dynamically adjust link states, then power management is optimized, but protocol complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Existing routing protocols are enhanced to perform multiple functions: traditional routing plus power management. The protocols utilize existing mechanisms like link-state advertisements and routing table updates to simultaneously achieve routing optimization and power savings, avoiding the need for separate complex power management systems.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus relating to network routing protocols to support power savings in network elements. A most utilized link path network topology for a computer network is discovered using a routing protocol such as a Spanning Tree, link-state, or distance vector routing protocol. In view of the most utilized link path network topology, links are identified as candidates for power management under which a power state of the link and associated network ports are managed to save power under applicable link conditions, such as low utilization. Link power-state change conditions are detected, and in response a corresponding change to the power state of a link is effected by changing the power-state of the network ports at the ends of the link. Power state changes include putting a link into a reduced power state, taking a link offline, and powering a link back up.