Sustainability-Aware Network Topology for Energy-Efficient Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network routing and topology distribution do not consider sustainability-related metrics, leading to inefficient energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an energy-aware topology logic that monitors incoming traffic and sustainability metrics to generate a desired state for network devices, modifying elements to optimize energy use and reduce emissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If current network routing and topology distribution are used, then network operation is simple and existing, but energy consumption is inefficient and sustainability metrics are not considered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where network devices exchange sustainability metrics and capability information (e.g., renewable energy availability, carbon footprint data) to dynamically adjust routing decisions. The control plane continuously monitors energy consumption patterns and modifies topology distribution based on real-time sustainability data, creating a closed-loop system that optimizes energy efficiency while managing complexity through automated decision-making.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic adaptability to network routing by enabling topology distribution to respond to changing sustainability conditions. Devices can dynamically adjust their operational states based on received sustainability metrics, such as shifting traffic patterns to utilize renewable energy sources or modifying routing paths based on real-time energy availability, thereby transforming static network control into a dynamic, sustainability-aware system.
2Loss of energy
If sustainability metrics are integrated into routing decisions, then energy efficiency improves, but the complexity of network control increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex sustainability optimization task into modular components: individual network devices collect and process local sustainability metrics independently, exchange capability information through standardized protocols, and make localized routing decisions based on received data. This segmentation distributes the control complexity across multiple devices rather than centralizing it, improving energy efficiency while managing overall system complexity through modular, independent operations.
3Stability of the object's composition
If network devices monitor and modify elements based on desired state, then network stability improves, but processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by having network devices monitor and modify only specific elements (such as routing tables or topology databases) rather than processing all possible network parameters simultaneously. Devices selectively update only the portions of the network state that are relevant to sustainability optimization, reducing overall processing power requirements while maintaining network stability through targeted, incremental changes rather than comprehensive reprocessing.
Data Source
AI summary
A network of devices can be stabilized by administering an energy-aware topology that corresponds to a desired state derived in part from one or more sustainability metrics. Devices suitable for stabilization can include a processor, a memory, a plurality of elements, a communication port coupled with one or more neighboring devices, and an energy-aware topology logic. The energy-aware topology logic can monitor incoming traffic from one or more neighboring devices, receive current state data associated with the plurality of elements, and receive update data from the one or more neighboring devices via a sustainability-related augmented IGP. Also, the energy-aware topology logic can generate a desired state for the device based on at least the received current state data and update data. One or more of the plurality of elements may be modified in response to the generated desired state, wherein the modification involves changing one or more sustainability-related capabilities.