Energy-Efficient Networks under Coordinated andUncoordinated Sleeping Approaches

Wired IP networks handle the bulk of today’scommunication. These networks are built with over-provisioningand redundancy of devices to support critical activities. However,the activities can vary significantly, resulting in unused networkonline waste of power. In this study, we examine two existingpower-saving approaches for wired IP networks: i) uncoordinatedsleeping and (ii) coordinated sleeping. The uncoordinated andcoordinated sleeping algorithms investigated are respectively En-ergy Efficient Ethernet (EEE) and Energy-Aware Routing (EAR)for green OSPF. In addition, we investigate the combination ofcoordinated and uncoordinated sleeping algorithms, EEE andEAR for green OSPF. The energy performance of the twoalgorithms and their combination is evaluated in two networksof different dimensions under varying traffic loads.The investigation shows that EEE, EAR for green OSPF andthe combination significantly reduce the energy consumption ofa network. However, the highest peak of energy conservationis achieved when EAR for green OSPF is activated in an EEEnetwork during lower traffic load periods and deactivated duringhigh traffic load periods.QC 20170110