Power-saving functions in communications networks

摘要

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.

主权项

1. A control node for use in a communications network in which at least a first and a second path are arranged between a first end node and a second end node, each path involving an end-to-end tunnel, said control node comprising:
at least one microprocessor; a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, coupled to the at least one microprocessor, further including computer-readable instructions, when executed by the at least one microprocessor, are configured to: monitor the traffic load on the at least first and second path, determine a power saving traffic distribution if the total traffic between the first and the second end node could be carried by fewer paths than are arranged between them, said power saving distribution involving at least one of the at least first and second path to be put in a standby mode in which it carries no traffic, and redirect traffic according to said power saving traffic distribution and to order at least one network element or network link in the path or paths put in standby mode to enter into a power saving standby mode, and order traffic engineering metrics and/or bandwidth to be set to zero to put the at least one network element or network link into standby mode.