Design for energy-aware IP over WDM networks with hibernation mode and group-node techniques

The focus of the paper is an investigation and evaluation of energy efficient solutions in IP over WDM core networks using as a foundation, a hierarchy of hibernation modes implementing different degrees of node groupings and fibre links establishment that support a sleep state. It seeks to embed this groups-nodes strategy into an intelligent control plane implementing routing schemes targeting energy consumption, adaptive signalling and traffic engineering. A Group-Nodes mechanism is proposed as a function of topology and node distribution based on a fixed (or geographical) and random (or ownership) principle. The impact of the proposed technique on energy saving and network performance is assessed; results are presented and evaluated for various scenarios. Evaluation of this methodology indicates potential reduction in power consumption from 7 % up to 15 % at the expense of reduced network performance