Using an analytical power model to survey power saving approaches in backbone networks

Several approaches exist to categorize power savings in Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) networks. In this paper we survey current power saving techniques in backbone telecommunication networks, based on an analytical power model. This categorization allows for a more intuitive understanding of the power saving potential of different approaches, and shows that in order to achieve large savings (i.e. more than 10 times reduction of the current power consumption), effort will need to be concentrated on those techniques that reduce either the traffic volume or the equipment power rating. The survey in this paper also provides the basis for a more quantitative evaluation of future power saving techniques.