Performance evaluation of energy saving in core router architecture with Low Power Idle for OBS networks

Recently, to overcome energy problems in networks, Low Power Idle(LPI) scheme was standardized by IEEE 802.3az Task Force Group in Sep. 30, 2010. However, most researches related LPI were focused on LAN such as Ethernet. In this paper, we evaluate performances of core router with LPI to analyze energy saving effect on OBS network. To do this, core router architecture with LPI which reduces energy consumption is proposed. The proposed architecture is comprised of control part of line card, a switch controller, BCP switch in Switching Control Unit(SCU), data transmission part of line card and burst switch fabric in switch block. In order to perform the LPI in core router, Sleep/wake controller controls line card from active to sleep state or vice versa depending on sleep/awake decision in traffic processer. The power consumption comparison and simulation results show that proposed architecture consume more energy about 1.3 times than conventional packet router. However, OBS core router with LPI can reduce energy consumption up to maximum 60% at low offered load.