Energy management in a network

Abstract

A network management method is described for managing energy utilisation in a network comprising network elements that handle network traffic. The network elements are analysed to identify at least one candidate network element for energy usage reduction. Routes passing through the candidate network element are then identified and at least one alternative route is identified for each identified route. Each identified route is switched onto the at least one alternative route, wherein the alternative route does not pass through the original candidate network element. Finally, the candidate network element is triggered to enter a lower power mode. In a particular embodiment, a quality of service level associated with each identified route is determined and the method ensures that the alternative route has an associated quality of service level equal to or better than the original quality of service level. Systems and apparatus for implementing the method are also described.