Internet Architecture Board (IAB)

data collection, energy metrics, requirements and scenarios

Scope

The Internet Architecture Board (IAB) plays a pivotal role in the framework of IETF.

Summary

The IAB’s architectural oversight extends to the establishment of standardised energy metrics. These metrics provide a consistent framework for measuring and reporting energy consumption across different network devices and environments. The IAB is responsible for the overall architecture of the Internet and provides guidance and direction to the IETF. It oversees various working groups within the IETF, including the EMAN Working Group. Some work from EMAN Working Group can be found below.

RFC 7326: An Energy Management Framework

In RFC 7326, an energy management framework is defined, aimed at providing a systematic approach to managing energy consumption within network devices. This framework establishes a standardised way to monitor, control and report energy usage across various network components, ensuring more efficient and environmentally friendly network operations. The framework introduces the “Energy Objects” concept, which refers to any manageable entities that consume energy and support energy monitoring, control, and optimisation.

Energy Monitoring
Energy monitoring involves systematically observing and recording energy consumption data from various energy objects within the network. Key aspects include:

Measurement of Power Consumption: This involves recording the amount of power devices consumed in real-time. Devices and components are equipped with power meters that measure energy usage.
Data Collection and Reporting: The collected data is periodically reported to a central management system. This data can include current power usage, historical energy consumption, and other relevant metrics.
Energy Usage Metrics: Establish standardised metrics to quantify energy consumption, such as kilowatt-hours (kWh), and use these metrics to assess energy efficiency.

Energy Control
Energy control encompasses the mechanisms and policies used to manage and regulate the energy consumption of devices. This function ensures that energy is used efficiently and unnecessary consumption is minimised. Key components include:

Power State Management: Devices can be transitioned between different power states (e.g., active, idle, sleep, off) based on operational requirements. Effective power state management can significantly reduce energy consumption.
Dynamic Energy Control: Implementing policies that dynamically adjust power settings based on real-time conditions and usage patterns. For example, reducing power usage during periods of low network activity.
Policy Enforcement: Establishing and enforcing energy consumption policies that align with organisational goals, such as reducing carbon footprint or minimising operational costs.

Energy Optimisation
Energy optimisation involves the application of strategies and technologies to enhance the overall energy efficiency of the network. The goal is to optimise energy usage without compromising performance. Key strategies include:

Resource Allocation: Efficiently allocating resources to balance performance and energy consumption. This may involve load balancing across devices to ensure no single device is overburdened, which can lead to higher energy usage.
Energy-Efficient Design: Implementing design principles and technologies that inherently consume less energy. This can include using low-power components, energy-efficient networking protocols, and optimising software to reduce energy demands.
Feedback and Adaptation: Continuously monitor energy consumption data and use it to adapt and refine energy management strategies. This iterative process helps in identifying areas for improvement and implementing corrective actions.
Predictive Analytics: Utilising predictive analytics to forecast energy consumption patterns and proactively implement measures to optimise energy use. This can help anticipate peak usage times and adjust resources accordingly.

RFC 6272: Internet Protocols for the Smart Grid

RFC 6272 is a comprehensive guide for applying Internet protocols to smart grid communications. A smart grid is an enhanced electricity network that incorporates digital technology to improve the monitoring, management, and distribution of electricity. The aim of RFC 6272 is to provide a framework for selecting and implementing Internet protocols that meet the specific communication needs of the smart grid, ensuring reliability, security, and interoperability. This document studies which protocols could be applied better depending on the needs of the network. For example:

Smart Metering: Collecting and transmitting data from smart meters to central management systems. IP and UDP are often used for low-latency transmission, while TCP ensures reliable data delivery for billing and monitoring purposes.
Demand Response: Communicating with devices at customer premises to manage electricity usage dynamically. This requires reliable and timely communication, often leveraging TCP for control signals and UDP for real-time updates.
Grid Monitoring and Control: Real-time monitoring of grid components and remote equipment control to ensure efficient operation and quick response to issues. A combination of IP, TCP, and SNMP is typically used to maintain visibility and control over the grid infrastructure.

Energy Consumption Metrics Standardisation

The EMAN Working Group has identified several key metrics for standardizing energy consumption measurement. These metrics are essential for creating a comprehensive understanding of energy usage in networked devices.

Power Consumption (P): The rate at which a device consumes energy, typically measured in watts (W). Power consumption is a fundamental metric that provides immediate insight into a device’s energy usage at any given moment.

Energy Usage (E): The total energy consumed over a specific period, measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). This metric helps in understanding a device’s or system’s cumulative energy consumption over time.

Energy Efficiency (η): The ratio of useful work a device performs to the total energy consumed, expressed as a percentage or a dimensionless ratio. Energy efficiency metrics are crucial for evaluating how effectively a device converts consumed energy into useful output.

Power State (PS): The operational state of a device, such as active, idle, sleep, or off, affects its energy consumption. Understanding the power state helps manage and reduce energy usage by transitioning devices to lower power states when full performance is unnecessary.

Peak Power (P_peak) is the maximum power consumption observed over a specific period. Identifying peak power usage is important for capacity planning and effectively managing energy resources.

Energy Cost (EC): The monetary cost associated with consumed energy, often calculated using local energy tariffs. This metric provides a direct financial perspective on energy consumption, aiding in cost management and reduction.

Framework for Energy Consumption Metrics

The EMAN framework provides a structured approach to implementing these metrics, ensuring that they are applied consistently across different environments. The framework includes:

Energy Management Information Base (EMIB): A database structure for storing energy-related information, defined in RFC 7460. The EMIB includes objects for measuring and reporting the key metrics mentioned above.
Measurement Techniques: Guidelines for accurately measuring power consumption and energy usage, including built-in sensors and external meters.
Reporting and Data Collection: Standardised methods for collecting and reporting energy data, ensuring that it can be aggregated and analyzed across different devices and systems.
Control Mechanisms: Tools for managing and optimising energy use based on the collected metrics, such as dynamically adjusting power states and implementing energy-saving policies.

Implementation and Use Cases

The standardisation of energy consumption metrics by the EMAN Working Group has several practical applications across various industries and network environments. Some key use cases include:

Data Centers: Data centers are significant energy consumers. Standardised metrics allow for precise monitoring and management of energy usage, leading to more efficient operations and reduced costs.
Enterprise Networks: In corporate environments, standardised energy metrics help in managing the energy consumption of network infrastructure, including servers, routers, and switches, thereby contributing to sustainability goals.
Smart Grids: Consistent energy metrics enable better management of distributed energy resources and more efficient energy distribution in smart grid applications.
Industrial IoT: In industrial settings, where numerous devices and sensors are deployed, standardised energy metrics facilitate the efficient management of these devices, ensuring minimal energy wastage.

Challenges and Solutions

Standardising energy consumption metrics presents several challenges, which the EMAN Working Group addresses through its comprehensive framework.

Heterogeneity of Devices

Challenge: Different devices have varying capabilities and characteristics, making applying a uniform set of metrics difficult.

Solution: The EMAN framework defines flexible metrics that can be adapted to different device types while maintaining consistency in measurement and reporting.

Measurement Accuracy

Challenge: Ensuring accurate measurement of energy consumption is critical for reliable data.

Solution: The EMAN guidelines include detailed instructions for calibration and the use of measurement tools to ensure high accuracy.

Data Aggregation

Challenge: Aggregating data from multiple devices to provide a holistic view of energy consumption.

Solution: The EMAN framework supports scalable data collection and aggregation techniques, facilitating comprehensive energy management.

Security and Privacy

Challenge: Protecting the integrity and confidentiality of energy consumption data.

Solution: Implementing robust security measures, such as encryption and access controls, as part of the EMAN framework.

Relevance for EXIGENCE

This document is mostly about defining metrics and therefore RFC7326 and RFC6272 is directly relevant to energy metrics because they are related to energy metering Finally, Energy Consumption Metrics Standardization” (EMAN working group) could be relevant to energy metrics and data collection, because not only does it discuss the metrics for energy consumption, but also mentions that they support scalable data collection and aggregation techniques. Furthermore, they mention that the group has some practical applications and defines some key use cases for reference. Therefore, it is also related to requirements and scenarios.