Energy-efficient Multiaccess Dissemination Networks

Previous efforts to improve energy efficiency focused on different network architecture components, aiming in particular at increasing the operational time of battery-powered devices. This paper argues that patching elements of the current Internet architectural paradigm are not sufficient for achieving major savings in the overall network energy consumption. After reviewing the main characteristics of current Internet use, including the proliferation of broadband wireless and mobile networks and the overwhelming role of dissemination traffic, this paper examines their impact on energy consumption and studies alternative WMAN scenarios. Simulation results indicate that adopting a multiaccess information-centric approach, can halve the overall access network energy consumption and deliver the same level of functionality to a larger number of Internet devices.