Energy-efficient network device with coordinated scheduling and rate control using non-zero base power

摘要

A network device of a communication network is configured to implement coordinated scheduling and processor rate control. In one aspect, packets are received in the network device and scheduled for processing from one or more queues of that device. An operating rate of a processor of the network device is controlled based at least in part on an optimal operating rate of the processor that is determined using a non-zero base power of the processor. For example, the operating rate of the processor may be controlled such that the processor either operates at or above the optimal operating rate, or is substantially turned off. The optimal operating rate of the processor may be selected so as to fall on a tangent line of a power-rate curve of the processor that also passes through an origin point of a coordinate system of the power-rate curve.