Green networking: Developing sustainable computer networks

Information and Communication Technology is a multi-billion dollar field that has incredible economic, social, and environmental effects. It is the dynamic balance amongst these three aspects in which Green Information Networking Technology is used to promote more environmentally friendly products. In this paper, we surveyed the research in the area of Green Networking. We presented analysis both at software-/middleware-level, as well as hardware-level techniques. The analysis suggested that certain changes can be easily implemented at the current time, such as simple modifications to protocols to allow systems to idle, or using server management techniques. Finally, the paper examined intricate approaches to evaluate the success of Green Networking technologies, and presented case studies to illustrate the ideas.