Project timetable
April 1, 2009 – Start of initial preparations for realization of research visit. Collection of relevant literature in the area of “Green networking” and analyses of previous research accomplishments. Definition of research methods and resources that will be used during scientific activities on the project.
January 15, 2010 - Arrival to Advanced Networking Technologies Laboratory (ANTLab) in Milan - beginning of the research visit. In the first two months of the research visit we made analyses of power consumption of network devices in wireless access networks. Additionally, possibilities for energy reductions of complete wireless access network have been investigated. According to obtained results, we mathematically define initial optimization models focused on minimization of network power consumption through implementation of linear programming methods.
March 15, 2010 – During second two months we manage to program developed mathematical models using AMPL language. Also, in C++ programming language we develop Instance generator used for simulation of real wireless network instances that we analyze. All mathematical models have been solved using state of the art CPLEX solver. Mathematical models that minimize instantaneous power consumption have been extended with new models ensuring minimization of monthly energy consumption of complete wireless access network. We present our preliminary research results in the form of scientific paper that is accepted for publication on international IEEE conference ISWPC 2010 in Modena, Italy. Besides energy optimization approach based on integer liner programming (ILP), we develop novel heuristic algorithms that results with minimization of network energy consumption.
May 15, 2010 – In order to indicate possible energy savings obtained by proposed models and algorithms, we develop different reference models which fairly simulate energy consumption of nowadays networks lacking any energy efficiency. We manage to show with both, mathematical models and heuristic algorithms, significant reductions in network energy consumption through implementation of energy aware network management. Additionally, we perform further improvements of proposed mathematical models through introduction of new constraints tending to more precisely model real network environment. With these constraints we tackle factors that are extremely important for normal functioning of real access networks like: full coverage of service area, negative effect of frequent variations in activity of network devices, influence of interference among network elements and capacity limitations of network devices. Finally, during last two months of the project activities we write few scientific papers for possible publication in notable scientific journals and international conferences. Also, main applicant finishes writing of its doctoral thesis.
July 15, 2010 – Ending of research visit, return to home institution at University of Split, Croatia. Public presentation of doctoral thesis containing overall results obtained during activity on the project. In cooperation with researchers form Politecnico di Milano we start preparations for new project that will offer further enhancements in segment of energy efficient networking. Also few public lectures on subject related to the obtained research results will be presented.