ENERGY STAR Nears Completion of Small Network Spec

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently published the third draft of its ENERGY STAR® Small Networking Equipment spec (v1). The program covers non-rack-mounted versions of broadband access devices (modems, integrated access devices (IADs), and optical network termination devices) and local network equipment (access points, routers, and switches).

I wrote about draft 2 of the spec last fall (see: Networking with a Little Less Power Consumption?). The main changes in latest draft are revisions in base power allowances.

Table 1: Base Power Allowances

Source: Draft 3, Version1 ENERGY STAR Program Requirements for SNE

NOTES:* The Broadband Modem – Cable, IAD – Cable and Routers base levels were adjusted by 0.1 or 0.2 watts based on new data introduced during the recent data assembly effort.^† EPA adjusted the base power of ONT products to ensure top performing ONTs are recognized as ENERGY STAR as most ONT products contain one or two telephony ports and are eligible for this new adder (see below).

^‡ EPA removed the Broadband Modem – VDSL product category after deciding that their features called for them to be placed in the IAD -VDSL category. The result is a lower base value in the IAD – VDSL category.

Other changes include:

• The addition of a telephony adder in order to support 911 capabilities in cable modem and cable IAD products.
• A proposal that products with both ASDL and VSDL functionality be tested using VDSL connections and meet the VSDL base power allowance.

To read the new draft in its entirety, go to the ENERGY STAR Small Networking Equipment page and click the link: Draft 3 Version 1.0 SNE Specification.