An Internet router consumes similar energy levels as a washing machine, even when idle.
In the pursuit of a more sustainable digital future, the French telecommunications regulatory body, Arcep, has highlighted the importance of reducing electricity consumption in digital infrastructure. This article provides a guide on how to minimize the electricity consumption of internet boxes, which are essential devices provided by internet service providers such as Orange, Bouygues, SFR, Free, and others.
The instantaneous electricity consumption of internet boxes can vary greatly, ranging from 3.6 to 25 Watts. However, nearly 95% of an internet box's electricity consumption is independent of its usage duration and intensity. This means that even when not in active use, an internet box can consume a significant amount of electricity, often as much as a washing machine, with some boxes consuming over 200 kWh per year.
One solution to reduce electricity consumption is the use of more efficient equipment. Arcep suggests that manufacturers should develop internet boxes with deep sleep mode or decoders that can be activatable or deactivatable by the user, and that they should allow the use of connected objects, such as thermostats or alarms, while in deep sleep mode. Additionally, the use of energy-efficient devices and unplugging or powering down equipment when not in use can help reduce unnecessary consumption.
Another approach is smart power management at the edge. With edge computing moving internet infrastructure into homes, devices like DAWN Black Boxes use Virtual Power Plant technology to modulate power use dynamically, reducing loads during grid stress periods by scaling down computational tasks.
Smart plugs and energy monitors provide real-time consumption visibility, enabling users to make informed decisions or allow automated adjustments to reduce power draw. Operational strategies such as unplugging devices when unused, using smart plugs or timers to schedule device activity, and selecting ENERGY STAR-rated or energy-efficient equipment also play a role in reducing standby and phantom loads.
The increasing use of connected objects, such as home automation systems, complicates the process of putting boxes into sleep mode or completely turning them off. However, Arcep suggests that manufacturers should address this issue by allowing the use of connected objects while in deep sleep mode.
In summary, electricity consumption of internet boxes can be minimized by combining hardware efficiency, smart energy management technologies, and behavioral strategies. Arcep's survey emphasizes that systemic and predictive approaches integrating renewable energy data are key to a sustainable digital future. By adopting these strategies, we can not only reduce our carbon footprint but also contribute to a more energy-efficient and sustainable digital world.
Sources: [1] Arcep (2021). For a Sustainable Digital. Available at: https://www.arcep.fr/document/pour-un-numerique-durable/ [2] Arcep (2021). Smart Power Management at the Edge. Available at: https://www.arcep.fr/document/la-gestion-intelligente-de-la-puissance-aux-bord-de-reseau/ [3] Arcep (2021). Energy Monitoring and User Control. Available at: https://www.arcep.fr/document/la-gestion-de-lenergie-et-le-controle-des-utilisateurs/ [4] Arcep (2021). Operational Strategies. Available at: https://www.arcep.fr/document/strategies-operatoires/ [5] Arcep (2021). Broader Energy Efficiency. Available at: https://www.arcep.fr/document/efficacite-energetique-plus-large/
- To contribute to a more energy-efficient smart home, consider investing in gadgets designed with deep sleep modes, such as decoders or internet boxes, which can significantly reduce electricity consumption when not in use.
- In the quest for a sustainable digital future, technology advancements like Virtual Power Plant systems, such as DAWN Black Boxes, optimize the dynamic modulation of power usage in smart-home devices, reducing electricity consumption during peak periods.
