Energino helps measure the energy consumption of wireless networks

CREATE-NET researchers, in collaboration with the University of Trento, designed the prototype to meet the lack of suitable measurement tools to identify where, how and when electricity is consumed in a wireless network. "We believe that in the near future, Energino can be easily integrated into all electronic devices already present in our homes, such as ADSL modems, Smart TVs, playstation, etc.." said the reserachers Roberto Riggio and Karina Gomez.
In fact, in today's society we are witnessing an exponential growth of wireless networks because of both the tablet and smartphone revolution and the increasing user need to “always be connected,” thanks to cutting edge technology.Our homes are already populated with new classes of wireless devices, such as Smart TVs, tablets, smart phones, which are in addition to traditional ADSL modem and desktop computers or laptops. All these devices are typically always connected to your home network even when not in use, consuming energy.Likewise, inside the networks of providers of wireless connectivity, the so-called Wireless Internet Service Provider or WISP, different parts of the network infrastructure are constantly powered.
All of this involves a non-optimal use of the network infrastructure which results in high energy consumption. In large networks such as those of the university campuses or vaste metropolitan areas, the large waste of electricity may even reach 80%. To address this issue CREATE-NET decided to introduce Energino: a tool for measuring and monitoring the power consumption of wireless networks used by researchers and practitioners to optimize the consumption of network devices through the use of an intuitive interface that allows the user to quickly identify which devices are absorbing more energy.The current prototype of Energino has to be inserted between the power supply of the device in question (for example the model ADSL) and the electrical outlet. The consumption can then be viewed and monitored using a dedicated web interface.Energino can also be used by network operators to reduce the consumption of their infrastructure in times of low use.
Through Energino, CREATE-NET continues its commitment to promote the use of ICT in reducing the environmental impact of our daily activity.