Linux kernel could cut energy use in data centres by up to 30 per cent
Researchers at the Cheriton School of Computer Science modified the Linux kernel to reduce data center energy consumption by up to 30%, enhancing network traffic processing and CPU efficiency.
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Researchers at the Cheriton School of Computer Science have developed a modification to the Linux kernel that could potentially reduce energy consumption in data centers by up to 30%. This update addresses inefficiencies in network traffic processing, which is crucial as data centers account for a significant portion of global energy use. The modification, which involves rearranging operations within the Linux networking stack, enhances both performance and energy efficiency without adding new components. The research, led by Professor Martin Karsten and former student Peter Cai, was presented at ACM SIGMETRICS 2024 and has been integrated into Linux kernel version 6.13. A key feature of their innovation is IRQ (interrupt request) suspension, which optimizes CPU power usage during varying traffic conditions. If adopted by major companies using Linux, such as Amazon and Google, this method could lead to substantial energy savings globally. Professor Karsten emphasizes the importance of sustainability in computer science and the role of such innovations in creating a greener future.
- A modification to the Linux kernel could cut data center energy use by up to 30%.
- The research addresses inefficiencies in network traffic processing.
- The update has been integrated into Linux kernel version 6.13.
- IRQ suspension optimizes CPU usage during different traffic conditions.
- Adoption by major companies could lead to significant global energy savings.
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Update to Linux kernel could cut energy use in data centres by up to 30%
Researchers at the Cheriton School of Computer Science modified the Linux kernel to reduce data center energy consumption by up to 30%, enhancing network efficiency and optimizing CPU power usage.
4 commentsPaper: https://dl.acm.org/doi/abs/10.1145/3626780
Actual merge commit: https://git.kernel.org/pub/scm/linux/kernel/git/torvalds/lin...
And I count 822 lines changed, not 30.
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Update to Linux kernel could cut energy use in data centres by up to 30%
Researchers at the Cheriton School of Computer Science modified the Linux kernel to reduce data center energy consumption by up to 30%, enhancing network efficiency and optimizing CPU power usage.