WO2013186468A1

WO2013186468A1 - Selection of a routing path according to the electromagnetic radiation induced by the network connections

Info

Publication number: WO2013186468A1
Application number: PCT/FR2013/051304
Authority: WO
Inventors: Olivier Bouchet; Abdesselem Kortebi
Original assignee: Orange
Priority date: 2012-06-14
Filing date: 2013-06-06
Publication date: 2013-12-19
Also published as: FR2992130A1

Abstract

The invention relates to the selection of a routing path (Popt) for a data stream in a communication network comprising a plurality of nodes having network interfaces (I,). A value (E^l,)) of an electromagnetic radiation parameter, depending on the transmission technology used by the network interface, is associated (A) with each of said network interfaces and the routing path (Popt) is then selected according to a criterion for the optimisation of the electromagnetic radiation, using the values (E^l,)) of the electromagnetic radiation parameter, that are associated with said network interfaces.

Description

Selecting a routing path based

electromagnetic radiation induced by network links

The invention relates to the field of data routing within a communication network, in particular a home or a local network, especially in a network using several transmission technologies.

There are currently various protocols for selecting the best routing path for transmitting a data stream over a communication network, among a set of possible routing paths within that network.

These protocols generally make it possible to know all the nodes of the network; they can take into account the state of the links connecting these nodes and their respective metrics to choose the best path. Thus, with certain protocols, each node of the network can represent a complete topology with end-to-end metrics. In addition, with other protocols, each node of the network has only a local vision encompassing only its direct neighbors. For example, metrics such as jitter, delay, hop count or bandwidth have the characteristic of being able to be processed in order to select the different links to obtain the most suitable routing path.

Unfortunately, the information currently used in these protocols does not include certain parameters that become very sensitive for operators' customers, such as the level of electromagnetic radiation, especially when looking for a routing path generating the minimum electromagnetic radiation.

To reflect this feature, which is related to the MAC and physical layers of each technology used on a network link, there is no metric available today and, therefore, none of the existing routing path selection protocols takes into account such a parameter, especially in the case of networks involving several different transmission technologies where different routing paths can generate electromagnetic radiation levels that vary greatly depending on the technologies they use.

The present invention improves the situation by proposing a routing path selection protocol that takes into account the electromagnetic radiation induced by the routing path network links. The invention thus proposes a method for selecting a routing path for a data stream in a communication network comprising a plurality of nodes having network interfaces, this method comprising:

associating, at each of these network interfaces, a value of an electromagnetic radiation parameter depending on the transmission technology used by the network interface; and

selecting the routing path according to an optimization criterion of the electromagnetic radiation, using the values of the electromagnetic radiation parameter associated with the network interfaces.

In one embodiment of the invention, the method further comprises a step of associating, at each path of a plurality of potential routing paths, an electromagnetic radiation value determined from the values of the electromagnetic radiation parameter. associated with the network interfaces of the nodes belonging to said potential routing path, the selection of the routing path according to an optimization criterion of the electromagnetic radiation then consists in selecting the routing path among the n potential routing paths associated with the lowest values of electromagnetic radiation, where n is an integer less than the number of potential routing paths.

According to another characteristic of the invention, the method further comprises a step consisting in associating, at each of the network interfaces, a value of an electrical energy consumption parameter which is dependent on the transmission technology used by the network interface. , the routing path being further selected according to a criterion of optimization of the electrical energy consumption, using the values of the parameter of consumption of electrical energy associated with the network interfaces.

In a particular embodiment, the method further comprises a step of associating, with each of the potential routing paths, an electric power consumption value, determined from the electrical energy consumption values associated with the network interfaces. nodes belonging to this potential routing path, the selection of the routing path according to a criterion of optimization of the electrical energy consumption then consists in preselecting, among the potential routing paths, m potential routing paths associated with the values lower power consumption, where m is an integer less than the number of potential routing paths, the n potential routing paths being selected from the m pre-selected potential routing paths, n being an integer less than m.

According to a first particular embodiment, the number n is equal to 1. According to another particular embodiment, the number n is greater than 1, the selection of the path routing being performed, among the n potential routing routes, according to a quality of service criterion, depending on the type of service associated with the data stream.

In another embodiment of the invention, the selection of the routing path according to an electromagnetic radiation optimization criterion consists in selecting, at a current node belonging to the routing path, a next node of the routing path connected to the network interface of the current node associated with the value of the lowest electromagnetic radiation parameter among the nodes connected to the current node.

According to one embodiment of the invention, at least a first and a second distinct transmission technologies are used by the network interfaces, the value of an electromagnetic radiation parameter associated with one of said network interfaces using the first transmission technology being distinct from the value of an electromagnetic radiation parameter associated with one of said network interface using the second transmission technology.

According to an advantageous characteristic, the electromagnetic radiation parameter associated with a network interface is the level of electromagnetic radiation of the network interface in an active state.

According to another advantageous characteristic, the electromagnetic radiation parameter associated with a network interface is the difference between the level of electromagnetic radiation of the network interface in an active state and the level of electromagnetic radiation of the network interface in its current state.

In a particular embodiment, the value of the level of electromagnetic radiation associated with the network interface is weighted according to a maximum level of radiation associated with the transmission technology used by the network interface.

In particular, the value of the level of electromagnetic radiation associated with the network interface can be chosen from two values, the first of said values being associated with a network interface using a transmission technology associated with a maximum radiation level below a threshold of radiation and the second value being associated with a network interface using a transmission technology associated with a maximum level of radiation greater than said radiation threshold.

The invention further provides a routing path selection device for a data flow in a communication network comprising a plurality of nodes having network interfaces, the device comprising a processing module configured to select the routing path according to a criterion of optimization of the electromagnetic radiation, by using values of an electromagnetic radiation parameter associated with each of the network interfaces according to the transmission technology used by this network interface.

The invention also proposes a communication network comprising a plurality of nodes having a plurality of network interfaces, at least one of these nodes comprising a processing module configured to select a routing path for a data stream according to a criterion for optimizing the radiation. electromagnetic radiation, using values of an electromagnetic radiation parameter associated with each of the network interfaces according to the transmission technology used by this network interface.

According to a preferred implementation, the various steps of the method according to the invention are implemented by a software or computer program, this software comprising software instructions intended to be executed by a processing module such as a processor. Accordingly, the invention also relates to a computer program and / or logic circuits, capable of being executed by a computer or by a data processor, this program comprising instructions for controlling the execution of the steps of a process as mentioned above. For the protection sought, the computer program above is to be considered as a computer program product.

This program can use any programming language, and be in the form of source code, object code, or intermediate code between source code and object code, such as in a partially compiled form, or in any form what other form is desirable.

The invention also relates to a data carrier readable by a computer or data processor, and comprising instructions of a program as mentioned above. The information carrier may be any entity or device capable of storing the program. For example, the medium may comprise storage means, such as a ROM, for example a CD-ROM or a microelectronic circuit ROM, or a magnetic recording means, for example a diskette or a hard disk. On the other hand, the information medium may be a transmissible medium such as an electrical or optical signal, which may be conveyed via an electrical or optical cable, by radio or by other means. The program according to the invention can be downloaded in particular on an Internet type network. Alternatively, the information carrier may be an integrated circuit in which the program is incorporated, the circuit being adapted to execute or to be used in the execution of the method in question.

Other features and advantages of the invention will appear on examining the detailed description below, and the attached drawings in which: - Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating a communication network, using different transmission technologies, adapted to the use of the method according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates the steps of the method for selecting the routing path according to the principle of the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates the steps of the method for selecting the routing path according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates the steps of the method for selecting the routing path according to a second embodiment of the present invention; and

FIGS. 5A to 5C illustrate an example of selection of the routing path within a communication network.

Referring first to Figure 1 which illustrates a communication network using different transmission technologies, so particularly suitable for the use of the method according to the present invention.

This network, which is typically a home network in an individual, comprises a number of intermediate devices, referred to as "nodes", having network interfaces I ,, connected to network links L, connecting these nodes and using different technologies of communication. transmission.

Thus, the network illustrated in FIG. 1 comprises the following nodes:

a home gateway, designated by H-GW (for "Home Gateway") and connected to the WAN network of the operator providing Internet access to this network, as well as to a PC1 terminal of the laptop type, and having three interfaces with Ethernet type ₃ and a l ₄ WiFi 2.4 GHz type interface;

- a digital decoder, designated by STB (for "Set Top Box") and connected to a television TV1, having three interfaces l ₉ , l ₀ and read respectively using 2.4 GHz WiFi transmission and line carrier technology technologies (CPL) and Ethernet;

- a file storage unit, designated HL (for "Home Library") and connected to the home gateway H-GW through the interface ₅ Ethernet, as well as set-top box through the interface using ₆ line carrier power transmission technology;

- a mini-computer, referred to as "Mini PC" connected to the H-GW via an interface to the Ethernet ₇ and can connect through a wireless interface ₂ li type with a terminal UE1 user type mobile phone, smartphone or tablet. This expansion module also has a second interface l ₈ Ethernet type for connection to the STB decoder. These different devices may correspond to changes in current equipment in which the various network interfaces mentioned above and the process of the present invention are integrated.

Thus, this network employs, in a purely illustrative way, three different transmission technologies, namely Ethernet cable transmission, WiFi transmission and powerline transmission in line.

In particular, the H-GW gateway is connected to the PC1 terminal, the Mini PC and the HL file storage unit respectively by the L ^ U and L ₄ network links of the Ethernet cable type. Similarly, the set-top box is connected to the Mini PC by l_7 network connection type Ethernet cable (and the TV TV1 by connection type L ₃ HDMI cable). In addition, the H-GW gateway is connected to the STB decoder via an L ₂ network link using WiFi technology. Finally, the file storage unit HL is directly connected to the decoder STB via a network link L ₅ using the power line transmission in line, thanks to the use of two modems CPL1 and CPL2 allowing the transmission data through the power grid.

When a data flow must be transmitted through the network of a source terminal equipment, connected to a so-called "source" node of the network, to another destination terminal equipment, connected to a so-called "destination" node of the network, several routing paths are usually possible, among which it is appropriate to proceed to the selection of a routing path especially on the basis of different criteria.

The present invention aims at enabling a selection of the actually used routing path taking into account a criterion of optimization of the electromagnetic radiation, in order to select a routing path having one of the lowest electromagnetic radiation values possible, or even the lowest of all possible routing paths.

FIG. 2 illustrates the steps of the method for selecting the routing path according to the principle of the present invention.

In particular, in a first step, a value E ^ l) ^ E a parameter of electromagnetic radiation is associated with each of the network interfaces I, the nodes of the communications network, ie the different network interfaces \ ₂ to read in the network illustrated in Figure 1 (step A).

Each value Ει (Ι,) depends on the transmission technology used by the network interface I, in question. Thus, a WiFi type network interface will be associated with a value Ει (Ι,) different from an Ethernet or CPL type network interface.

In addition, within the same family of transmission technology, it is possible to associate different values Ει (Ι,). Thus, within the family of WiFi technologies, it is possible to distinguish WiFi interfaces 2.4 GHz (for example according to the standard 802.1 1 η), WiFi 5 GHz (for example according to the standard 802.1 1 ac) and WiFi 60 GHz ( ie according to 802.1 1 ad / ECM A / 802.15.3c) by assigning them Ei (li) values of distinct electromagnetic radiation parameter. It is also possible to associate, again for the same family of transmission technology, different values Ei (1) at different interfaces as a function of the values coming from a manufacturer's equipment. For example, a 5 GHz WiFi interface of a first device may be associated with a value E 1 h) distinct from the value E 1 ( ₂ ) associated with a 5 GHz WiFi interface of a second device.

The use of a single parameter E 1 of electromagnetic radiation is mentioned in FIG. 2, which illustrates the case where each network interface I is associated only with a value E 1 (1) of electromagnetic radiation. However, the invention is not limited to the use of a single parameter of energy nature to select the routing path, and can also take into account a second parameter E ₂ of electrical energy consumption of (s) interface ( s) network (x) I ,, as will be seen later in connection with Figure 4.

The parameter Ei of electromagnetic radiation may in particular correspond to an electromagnetic radiation level of the network interface I, in the active state, ie when this interface I, is used to transmit payload data other than simple signaling messages (typically files, video or voice), in which case each value Ei (l,) represents the level of electromagnetic radiation of the network interface I, when it is used to transmit data .

In another embodiment, this electromagnetic radiation parameter E 1 can correspond to the difference between the electromagnetic radiation level of the network interface I, in an active state, and the level of electromagnetic radiation of the network interface I, in its current state (ie its current state), which can be active (if the interface is already in use by another data stream) or in sleep mode (if the interface is not yet used). Each value E ^ l,) then represents the real increase of the electromagnetic radiation generated by the routing of a new data stream and allows a global optimization of the electromagnetic radiation at the level of the network taking into account, for a new data flow to router, the level of magnetic radiation already generated by the transit of other data streams already being transmitted.

The values Ei (l) of the electromagnetic radiation parameter Ei of the network interfaces I can be determined beforehand, either from a measurement of the value of the parameter Ei at these interfaces, either by using data provided by the constructors, in which case these values Ει (Ι,) are static values that can be stored, for each network interface I ,, in the network node to which this interface belongs. It is also possible to measure in real time, or near real-time, these values Ει (Ι,) by means of sensors located in or near the nodes to which these interfaces belong, in which case these values Ει (Ι,) are dynamic values more accurately reflecting the actual electromagnetic radiation induced by these interfaces.

In a particular embodiment, one can also associate, with each type of network interface I ,, a weighted value E ^ 1), as a function of a maximum level of radiation associated with the transmission technology used by this network interface. .

This weighting can take the form of an integer value associated with the network interfaces I ,,, this integer value being different according to the transmission technology used by the interface and which can be set arbitrarily by the operator or the user. for example, based on available information on the respective impact of transmission technologies on the human body.

This maximum level of radiation can in particular correspond to a maximum value of equivalent isotropically radiated power (EIRP) as defined in certain regulatory references and indicated in Table 1 below:

Thus, by way of example of values Ει (Ι,) deriving from the values of EIRP of this table 1, one can associate the value "0" with the interfaces of the Ethernet type, the value "1" with the interfaces of the CPL type, the value "2" at 2.4 GHz WiFi type interfaces, "3" value at 5 GHz WiFi interfaces and "4" value at 60 GHz WiFi interfaces in order to translate, in a simplified manner, the level of electromagnetic radiation associated with these distinct technologies.

In another more particular embodiment, even more simplified, it is sufficient to distinguish interfaces considered as "substantially radiating" interfaces considered as "little radiating" in a binary manner. We then choose the value E ^ 1) associated with a network interface from among two possible values E _{1 iNR} and Ei, _R , the first value Ei _{, NR} being chosen when the transmission technology used by the network interface is associated with a maximum level of radiation below a radiation threshold and the second value Ei, _R being chosen when the technology of transmission used by the interface is associated with a maximum level of radiation greater than said radiation threshold.

For example, by repeating the maximum radiation levels shown in Table 1, and setting a radiation threshold of 0 dBm to distinguish "substantially radiating" interfaces from "low radiating" interfaces, an E _{1 iNR} value equal to "0" is associated with Ethernet and CPL type interfaces, while a value E _{1 iR} equal to "1" is associated with WiFi type interfaces.

Once the network interfaces I, are associated with a value E ^ l,), the routing path P _opt to use can be selected according to a criterion of optimization of the electromagnetic radiation, by using these values E ^ 1) ( step B).

The criterion of optimization of the electromagnetic radiation may be a "local" optimization criterion, applied at the level of a network node, of choosing, at a current node of the routing path, the next node of this network. path as being that connected to the network interface I, of the current node associated with the lowest value Ει (Ι,) of electromagnetic radiation parameter. Progress is thus made step by step, within the nodes of the network, each time choosing the next node on the basis of this local optimization criterion, until reaching the destination node of the data stream to be transmitted.

This criterion of optimization of the electromagnetic radiation can also be a "global" optimization criterion, applied not at the level of a node but at the level of the potential routing paths between the source node and the destination node, in order to optimize the level of electromagnetic radiation from end to end of the network.

FIG. 3 illustrates the steps of the method for selecting the routing path according to an embodiment of the present invention where such global optimization criterion is used, in order to choose a routing path from among several potential routing paths between a node source and a destination node of the communication network.

This method comprises a prior step of associating a value E 1, of an electromagnetic radiation parameter E 1 with each of the network interfaces I, of the nodes of the communication network, as previously discussed (step A).

Then, for each potential routing path P _j among the plurality of potential routing paths, a value Ei (Pj) of electromagnetic radiation is associated with this potential routing path P _j (step B1).

This value Ei (Pj) is determined from the values Ει (Ι,) of the parameter Ei of electromagnetic radiation associated with the interfaces of the nodes belonging to this potential routing path, for example by adding these values.

Thus, by taking up the network illustrated in FIG. 1, for a potential routing path Pi going from the WAN network to the TV1 via the H-GW gateway, then directly to the STB decoder via the link L ₂ , it is i.e. a path Pi passing through the network interfaces l ₄ and l ₉ , the value E i (Pi) of the electrical energy consumption parameter associated with this path can be calculated as follows:

E ₁ (P ₁ ) = E UHE Ig)

Such a calculation is reproduced for several or all of the potential routing paths Ρ, in order to obtain the different values E ^ P _j ) of these paths.

According to one embodiment, the calculation of the values E ^ P _j ) associated with the potential routing paths P can be performed according to a "pro-active" protocol (where the paths are calculated in advance), in which the different values E ^ l,) associated with the network interfaces I, are calculated during the execution of this protocol and taken into account for the filling of the routing tables stored in the nodes of the network and which make it possible to make the selection of path towards the destination . In this case, the values Ei (li) of the network interfaces I can be either previously stored in these routing tables or transmitted to the selection equipment by the different nodes in which these values Ει (Ι,) are stored. , by means of protocol and request control messages from this selection equipment, then stored in the routing tables.

According to another embodiment, the calculation of the values Ei (P _j ) associated with the potential routing paths P _j can be done gradually, at the successive nodes of the network, according to a "reactive" protocol (where the paths are calculated at the request) and distributed within the network, wherein, following receipt of a request for transmission of a data stream by the source node, a path request message is issued by this source node to search the set of available paths to the destination node.

In this case, when a node of the network receives such a path request message, it calculates a partial value E -, (P ' _j ) of electromagnetic radiation for each partial routing path Ρ' leading to this node, from of the partial value (s) of this path computed at the preceding node (which transmitted this message) and adding the values E ^ 1) of the network interfaces used to reach this node. This partial value Ei (P ' _j ), updated at this node, is then inserted in the path request message that is transmitted by this network node to the following nodes of the network.

This step is repeated successively, from nodes to nodes, until this path request message reaches the destination node, under multiple instances having borrowed different routing paths within the network, which are as many potential routing paths for the data stream to be transmitted. Thus, the destination node knows the different potential routing paths P _j and, for each of these paths, the value Ei (P _j ) associated with it, which corresponds to the last partial value Ei (P ' _j ) determined at the node preceding the destination node on this path, updated with the values E ^ 1) of the network interfaces used between the destination node and the node preceding it on this path.

The destination node, having the values Ε ^ Ρ) of a set of potential routing paths, can then proceed to select the routing path P _opt to use and communicate its decision to the source node, or transmit to the source node the information on the different potential routing paths P _j and the values Ei (P _j ) respectively associated with them, in a response message to the request for paths, so that this source node performs the selection of the routing path P _opt .

To return to the selection process, once the values Ε ^ Ρ) determined and associated with the different potential routing paths P _j, the routing path P _opt can then be selected, from among these various potential routing paths, according to a criterion d optimization of the electromagnetic radiation, using this time ei (P _j ) values of electromagnetic radiation associated with potential routing paths P _j (step B2).

This optimization criterion consists here of choosing the routing path P _opt from among the n potential routing paths associated with the lowest values Ei (P _j ) of electromagnetic radiation, n being an integer less than the number of potential paths of routing. For example, if there are three possible routing paths between the source node and the destination node, this selection may consist of choosing the two possible routing paths with the lowest values Ε ^ Ρ) (where n = 2) , or the possible routing path with the lowest value Ε ^ Ρ) (where n = 1).

More generally, when N potential routing paths connect the source and destination nodes, these N potential paths can be ordered in a list according to the values

associated with them, the n potential paths presenting the lowest values Ε ^ Ρ) being kept in this list whereas the other potential paths are eliminated from this list at this stage, on this sole criterion of optimization of the electromagnetic radiation . The routing path P _opt is then selected from these n remaining potential paths in this list, which allows a selection of the routing path respecting this criterion of relative optimization of electromagnetic radiation. In a particular embodiment where the criterion of optimization of the electromagnetic radiation is a criterion of absolute minimization of this radiation, the number n mentioned above is set to be equal to one. In other words, during step B2, the routing path P _opt is directly obtained as the potential routing path associated with the minimum value Ei (P _j ), among all the potential routing paths. This last embodiment is particularly suitable when the user, or the operator of the communication network, wishes to concentrate on this single criterion of electromagnetic radiation in his choice of routing, without taking into account other transmission criteria oriented towards the quality of service, such as available throughput, loss rate, etc.

In another embodiment, this criterion of optimization of the electromagnetic radiation is used upstream of one (or several) other criteria, for example the type of service associated with the data stream to be transmitted between the two terminals. In this case, the number n mentioned above is set as being different from one (but still strictly less than the total number N of routing paths possible). In other words, during step B2, the n potential routing paths associated with the lowest values Ei (P _j ), among all the potential routing paths, are selected at first, and the routing path routing is then chosen, from among these n selected potential routing paths, depending on the type of service associated with the data stream to be transmitted, for example by selecting the path P to offer the best quality of service with respect to this type of routing. service. This other embodiment is particularly suitable when the user, or the operator of the communication network, wishes to involve a criterion of minimizing electromagnetic radiation in his choice of routing, while ensuring a certain quality of service.

In such a case, it is possible that none of the n potential routing paths satisfying the criterion of optimization of the electromagnetic radiation can offer a sufficient quality of service with respect to the type of service associated with the data to be transmitted, especially when the selection on the basis of the electromagnetic radiation is drastic, that is to say for low values of the number n (for example n = 2 or 3). In such a case, it may be proposed to the user to accept or not the transmission of the data stream in a degraded context, to prevent the impact of the electromagnetic radiation criterion on the quality of transmission.

Reference is now made to FIG. 4, which illustrates the steps of the method for selecting the routing path according to another embodiment of the present invention, in which not only a parameter relating to electromagnetic radiation, but also a parameter relating to the consumption of electrical energy, are successively taken into account when selecting the routing path.

In a first step (step A1 1), similarly to step A above, a first value Ει (Ι,) of a first parameter Ei of electromagnetic radiation is associated with the network interfaces I, nodes of the communication network. .

In addition, a second value E ₂ (1) of a second parameter E ₂ for electrical energy consumption is associated with the network interfaces I, from the nodes of the communication network to the network interfaces I, (step A12).

This second value Ε ₂ (Ι,) is determined in a manner similar to that described for the first value E ^ 1), either statically by prior measurement, from manufacturer data or data derived from regulatory references, or dynamically by measurement by means of a sensor located in or near the node to which the network interface I, belongs. It can typically be expressed in Watt hours (Wh) or Watt.h / Mbps, in order to account for the over-consumption of electrical energy in relation to the increase in flow.

The parameter E ₂ of electrical energy consumption can in particular correspond to the electrical energy consumption of the interface I, in the active state, ie when this interface I, is used to transmit charge data. useful other than simple signaling messages (typically files, video or voice), in which case each value E ₂ (1) represents the electrical power consumption of the network interface I, when this is used to transmit data.

In another embodiment, this parameter E ₂ of electrical energy consumption can correspond to the difference between the electrical energy consumption of the network interface I, in an active mode and the electrical energy consumption of the network interface I, in standby mode, the standby mode being understood as being a state in which the network interface I, does not issue payload data. Each value E ₂ (1) then represents the actual over-consumption of electrical energy generated by the activation of a network interface I, initially in standby, which increases the accuracy of the selection process with respect to the previous embodiment. in return for a more complex calculation.

Finally, in another embodiment, this parameter E ₂ of electrical energy consumption can correspond to the difference between the electrical energy consumption of the network interface I, in an active mode and the electrical energy consumption of the network interface I, in its current state, which can be active (if the interface is already used by another data stream) or in standby mode (if the interface is not yet used). Each value E ₂ (l,) then represents the real increase in consumption of electrical energy generated by the routing of a new data stream and allows a global optimization of the electrical energy consumption at the network level by taking into account, for a new flow of data to be routed, the energy consumption already generated by the transit of other data streams already being transmitted.

Table 2 below gives examples of E ₂ (l) values as measured in the laboratory for different network interfaces according to the transmission technology used and the state of the interface:

Then, for each potential routing path P among the plurality of potential routing paths, a value Ε ^ Ρ) of electromagnetic radiation is associated with this potential routing path P _j (step B1 1), this value being determined from the different values E ^ l,) of the parameter E ^ of electromagnetic radiation associated with the network interfaces of the nodes belonging to this potential routing path, for example by adding these values when they are integer values, as explained above.

Similarly, for each potential routing path P _j among the plurality of potential routing paths, a value E ₂ (P _j ) of electrical energy consumption is associated with this potential routing path P _j (step B12), this value being determined from the different values E ₂ (1) of the electrical energy consumption parameter E ₂ associated with the interfaces of the nodes belonging to this potential routing path, typically by adding them together.

Thus, by taking up the network illustrated in FIG. 1, for the potential routing path Pi mentioned previously, this electromagnetic consumption value E ₂ (Pi) associated with this path Pi can be calculated as follows:

E ₂ (P) = E ₂ (l ₄₎ + E ₂ (l ₉₎

which gives E ₂ (Pi) = 3 + 3 = 6 Wh using the values indicated in Table 2, if we consider a link L ₂ WiFi 2.4 GHz. Such a calculation is reproduced for several or all of the potential routing paths P _j , in order to obtain the values E ₂ (P _j ) of these paths. At this stage, a criterion for optimizing the consumption of electrical energy is first applied by using the E ₂ (P _j ) values of electrical energy consumption associated with the potential routing paths, and then an optimization criterion. electromagnetic radiation by using electromagnetic radiation values Ei (P _j ) associated with the potential routing paths.

To do this, it is first preselected (step B21), among the potential routing paths, m potential routing paths associated with the lowest values of electrical energy consumption, m being an integer less than the number of potential paths Routing. The n potential routing paths associated with the lowest electromagnetic radiation values among the m preselected potential routing paths are then selected (step B22), where n is an integer strictly less than the number m of preselected potential routing paths.

Thus, as a first step, the potential routing paths fulfilling a criterion for optimizing the consumption of electrical energy are preselected before refining this selection, in a second step, keeping only the n potential paths, among the preselected potential paths fulfilling the criterion of optimization of electromagnetic radiation.

As in the method illustrated in FIG. 2, the number n of potential routing paths selected on the basis of these two successive optimization criteria relating to the consumption of electrical energy and to electromagnetic radiation may be equal to one (when one wishes to conclude the selection on the basis of these criteria only), or to be superior to one (when one wishes a selection taking into account other criteria like the quality of service, for example), in which case the final selection the only routing path to be used is made, among the n selected potential paths, by means of a transmission criterion such as a quality of service compatible with the type of service of the data stream to be transmitted.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 5A to 5C which illustrate an example of selection of the routing path within the communication network presented in FIG. In this example, the routing path selection protocol is implemented on the nodes H-GW, STB, HL and mini PC already illustrated in FIG.

In particular, when it is desired to transmit data from the WAN network to the TV1 television with the network of FIG. 1, there are three potential routing paths Pi to P ₃ , between a source node corresponding to the H-GW gateway. and a destination node corresponding to the STB decoder.

FIG. 5A illustrates in particular the potential path Pi, already mentioned previously, including the network link L ₂ located between the network interfaces l ₄ and l ₉ , which are 2.4GH WiFi interfaces. This first potential path Pi therefore uses only WiFi transmission technology.

FIG. 5B illustrates an alternative potential path P ₂ transiting via the file storage unit HL. This second path P ₂ thus comprises the network links L ₄ and l_5, located respectively between the network interfaces l ₂ and l ₅ of the Ethernet type 1 00 Mb / s, and between the interfaces l ₆ and l ₀ , using the current transmission. carrier (as well as an Ethernet link for connecting the PLC modem to the node). This second potential path P ₂ therefore uses a mixture of Ethernet technology and PLC technology.

Finally, FIG. 5C illustrates another alternative potential path P ₃ transiting via the "Mini PC" mini-computer. This third path P ₃ thus comprises the network links L ₆ and L ₇ located between the network interfaces l ₃ J ₇ and between the network interfaces l ₈ and lu _, all of Ethernet type 1 00 Mb / s. This third potential path P ₃ therefore uses only Ethernet transmission technology.

In the case where the parameter Ei corresponds to a level of electromagnetic radiation of the network interface in active state, by taking the integer values Ei (li) according to a scale of 0 to 4 introduced previously, weighted from the values of EIRP defined in Table 1 above, the following values Ei (P _j ) of electromagnetic radiation are obtained for the potential routes of routing Pi to P ₃ :

- E ₁ (P ₁ ) = E ₁ (l ₄ ) + E ₁ (l ₉ ) = 2 + 2 = 4

- E (P ₂ ) = E (\ ₂ ) + E (\ ₅ ) + E (\ _e ) + E (\ ₀ ) = 0+ (0 ₊ 1) ₊ (0 ₊ 1) ₊ 0 = 2

- E (P ₃ ) = E (\ ₃ ) + E (\ ₇ ) + E (\ _B ) + E (\ ") = 4 * 0 = 0

Thus, in one embodiment where the routing path is selected as being the potential path associated with the minimum value of electromagnetic radiation (ie n = 1), the third potential path P ₃ is selected as the routing path P _opt while it does not yet constitute the path with the least network links (ie Pi in this case).

In another embodiment where two routing paths are selected as the potential paths associated with the lowest electromagnetic radiation values (ie n = 2), the routing path P _opt is selected from the potential paths P ₂ and P ₃ , for example by choosing the potential path offering the best quality of service among these two potential paths with respect to the type of service carried by the data stream to be routed.

When a criterion for optimizing the consumption of electrical energy is also to take into account, the values of electrical energy consumption of the network interfaces are to be considered to obtain the values of electrical energy consumption of the potential routes of routing. By taking values E ₂ (1) as indicated in Table 2 above, the following values are obtained:

- E ₂ (Pi) = E ₂ (l ₄ ) + E ₂ (l ₉ ) = 3 + 3 = 6 Wh

- E ₂ (P ₂ ) = E ₂ (l ₂ ) + E ₂ (l ₅ ) ₊ E ₂ (l ₆ ) ₊ E ₂ (l ₁₀ ) = 0.3+ (0.3 ₊ 2.9) ₊ (0.3 ₊ 2.9) +0.3 = 7 Wh

- E ₂ (P ₃₎ = E ₂ (l ₃₎ + E ₂ (l ₇₎ + E ₂ (l ₈₎ + S ₂ (l ₁₁₎ = 4 ^* 0.3 = 1, 2 Wh

Thus, in one embodiment where the consumption of electrical energy and the electromagnetic radiation are to be successively taken into account, the selection of the routing path P _opt is as follows:

two potential paths are initially preselected, out of the three potential paths Pi to P ₃ associated with the lowest electrical power consumption values, here the paths Pi and P ₃ (because E ₂ (P ₃ ) <E ₂ (P ₁ ) <E ₂ (P ₂ )).

between the two preselected paths Pi and P ₃ , the potential routing path associated with the lowest electromagnetic radiation value, here the path P ₃ (because Ei (P ₃ ) <Ei (Pi)), is selected as being the routing path P _opt to use.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and shown, from which we can provide other modes and other embodiments, without departing from the scope of the invention. .

Thus, instead of using the parameter values of electromagnetic radiation (respectively of electrical energy consumption) associated with the network interfaces Ii, either directly or via values associated with the potential routing paths, to select the routing path P _opt , it is possible to associate parameter values of electromagnetic radiation (respectively of electrical energy consumption) with the network links L, which are connected to one (or two) node (s) of the network by the intermediate of one (or two) interface (s).

In this case, each value E ^ L,) associated with a network link L, is obtained from either the value associated with the single interface connected to the link L, if the node is located at one end of the network (example of link in FIG. 1), or from the values associated with the interfaces situated at the ends of the link L (for example, the interfaces l ₂ and l ₅ for the link L ₄ in FIG. 1), for example by summing these values .

Thus, the value Ei (L ₅ ) of electromagnetic radiation associated with the link L ₅ of the CPL type can be calculated as being equal to the sum of the radiation values associated with the two modems CPL1 and CPL2 and the two Ethernet interfaces connecting these modems with the entities HL and STB, that is to say a value Ei (L ₅ ) equal to 2 if one takes again the scale of weighting from 0 to 4 discussed previously.

In this alternative, the selection of the routing path can be done from node to node (by choosing, at each node, the next node as being the one connected to the network link having the lowest electromagnetic radiation value), or more generally at the level of the possible routing paths, in which case the values of electromagnetic radiation associated with the potential routing paths are determined from the values associated with the network links, instead of the values associated with the network interfaces, the selection process described previously applying elsewhere.

In addition, the application of the invention to a network using distinct transmission technologies has been described previously. However, the invention is not limited to this situation alone and can be applied to a network in which network interfaces use the same transmission technology.

Claims

claims

1. A method of selecting a routing path (P _opt ) for a data stream in a communication network comprising a plurality of nodes having a plurality of network interfaces (I,), the method comprising:

associating (A), at each of said network interfaces, a value (Ει (Ι,)) of an electromagnetic radiation parameter dependent on the transmission technology used by the network interface; and

selecting (B) the routing path (P _opt ) according to an optimization criterion of the electromagnetic radiation, by using said values (E ^ 1) of the electromagnetic radiation parameter associated with said network interfaces.

The selection method according to claim 1, comprising:

associating (B1), at each path (Ρ) of a plurality of potential routing paths, a value (Ε ₍ Ρ)) of electromagnetic radiation, determined from the values (Ει (Ι,)) of the electromagnetic radiation parameter associated with the network interfaces of the nodes belonging to said potential routing path;

selecting the routing path according to an optimization criterion of the electromagnetic radiation of selecting (B2) the routing path (P _opt ) among the n potential routing paths associated with the lowest values of electromagnetic radiation, n being a number integer less than the number of potential routing paths.

The selection method of claim 2, further comprising:

associating (A12), at each of said network interfaces, a value (Ε ₂ (Ι,)) of an electrical power consumption parameter depending on the transmission technology used by the network interface;

the routing path (P _opt ) being furthermore selected according to a criterion for optimizing the consumption of electrical energy, by using the said values (Ε ₂ (Ι,)) of the electrical energy consumption parameter associated with said network interfaces .

The selection method of claim 3, further comprising:

associating (B12), at each of said potential routing paths, a value (E _{2 (} P _j )) of electrical energy consumption, determined from the values (Ε ₂ (Ι,)) of the energy consumption parameter electrical associated with the network interfaces of the nodes belonging to said potential routing path;

the selection of the routing path according to a criterion of optimization of the electrical power consumption of preselecting (B21), among the potential routing paths, m potential routing paths associated with the lowest values of power consumption, m being an integer less than the number of potential routing paths , the n potential routing routes being selected (B22) from among the m preselected potential routing paths, n being an integer less than m.

5. Selection method according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the number n is equal to 1.

6. Selection method according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the number n is greater than 1, the selection of the routing path being performed, among the n potential routing routes, according to a quality of service criterion, depending on the type of service associated with the data flow.

A selection method according to claim 1, wherein the selection of the routing path according to an optimization criterion of the electromagnetic radiation consists in selecting, at a current node belonging to the routing path, a next node of the path of routing connected to the network interface of the current node associated with the lowest electromagnetic radiation parameter value among the nodes connected to the current node.

8. Method according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein at least a first and a second distinct transmission technologies are used by the network interfaces, the value of a parameter (E ^ 1) of associated electromagnetic radiation. at one of said network interface using the first transmission technology being distinct from the value of an electromagnetic radiation parameter (E ^ 1)) associated with one of said network interface using the second transmission technology.

9. Method according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the electromagnetic radiation parameter associated with a network interface is the level of electromagnetic radiation of the network interface in an active state.

The method according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the electromagnetic radiation parameter associated with a network interface is the difference between the electromagnetic radiation level of the network interface in an active state and the electromagnetic radiation level of the network interface in its current state.

1 1. Method according to one of claims 9 or 10, wherein the value (Ει (Ι,)) of the level of electromagnetic radiation associated with the network interface is weighted according to a maximum level of radiation associated with the transmission technology used by the network interface.

12. The method of claim 1 1, wherein the value (E ^ l)) of the level of electromagnetic radiation associated with the network interface is chosen from two values, the first of said values being associated with a network interface using a technology. transmission associated with a maximum radiation level below a radiation threshold and the second value being associated with a network interface using a transmission technology associated with a maximum level of radiation greater than said radiation threshold.

13. Computer program comprising code instructions for implementing the selection method according to one of claims 1 to 12, when the program is executed by a processing module.

14. Device for selecting a routing path (P _opt ) for a data stream in a communication network comprising a plurality of nodes having network interfaces (I,), the device comprising a processing module configured to select ( B) the routing path (P _opt ) according to a criterion of optimization of the electromagnetic radiation, by using values (Ει (Ι,)) of an electromagnetic radiation parameter associated with each of said network interfaces according to the technology of transmission used by said network interface.

A communication network comprising a plurality of nodes having a plurality of network interfaces (I), wherein at least one of said nodes comprises a processing module configured to select (B) a routing path (P _opt ) for a data stream in accordance with a optimization criterion consumption of the electromagnetic radiation, using values (E ^ l,)) of an associated electromagnetic radiation parameter (A) at each of said network interfaces as a function of the transmission technology used by said network interface.