Driving energy efficiency through the network
April 16th, 2025
Whether it’s in hospitals, financial institutions, blue light services, or hybrid work environments, the network is the backbone of operations – keeping critical systems running and connecting people and information. It’s the glue that holds everything together and although networks have evolved to support digital transformation, sustainability is often overlooked as part of the networking strategy. Much of the focus on green IT concentrates on data centres and cloud computing but network infrastructure presents a significant opportunity to drive sustainability.
Implementing Power over Ethernet (PoE) policies
One of the simplest and most effective ways to embed sustainability into networking is by defining Power over Ethernet (PoE) policies on switches. PoE allows switches to deliver power efficiently to connected devices, but if left unchecked, can lead to unnecessary energy consumption. Many organisations over provision power supplies in switches, often exceeding the actual power demand. For example, if a switch only draws 900 watts, there is no need to install a 1500-watt power supply. Configuring switches to deliver only the required amount of power to endpoints can reduce excess energy use.
Additionally, optimising power sharing between devices can further enhance efficiency. Many modern Cisco switches, for instance, have power stack capabilities, allowing multiple switches to share power. Instead of equipping each switch with a higher power supply, IT teams can configure them to distribute power dynamically, ensuring backup power while minimising excess consumption.
Using automation to enhance energy efficiency
Beyond PoE policies, organisations can integrate building automation management systems and smart sensors to create a more energy efficient network. Automation plays a crucial role in reducing unnecessary power consumption by dynamically adjusting network and building infrastructure, based on real-time usage patterns.
For example, IT teams can implement automated scripts that power down switch ports during non-business hours and reactivate them in the morning. The same approach can be used to shut down unnecessary cooling and lighting in unoccupied meeting rooms. This prevents unnecessary power draw outside critical hours, leading to tangible energy savings and a reduction in environmental impact.
Data driven insights can also enhance sustainability efforts. Platforms like Cisco Spaces gather real-time data from temperature sensors, motion detectors, and power control systems to provide actionable insights into building usage. If footfall data shows that a particular meeting room remains unused on Mondays, IT teams can programme building management systems to automatically disable lighting, air conditioning, and networking equipment in that space on those days. By integrating automation with network intelligence, organisations can reduce energy waste, lower costs, and minimise their environmental footprint, all while maintaining an optimised and responsive IT infrastructure.
Supplying effective failover solutions for Red Phone operations
Keeping a Red Phone in a cupboard because it can only be used in a time of crisis is a recipe for disaster. It is likely to be forgotten, unplugged and removed, damaged, or simply out of reach when it is needed most. Network or powers outages are rarely planned, leaving no time for users to locate, test of familiarise themselves with the device. These events usually happen with no notice, with no chance to communicate instructions—making immediate Red Phone accessibility essential for emergency response.
Red Phone systems need to be an intrinsic part of the telephony platform, allowing them to be used during day to day operations, and the failover needs to be instant and seamless to ensure when that handset is picked up, the dial tone is there, and number can be dialled – no matter what is happening elsewhere on site.
Contact Cinos for your mission critical communications requirements
With Cinos, these solutions can be added to an existing Unified Communications deployment, part of a Cinos Cloud private cloud or hybrid communications solution, or within a Cisco Webex Cloud environment.
If you’ve moved to a cloud platform and have concerns about disaster recovery, or if you’re planning a telephony migration, contact Cinos to ensure your critical phones remain accessible in any emergency.
