Method and system for end-to-end management of energy efficient networking protocols

Aspects of a method and system for end-to-end management of energy efficient networking protocols are provided. In this regard, a path between two network nodes may be determined and one or more messages may be generated. The one or more messages may be communicated to one or more network nodes along the determined path and may configure an EEN control policy and/or one or more (EEN) parameters in those network nodes. The one or more generated messages may comprise a distinct marking that may, upon detection by the network nodes along the determined path, trigger configuration of the EEN control policy and/or EEN parameters within the one or more network nodes. The one or more messages may be may be utilized to enable and disable EEN in one or more network nodes along the path.

This patent application makes reference to, claims priority to and claims benefit from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/184,269 filed on Jun. 4, 2009.

This patent application also makes reference to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/015,671 filed on Jan. 17, 2008.

Each of the above stated applications is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Certain embodiments of the invention relate to networking. More specifically, certain embodiments of the invention relate to a method and system for end-to-end management of energy efficient networking protocols.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Communications networks and in particular Ethernet networks, are becoming an increasingly popular means of exchanging data of various types and sizes for a variety of applications. In this regard, Ethernet networks are increasingly being utilized to carry voice, data, and multimedia traffic. Accordingly more and more devices are being equipped to interface to Ethernet networks. Broadband connectivity including internet, cable, phone and VOIP offered by service providers has led to increased traffic and more recently, migration to Ethernet networking. Much of the demand for Ethernet connectivity is driven by a shift to electronic lifestyles involving desktop computers, laptop computers, and various handheld devices such as smart phones and PDA's. Applications such as search engines, reservation systems and video on demand that may be offered at all hours of a day and seven days a week, have become increasingly popular. As an increasing number of portable and/or handheld devices are enabled for Ethernet communications, battery life may be a concern when communicating over Ethernet networks. Accordingly, ways of reducing power consumption when communicating over electronic networks may be needed.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A system and/or method is provided for end-to-end management of energy efficient networking protocols, substantially as shown in and/or described in connection with at least one of the figures, as set forth more completely in the claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Certain embodiments of the invention may be found in a method and system for end-to-end management of energy efficient networking protocols. In various embodiments of the invention, a path between two network nodes may be determined and one or more messages for configuring one or more energy efficient networking (EEN) parameters along the determined network path may be generated. The one or more messages may be communicated to the various nodes along the determined path. The one or more generated messages may comprise a distinct marking that may, upon detection by network nodes along the determined path, trigger configuration of the one or more EEN parameters within the one or more network nodes. The one or more messages may comprise one or more fields defined by the IEEE 802.1Qat standard, and one or more fields that convey information for configuring EEN parameters along the determined path. The one or more messages may be communicated in accordance with the simple network management protocol (SNMP). The one or more messages may be communicated in accordance with logical link discovery protocol (LLDP) or other OSI layer 2 protocols.

The path may be determined via communication of one or more packets along the path, where information identifying EEN capabilities of nodes along the determined path may be inserted by the network nodes along the determined path as the one or more packets traverse the determined path. In some instances, the EEN parameters may be stored in a PHY of each of said network nodes along the determined path. In some instances, the EEN parameters may be stored in devices associated with higher OSI layers. The one or more EEN parameters may be configured based on applications running on the first network node and/or applications running on the second network node. The network nodes may comprise end-systems such as computers, servers, and set-top-boxes. The network nodes may comprise intermediary nodes such as switches and routers. The one or more EEN parameters may be configured based on quality of service required for data to be communicated over the determined path. The one or more EEN parameters may be configured based on resource reservation packets communicated along the determined path. The one or more parameters may comprise a parameter that controls whether EEN is enabled or disabled in one or more of the network nodes.

FIG. 1is a diagram of an exemplary network in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Referring toFIG. 1Athere is shown a network100comprising network nodes102,104a,104b, and106. The network node102may comprise an end-system such as, for example, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a set-top-box, or a smart phone. The network nodes104aand104bmay comprise, for example, gateways, routers, and/or switches. The network node106may comprise an end-system such as, for example, a mass storage device, a set-top-box, a mainframe computer, or a personal computer. Each of the network nodes102,104a,104b, and106may comprise a corresponding one of networking subsystems130a-130d, a corresponding one of processors132a-132d, a corresponding one of digital signal processors (DSPs)134a-134d, and a corresponding one of memories136a-136d.

The networking subsystems130a-130dmay each comprise suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces, and/or code that may be operable to handle communication of information with other network nodes via one or more communication media such as copper and/or optical fiber. Each of the networking subsystems130a-130dmay comprise, for example, a media access controller (MAC) and a physical layer transceiver (PHY). Each of the networking subsystems130a-130dmay be operable to implement Ethernet protocols, such as those in the IEEE 802.3 standards, for example. The networking subsystems130a-130dmay each be capable of communicating at one or more standard rates such as 10 Mbps, 100 Mbps, 1 Gbps, 40 Gbps, 10 Gbps, and/or 100 Gbps (e.g., 10 GBASE-KX4 and/or 10 GBASE-KR); and/or non-standard rates such as 2.5 Gbps, 5 Gbps, 6 Gbps, and 20 Gbps. The networking subsystems130a-130dmay each be operable to communicate over multiple channels and/or over a serial interface. In some instances, the networking subsystems130a-130dmay each comprise a pluggable module. Exemplary form factors for the pluggable modules may comprise SFP, SFP+, XENPAK, X2, XFP and XPAK modules. Also, the networking subsystems130a-130dmay support transmission and/or reception at a high(er) data in one direction and transmission and/or reception at a low(er) data rate in the other direction.

Additionally, each of the networking subsystems130a-130d, or a PHY (not shown) within each of the networking subsystems130a-130d, may be operable to implement one or more energy efficient techniques, which may be referred to generally as energy efficient networking (EEN), or in the specific case of Ethernet, as energy efficient Ethernet (EEE). For example, the networking subsystems130a-130dmay be operable to support low power idle (LPI) and/or sub-rating, also referred to as subset PHY, techniques. LPI may generally refer a family of techniques where, instead of transmitting conventional IDLE symbols during periods of inactivity, the networking subsystems130a-130dmay remain silent and/or communicate signals other than conventional IDLE symbols. Sub-rating, or sub-set PHY, may generally refer to a family of techniques where the PHYs are reconfigurable, in real-time or near real-time, to communicate at different data rates.

Furthermore, the network node102, the network nodes104aand104b, and/or the network node106may be operable to implement other energy saving features that may not be associated with networking functions. In this regard, various aspects of the invention may be utilized in conjunction with other energy saving features. For example, monitors and/or hard drives may be powered down at various times in order to save energy and aspects of the invention may be utilized to communicate and/or manage such functions.

Algorithms, heuristics, or other factors that determine how the EEN techniques are utilized or implemented are referred to herein as the EEN control policy. In this regard, a network nodes' EEN control policy may, for example, control when the network node transitions into an energy saving state, when the device transitions out of an energy saving state, how much data the device may buffer while in an energy saving state, and control when one or more EEN techniques are enabled or disabled. Accordingly, each of the networking subsystems130a-130d, or PHYs therein, may comprise a management information base (MIB)120and an EEN module122for implementing an EEN control policy. Each of the MIBs120a-120dmay comprise suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces, and/or code that may be operable to store and/or manage one or more networking parameters. The network parameters may be utilized to control communications of the corresponding one of the networking subsystems130a-130d. Each of the EEN modules122a-122dmay comprise suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces, and/or code that may be operable to implement, utilizing one or more EEN parameters stored in a corresponding on of the MIBs120a-120d, an EEN control policy.

Parameters that may be stored in one or more of the MIBs120a-120dmay comprise, for example, coefficients or other values for negotiating data rates of a network link and/or maintaining synchronization on the network link. Moreover, in various embodiments of the invention, various parameters associated with implementing EEN may be stored in the MIBs120a-120d. For example, one or more of the parameters may determine and/or indicate whether EEN is enabled in a network node. Furthermore, each of a plurality of such parameters, or bits of such parameters, may correspond to a particular port, or other portion of a network node. In this manner, EEN may be enabled and disabled on, for example, a port-by-port basis.

Additional EEN parameters stored in or managed via the MIB120amay comprise: a parameter that indicates EEN techniques (such as LPI and subset PHY) supported by the network node102; a parameter that indicates subset PHY data rates supported by the network node102; one or more networking parameters that indicate an amount of time required for the network node102to transition into one or more energy saving modes; one or more networking parameters that indicate an amount of time required for the network node102to transition out of one or more energy saving modes; a parameter that indicates whether the network node102is operating in an energy saving mode; a parameter that indicates whether an EEN transition or other event is scheduled to occur in the network node102; an amount of time for which the network node102may operate in an energy-saving mode; one or more parameters that indicate latency that may be tolerated; one or more parameters that may be utilized to classify packets based on energy that may be utilized for routing and/or forwarding those packets; one or more parameters that may be utilized to classify packets based on QoS required for those packets; one or more parameters that indicate which packets and/or traffic may wake a device from an energy-saving mode; one or more parameters that indicate which packets and/or traffic may put a device into an energy-saving mode; and parameters that determine how much data may be buffered while operating in an energy saving mode.

In various embodiments of the invention, different parameters may be associated with different ports or connections of a network node. Similarly, multiple values of a parameter corresponding to multiple ports or connections may be stored in a network node. In this manner, EEN may be controlled asymmetrically such that EEN parameters associated with uplink traffic may be different than EEN parameters associated with a downlink traffic. For example, EEN may be disabled in one direction along a path and enabled in the other direction along the same path.

The DSPs134a-134dmay comprise suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces, and/or code that may be operable to process and/or handle digital bitstreams. The DSPs may be operable to perform complex computations and/or algorithms to, for example, encrypt, decrypt, encode, and decode digital signals. In this regard, the DSPs134a-134dmay each process or handle packets and/or signals received from a corresponding one of the networking subsystems130a-130d. Similarly, the DSPs134a-134dmay each process or handle packets and/or signals to be provided to a corresponding one of the networking subsystems130a-130dfor transmission. The DSPs134a-134dmay also provide control and/or feedback information to the networking subsystems130a-130dbased on received and/or to-be-transmitted packets or signals. The DSPs134a-134dmay each communicate information and/or data to a corresponding one of the processors132a-132dand/or a corresponding one of the memories136a-136d. Information communicated from one of the DSPs134a-134dto a corresponding one of processors132a-132dmay be extracted from, or generated based on, packets or signals received via a corresponding one of networking subsystems130a-130d. Moreover, each the DSPs134a-134dmay receive information from a corresponding one of the processors132a-132dand/or from a corresponding one of the memories136a-136d. Each of the DSPs134a-134dmay process the information and convey the processed information to a corresponding one of the network subsystems130a-130dfor transmission.

Each of the memories136a-136dmay comprise suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces, and/or code that may enable storage of data, code, and/or other information utilized by a corresponding one of the network nodes102, the devices104aand104b, and the host106. For example, each of the memories136a-136dmay be utilized for storing processed data generated by a corresponding one of the DSPs134a-134dand/or by a corresponding one of the processors132a-132d. The memories136a-136dmay also be utilized to store information such as executable code and/or configuration information that may be utilized to control the operation of the network node102, network nodes104aand104b, and the host106. Such configuration information may, for example, comprise EEN parameters that may control implementation of one or more EEN techniques and/or policies.

The processors132a-132dmay comprise suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces, and/or code that may be operable to perform control and/or data processing operations within the network node102, the networking devices104aand104b, and the host106. Each of the processors132a-132dmay be operable to control at least a portion of a corresponding one of the networking subsystems130a-130d, the DSPs134a-134d, and the memories136a-136d. The processors132a-132dmay be operable to generate at least one signal for controlling operations within the network node102, the networking devices104aand104b, and the host106. The processors132a-132dmay also be operable to execute applications that may be utilized by the network node102, the networking devices104aand104b, and the host106. For example, the processors132a-132dmay be operable to execute applications that may enable displaying and/or interacting with content received via the networking subsystems130a-130d.

In operation, an EEN control policy of the network100may be utilized to optimize energy efficient and performance across the network100. Accordingly, various components of the network100may exchange information, and may be configured based on the exchanged information, such that energy efficiency and performance are optimized. In this regard, EEN parameters in the MIBs120a-120dmay be managed via an exchange of messages between two or more of the network node102, the networking devices104aand104b, and the host106. For example, EEN parameters values may be determined or configured based on applications running on the network node102and/or the host106, and/or based on information to be exchanged between the network node102and the host106. Similarly, the EEN modules122amay be configured based on applications running on the network node102and/or the host106, and/or based on information to be exchanged between the network node102and the host106. Management of the EEN parameters along a network path via messages generated by a network node may, for example, be utilized to enable and disable EEN along the path.

Although, the configuration of the nodes is described with regard to configuring EEN parameters, the invention is not limited to configuration and/or management of the parameters. In this regard, aspects of the invention may enable configuring and/or exchanging the EEN control policies of the various nodes in the network100. That is, aspects of the invention may also enable configuring and/or managing the EEN control policies that make use of the EEN parameters.

FIG. 2Ais a diagram illustrating discovery and configuration of a network path utilizing end-to-end messages, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Referring toFIG. 2A, there is shown the network100described with respect toFIG. 1. InFIG. 2A, there may be applications108and118running, respectively, on the network node102and the host106.

In operation, the application108may generate messages109and send the messages109to the host106. The messages109and117may enable determination of the path101traversed by the messages109and117, determination of characteristics and/or capabilities of the path101, and configuration of EEN parameters in the network node102, the network nodes104and104b, and the host106.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the network node102may generate a message109and send the message109to the host106. As the message109traverses the path101, the network node102and the networking devices104aand104bmay insert or append information to the message109. In this regard, information appended and/or inserted by a network node may indicate whether the node supports EEN, and if so, which EEN techniques or protocols the node supports. The host106may receive the message109and utilize the information appended to the message109to determine the path101and/or characteristics, including EEN characteristics, of the path101. Similarly, the host106may generate a message117and send the message117to the network node102. As the message117traverses the path101, the host106and the networking devices104aand104bmay insert or append information to the message117. In this regard, information appended and/or inserted by a network node may indicate whether the node supports EEN, and if so, which EEN techniques or protocols the node supports. The network node102may receive the message117and utilize the information appended to the message117to determine the path101and/or characteristics, including EEN characteristics, of the path101.

In another embodiment of the invention, the path101may be determined over time as packets are forwarded along the network. In another embodiment of the invention, the path101may be determined based on manual configuration by a network administrator. In this regard, a network administrator may program one or more tables or data structures into the nodes of the network100. Accordingly, the applications108and118may reference such tables or data structures stored either locally in the network node102and/or in a remote network node when determining a path traversed by a datastream

In another embodiment of the invention, the path101may be determined based on information obtained from a centralized management entity or server. In this regard, the network configuration or topology may be downloaded from such a management entity or server.

AlthoughFIG. 1is described with regard to the path101between two network nodes, aspects of the invention may be utilized for any network path between any two network nodes that operate at OSI layer 2 or higher OSI layers.

Subsequent to determining the nodes along the path101, the application108may generate one or more messages109to configure one or more EEN parameters along the path101. Similarly, the application118may generate one or more messages117to configure one or more EEN parameters along the path101. Configuring the EEN parameters may comprise, for example, enabling and/or disabling EEN along the path101. In various embodiments of the invention, the messages109and117may be distinctly marked. The marking may comprise, for example, a distinct Ethertype and/or frame format. In this regard, upon detecting such a marked message109or117, a node along the path101may configure its EEN module120and/or its MIB122based on the information conveyed via the message109or117.

In various embodiments of the invention, the messages the messages109and117may comprise fields defined by IEEE 802.1Qat—IEEE Standard for Local and Metropolitan Area Networks: Virtual Bridged Local Area Networks—Amendment 9: Stream Reservation Protocol (SRP). Additionally, the messages109and117may comprise one or more EEN fields for conveying EEN parameter values and/or other information for configuring EEN parameters along the path101. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the EEN fields may be modifiable and/or expandable. For example, each node along the path101may append its EEN capabilities and/or a configuration of its EEN parameters to the EEN field(s) of the messages109and/or117prior to forwarding the messages109and/or117. In this manner, the messages109and/or117may accumulate path information as they propagate along the path101and, upon reaching an network node102or108, such information may be extracted to determine the nodes of the path101, the configuration of nodes along the path101, and/or the capabilities of the nodes along the path101.

Additionally, after the path101, its configuration, and/or its capabilities are known, one or more messages109and/or117comprising IEEE 802.1Qat defined fields and EEN fields may be communicated to configure EEN parameters along the path101. In this regard, the messages109and117may configure EEN parameters along the path101in much the same manner as conventional SRP packets would reserve resources along the path101. Details of a similar use of stream reservation protocol packets can be found in the above referenced U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/015,671 filed on Jan. 17, 2008.

In some embodiments of the invention, EEN parameters along the path101may be configured based on available resources along the path101and reservations desired to be made along the path101. In this regard, when a request to reserve resources along the path101is received, each node along the path101may determine if and/or how EEN may be implemented while honoring the reservation. For example, because various EEN techniques may increase latency along the path101, EEN may be disabled along the path101in instances that resources along the path101are being reserved for traffic that requires low latency. In this regard, EEN parameters may be configured based on quality of service parameters associated with data streams communicated along the path101. Exemplary quality of service parameter comprise maximum tolerable latency, maximum tolerable packet jitter, minimum instantaneous data rate, minimum average data rate, maximum packet drop rate, and maximum bit-error rate.

In some embodiments of the invention, EEN parameters along the path101may be configured periodically or cyclically. For example, EEN may periodically or cyclically be enabled and disabled in one or more nodes of the network path101. That is, during a time interval, the one or more nodes may cycle in and out of an energy efficient state one or more times.

AlthoughFIG. 2Adepicts a simplified network path, aspects of the invention may be utilized with networks of any topology and/or with paths that traverse multiple networks. In this regard, in instances that the109and117cross one or more network boundaries, the messages109and117may be encapsulated in one or more protocol data units associated with one or more higher OSI layer protocols.

FIG. 2Billustrates configuration and/or management of energy efficient parameters along a network path utilizing a plurality of point-to-point messages, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Referring toFIG. 2B, there is shown the network100described with respect toFIGS. 1 and 2A.

In operation, subsequent to determination of the network path101between the application108and118, the network node102may generate a plurality of EEN control messages211-217to configure EEN parameters in the devices along the network path101. In this regard, the network node102may generate a EEN control message for each node along the path101. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the messages211-217may be generated and/or communicated in adherence to a management protocol such as SNMP. AlthoughFIG. 2Bis described with regard to messages211-217being generated and communicated by the network node102, the invention is not so limited. In this regard, messages such as the messages211-217may be generated and communicated by the host106. Similarly, the network nodes104aand104bmay, in various embodiments of the invention, be operable to generate and communicate messages for configuring EEN parameters along the path101. In this regard, the network nodes104aand104bmay desire or need to configure EEN parameters along the path101based on characteristics and/or conditions of other network paths (not shown) which the network nodes104aand104bare a part of. For example, the network node104amay be heavily loaded by a high priority data stream being communicated along a network path250(not shown) and thus EEN protocols and/or techniques that may be implemented by the network node104amay be limited based on the traffic on path250.

AlthoughFIG. 2Bdepicts a simplified network path, aspects of the invention may be utilized with networks of any topology and/or with paths that traverse multiple networks. In this regard, in instances that one or more of the messages211,216,215,217,219cross one or more network boundaries, the one or more of the messages211,216,215,217,219may be encapsulated in one or more protocol data units associated with one or more high OSI layers.

FIG. 2Cillustrates configuration and/or management of energy efficient parameters along a network path utilizing cascaded messages, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Referring toFIG. 2C, there is shown the network100described with respect toFIGS. 1,2A, and2B.

In operation, the application108may generate a message221to configure EEN parameters in the MIB120aof the network node102. In response to the configuration of the MIB120a, the EEN module122amay generate a corresponding message223for configuring the next node in the path101, which is network node104a. The message221may be received in the network node104aand parameters in the MIB120bmay be configured based on the message223. In response to the configuration of the MIB120b, the EEN module122bmay generate a corresponding message225for configuring the next node in the path101, which is network node104b. The message225may be received in the network node104band parameters in the MIB120cmay be configured based on the message225. In response to the configuration of the MIB120c, the EEN module122cmay generate a corresponding message227for configuring the next node in the path101, which is host106. In response to the configuration of MICB120d, the EEN module122dmay notify the application118of the new configuration.

In this manner, the application108may trigger cascaded messages for configuring EEN along the network path101. In various embodiments of the invention, the messages221-229may be, for example, physical layer signals and/or packetized data. In some embodiments of the invention the messages221-229may be communicated in accordance with LLDP or similar protocols. In this regard, one or more type length value (TLV) fields for communicating EEN parameters may be defined and may be utilized for managing the EEN parameters and/or EEN control policies of the network nodes102,104a,104b, and106.

AlthoughFIG. 2Cis described with reference to a configuration initiated by the network node102, the invention is not so limited. In this regard, the host106and/or the network nodes104aand104bmay be operable to trigger a configuration of EEN parameters along the path101.

AlthoughFIG. 2Cdepicts a simplified network connection, aspects of the invention may be utilized with networks of any topology and/or with paths that traverse multiple networks. In this regard, in instances that one or more of the messages211,216,215,217,219cross one or more network boundaries, the one or more of the messages211,216,215,217,219may be encapsulated in one or more protocol data units associated with one or more high OSI layers.

FIG. 3is a flowchart illustrating end-to-end configuration and/or management of EEN parameters, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Referring toFIG. 3, the exemplary steps may begin with step302when there is a datastream to be communicated between the application108and the application118. For example, the application108may request data from the application118and it may be desired to deliver the data in an energy efficient manner. Subsequent to step302, the exemplary steps may advance to step304.

In step304, the network path101, or a portion thereof, over which the data is to be communicated, from the application118to the application108, may be determined. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, AVB protocols and/or modified AVB protocols may be utilized to determine the network path. In another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the network path101may be determined based on tables generated over time as packets are communicated in the network100and/or tables set up by a network administrator. In addition to determining the path, the EEN capabilities and/or configuration of the nodes along the path may also be determined. Subsequent to step304, the exemplary steps may advance to step306.

In step306, the application108and/or the application118may generate one or more message to configure, or trigger configuration, of EEN parameters along the path101. For example, the data requested from the application118by the application108may require low-latency, and thus may want to ensure that one or more EEN protocols do not delay transmission of the data along the path101. Accordingly, the application118and/or the application108may generate one or more messages to disable EEN along the path101. The generated messages may be similar to the messages109and117described with respect toFIG. 2A, the messages211-217described with respect toFIG. 2B, and/or the message221described with respect toFIG. 2C. In this manner, configuration of the path101may occur as described with respect to one or more ofFIGS. 2A-2C. Subsequent to step306, the exemplary steps may advance to step308.

In step308, the data may be communicated along the configured path101. In this regard, the communication of the data may be optimized with regard to performance and energy efficiency.

Aspects of a method and system for end-to-end management of energy efficient networking protocols are provided. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a path101between two network nodes102and106may be determined and one or more messages109(FIG. 2A),117(FIG. 2A),211-217(FIG. 2B), and/or221-229(FIG. 2C) for configuring one or more (EEN) parameters along the determined network path101may be generated. The one or more messages109,117,211-217, and/or221-229may be communicated to one or more of the nodes102,104a,104b, and/or106along the determined path101. The one or more generated messages109,117,211-217, and/or221-229may comprise a distinct marking that may, upon detection by the network nodes102,104a,104b, and/or106, trigger configuration of the one or more EEN parameters within the one or more network nodes102,104a,104b, and/or106. The one or more messages109,117,211-217, and/or221-229may comprise one or more fields defined by the IEEE 802.1Qat standard, and one or more fields that convey information for configuring EEN parameters along the determined path101. The one or more messages may be communicated in accordance with a network management protocol, for example, the simple network management protocol (SNMP). The one or more messages may be communicated in accordance with logical link discovery protocol (LLDP) and may comprise one or more EEN TLVs.

The path101may be determined via communication of one or more packets along the path, wherein information identifying EEN capabilities of the nodes102,104a,104b, and/or106along the determined path101may be inserted by the network nodes102,104a,104b, and/or106along the determined path101as the one or more packets traverse the determined path101. The EEN parameters may be stored in a PHY of each of the network nodes102,104a,104b, and/or106along the determined path101. The one or more EEN parameters may be configured based on the application108running on the first network node102and/or the application118running on the second network node106. The one or more EEN parameters may be configured based on quality of service required for data to be communicated over the determined path101. The one or more EEN parameters may be configured based on resource reservation packets communicated along the determined path101. The one or more parameters may comprise a parameter that controls whether EEN is enabled or disabled in one or more of the nodes102,104a,104b, and/or106.