Verizon Imposes New Energy Requirements on Gear Suppliers

At SUPERCOMM last week in Chicago, Verizon’s (News - Alert) Mark Wegleitner, senior vice president of technology, several times referenced that it would be imposing an additional energy requirement for network gear makers. Today, the service provider revealed to what he was referring during the annual Verizon NEBS conference, entitled “Optimization of Telecom Networks through Energy Efficiency.”

 

Verizon says it aims to further increase the operating efficiency of its networks by requiring hardware manufacturers to use thermal modeling when designing circuit boards and cabinets used in network gear. That involves using a computer to simulate the heat flow around electrical components in equipment such as circuit boards, before the equipment is built, to minimize heat generation and improve energy efficiency. The goal is to minimize heat generation that impairs equipment performance and requires costly air conditioning in central offices, equipment vaults and other facilities, according to the company.

 

The reach that goal, Verizon today issued a new technical purchasing requirement that outlines the goal of the testing program, details test procedures to be conducted, and establishes a process for review of the results and approval of the equipment design.

 

 “When you optimize efficiency at the simplest level, you go to the heart of the process,” said Chuck Graff, Verizon’s director of corporate network and technology. “Starting in July, 2010, equipment makers will be required to submit results of thermal modeling applied to their hardware that show they have optimized their circuits to generate less heat and perform more efficiently.”

 

Verizon, which says it’s been aggressive in the move to conserve energy and be eco-friendly, previously announced a 20 percent increased efficiency requirement for new gear installed after January 2009.