Flexible SD-WAN One Box solution revolutionizes energy efficiency of IT equipment

  • Energy consumption savings of more than 70% compared to traditional equipment, i.e. an estimated gain of 2,235 kWh over the life of the equipment
  • A necessary step towards a more sustainable future

Tests show that Cisco's Flexible SD-WAN One Box solution, a new architecture designed by Orange Business and Cisco, requires significantly lower power consumption than traditional equipment with multiple boxes.

The current energy context is marked by a growing demand for energy and major environmental challenges. Energy production, especially when it relies on fossil fuels, has a significant impact on climate change and air pollution. In this context, it is crucial to reduce energy consumption in all sectors, including information technology (IT).

Orange Business and Cisco have worked together on the Flexible SD-WAN One Box solution, which architecture allows them to offer their customers a single device instead of two (Dual Box), with a minimum equivalent service proposal.

Tests comparing electricity consumption between the One Box and the Dual Box show a significant difference, with an energy saving of more than 70% for the One Box. Over an estimated lifespan of 8 years, this represents an average saving of 2,235 kWh per One Box.

Test methodology and results obtained

Electricity consumption was measured over a period of 7 discontinuous days using MT40 Meraki "Smart Power Controller" sensors. The sensors were connected between the power supply and the One Box on the one hand, and the Dual Box on the other.

Images from the Meraki dashboards, powered by the MT40: 

One Box : 

tableaux de bord Meraki, alimentés par le MT40

Dual Box : 

tableaux de bord Meraki, alimentés par le MT40

NB: from 27 to 29 January, the equipment was switched off for service reasons.

In summary, the data from the Meraki dashboards is as follows:

  • Average power of the One Box (Cisco ISR 1100 - 4G): 11 W
  • Average Dual Box Power (Cisco ISR 4321 and Cisco vEdge 1000): 42.9 W
  • Power gain between the One Box and the Dual Box: 31.9 W, thus 74%

These results therefore confirm that the One Box is significantly more energy efficient than the Dual Box. 

Adopting more energy-efficient solutions, such as the One Box, is an important step towards reducing the energy consumption of IT equipment. By choosing more efficient technologies, Orange Business and its partners are contributing to a more sustainable energy future and environmental protection.

**Additional information**

  • The tests were carried out under identical conditions of use for both types of equipment.
  • Results may vary depending on environment and conditions of use.
  • The estimated lifespan of IT equipment such as One Box and Dual Box is 8 years.

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