Demand-based switching explained

Demand-based switching (DBS) is a computer technology term which refers to the process of using software to optimize the use of hardware resources.

Intel uses demand-based switching power management technology to control power voltage consumption at different states of a computer's operations. DBS routines select a minimum clock speed of the microprocessor appropriate to the workload which specific tasks being performed by the computer place on the processor. This results in less electricity being consumed, both by the processor and by fans counteracting excess heat output.

Intel's processor technology takes advantage of DBS techniques.^{[1] [2] [3]} AMD processors uses a similar process, which the company calls "Power Now".^{[4] [5]}

Demand-based switching is also sometimes used in route-caching routines in local area networks to ensure efficient packet switching and traffic flow.^{[6] [7]} Software DBS algorithms are frequently used in Linux servers.^[8]

Notes and References

1. Book: Rezaur Rahman. Intel Xeon Phi Coprocessor Architecture and Tools: The Guide for Application Developers. 3 September 2013. Apress. 1-4302-5927-2. 92–.
2. Scaramella, Jed. Eastwood, Matthew. "Solutions for the Datacenter's Thermal Challenges" . IDC Headquarters, Framingham, Massachusetts, 2007.
3. Book: Manish Parashar. Salim Hariri. Autonomic Computing: Concepts, Infrastructure, and Applications. 15 December 2006. CRC Press. 978-1-4200-0935-4. 345–.
4. Book: Kiran Mani. Bradley Jee. On the Edge: A Comprehensive Guide to Blade Server Technology. 14 December 2007. John Wiley & Sons. 978-0-470-82304-0. 104–.
5. http://techreport.com/review/11443/new-look-xeons-and-opterons-square-off/11 ""POV-Ray power consumption and efficiency"
6. Book: David Hucaby. CCNP BCMSN Exam Certification Guide: CCNP Self-study. January 2004. Cisco Press. 978-1-58720-077-9. 66–.
7. Book: Richard Froom. Balaji Sivasubramanian. Erum Frahim. Implementing Cisco IP Switched Networks (SWITCH) Foundation Learning Guide: Foundation learning for SWITCH 642-813. 21 June 2010. Cisco Press. 978-1-58714-165-2. 222–.
8. Book: Ishfaq Ahmad. Sanjay Ranka. Handbook of Energy-Aware and Green Computing - Two Volume Set. 3 February 2016. CRC Press. 978-1-4822-5444-0. 695–.