Researchers claim Linux kernel tweak could reduce data center energy use by 30%

Linux tweak to reduce data center energy by 30% worldwide.

: A team of researchers from the University of Waterloo has engineered a small, 30-line modification in the Linux kernel that can cut data center energy usage by up to 30%. This enhancement is achieved through IRQ suspension, which optimizes CPU power usage by minimizing unnecessary interruptions. The modification has been integrated into Linux kernel version 6.13, opening up potential energy savings on a global scale, especially if adopted by tech giants like Amazon and Google. The findings come at a pivotal time, given the anticipated rise in global data center electricity consumption.

Researchers at the University of Waterloo, led by Professor Martin Karsten and Peter Cai, have introduced a modification in the Linux kernel to optimize energy efficiency in data centers. This involves altering the Linux networking stack to improve performance and energy efficiency, offering throughput enhancements of up to 45% without increasing tail latency.

The kernel modification, developed in collaboration with Joe Damato from Fastly, involves just 30 lines of code and employs IRQ suspension to balance CPU power usage. This strategy reduces unnecessary CPU interruptions, particularly during high traffic periods, thereby enhancing network performance and potentially cutting energy consumption by up to 30% in data centers worldwide.

The code has been integrated into Linux kernel version 6.13, heralding opportunities for adoption across the tech industry. Implementing this method could significantly impact energy savings, as large tech corporations like Amazon, Google, and Meta rely heavily on Linux, making this advancement particularly timely amid rising electricity demands for data centers.