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If you already have a server, you may be able to use “thin clients”, potentially saving over $100 per year per computer in energy costs, and up to $800 per computer to buy. The thin client shown at right costs around $150, and runs on 3W (yes, no misprint - three watts)!
If you have no server, but four or more computers, then converting at desktop replacement time to a server and thin clients can be cost effective.
And if you have several servers, virtualisation can combine different server roles - and even operating systems - onto a single server platform - saving considerable sums in both purchase and operation.
Also, does every computer in your network need high network speeds? Running a 24-port Gigabit switch can consume around 48W more than 100 Mbit – even when not transferring data. And the time difference to open a typical 10MB Word file is usually unnoticeable.
There is also a growing range of power saving features in selected network equipment:
- Link-down mode
- Automatic cable length power adjustment
- Schedule-based power-over-Ethernet
- Automatic WLAN power off/on
- Activity timeout disk power-down
- System temperature fan speed and power control
- High-efficiency power adaptors
- Auto power off/on
- LED lights off/on
Building a network from appropriate products has the potential for significant savings.
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Download our printable Green Computing brochure.
EarthCare Technology's network design experience can help you by:
- Assessing computer and server roles
- Assessing opportunities to switch to thin-client and virtualised server environments
- Plan and manage transition to thin-client and virtualised server environments.
- Install and configure thin client and virtuaised server systems
- Assess network design and configuration, and configure for balanced power consumption and network performance.
- Upgrade network components to power-efficient devices.
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