Intelligent Traffic Steering: Reducing Carbon One DNS Query at a Time

Data doesn't just exist in a vacuum. It travels across networks, often covering vast distances across the globe. This data transit consumes energy, especially when traffic is not optimally routed. Each additional hop uses a minimal amount of energy but these hops can start to multiply to a big number, if you have a high-trafficked or data-heavy application.

Using a DNS-based Traffic Steering tool that uses Real User Monitoring (RUM) data to steer users to the “greenest” Content Delivery Network (CDN) or server, can help contribute to sustainability goals. A few examples of these include:

• Optimising Data Paths: Directing user queries to the nearest or “greenest” server minimises the distance data must travel. If you have a preferred CDN/Cloud provider that you know has acceptable climate practices, you can choose that routing option within your DNS configuration. Set up specific rules that allow you to balance real-time performance and availability metrics with your own energy-efficient policies.
• Reducing Latency and Energy Use: Efficient routing setup within your DNS configuration leads to faster response times and less energy consumed in data transit, as well as less transit “hops” for the end user to make.
• Balancing Workloads: Distributing traffic based on real-time conditions ensures servers operate efficiently without unnecessary energy expenditure. Using NS1 Connect’s "Load-shedding" filter, you can monitor power consumption on servers and start to throttle traffic headed to the most power-hungry endpoints.

• Monitor Traffic Patterns: Identify inefficiencies or optimisation opportunities that can reduce energy use. For example, setting a low TTL value for a DNS record that doesn't get changed, causes less caching, which means more "hopping!".
• Integrate with Security Systems: Combine DNS insights with security data to proactively address threats, minimising unnecessary system strain from potential DDoS attacks. DNS is a good first warning metric for any volumetric-based attacks.
• Forecast and Adapt: Use query metrics to anticipate demand, allowing for resource adjustments that prevent over-provisioning and energy waste. If you notice less traffic in the evening hours, scale down your servers and reduce the amount of possible DNS answers handed out.

Every Query Counts

Sustainability can be a tangible goal if organisations can plan out thoughtful strategies, with the right tools. IBM NS1 Connect's solution offers a pathway to reduce carbon footprints, while increasing performance and reliability, all with a 100% Uptime SLA.

Try it out today!