What Is the Carbon Footprint from Manufacturing a Network Switch?
Today, companies depend heavily on network switches as essential devices that are used in almost every industry. However, as technology progresses, so do concerns regarding its impact on the environment. One of the main concerns is carbon emissions from the manufacturing of switches.
In 2022, Dell'Oro Group reported that full-year shipments of alone 200 Gbps and 400 Gbps ports reached almost 20 million. That number is expected to rise in years to come.
The production of an average switch is estimated to emit approximately 448 kg of CO₂ equivalent, with a standard deviation of 67 kg. Thus, the total annual carbon footprint for those two types of switches is immense.
Carbon Emission Types and how to Reduce Them?
Manufacturing a switch requires various components like actuators, electrical contacts, terminals and a switch case. Each of these components has a carbon footprint, and when combined, they contribute to the overall carbon footprint of a switch.
The carbon footprint of manufacturing a switch includes the emissions from the mining, production, transportation and disposal of its components.
Mining
A significant issue is the mining of precious and rare-earth metals. Some of those that are commonly used in switches include gold, palladium, neodymium and dysprosium. Mining has a huge impact on the environment, as several tons of carbon are emitted. For instance, in the case of larger switches, mining emissions can account for more than 70% of the product's lifecycle emissions.
Production
The production of some components in a network switch involves various processes that emit carbon. For instance, the production of essential components like semiconducters requires high-temperature processes that emit a significant amount of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases.
Transportation
After the production of the switch components, they need to be transported to the manufacturing facility, where they are assembled into a network switch and subsequently, the finished products are delivered to customers. This transportation of switches involves the burning of fossil fuels, which results in carbon emissions.
Disposal
The final stage is disposal. After a network switch has reached the end of its lifespan, it needs to be disposed. Disposal methods such as landfill and incineration release carbon dioxide and other harmful gases into the environment, contributing to the overall carbon footprint of a switch.
Consider Third Party Maintenance to Reduce Carbon Emissions
Increasing the lifespan of a network switch can reduce the carbon footprint as it has already made its carbon footprint during production the first time. A network switch normally has a longer lifespan than servers and storage as it requires fewer replacements, which reduces the emissions from the production, transportation, and disposal of components. Furthermore, prolonging the lifespan of a switch can also reduce the overall cost of ownership.
Third party maintenance (TPM) is one step to reducing CO2 emissions in data centers. As original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) offer warranty support, sometimes only up to three years, this support can be extended through third party maintenance providers.
TPM can help you prolong the use of data center hardware when it is at the end of service life (EOSL). Data center hardware like switches can function effectively for 10 or even 15 years; therefore, buying new equipment when the existing one is at the EOSL has unnecessary environmental (and financial) costs.
In case of any inquiries about our TPM, do not hesitate to e-mail us at sales@nordiccomputer.com or by filling out the contact form below.
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