Configuring EEE

Restrictions for EEE

EEE has the following restrictions:

  • Changing the EEE configuration resets the interface because the device has to restart Layer 1 autonegotiation.

  • You might want to enable the Link Layer Discovery Protocol (LLDP) for devices that require longer wakeup times before they are able to accept data on their receive paths. Doing so enables the device to negotiate for extended system wakeup times from the transmitting link partner.

Information About EEE

EEE Overview

Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE) is an IEEE 802.3az standard that is designed to reduce power consumption in Ethernet networks during idle periods.

EEE can be enabled on devices that support low power idle (LPI) mode. Such devices can save power by entering LPI mode during periods of low utilization. In LPI mode, systems on both ends of the link can save power by shutting down certain services. EEE provides the protocol needed to transition into and out of LPI mode in a way that is transparent to upper layer protocols and applications.

Default EEE Configuration

EEE is enabled by default.

How to Configure EEE

You can enable or disable EEE on an interface that is connected to an EEE-capable link partner.

Enabling or Disabling EEE

SUMMARY STEPS

  1. configure terminal
  2. interface interface-id
  3. power efficient-ethernet auto
  4. no power efficient-ethernet auto
  5. end
  6. copy running-config startup-config

DETAILED STEPS

  Command or Action Purpose
Step 1

configure terminal

Example:


Switch# configure terminal

Enters global configuration mode.
Step 2

interface interface-id

Example:


Switch(config)# interface gigabitethernet1/0/1

Specifies the interface to be configured, and enter interface configuration mode.
Step 3

power efficient-ethernet auto

Example:


Switch(config-if)# power efficient-ethernet auto

Enables EEE on the specified interface. When EEE is enabled, the device advertises and autonegotiates EEE to its link partner.
Step 4

no power efficient-ethernet auto

Example:


Switch(config-if)# no power efficient-ethernet auto
Disables EEE on the specified interface.
Step 5

end

Example:


Switch(config-if)# end

Returns to privileged EXEC mode.
Step 6

copy running-config startup-config

Example:


Switch# copy running-config startup-config

(Optional) Saves your entries in the configuration file.

Monitoring EEE

Table 1. Commands for Displaying EEE Settings

Command

Purpose

show eee capabilities interface interface-id

Displays EEE capabilities for the specified interface.

show eee status interface interface-id

Displays EEE status information for the specified interface.

Configuration Examples for Configuring EEE

This example shows how to enable EEE for an interface:


Switch# configure terminal
Switch(config)# interface gigabitethernet1/0/1
Switch(config-if)# power efficient-ethernet auto

This example shows how to disable EEE for an interface:


Switch# configure terminal
Switch(config)# interface gigabitethernet1/0/1
Switch(config-if)# no power efficient-ethernet auto