This page provides acquisition guidance for large network equipment. Federal laws and requirements mandate that agencies purchase ENERGY STAR®-qualified products or Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP)-designated products for all covered product categories except as specifically exempted by law.
FEMP's acquisition guidance and ENERGY STAR efficiency requirements apply to network equipment that is mountable on a standard rack, supports network management protocols and meets thresholds for either network ports or port throughput as defined in ENERGY STAR’s specification. All other product types are excluded, including but not limited to storage and storage networking products (including blade storage), access point controllers, network caching devices, and products that are covered under other ENERGY STAR specifications.
This acquisition guidance was updated in December 2024.
Find Product Efficiency Requirements
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides large network equipment power supply efficiency levels and product specification information on its ENERGY STAR website. Manufacturers meeting these requirements are allowed to display the ENERGY STAR label on complying models. See a list of ENERGY STAR certified large network equipment.
How To Determine Cost Effectiveness
An efficient product is cost effective when the lifetime energy savings exceed the up-front cost premium (if any) compared to a less efficient option. You can find more information about determining life cycle cost effectiveness on our general guidance page.
Where To Buy Compliant Products
Buyers can make sure the product they purchase will be compliant by incorporating federal acquisition regulation language into contracts. Compliant products can also be found using federal supply sources and product codes. See our general guidance page for more details on buying compliant energy-using products.
Large Network Equipment Product Codes
Purchasers can also a United Nations Standard Products and Services Code (UNSPSC) to identify and buy products and to track purchases. The UNSPSC for WLAN wireless access network equipment and components is 43223108. For network routers the UNSPSC is 43222609. For network switches the UNSPSC is 43222612.
Other Tips for Choosing and Using the Best Product Efficiently
Look for Power Management Features
When buying large network equipment, like routers or switches, it is recommended to buy products that have the right hardware support to make use of power management algorithms for reduced energy consumption. Network products that have built-in sleep modes and the option of powering down redundant access points can reduce the total energy used by the network equipment.
Select Equipment for Data Center Efficiency
Purchasing efficient large network equipment can be an important step in meeting data center energy reduction goals. Agencies should consult the FEMP Center of Expertise for Energy Efficiency in Data Centers website to find more design strategies, tools, and best practices for reducing energy use through equipment selection in data centers.
Make Use of Rebates
Some utilities offer rebates or other incentives for the purchase of ENERGY STAR-qualified products. Use the ENERGY STAR Rebate Finder to see if your local utility offers these incentives.