Power distribution management

A networking device comprising:

• a chassis that supports installation of network modules;
• a plurality of networking function modules, at least partially supported by the chassis, each provide a particular node function capacity;
• a common power supply node, at least partially supported by the chassis and coupled to the plurality of networking function modules, wherein each of the plurality of network function modules is arranged to receive power from the common power supply node;
• a plurality of power supplies, coupled to the common power supply node, each connectable to deliver current to the common power supply node, and each is configured to responsively adjust a corresponding output current in response to a control command;
• and
• a power control module, connected to the plurality of power supplies, and configured to adjust the operation of the plurality of power supplies by providing control commands to the plurality of power supplies, wherein the control commands are produced in response to changes in load power demand from the plurality of networking function modules relative to active power supply capacity provided by one or more of the plurality of power supplies and based at least in part on a performance objective function.