Methods and apparatus for controlling the power supply of a network node

A power controlling network node for controlling switching a power supply of a first network node between an electrical power grid and an alternative power supply, the power controlling network node comprising:

• an interface;
• and
• a processor, the processor being configured to:
• receive first information indicative of a predicted decrease in a transmission rate of data transmitted by the first network node over a data transmission link, the first network node being configured to transmit data to a second network node over the data transmission link;
• and
• responsive to receiving the first information, transmit a first request to the first network node to switch the power supply of the first network node from the electrical power grid to the alternative power supply.

A first network node for controlling switching a power supply of the first network node between an electrical power grid and an alternative power supply, the first network node comprising:

• an interface;
• and
• a processor, the processor being configured to:
• cause transmission of an indication of a charge level of the alternative power supply to a power controlling network node;
• and
• receive, from the power controlling network node, a request to switch the power supply of the first network node from the electrical power grid to the alternative power supply, the first network node being configured to transmit data to a second network node over a data transmission link.