Embodiments of the present invention include a communications network using end-to-end tunnels. A control unit monitors the traffic load on at least two paths, as well as determines a power saving traffic distribution if the total traffic on the at least first and second paths if the traffic load does not exceed the capacity of both or all paths between the same end nodes. The power saving traffic distribution puts at least one of the first and second paths in a standby mode in which it carries no traffic. A command unit redirects traffic according to the power saving distribution and to order at least one network element or at least one link in the path or paths to be put in standby mode to enter into a power saving standby mode.