Green Future Networks. Network Energy Efficiency. V1.1
report
Energy consumption of mobile networks is a key concern for the operators as it not only
leads to an increase in the OPEX but has an impact on CO₂ emissions as well. Therefore,
Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) are focusing on finding the best possible ways to reduce
the energy consumption of their networks either by using latest technology or by optimizing
the use of the active and passive components. Introduction of 5G brings more energy
consumption due to the deployment of additional radios in new frequency layers but on the
other hand the 5G technology is more energy efficient than its predecessors, thanks to the
improved spectrum efficiency which comes along with higher Multiple Input Multiple Output
(MIMO) schemes and its ultra-lean design. To support the rising use of cellular connectivity in the 5G era, while reducing energy consumption and emissions on a per-bit basis in the
context of an absolute reduction in emissions, the mobile networks need to be more efficient.
One way to reduce these emissions could be the use of renewable energy sources which is
covered in the NGMN “Sustainability Challenges and Initiatives in Mobile Networks” White
Paper [1]. To maximize the end-to-end energy performance, it will be crucial for MNOs to
adopt a different approach towards network planning, deployment, and management.
leads to an increase in the OPEX but has an impact on CO₂ emissions as well. Therefore,
Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) are focusing on finding the best possible ways to reduce
the energy consumption of their networks either by using latest technology or by optimizing
the use of the active and passive components. Introduction of 5G brings more energy
consumption due to the deployment of additional radios in new frequency layers but on the
other hand the 5G technology is more energy efficient than its predecessors, thanks to the
improved spectrum efficiency which comes along with higher Multiple Input Multiple Output
(MIMO) schemes and its ultra-lean design. To support the rising use of cellular connectivity in the 5G era, while reducing energy consumption and emissions on a per-bit basis in the
context of an absolute reduction in emissions, the mobile networks need to be more efficient.
One way to reduce these emissions could be the use of renewable energy sources which is
covered in the NGMN “Sustainability Challenges and Initiatives in Mobile Networks” White
Paper [1]. To maximize the end-to-end energy performance, it will be crucial for MNOs to
adopt a different approach towards network planning, deployment, and management.
Topics
TNO Identifier
1003349
Publisher
TNO
Collation
56 p.