Last updated on May 11, 2024

How can you ensure energy-efficient mobile networks?

Mobile networks are essential for connecting people, devices, and applications, but they also consume a lot of energy and generate carbon emissions. As the demand for mobile services grows, so does the need for more efficient and sustainable solutions. In this article, you will learn how you can ensure energy-efficient mobile networks by using some of the latest technologies and best practices in telecommunications engineering.

1 Network slicing

Network slicing is a technique that allows operators to create multiple virtual networks on the same physical infrastructure, each with different performance, reliability, and security requirements. By using network slicing, operators can optimize the use of resources and reduce energy consumption for different types of services, such as voice, video, IoT, or gaming. Network slicing also enables dynamic and flexible allocation of resources, which can adapt to changing traffic patterns and user demands.

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Seshagirirao Lekkala

Engineering at Cisco Systems | IP Networking | SD WAN | C | C++ | OOD | Linux | Python
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Network sharing is a collaborative approach where multiple mobile network operators share infrastructure, such as cell towers and base station equipment, to cut down on redundant resources, thereby saving energy and reducing operational costs. While it promotes more efficient use of infrastructure and can enhance service coverage, it also requires careful navigation of regulatory requirements and the management of competitive and security issues.

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Gurmeet Sudan

Telecommunications Consultant and Professional
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To ensure energy-efficient mobile networks, deploy optimized infrastructure and hardware, integrate renewable energy sources, employ dynamic power management, utilize network virtualization, implement efficient cooling systems, incorporate energy-aware network planning, deploy energy monitoring systems, collaborate with stakeholders, and raise employee awareness. These measures collectively reduce energy consumption, operational costs, and environmental impact while enhancing network performance.

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Eng. Amir Khadhri PMP, MBA, CMI

Technical and management Trainer and consultant | Digital Transformation | 5G | IoT
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Network slicing is a feature that has been introduced with 5G SA, aiming to provide different network slices to different service categories as a guarantee of LLC and minimum data rate for critical services. V2X as an example require LLC for self-driving vehicles. The network slicing feature will introduce the use of AI/ML and a Self-organized network which will make resource management much more optimized.

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2 Green radio access networks

Radio access networks (RANs) are the part of the mobile network that connects devices to the core network and account for most of the energy consumption in mobile networks. To reduce energy consumption and environmental impact, green RANs deploy small cells and heterogeneous networks, use sleep modes and power control, and apply beamforming and massive MIMO. These techniques can provide better coverage and capacity with less power and spectrum, switch off or reduce power for idle or underutilized base stations and devices, and focus the radio signals in the direction of users to increase spectral efficiency and data rates.

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Eng. Amir Khadhri PMP, MBA, CMI

Technical and management Trainer and consultant | Digital Transformation | 5G | IoT
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Green Telecom and CSR application in the digital world is a hot topic, especially knowing that the RAN is part of the network that consumes the maximum of energy and the application of green telecom practices will reduce the carbon footprint and e-waste. Many features in 5G allow optimized power consumption and thanks to ORAN we can implement most of the NodeB functions as a service in the operator RAN, wish optimize largely the power consumption. The use of renewable energy like solar panels and wind turbines as an energy source for the NodeB Remote Radio Head is turning RAN to greener options.

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3 Cloud and edge computing

Cloud and edge computing are technologies that enable the processing and storage of data closer to the users, either in centralized servers or distributed nodes. By using cloud and edge computing, operators can reduce the latency and bandwidth requirements of mobile services, as well as the energy consumption and carbon footprint of data centers. Cloud and edge computing also offer more scalability and flexibility for deploying and managing applications and services.

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4 Artificial intelligence and machine learning

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technologies can be used to analyze and optimize large and complex data sets, such as network traffic, user behavior, and environmental conditions. By leveraging AI and ML, operators can improve the energy efficiency of mobile networks by predicting and managing the demand and supply of network resources and services, detecting and resolving network faults and anomalies, monitoring and reporting the energy consumption and carbon emissions of network components and devices, as well as identifying potential opportunities for improvement.

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Eng. Amir Khadhri PMP, MBA, CMI

Technical and management Trainer and consultant | Digital Transformation | 5G | IoT
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The 5G SON Feature relies on the use of ML/AI in order to self-organize the network, a feature that will meliorate efficiency and effectiveness in telecom services. Another step forward for better services and less CAPEX and OPEX is to provide better monitoring of the KPI related to the operator CSR.

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5 Renewable energy sources

Renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, hydro, or biomass, offer operators the opportunity to reduce their dependence on fossil fuels and lower the greenhouse gas emissions of mobile networks. Additionally, these sources can provide more resilience and reliability for mobile networks in remote or rural areas where grid power may be unreliable or unavailable. Renewable energy sources can be integrated with mobile networks through the installation of solar panels, wind turbines, or other renewable energy generators at the network sites; purchasing green certificates or credits that certify the use of renewable energy sources by the network operators or their suppliers; and participating in smart grid initiatives that enable the exchange of energy between the network operators and the power grid, or the use of mobile network batteries as backup power sources.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How can you ensure energy-efficient mobile networks?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Network slicing

2 Green radio access networks

3 Cloud and edge computing

4 Artificial intelligence and machine learning

5 Renewable energy sources

6 Here’s what else to consider

Telecommunications Engineering

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How can you ensure energy-efficient mobile networks?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Network slicing

2 Green radio access networks

3 Cloud and edge computing

4 Artificial intelligence and machine learning

5 Renewable energy sources

6 Here’s what else to consider

Telecommunications Engineering

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