Green radio networks dovetail capability and energy efficiency

Commercial context

Despite the many advantages that 5G brings, there is an uncomfortable truth – newer and more capable networks consume more energy. With the demand for 5G intensifying, energy consumption is set to increase by 8-10% in CSP operations driven by 5G rollout and capacity expansion, with similar trends being observed since 2021 according to Telenor, Verizon and Orange. CSPs must address this head-on and incorporate this into strategic objective to achieve carbon neutrality.

The solution

The Green and efficient radio access networks Catalyst was set up to achieve exactly this, tackling the issue by introducing a range of technical and operational improvements. Firstly, the project team is setting out technical guidance for OEMs on how they can build more energy-efficient radio hardware and antennas. This vendor-agnostic AIML framework will ensure standardization in deployment without compromising customer experience. To support the framework, the Catalyst is designing industry-wide operational processes to ensure that radio solutions are available whenever CSPs need them, and run in as energy-efficient ways as possible.

These key improvements are designed to be applied across the entire industry, and have the potential to impact nearly 60% of the energy CSPs directly consume. The majority of these savings will result from major improvements to energy efficiency in the radio network, which will account for 20% of overall reductions. Efficiencies resulting from multiband high-gain antennas will also be significant, and are expected to account for 15% of energy reduction. These upgrades to the RAN hardware are expected to result in much quicker ROI, and will create a means for CSPs to reduce overall spend on other structural overheads.

The introduction of AI and ML to the vendor-agnostic framework will provide a more innovative means for energy efficiency by using software and features of the network. CSPs can customize these solutions to meet regional needs and customer segments – for example, a CSP can create a feature for applications in highly dense urban areas which need to be in constant operation and with near real-time detection and response capability. Conversely, the CSP can then optimize network capacity in other areas by enabling deep sleep features, such as for railway routes which are based on specific train times. CSPs are expected to see an immediate saving in resources after implementing this solution, limiting emissions from the outset.

Applications and wider value

With combined technical and operational improvements forecast to save CSPs 30-35% reduction in their direct emissions, this Catalyst is a crucial contributor to meeting the industry’s commitment to carbon neutrality. Moreover, these implementations can complement AI deployments to the network that aim to achieve zero-touch operations and enhanced customer experience. According to Gaurav Arora, Telenor Asia IHQ, Director of Operational Excellence, “this Catalyst supports CSPs in their mission towards carbon neutrality. Through working with partners from across the globe and working to support the various use cases they need, we hope to create more collaborative, environmentally-focused industry. On the surface, CSPs face the contradictory pressures of increasing capabilities and reducing emissions – with our Catalyst we show an alternative route, and invite everyone in the industry to join us.”