While the recent COP26 summit ended with encouraging momentum and promises from governments around the world, the urgency to address global climate change has never been clearer. The world is on track for a temperature rise of at least 2.7 degrees Celsius, which will result in catastrophic economic, social, and environmental impacts.
In my previous article, I discussed how 5G, the latest generation of cellular technology, holds the potential to break the historic cycle where energy usage increases drastically with each generation. That article introduced Ericsson’s four pillars to increase network energy performance:
- Modernize the network
- Build 5G with precision
- Activate energy-saving software
- Operate site infrastructure intelligently
Let’s take a deeper look at how some of these principles are put into practice around the world.
Modernize the network
The foundation of a holistic network energy performance approach starts with the right network equipment. Upgrading equipment and shrinking physical footprints can significantly reduce the total mobile network energy consumption, adding room to incorporate a 5G rollout within the same energy budget. Modernizing networks with the Ericsson Radio System can immediately lower energy consumption by up-to 30%.
In the UK, Vodaphone was looking to modernize their 4G network in London to be 5G and IoT-ready while continuing to deliver superior performance and future-proofing their networks. Ericsson helped the carrier deploy an integrated radio solution that Vodafone’s daily network energy consumption decrease by an average of 43 percent compared to the previous generation.
1,500 of the new radios will be deployed across Vodafone’s network by April 2022, bringing down energy consumption forecasts for 5G deployments.
Build 5G with precision
A holistic approach to energy efficiency starts with the deployment of the networks themselves. Building 5G networks with precision is all about optimizing network performance on the new 5G frequencies while keeping buildout and operating costs controlled.
As an example, SK Telecom in South Korea needed to deploy 5G efficiently and economically while meeting customer data speed and coverage expectations. Ericsson helped accomplish this by deploying three different 3.5 GHz radio configurations to match each network radio site’s capacity and coverage requirements.
5G speeds were achieved while reducing capital and operating expenses while maintaining the same level of service. Additionally, energy consumption savings were realized between 45% - 60% for each radio type deployed.
Ericsson’s portfolio here is unique in how it helps position operators to quickly deliver 5G commercial services while the full journey to standalone 5G unfolds. All Ericsson Radio System (ERS) shipped since 2015 is 5G-ready, and Ericsson Spectrum Sharing (ESS) enables carriers to introduce 5G in current 2G, 3G and 4G bands without adding new energy-consuming hardware.
Automation has a role to play in deployment as well. Ericsson’s Self-Organizing Network (SON) Optimization Manager suggests network improvements, all while taking energy performance into account. This data can help service providers ensure a balanced use of resources. SON can provide almost 20% better distribution of traffic load in a network, which will lead to energy savings.
Activate energy-saving software
Software solutions that switch equipment off and on depending on demand are key to managing energy usage in 5G networks.
In Portugal, Vodafone needed to reduce energy consumption while continuing to meet performance requirements, and the company turned to a software solution to put parts of the network “to sleep” during low traffic.
To accomplish this, Ericsson applied machine learning to MIMO Sleep Mode for optimization of energy allocation, all while automating parameter settings to activate and deactivate transmitter branches. Additionally, machine learning algorithms were trained using four weeks of traffic data, to identify traffic patterns and predict when to activate and deactivate.
In another case, by deploying a similar automation technology, automated MIMO Sleep Mode management outperformed manual management by delivering a 14% energy savings on average at each site while maintaining a high-quality user experience.
Beyond RAN sleep modes, energy management solutions like Ericsson Network IQ Statistics (ENIQ Statistics) can help providers verify and analyze energy consumption – providing vital data that can be used to target areas of improvement in the network.
Operate site infrastructure intelligently
To achieve the full energy-saving potential of 5G networks, we have to look at the network, and that includes the site infrastructure equipment. Particular attention should be paid to passive elements supporting the RAN, things like antenna, enclosure, climate control and security systems -- which could represent over 50% of overall site power consumption. This will become even more critical as rapid traffic growth demands more on-site equipment and complexity.
AI solutions can help manage that on-site equipment as intelligently and efficiently as possible, controlling energy usage as well as operating costs. For example, Ericsson Smart Connected Site provides a suite of tools to digitalize the entire site, enabling remote operation and monitoring – in turn reducing maintenance visits. Ericsson Energy Infrastructure Operations (EIO) is multivendor solution that helps hone in on energy efficiencies from the passive infrastructure, as well as active radio and transmission equipment on site, reducing the environmental footprint as well as operating costs.
Intelligent site management brings all this data together and visualizes it in a way that can be accessed anywhere – whether on site, at the network operations center or in the field on a mobile device. In addition to real-time energy management, this data will also help enhance long-term resource planning and inform the roadmap for future expansion.
Breaking the energy curve requires a fully committed, holistic approach to 5G network buildout and the management of operations. The cycle of increased energy usage has been perpetuated as each generation of network infrastructure has been built out. But Ericsson can be your partner to make what once seemed impossible, possible – with targeted solutions, 5G leadership and a deep commitment to sustainability.
Ericsson has accepted this challenge, so join us on this journey by downloading the Breaking the energy curve report or listening to our podcast with Mats Pellbäck Scharp, Head of Sustainability at Ericsson.
By: Bhushan Joshi, Head of Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility for Ericsson North America