Approaches to energy efficient wireless access networks

TLDR

Wireless networks are increasingly energy‑intensive, contributing to rising CO₂ emissions, which has shifted research toward energy efficiency and prompted consideration of incremental upgrades versus fundamental redesigns. We describe two such initiatives and discuss their differences. The EC FP7 EARTH project targets a 50 % reduction in 4G mobile broadband energy use over 30 months, while the privately financed Green Touch Initiative seeks even larger future reductions, with proof‑of‑concepts expected in five years.

Abstract

Due to increasing data traffic rates and rollout of advanced radio transmission technologies wireless networks consume increasing amount of energy and contribute a growing fraction to the CO2 emissions of ICT industry. Thus, climate and cost issues now shift the research focus of wireless communications to energy consumption and energy efficiency. Two approaches can be followed: Incremental improvements of existing systems or a clean slate re-design with a fundamental change of paradigms. We describe two such initiatives and discuss their differences. The EC FP7 project EARTH is a 30 month project aiming for a reduction of the overall energy consumption of 4G mobile broadband networks by 50%, regarding network aspects and individual radio components from a holistic point of view. The Green Touch Initiative is a privately financed consortium addressing fundamental research that will pave the way to much higher reductions for future systems in the order of several magnitudes, with first proof of concepts available in 5 years.