Energy efficiency has never been more relevant than it is today. Having reached its target of powering 100% of the company’s existing European networks from renewable sources, Vodafone is turning its attention to the technology that will power its network in the future. It is ensuring that next generation Open Radio Access Networks (RANs) are as energy efficient as possible.
9-12 per cent reduction in energy consumption
Using a dedicated facility for experimenting on the future of mobile networking called the POWDER laboratory at the University of Utah, home to 35,000 students, Vodafone, Wind River, Intel, Keysight Technologies and Radisys duly delivered. They successfully reduced the power consumption of an Open RAN infrastructure by 9% and 12%, during high and low mobile traffic peak scenarios respectively.
These traffic peaks mirror those typically experienced during busy periods of use on a live mobile network such as during commuting hours, and after school, as well as quiet times when most of us are asleep. It is the first time Open RAN energy savings have been measured using real-life traffic scenarios.
Future tests in a live environment
Gil Hellmann, Vice President, Telecom Solutions Engineering, Wind River, added: “Wind River is proud to work with Vodafone, Intel, Keysight Technologies and Radisys to demonstrate how Open RAN can be used to effectively reduce power consumption and cost, as well as help support a better future for the environment.”
