How does densification affect radio network energy performance?

Ph.D., Expert Radio Network Energy Performance, Ericsson Research Historically, densification of networks has implied higher energy expenditure which can add up to a significant part of operator expenses. This, in turn, can place restraints on the number of base stations in the networks.

Do mobile networks consume more energy than fixed networks?

Transferring data via mobile networks (2G to 5G) was found to consume more energy than with fixed networks (copper networks to fiber optic networks). Per transferred gigabyte (Gb) the energy consumption in the fixed network was 0.05 kilowatt hours (kWh) and for mobile communication networks about 0.12 kWh.

How can we reduce the energy consumption of Information & Communication Technologies (ICT)?

“The energy consumption of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) is increasing by 9% every year. It is possible to limit this growth to 1.5% per year by moving to sober digital practices. The digital transition as it is currently implemented participates to global warming more than it helps preventing it.

Why is global electricity consumption declining?

” Our best-case analysis shows a decline in consumption from 7.4% in 2012 to 6.9% of total global electricity consumption in 2017; however the worst-case shows a rise to 12.0% driven primarily by expansion of the network and data-center infrastructure.”

Does the Information & Communication Industry contribute to GHGe?

In light of the concerted efforts to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions (GHGE) per the so-called Paris Agreement, the Information and Communication Industry (ICT) has received little attention as a significant contributor to GHGE and if anything is often highly praised for enabling efficiencies that help reduce other industry sectors footprint.