OkCBP

trends and propose realistic actions to
reduce network energy consumption.
To further optimize performance,
together with the operator, we look at different
ways to deploy, expand, restructure,
upgrade, or migrate communications
networks. We also explore implementing
energy-savings software and other features.
Such solutions apply to building a
new network, or expanding an existing one.
We also offer the option to operate network
and energy-related infrastructure
on behalf of operators. Our aim is to help
operators reduce energy consumption,
maximize efficiency, and improve network
availability.
Currently, about 240 million subscribers
are served by networks for which Ericsson
provides Energy Management, as part of
Managed Services contracts. The service
includes around-the-clock, real-time monitoring
of infrastructure and remote and
on-site problem resolution for all, whether
or not they are connected to utility grids,
along with ongoing energy- related optimization
to ensure energy is consumed
in the most efficient manner.
Partnering for greater reach
As a complement to Ericsson’s end-toend
service portfolio Ericsson has partnered
with the GSMA, the mobile industry
association, on its Mobile Energy Efficiency
Optimization Service. The service
undertakes site audits and equipment
trials, analyses the costs and benefits of
specific actions to reduce energy and
emissions, and then works to implement
the most attractive solutions. This follows on
from the GSMA Mobile Energy Efficiency
Benchmarking Service in which more
than 40 mobile network operators have
participated, accounting for more than
200 networks and over half of global
mobile subscribers.
Virtualized data center
Data centers are important assets to
deliver IT services, both for internal and for
external use for most enterprises, including
operators. They are often used to realize
a cloud environment where many applications
and users can share resources in
terms of computing, storage and network.
Sharing resources between a number of
applications and users enables a better
utilization, resulting in less overall need of
energy-consuming hardware. For example,
some applications are used more
during the day; others more often at night.
Cloud technology is therefore positive for
energy efficiency. An example from the
telecom world with a European mobile
operator shows that 60% energy reduction
was achieved when six locations for support
solutions were consolidated into two,
while still delivering the same capabilities.
Ericsson’s data center offering has a
number of capabilities contributing to
more energy-efficient solutions. By using
the latest generation of processors, it is
possible to increase system capacity by 20
to 80% without any increase in power consumption.
One example of an Ericsson
solution enabling virtualization and cloud
deployments is the Ericsson Blade Server
Platform (BSP) 8000, a family of blade
servers (electronic circuit boards containing
microprocessors and memory) used
in telecom nodes. By introducing Blade
Server Platform 8100 the power consumption
will improve, compared to earlier hardware
configurations, as 20 to 200% more
subscribers can be handled with the same
power consumption.
5G energy performance
Ericsson is playing a leading role in development
of next-generation 5G mobile
communication systems, where key
requirements and early concept development
are now underway. A new generation
of mobile communications technology is a
unique possibility to introduce new
requirements and related capabilities.
Energy performance, aiming at reduced
network energy consumption, is one of the
new key requirements for 5G.
First-round 5G research projects include
the EU-funded METIS 1) and 5GrEEn 2) .
Standardization-related activities are
expected to start in 3GPP 3) during 2016.
Energy performance in previous generations
such as 2G, 3G, and 4G is focused
on moving from “always-on” to “alwaysavailable”
network operation. 5G offers the
potential to take the next step to “alwaysoptimized.”
Networks today, and in the
future, will have to cope not only with high
traffic loads and coverage demands but
also with large traffic variations and low
average load. This calls for sufficient sleep
mode possibilities to optimize energy
performance. Key means to achieve this
are advanced antenna techniques and
ultra-lean transmission 4) .
RETHINK ENERGY PERFORMANCE
App coverage
What is 5G?
Among other things, 5G includes:
> > 1000x higher mobile data volume
> > 10 to 100x more connected devices
> > 10 to 100x higher use data rates
Source: METIS
Nodes
Sites
Networks
Energy
1) METIS - Mobile and wireless communications Enablers for
the Twenty-twenty Information Society. EU-funded research
project 2012–2015.
2) 5GrEEn – Towards Green 5G Mobile Networks. EIT ICT Labs
funded research project 2013–2014.
3) The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) unites seven
telecommunications standard development organizations.
4) 5G Energy Performance – Key Technologies and Design
Principles.
32 Ericsson | Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility Report 2014