The number of Mobile Network Operators (MNO) committing to net-zero emission targets by 2050 or before has significantly increased in the past couple of years.
Therefore, an accurate metering system is a prerequisite to make sure that energy consumption can be properly monitored, measured, and optimized. It will allow all the actors involved in mobile network deployment and operation i.e. MNOs and Tower Companies, to develop precise optimization processes, predict maintenance, and control the network remotely, thereby reducing manual interventions as well.
In simple terms, an interface should be established between both MNOs and network equipment suppliers including manufacturers and vendors. This interface should include valuable functions and mechanisms for the secured transfer of measured data to the MNOs’ sites, to enable them to analyse the data and derive affordable measures or solutions for improvements, which could be implemented by the MNOs themselves or in cooperation with manufacturers and/or vendors.
Although this White Paper focusses foremost on base station (BS) sites, identified as the most energy consuming part of mobile networks, its insights and recommendations are applicable to the rest of the mobile network including backhaul, core and Network Function Virtualization (NFV) as well.
Reduction of power consumption is an essential key for mobile operators to achieve those targets and reduce their operational expenses as well. To optimize the energy consumption, it is important for those operators to have detailed understanding about where and when energy is consumed, and which factors are influencing this consumption.