Extensive testing examined 11 pre-defined traffic load scenarios that measured the energy consumed per Mbps based on the traffic load distribution. The results highlighted that 5G RAN technology is significantly more efficient than legacy technologies when it comes to energy consumption per data traffic capacity with several hardware and software features that help to save energy. 5G was designed to be a greener technology with more data bits per kilowatt of energy than any previous wireless technology generation. However, 5G networks require action to boost energy efficiency and minimize CO2 emissions arising from exponentially increasing data traffic. There are several energy-saving features at the radio base station and network levels, such as 5G power-saving features, small cell deployments and new 5G architecture and protocols, which can be combined to improve that energy efficiency.
Apparently 46% less energy was used on average in the customer base station sites Nokia modernized in 2019 compared to those that were not upgraded. Nokia and Telefónica are also developing smart energy network infrastructure and power-saving features based on machine learning and AI, and collaborating to build green 5G networks. Nokia’s technology is designed to be energy efficient during use but also require less energy during manufacture. This important study highlights how mobile operators can offset energy gains during their rollouts helping them to be more environmentally responsible while allowing them to achieve significant cost savings.