RAN Architecture Options for Telecoms Operators: Implications for Energy Consumption

"A holistic approach to energy efficiency combining many levers across the RAN's radio, baseband and sites, could create energy savings of up to 50-60%."

This report focuses on the implications of new radio access network (RAN) designs for energy efficiency and provides a matrix of options for how to tackle energy use. The report also provides recommendations for operators, vendors, towercos, neutral hosts and policy makers.

Questions answered:

• What are the current and long-term trends in energy use in the RAN as architecture and technologies evolve?
• What technological and commercial levers can be pulled to reduce RAN energy use?
• What are policy makers and the wider telecoms industry doing to support RAN/vRAN energy reductions?
• What should policy makers and standards organisations consider when defining and standardising methods and measurements for RAN energy consumption?