Greening radio access networks using distributed base station architectures

Several actions for developing environmentally friendly technologies have been taken in most industrial fields. Significant resources have also been devoted in mobile communications industry. Moving towards eco-friendly alternatives is primarily a social responsibility for network operators. However besides this, increasing energy efficiency represents a key factor for reducing operating expenses and deploying cost effective mobile networks. This paper presents how distributed base station architectures can contribute in greening radio access networks. More specifically, the advantages of introducing remote radio head modules are discussed. Substantial flexibility is provided in terms of power consumption, as a result of combining efficient hardware with intelligent software. Additionally, it is underlined that designing eco-sustainable systems needs to follow a holistic approach towards energy saving. Different subsystems have to be coordinated real-time and intelligent network nodes supporting complicated functionalities are necessary. Distributed base station architectures are ideal for this purpose mainly because of their high degree of configurability and self-organization. The overall target is a large-scale mobile network capable of self-optimizing power efficiency. This presupposes early detection of power losses as well as system failures and ability of healing. These procedures are facilitated to a great extend by moving intelligence to the network ends, compared to the centralized traditional approach.