Network Scaling for Achieving Energy Efficient Cellular Networks - A Quantitative Analysis

In this paper, we consider a network scaling approach to realize network energy savings (NES). As cellular networks are typically deployed to meet the high traffic demand during the busy hour, a scaled down version of the network should be able to effectively handle the low traffic load in the off-peak hours without compromising the network performance. In order to demonstrate the realistic utility of this idea, we conducted a network energy savings analysis for a commercially deployed dual-carrier UMTS network. In an urban area, it is found that 20% - 35% of the cells can be switched off during the off-peak hours even after turning off one carrier entirely. Based on the base station energy consumption model developed from the measurements in commercial base stations, this translates to 11% network energy savings. In a suburban area, on the other hand, it is found that approximately 12% of the sites can be switched off after disabling one carrier. This still offers 8% network energy savings.