Energy Consumption Effects of WiFi Off-Loading Access in 3G/LTE Public Wireless Networks
11 Pages Posted: 8 Sep 2012
Date Written: September 7, 2012
Abstract
As 3G, HSPDA and already now LTE wireless networks become ever more pervasive, especially for wireless high data rate data and Internet traffic (>100 Mbps), increasing focus is given on ways to offload access by re-utilizing WiFi access points available in-doors (offices, homes), or installing such access points in/alongside high density of demand public areas (hot spots, public areas, road traffic lanes, etc. In view of the relative much higher WiFi access node power consumption and much smaller coverage compatible with interference reduction, the WiFi off-loading access may have a significant negative impact on energy consumption and emissions per user. Building on earlier extensive work on the modeling of 3G/LTE wireless infrastructure energy consumption on an incremental basis, this paper addresses the questions of the best mix between LTE cellular base stations and WiFi off-load access nodes from the energy/emissions perspective. Detailed sub-system model and design improvements are carried out on a continuous basis in collaboration with industry.
Keywords: Wireless networks, Energy savings, LTE, WiFi, WiFi off-load, Network planning, Traffic analysis, Hot spots, Community networks, CO2 emissions
JEL Classification: L96, Q4, L86
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation