Optimizing Open RAN: Digital Catapult Tackles Telecom Energy Efficiency
The launch of the first SONIC Labs Technology Access Programme by Digital Catapult marks a significant milestone in addressing the energy efficiency challenges inherent in Open Radio Access Network (Open RAN) operations. The criticality of this initiative cannot be understated, particularly given that telecommunications networks are responsible for 90% of operators’ energy usage, with Radio Access Networks (RAN) accounting for 80% of this consumption. In an age where sustainability is becoming ever more vital, optimizing energy usage in telecom infrastructure is no longer just an option but a necessity. Therefore, making the global Open RAN market more sustainable is a pressing need, warranting a thoughtful and innovative approach.
The Drive for Energy Efficiency in Telecommunications
Telecommunications networks are integral to modern communication, but their high energy consumption poses a major sustainability issue. Radio Access Networks (RAN), which form a substantial part of this infrastructure, are particularly energy-intensive. The increasing deployment of Open RAN in telecom networks signifies a crucial evolution, but it also adds an urgent call to optimize its energy usage to meet both environmental and operational objectives. This heightened energy consumption not only strains resources but also contributes massively to carbon emissions, impacting the global efforts to mitigate climate change.
In response to these challenges, Digital Catapult’s SONIC Labs, supported by Ofcom and funded by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), provides a dedicated research and development facility. The core objective of this initiative is to delve into the practical viability and performance of Open RAN solutions, with a strong emphasis on industrial sustainability through deep tech innovation. By dissecting network components and enhancing energy management, SONIC Labs aims to uncover solutions that can substantially reduce energy consumption. The program’s role becomes even more significant when considering the rapid growth trajectory of Open RAN technology globally.
SONIC Labs’ Strategic Role in Open RAN Development
The SONIC Labs Technology Access Programme is launched at a time when Open RAN is anticipated to capture 20-30% of global RAN revenues by 2028. In Europe alone, the revenue share in the Open RAN market is projected to nearly double within this period, revealing significant economic stakes. Thus, developing energy-efficient Open RAN solutions is pivotal for the global mobile telecom sector to achieve its environmental goals. Lowering the carbon footprint while meeting the growing demand from customers and commercial partners is essential for the future health of the industry, marking the initiative as both timely and crucial.
The program is structured to facilitate collaboration among five teams over an eight-month period. These teams will have access to cutting-edge indoor and outdoor testing sites, technological support, and networking opportunities within Digital Catapult. This configuration is aimed at fostering a pipeline of innovative and competitive suppliers and products in the Open RAN market. By providing such a comprehensive testing and development ecosystem, the program ensures that novel solutions not only meet theoretical criteria but are also practical and easily implementable in real-world settings. The progress and outcomes of these pioneering solutions will be showcased to government and industry stakeholders at an event planned for early 2025, creating a platform for further investment and adoption.
Applying AI and ML to Optimize Open RAN
Among the participating teams, Net AI, the University of York School of Physics, Engineering and Technology, and zTouch Networks are leveraging advanced artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to optimize the Open RAN architecture. One critical focus area is the RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC), which oversees radio resources through real-time analytics and control. This integration of AI and ML technologies is poised to offer transformative benefits, from automating routine tasks to identifying inefficiencies and suggesting optimization strategies in real time. By harnessing these advanced technologies, telecom operators can achieve a seamless blend of performance and sustainability.
By incorporating AI and ML solutions, these teams aim to enhance network efficiency, minimize energy consumption, and boost the overall performance of Open RAN networks. Their efforts are expected to provide scalable solutions with the potential to transform energy management within the telecom sector, setting a new standard for sustainable network operations. The adaptability and predictive capabilities of these technologies can significantly alleviate the energy footprint of telecom networks, marking a pivotal shift in how resources are managed. Moreover, enhanced network performance and lower operational costs are anticipated, offering both economic and environmental advantages to operators and end-users alike.
Addressing Energy Consumption in DU and CU Components
Another significant focus within the SONIC Labs programme involves the energy consumption of CPU server cores used by the Distributed Unit (DU) and Centralized Unit (CU) of Open RAN. The collaboration between G REIGNS and JET Connectivity aims to benchmark and optimize the energy usage of these critical components. These efforts are aimed not merely at achieving temporary gains but at fostering long-term sustainability in network operations. The analytical process involves rigorous testing and performance evaluation to identify optimal configurations and usage patterns for the DU and CU components, which are known to be substantial energy consumers.
The goal is to develop energy-efficient solutions that benefit both mobile network operators (MNOs) and private network providers. Enhanced scalability, improved service delivery, and reduced operational expenses are some of the anticipated outcomes, promising a more competitive service offering to consumers. By focusing on these specific elements, the initiative aims to create a ripple effect where improved efficiency in one component leads to overall network enhancements. This cascading impact can potentially revolutionize how energy is managed across telecom networks, leading to widespread adoption of energy-saving practices.
A Collaborative Effort Toward Sustainable Network Solutions
Dritan Kaleshi, Director of 5G Technology at Digital Catapult, highlights the importance of energy efficiency in the development and adoption of open networks globally. Kaleshi underscores that energy efficiency remains a significant focus for the successful development and global adoption of open networks. The SONIC Labs Technology Access Programme offers pioneering organizations the opportunity to work in close collaboration with Digital Catapult to build, implement, and test practical solutions. This holistic approach is geared towards creating a robust framework for the entire industry to follow, promoting a culture of sustainability and innovation.
This collaborative endeavor with Ofcom is expected to accelerate the adoption of Open RAN technology in the UK, thereby contributing to a more diverse and competitive mobile telecom supply chain. The initiative represents an exciting phase in the progression of SONIC Labs, poised to make significant strides toward sustainable and efficient telecommunications networks. The success of such collaborative efforts not only lays the groundwork for future projects but also serves as a benchmark for other regions and sectors aiming to enhance their energy efficiency practices. Ultimately, the program aims to set a global standard for incorporating sustainability into telecommunications.
Broader Industry Context and Technological Innovation
The introduction of the first SONIC Labs Technology Access Programme by Digital Catapult represents a significant stride towards tackling the critical energy efficiency challenges associated with Open Radio Access Network (Open RAN) operations. This initiative is particularly important given that telecommunications networks account for 90% of operators’ energy use, with Radio Access Networks (RAN) making up a substantial 80% of this consumption. As sustainability becomes increasingly essential in today’s world, optimizing energy usage within telecom infrastructure is not merely an option but a pressing necessity. The global Open RAN market must adopt sustainable practices, emphasizing the need for innovative and thoughtful solutions. By addressing these energy concerns, the programme aims to make a considerable impact, ultimately contributing to the broader objective of a more energy-efficient and sustainable telecommunications industry. The significance of this pioneering effort lies in its potential to set new standards for energy consumption reduction, making a lasting difference in the way telecom networks operate worldwide.
