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-The evaluation and reduction of energy consumption of backbone telecommunication networks has been a popular subject of academic research for the last decade. A critical parameter in these studies is the power consumption of the individual network devices. It appears that across different studies, a wide range of power values for similar equipment is used. This is a result of the scattered and limited availability of power values for optical multilayer network equipment. We propose reference power consumption values for Internet protocol/multiprotocol label switching (IP/MPLS), Ethernet, optical transport networking (OTN) and wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) equipment. In addition we present a simplified analytical power consumption model that can be used for large networks where simulation is computationally expensive or unfeasible. For illustration and evaluation purpose, we apply both calculation approaches to a case study, which includes an optical bypass scenario. Our results show that the analytical model approximates the simulation result to over 90% or higher, and that optical bypass potentially can save up to 50% of power over a non-bypass scenario.

There is a growing research interest in improving the energy efficiency of communication networks. In order to assess the impact of introducing new energy efficient technologies, an up-to-date estimate for the global electricity consumption in communication networks is needed. In this paper we consider the use phase electricity consumption of telecom operator networks, office networks and customer premises equipment. Our results show that the network electricity consumption is growing fast, at a rate of 10 % per year, and its relative contribution to the total worldwide electricity consumption has increased from 1.3% in 2007 to 1.8% in 2012. We estimate the worldwide electricity consumption of communication networks will exceed 350 TWh in 2012.

One of the main challenges for the future of information and communication technologies is the reduction of the power consumption in telecommunication networks. The key consumers are the home gateways at the customer premises for fixed line access technologies and the base stations for wireless access technologies. However, with increasing bit rates, the share of the core networks could become significant as well. In this paper we characterize the power consumption in the different types of networks and discuss strategies to reduce the power consumption.

Abstract-Green communication technologies currently receive a lot of attention. In this paper we give an overview of the environmental issues related to communication technologies en present an estimation of the overall ICT footprint. Additionally we present some approaches on how to reduce this footprint and how ICT can assist in other sectors reducing their footprint. I. INTRODUCTION In its communication 'Addressing the challenge of energy efficiency through Information and Communication Technologies' the European Commission states[1]:Information and Communication Technologies have an important role to play in reducing the energy intensity and increasing the energy efficiency of the economy, in other words, in reducing emissions and contributing to sustainable growth. In order to achieve the ambitious targets set and meet the challenges ahead, Europe needs to ensure that ICTenabled solutions are available and fully deployed. With this statement the commission acknowledges the opportunities Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has to offer in reducing the energy intensity of the economy but also points out that ICT needs to lead by example in increasing its energy efficiency. This increase in energy efficiency needs to take place in a rapidly expanding sector. Currently the transmitted data volume increases by a factor of approximately 10 every 5 years.In this paper we elaborate on the environmental footprint of ICT and the possibilities ICT has in environmental footprint reduction. We will demonstrate that this environment footprint encompasses more than only energy efficiency. Then, we assess this footprint and discuss some strategies to mitigate it.