Energy-Efficient Hybrid Powered Cloud Radio Access Network (C-RAN) for 5G

Abstract

Owing to the ever increasing energy consumption, energy efficiency (EE) is an important parameter for next generation 5G network. The Cloud Radio Access Network (C-RAN) is a viable solution for tackling 5G network problems in an energy-efficient manner. Integrating renewable energy with C-RAN can be a powerful tool for reducing operating costs and carbon dioxide emission. But, the regional unpredictability and intermittency nature of renewable energy can result in energy outages and worsening the service quality. As a consequence, the most reliable way is to combine commercial grid supplies with renewable energy. In this paper, we proposed a network model for the downlink C-RAN with hybrid power supplies. The goal of the proposed hybrid supply with solar and grid energy collaboration is to optimize the use of renewable solar energy by reducing grid Power Consumption (PC) and, most significantly, enhancing energy efficiency and preserving service quality. A comprehensive analysis is performed to evaluate EE performance of the proposed C-RAN under a variety of network settings. The numerical results affirm the proposed C-RAN models establishing a significant improvement in network EE compared to the conventional one.INDEX TERMS Energy efficiency, hybrid supplies, renewable energy, C-RAN, 5G.

Review of 5G C-RAN Resource Allocation

“…Since 5G will be an ultra-dense network, Energy consumption, and carbon dioxide emission will become global issues. Authors in [35][36][37] discuss Energy efficiency algorithms and methods as a major solution to maintain a reasonable energy consumption level and to reduce carbon emission in 5G networks. In [35], the authors proposed the integration of C-RAN with Renewable solar energy to provide an energy-efficient 5G network with low CAPEX and reduced carbon dioxide emission.…”

“…Authors in [35][36][37] discuss Energy efficiency algorithms and methods as a major solution to maintain a reasonable energy consumption level and to reduce carbon emission in 5G networks. In [35], the authors proposed the integration of C-RAN with Renewable solar energy to provide an energy-efficient 5G network with low CAPEX and reduced carbon dioxide emission. Because of the regional and unpredictable nature of solar energy that may affect the service quality of the network, the author's proposed solution is a hybrid of solar energy with traditional grid power supply to reduce the effective grid power consumption for the network.…”

Joint Latency-Oriented, Energy Consumption, and Carbon Emission for a Space–Air–Ground Integrated Network with Newly Designed Power Technology

“…Despite their advantages, RE harvesting technologies are still variable and intermittent compared to traditional grid power. An aggregate technology that combines RE with traditional grid power is the most promising option to reliably power cellular infrastructure [25].…”