Driving Energy Efficiency in Open RAN: Net AI’s Partnership with Digital Catapult
Open RAN and its benefits
Net AI, alongside four other innovators, has partnered with Digital Catapult to develop and test energy efficiency solutions for Open RAN (O-RAN) networks. Open RAN is a modern approach in telecommunications that promotes interoperability by utilizing open interfaces and standards, allowing network components from different vendors to work together seamlessly. By separating hardware and software, O-RAN enables the use of general-purpose hardware, fostering competition, innovation, and ultimately leading to more flexible and cost-efficient network management. Additionally, it significantly lowers entry barriers for the smaller suppliers, allowing them to compete by developing specific, innovative components that can smoothly integrate with existing networks through standardized open interfaces. This approach is particularly critical for the deployment of 5G networks, as it supports more adaptable and scalable deployments, while reducing reliance on a few large vendors and promoting a diverse, competitive telecom ecosystem.
O-RAN also plays a pivotal role in enhancing energy efficiency. Telecom networks use 90% of operators’ energy budgets, with the Radio Access Network (RAN) responsible for 80% of that consumption. O-RAN’s open architecture allows for dynamic resource allocation and intelligent power management, driven by AI algorithms that optimize energy consumption based on real-time traffic demands. The disaggregated nature of O-RAN permits the selection of more energy-efficient hardware, and its support for network slicing further optimizes resource usage, reducing unnecessary power consumption. These capabilities position O-RAN as a key player in the creation of more energy-efficient and sustainable telecom networks.
EnergAIze: Net AI’s Solution for Sustainable 5G Networks
To address the growing energy demands of 5G infrastructure, Net AI’s solution, EnergAIze, leverages AI-driven forecasting to optimize energy consumption within these networks. As 5G deployments expand and require more extensive base stations with higher capacity, EnergAIze predicts network usage and adjusts Radio Access Network (RAN) configurations in real-time. This automated control significantly reduces energy consumption, achieving over 50% energy savings while maintaining high levels of service quality. The solution’s compatibility with O-RAN presents a great opportunity for telecom operators to balance energy efficiency with network performance, leading to considerable cost savings.
EnergAIze’s Role in the Future of Telecommunications
Digital Catapult has recently launched its first SONIC Labs Technology Access Programme, which focuses on addressing energy efficiency challenges in Open RAN operations. This programme unites five innovators, including Net AI, to develop and implement sustainable Open RAN solutions. Together with the University of York, zTouch Networks Inc., G REIGNS, and JET Connectivity, Net AI will aim to enhance the performance and energy efficiency of Open RAN through the application of AI and machine learning. This initiative aims to significantly reduce the carbon footprint of global telecom networks while meeting increasing demands, with a showcase event planned for early 2025 to demonstrate the impact and potential of these pioneering solutions.
As part of this collaborative effort, Net AI will be given the opportunity to test and refine the EnergAIze solution within the SONIC Labs environment. This will not only validate the solution’s effectiveness in realistic network conditions but also allow for improvements, ensuring that EnergAIze is fully optimized for deployment across a range of telecom networks. The anticipated outcomes include substantial reductions in energy consumption, enhanced operational efficiency, and a contribution to the sustainability goals of the global telecom industry. The final showcase in 2025 will highlight these achievements, positioning Net AI as a leader on the path towards greener, more efficient telecommunications infrastructure.
