Written by: Tomas Edler and Susanne Lundberg

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More users and a total increase in the use of EricssonÕs telecommunications systems are putting greater demands on energy usage. Through extensive life-cycle assessments of its systems, Ericsson has learned that energy consumption in the usage phase of its radio access networks is the most critical factor relating to impact on the environment. At the same time, operators are becoming increasingly aware of their energy bills. Consequently, Ericsson is committed to developing solutions that reduce operating costs and effects on the environment. How? By increasing energy efficiency in radio access networks.

Taking the customer perspective, Ericsson has used site, network, climate, and traffic statistics from operator networks to accurately estimate enhancements to energy consumption in real network operations. Examples of product enhancements include reduced energy consumption in RBS equipment, climate systems, and radio access networks (during rollout) and legacy networks (during operation). These short-term enhancements are part of EricssonÕs commitment to strategic long-term improvements.

[First published in Ericsson Review no. 01, 2004]