RAN Energy Optimization

This application area focuses on reducing the power consumption of mobile radio access networks (RANs) by dynamically adapting how network resources are activated, configured, and utilized. Instead of running base stations, antennas, and supporting compute at near-constant power regardless of traffic, models learn traffic patterns, quality-of-service constraints, and hardware behavior to decide when and how to switch components, carriers, and capacity up or down. The goal is to minimize energy usage while maintaining agreed service levels for users and critical services. It matters because RAN is one of the largest contributors to mobile operators’ operating expenses and carbon footprint, especially with dense 5G and future 6G deployments. As networks become more heterogeneous and complex, manual or rule-based optimization is no longer sufficient. Data-driven optimization enables operators to cut OPEX, meet sustainability and Net Zero targets, and reduce infrastructure strain, all while safely handling variable demand, from zero-traffic periods to peak loads.