5G Next: How a new automation layer can increase overall energy efficiency

This Insight Spotlight is the second part of a series – called 5G Next – to help better understand the next phase of the 5G era and highlight promising technology innovations shaping networks. This edition explores automated solutions, also known as orchestration, which can help deliver energy-efficient 5G deployments and achieve the right balance between energy use and user experience.

A shift is occurring from energy-saving solutions that are configuration-based, semi-static and unsynchronised, to those that are intent-driven and able to orchestrate existing and new functionality. This new layer of orchestration can help drive energy cost savings – a key goal, given that energy accounts for approximately 20% of operator opex.