Performance modelling and energy conservation in mobile networks

Abstract

Mobile networks increasingly consume significant amount of energy and therefore contribute to greenhouse gas emission. Accordingly, the proliferation of mobile devices and ever-increasing service demand arise a looming need to reduce energy consumption. This project aims to propose practical solutions to boost energy efficiency and save cost to network service providers. Based on background knowledge about network architecture and simulation methodology, Markov chain and discrete time simulations have been implemented and verified to demonstrate events happening in a 49-cell system and evaluate the quality of service (QoS) by blocking probability. Next, the project focuses on one feasible solution based on switching off and on base stations adaptively according to traffic demand. The effect of this solution is illustrated through simulation implementation of base station switch-off schemes based on ideal daily traffic profile. Results in regard of energy and cost conservation have been compared for two different schemes: fixed switch-off one and dynamic switch-off one. In addition, further problems and challenges concerning interference that occurs during base station switch-off are discussed.