In a significant stride towards energy efficiency in mobile networks, Orange and Nokia have unveiled plans to introduce an innovative solution named ‘extreme deep sleep’ mode. Leveraging Nokia’s AirScale radio architecture and Reefshark System-on-Chip chipsets, this mode is designed to enhance the energy efficiency of Orange’s mobile networks. The deployment is scheduled for the second half of 2024, promising substantial energy savings without impacting performance or customer experience.
Revolutionary ‘Extreme Deep Sleep’ Mode
The ‘extreme deep sleep’ mode, aptly dubbed “zero traffic, zero Watt,” is set to revolutionize energy savings in mobile networks. This solution, powered by Nokia’s Habrok radio units and MantaRay energy solution, takes a giant leap beyond traditional ‘deep sleep’ modes. When network traffic is low, selected radio units will enter a state of deep hibernation, shutting down key hardware components. This initiative is projected to reduce radio unit consumption by a remarkable factor of eight compared to conventional ‘deep sleep’ modes.
Pushing the Boundaries of Energy Efficiency
The innovation lies in the mode’s ability to disconnect additional hardware subsystems, going beyond the capabilities of previous solutions. The synergy between hardware shutdown and Nokia’s advanced software solutions ensures optimal energy conservation. By employing artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) through the MantaRay energy solution, this mode aligns with Orange’s commitment to sustainability and reducing the environmental footprint of the telecom industry.
Commitment to Sustainability Goals
Orange Europe, emphasizing the importance of ecosystem cooperation for reducing the industry’s environmental impact, expressed alignment with their ambitious sustainability goals. As part of the “Lead the future” strategic plan, Orange aims to reduce CO2 emissions by 45 percent by 2030 compared to 2020 across all scopes 1, 2, and 3. The ‘extreme deep sleep’ mode is a tangible step towards achieving these targets, especially considering the radio access network’s substantial contribution to overall mobile network energy consumption.
Collaborative Sustainability Initiatives
This collaboration between Orange and Nokia is not the first in their pursuit of sustainability goals. Previous initiatives have included circular economy projects and product refurbishment endeavors. As the radio access network (RAN) constitutes a significant portion of mobile network energy consumption, the introduction of the ‘extreme deep sleep’ mode marks a strategic move in the companies’ joint efforts to enhance energy efficiency.
