Traffic-aware sleep mode algorithm for 5G networks

Traffic forecasts suggest increasing mobile data rates, which motivates research on new technologies collectively called 5G features. Among these is hyper-dense deployment of small cells to maximize capacity. However, this small cell deployment can significantly increase the network global energy consumption. Aiming at an efficient utilization of energy for small cells, this work focuses on a sleep mode solution with traffic-aware capability and assuming millimeter wave communications. Results are presented for the energy percentage saved for several traffic patterns and show the potential of the proposed sleep mode solution. For example, in a specific scenario it can achieve around 55% of energy savings. Moreover, an energy analysis concerning load-dependent power consumption for small cells in the context of 5G networks is conducted. This analysis highlights the relevance of assuming a load-dependent power consumption in millimeter wave communications.