Energy Consumption Modelling of Next Generation Mobile Crosshaul Networks

Cloud-Radio Access Network (C-RAN) is seen as a key enabler of energy efficient mobile networks, as it limits the energy consumption at the cell site and provides capacity sharing for multiple cells. C-RAN splits the traditional mobile base station's functional composition into three units, connected by a fronthaul and midhaul network, which together with the backhaul network forms the crosshaul network. This work investigates the crosshaul network energy consumption by the use of network simulations. Network simulations are used to model a realistic user behavior, and provide information about network energy consumption in different scenarios. This work presents results from the simulation of a model implemented by different C-RAN functional compositions. The simulation results can predict the energy consumption in the crosshaul network under realistic application loads. Results illustrate that when scaling up the network, it is more energy efficient to use a functional composition with much processing before transmission on the cross haul network. Results show a 40 times variation in energy consumption among possible scenarios and thus, this work enlighten the importance of choosing the right functional split.