Sunday 09 March 2025
The Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN) is a relatively new concept that has been gaining traction in recent years. Its primary goal is to create an open and interoperable architecture for radio access networks, which will enable more flexible and efficient use of wireless communication technology.
One of the key components of O-RAN is the RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC), a software-based entity that sits between the RAN and the core network. The RIC’s primary function is to manage the various functions within the RAN, such as radio resource management, mobility management, and quality of service management.
In a recent study, researchers from the University of Surrey examined the power consumption of the RIC in O-RAN architectures. They used a testbed consisting of an RIC server and multiple E2 nodes to measure the traffic on the E2 interface and the power consumption of the RIC.
The results showed that the RIC’s power consumption is directly proportional to the number of connected E2 nodes, with each node generating around 15 MBps of traffic. The researchers also found that the RIC’s static power consumption accounts for a significant portion of its overall power consumption, which could be reduced through more efficient hardware design.
The study also examined the impact of redundant KPI transmissions on the RIC’s power consumption. Redundant KPI transmissions occur when multiple xApps request the same KPI from an E2 node, resulting in duplicate requests being sent over the E2 interface. The researchers found that avoiding these redundant transmissions can significantly reduce the RIC’s power consumption.
To achieve this reduction, the researchers proposed a mechanism that optimizes the KPI selection for RIC applications. This mechanism involves analyzing each KPI request individually and merging identical requests when possible. The results showed that this approach can bring substantial gains in RIC power consumption, with potential savings of up to 87% or 1.2 kW.
The study’s findings have significant implications for the development of O-RAN architectures. By optimizing the RIC’s power consumption, network operators can reduce their energy costs and environmental impact while improving the overall efficiency of their networks.
The researchers’ proposed mechanism for avoiding redundant KPI transmissions could also be applied to other areas of wireless communication technology, such as base station sleep states or antenna tuning. These approaches could further reduce the energy consumption of wireless networks, making them more sustainable in the long term.
Cite this article: “Optimizing Power Consumption in Open Radio Access Networks (O-RAN)”, The Science Archive, 2025.
Open-Ran, Ric, Power Consumption, Wireless Communication, O-Ran Architecture, E2 Interface, Xapps, Kpi Transmissions, Redundant Requests, Energy Efficiency.
