CTIA: Nortel Greens Up GSM

Nortel Networks is tackling the issues of power and energy consumption in GSM networks with Smart Power Management Software, geared to save money for operators while supporting the greening of telecom.

The new management software enables network operators to switch off radio network equipment dynamically when there is no caller traffic being processed by the system. This can provide up to a 33 percent reduction in energy savings by reducing BTS power consumption, Nortel said.

"As the cost of power and concern for the environment increases, continuous innovation in energy saving techniques is critical," said Graham Richardson, vice president and general manager, CDMA/GSM, Nortel. "In Nortel's labs we constantly look at how to deliver improved performance with less power input. Capabilities such as Smart Power Management reduce network OPEX and CO2 emissions while simultaneously enhancing operator profitability."

The SPM feature is available as a software upgrade to Nortel GSM radio base station equipment. Other enhancements recently made by Nortel to increase the overall energy efficiency of its GSM portfolio include hardware improvements to increase power amplification efficiencies, and optimization of BTS cooling systems. Combined, the Nortel GSM portfolio is up to 50 percent more energy efficient than it was five years ago, the company said.

Power reductions that can be achieved through SPM were demonstrated in a trial conducted in February 2009 with the world's largest mobile operator, China Mobile.

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