Energy efficiency in the 5G era

14% Global SSA

2.1.19 Energy efficiency in the 5G era

Energy efficiency is a major consideration for 5G era networks

3GPP specifications point to an aspirational goal for 5G networks to be much more efficient than 4G. This will be driven by more efficient constituent components.

Yet, in several ways, the overall 5G era networks will be challenged to deliver a greener operational outcome. Network densification will add more sites and

‘softwarisation’ of the core will add more control points.

This disaggregation of the network will likely result in multiple sites consuming relatively small amounts of energy, and imposing a complex challenge to optimise

overall energy consumption.

While the debate and discussions continue, in the short-term, operators are likely to see an energy increase in maintaining legacy networks in 2G, 3G and 4G networks in addition to new requirements in deploying 5G, at least until legacy networks are decommissioned.

FIGURE 2.1.9

SECURITY CONTROLS OUTLINED IN 3GPP RELEASE 15 Device

CARD

Device

This profile data is used to securely identify and authenticate the subscriber

The profile data on the eSIM is used to identify and authenticate the subscriber,

just as for the SIM card authentication

details with subscribers

profile data is securely downloaded directly to the

device

The red dot represents the data stored on the SIM,

called a ‘Profile’

The eSIM can store several profiles The profile, once

downloaded, is securely stored on an eSIM, which is

soldered into the device

SUBSCRIBER PROTECTION

STREAMLINE REGULATORY CONDITIONS TO FACILITATE 5G DEPLOYMENT

PROVIDE REGULATORY FLEXIBILITY FOR INNOVATIVE 5G PROPOSITIONS

RADIO PROTECTION CORE PROTECTION

• Subscriber Permanent Identifier (SUPI); a unique identifier for the subscriber

• Dual authentication and key agreement (AKA)

• Anchor key is used to identify and authenticate UE. This key is used to create a secured access throughout the 5G infrastructure.

• X509 certificates and PKI are used to protect various non UE devices

• Encryption keys are used to demonstrate the integrity of signalling data

• Authentication when moving from 3GPP network to non 3GPP network

• Security Anchor Function (SEAF) allows re-authentication of the UE when it moves between different access or serving networks

• The home network carries out the original authentication based on the home profile (home control)

• Encryption keys will be based on IP network protocols and IPSec

• Security Edge Protection Proxy (SEPP) protects the home network edge

• 5G separates control and data plane traffic

RELEASE SUFFICIENT SPECTRUM FOR 5G THAT IS HARMONISED AND AFFORDABLE

EASE FINANCIAL DEMANDS OF 5G BY BRINGING DOWN COSTS

5G Readiness & Enabling Conditions THE 5G GUIDE

Policy Readiness (including Spectrum) 2.2

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• An enabling policy environment is a prerequisite for 5G success. Accordingly, policymakers need to foster a pro-investment and pro-innovation environment for the mobile ecosystem.

• To accelerate 5G into commercial use, policymakers should focus on network deployment, network flexibility, spectrum access and regulatory costs, including reducing sector specific taxes on customers and operators.

• Specifically, regulators need to promote streamlined network deployment regulations to address the emerging challenges of network densification.

• Likewise, regulators should promote flexibility to support emerging 5G services (e.g.

through a pragmatic interpretation of the Open Internet principle) and modernising regulatory frameworks.

• Sufficient, affordable, exclusively licensed, contiguous spectrum should be made available in harmonised 5G bands. Set-asides in these bands jeopardize the success of public 5G services and could waste spectrum.

• Spectrum policy measures should be adopted which support long-term 5G investment.

These should include long-term technology neutral licences, clear renewal processes, a spectrum roadmap and due care taken to avoid artificially inflated spectrum prices.

5G Readiness & Enabling Conditions THE 5G GUIDE

To accelerate 5G into commercial use, governments and regulators need to consider market structures that will foster a pro-investment and pro-innovation environment for the mobile ecosystem. Many mobile operators face significant headwinds from the

prevailing policy and regulatory environment, in terms of investment; spectrum access; network management flexibility; and infrastructure deployment.

It is important to note that across a broad range of policy and regulatory issues, the industry position is no different in a 5G world to earlier generations of mobile network technology. Positions published in the GSMA Mobile Policy Handbook²⁰, spanning infrastructure sharing, taxation and spectrum, to name but a few, are as relevant and applicable as ever.

Policymakers, as vocal proponents of mobile network evolution and technology-led economic growth, should play a driving role in the realisation of 5G, creating the conditions for efficient and timely mobile network deployment while bringing down the regulatory costs for operators. Their attention should focus on the following key areas to bring 5G to fruition: network deployment; network flexibility; spectrum access; and regulatory costs.

Figure 2.2.1 is a summary of the four key policy considerations for the 5G era.

2.2.1 5G era policy framework

Supportive policy framework is a key enabler for 5G readiness

FIGURE 2.2.1

KEY POLICY CONSIDERATIONS FOR THE 5G ERA Device