From heterogeneous wireless networks to sustainable efficient ICT infrastructures

The growing demand for multimedia data leads to a densification of the cellular network topology by the introduction of small cells, both outdoor and indoor. Consequently the number of base station antennas increases. Other connected industries also increase their use of wireless links, at a lower bit rate, such as the utility smart grids (gas, water, electricity) or the Intelligent Transportations Services. This increases again the number of antennas to transmit the data. Hence the overall wireless networks in a city tend to accumulate the number of antennas in a suboptimal way. There is in a medium to long term a potential for infrastructure sharing among those applications. And the propagation and antenna simulations tools can definitely help to design those shared efficient networks of the Future. The benefits could be tremendous for the ICT infrastructure owners and for the Industries using those, in terms of cost-savings. This would lead to lower human exposure to EM waves, and to a greater competitiveness of the regions that will find the adequate cooperation schemes.