Total power consumption of different network densification alternatives

This study compares the performance of a number of different network densification alternatives from the total power consumption point of view. In particular, the impact of micro eNodeB output power and the impact of a targeted introduction of open access femto eNodeBs are considered. The obtained results show that the densified macro network is the most power-efficient deployment when a low level of cell DTX is assumed. However, the power-efficiency of the heterogeneous deployments can be improved either by reducing the required density of low-power cells, or by reducing the power consumption of idle eNodeBs. The first can be obtained for example by increasing the micro eNodeB output power, or by targeting the low-power deployment towards the most traffic-heavy users. The latter can be achieved with the help of a more aggressive cell DTX. Finally, when it comes to the OPEX for the operator related to the power consumption, heterogeneous femto deployments are found to be very efficient, since the total cost related to the energy consumption is shared between the operator and the subscribers.