Visualizing the effects of power management algorithms for mobile networks under realistic conditions

Today´s mobile networks run on full capacity 24/7 even though they are not always fully utilized. The resulting power consumption can be reduced by dynamically applying a less energy-consuming configuration to the mobile network. Decisions regarding these optimizations are based on contextual information acquired from the network elements as well as external sources. We propose a test environment, which is able to visualize the effects of the re-configuration algorithms for mobile networks under realistic conditions. This environment comprises a Multi-RAT Testbed, which again consists of a number of different radio access technology nodes. Furthermore, we built a ShowTable that demonstrates one power management scenario based on contextual information, which is acquired and processed by the context management server. The ShowTable utilizes Wi-Fi access points and focuses on the de- and reactivation of unused network components and the intelligent handover of the active users. As an exemplary application, video streams are used and a visualization on an external screen helps to display the status of the network as well as live information about traffic load and power consumption. The deployed algorithm applies a threshold-based policy by deactivating one of the access points in case that the traffic load falls below a defined threshold.