Energy efficient wireless Internet access with cooperative cellular networks

In this paper we study the energy-aware cooperative management of the cellular access networks of the operators that offer service over the same area. In particular, we evaluate the amount of energy that can be saved by using all networks in high traffic conditions, but progressively switching off networks during the periods when traffic decreases, and eventually becomes so low that the desired quality of service can be obtained with just one network. When a network is switched off, its customers are allowed to roam over those networks that remain powered on. Several alternatives are studied, as regards the traffic profile, the switch-off pattern, the energy cost model, and the roaming policy. Numerical results indicate that a huge amount of energy can be saved with an energy-aware cooperative management of the networks, and suggest that, to reduce energy consumption, and thus the cost to operate the networks, new cooperative attitudes of the operators should be encouraged with appropriate incentives, or even enforced by regulation authorities. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.