Energy Efficiency and AI-Powered 5G and Beyond Networks

信息和通信技术（ICT）部门是一个能源密集型和不断增长的部门（每年增长9%）。最近推出的下一代无线电网络应用，即5G及以上（5GB），大大加快了ICT服务在许多经济部门的使用，为改善我们的生活质量创造了独特的机会。通过大规模部署能够提供高速服务的天线实现网络密集化是满足5GB应用低延迟和高带宽要求的关键解决方案。这些网络高度复杂和动态，同时又能确保更高的能源效率，其设计和管理带来了前所未有的技术挑战。在这个项目中，我们将针对下一代无线电应用的新需求和最小化的能耗设计和优化云边缘结构模型。基于人工智能（AI）协调器，该模型将能够自动适应不同类别用户的需求，同时对生态负责。服务将通过虚拟网络切片提供给最终用户，这些切片从端到端进行了优化。该项目还将通过应用深度学习技术，提高硬件层面的能源效率，特别是在无线电接入方面。该项目的研究结果将在ENCQOR（通过魁北克和安大略研究和创新走廊发展网络服务）网络上进行评估和量化，该网络将用作知识共享的平台。这一成果将有可能在OpenRAN（O-RAN）联盟中标准化，从而在全球范围内使用。 爱立信将利用这一研究成果来提高其战略5G产品的效率。加拿大环境和气候变化部（ECCC）的分析和建模部门（AMD）也将受益于该项目，以加强其ICT服务的温室气体建模解决方案，并建议新的环境政策。我们的初步估计显示，该项目有可能减少加拿大每年约353，525吨的二氧化碳当量，或减少蒙特利尔和多伦多之间的350万次往返航班。

The information and communication technologies (ICT) sector is an energy intensive and growing sector (with an increase of 9% annually). Recently introduced applications of the next-generation radio networks, namely 5G-and-beyond (5GB), have dramatically accelerated the use of ICT services in many economic sectors, creating a unique opportunity to improve our quality of life. Network densification through the massive deployment of antennas capable of offering high-speed services is the key solution to meeting the low latency and high bandwidth requirements of 5GB applications. The design and management of such networks, which are highly complex and dynamic while ensuring a higher level of energy efficiency, pose unprecedented technical challenges. In this project, we will design and optimize a cloud-edge fabric model with respect to new requirements of next-generation radio applications and minimized energy consumption. Based on an artificial intelligence (AI) orchestrator, this model will be able to automatically adapt to the requirements of different classes of users while being eco-responsible. Services will be provided to end users through virtual network slices, which are optimized from end to end. This project will also increase energy efficiency at the hardware level, particularly in radio access, by applying deep learning techniques. The findings of the project will be assessed and quantified on the ENCQOR (Evolution of Networked Services through a Corridor in Quebec and Ontario for Research and Innovation) network, used as a platform for knowledge sharing. This outcome will have the potential to be standardized in OpenRAN (O-RAN) alliance and hence be used worldwide. Ericsson will use this research results to improve the efficiency of their strategic 5G products. The Analysis and Modelling Division (AMD) of the Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) will also benefit from this project to strengthen their GHG modeling solutions for ICT services, and to recommend new environmental policies. Our preliminary estimation shows the project has the potential to reduce approximately 353,525 tons of CO2e per year in Canada, or 3.5 million round-trip flights between Montreal and Toronto.