New Efforts to Improve Energy Efficiency in Fiber Networks
In a major step towards sustainability, fiber service providers now have the opportunity to participate in a new initiative designed to create energy-efficient networks. This effort could lead to significant power savings, driven by a recently launched project from the Broadband Forum.
What the Project Aims to Accomplish
Initially sparked by key players in the fiber industry, this project seeks to lower energy consumption related to internet access. Prominent companies like BT Group, Orange, Calix, Futurewei, Huawei, and Nokia have come together under the Broadband Forum’s Fiber Access Network (FAN) Work Area to address these essential energy-saving strategies.
The Structure for Energy Savings
The initiative, officially called ‘Energy Power Saving Requirements, Test Plan, and Data Model’, aims to incorporate diverse energy-saving requirements into the existing standards and specs of the Broadband Forum. This all-encompassing approach builds on established guidelines, particularly the ITU-T Supplement 45, G series, which already emphasizes power-saving measures within Passive Optical Networks (PON) equipment.
Why Energy Efficiency Matters
As demand for high-speed internet continues to rise, it's increasingly important to create sustainable environments for connectivity. Hugues Le Bras, a Network Engineer at Orange and Editor of the project, pointed out that improving energy efficiency in fixed broadband technology is crucial—not only for reducing power costs but also for cutting down CO? emissions. This project aims to empower users while being mindful of environmental impact.
Collaborative Efforts in the Industry
Le Bras stressed the importance of service providers committing to lower energy usage while equipment manufacturers ensure compliance with established standards. Test labs also play a vital role in making sure the agreed-upon power-saving methods are compatible and effective.
Goals and Future of the Initiative
The project plans to unveil its specifications in the summer of 2025. It seeks to drive technological advancements in line with the new power-saving criteria, particularly related to Optical Network Units (ONUs) and Optical Line Terminals (OLTs). Even though FTTH networks are generally more energy-efficient than older copper systems, ONUs can still use a lot of energy—both when they're in use and even when they’re not.
New Approaches to Power Management
Implementing ONU power shedding is expected to be a key focus of the project. This strategy will help reduce energy use for non-essential functions while keeping operational optical links intact. Additionally, using smart sleep modes will make sure only the necessary hardware is running during downtime, addressing potential energy waste effectively.
Transforming the Industry
The entire fiber industry is evolving to prioritize energy efficiency. By integrating these recommended practices into the Broadband Forum specifications, service providers will have a robust framework to actively reduce their carbon footprints—a sentiment echoed by Marta Seda of Calix, who serves as Director of the FAN Work Area at the Broadband Forum.
Contact Details and Further Information
For those interested in getting involved with this groundbreaking project or needing more information, they can contact the Broadband Forum via their official contact email.
About the Broadband Forum
The Broadband Forum is a well-respected organization focused on creating industry standards for broadband services. Through cooperative efforts, operators, application providers, and vendors work together to develop innovative standards and solutions that improve broadband deployment.
This standards-development body promotes collaboration among stakeholders to create interoperable standards and open software. It also highlights the importance of education and industry best practices, which are crucial for building a resilient broadband ecosystem bolstered by global partnerships.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the goal of the new fiber network project?
The project aims to create energy-efficient networks while reducing power costs and CO? emissions.
Who initiated the energy-saving project?
Major industry players such as BT Group and Orange initiated the project under the Broadband Forum.
What will the project focus on developing?
The project will develop technologies focusing on reducing energy consumption in Optical Network Units and Terminals.
When will the project's specifications be published?
The specifications are set to be published in the summer of 2025.
How can one get involved with the Broadband Forum?
Interested parties can reach out via the Broadband Forum's contact email for more information.
