Future generations of cellular networks need to solve the challenges posed by a growing number of connected devices, increasing traffic demand and strict real-time requirements. These requirements can be fulfilled by moving to higher frequencies, where larger bandwidths are available. However, at higher frequencies the attenuation and path losses are increased significantly.

Therefore, the distance between the user-equipment and base station needs to be reduced. Heterogeneous networks achieve this by supplementing today’s networks with smaller cells covering high-traffic areas. However, this expansion of the network infrastructure leads to an increase in energy consumption and the need for close coordination between the cells.

In this project, the optimization and control group of ie3 investigates new methods for improving energy efficiency of future 6G networks via control and optimization. To this end, we employ data-driven techniques to model energy consumption and quality of service. Then, these models are used to optimize the energy consumption considering the network performance. Open RAN concepts offer the interface for optimizing the operation of upcoming networks generation. Our work will thus contribute to the standardization of 6G networks.

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