As 5G networks scale, so does their energy footprint—especially across x-haul infrastructures (fronthaul, midhaul, backhaul). In the latest research from the CLEVER Project, we propose a cooperative SDN-based energy-saving scheme for NG-PON2, blending 5G TDD awareness, O-RAN intelligence, and software-defined optical access networks (SDOANs).
📉 Our CO-SLEEP technique leverages real-time 5G TDD slot awareness to:
🔹 Dynamically power down ONT receiver subsystems during uplink slots
🔹 Coordinate energy-saving actions through a TDD-aware NG-PON2 Energy Manager
🔹 Achieve up to 80% energy savings under favorable TDD patterns
🔹 Maintain QoS with programmable NETCONF-based control
⚙️ Combining:
✅ RIC xApps for TDD monitoring
✅ NETCONF-controlled ONTs
✅ Cross-layer collaboration between RAN and optical access
📊 Early results show clear potential for significant energy gains in 5G converged infrastructures, as highlighted below.
This approach demonstrates how cross-domain orchestration and energy-aware design can meet the growing demand for sustainable, intelligent, and scalable 5G networks.
🔗 Discover the CLEVER Project and our mission to future-proof Europe’s edge/cloud infrastructure: https://www.cleverproject.eu
