Fibre service providers have been given a boost in their pursuit of more energy-efficient networks that can unlock significant power savings thanks to a new project launched by Broadband Forum. Initially driven by BT Group, Orange, Calix, Futurewei, Huawei, and Nokia, the project will seek to lower energy consumption when accessing the internet.
The project titled ‘Energy Power Saving Requirements, Test Plan, and Data Model’ from the Broadband Forum’s Fibre Access Network (FAN) Work Area will see a number of Broadband Forum’s standards and specifications incorporate these new energy saving requirements for the industry to adhere to. This builds on the ITU-T Supplement 45, G series which published recommendations and guidelines on power-saving in Passive Optical Networks (PON) equipment.
Energy efficiency in fixed broadband equipment is essential for reducing power costs and CO2 emissions for operators and their customers. As the demand for high-speed connectivity continues to rise, it becomes crucial that FTTH networks operate sustainably, ensuring connectivity empowers the end user as well as nurturing the planet,” said Hugues Le Bras, Network Engineer in Fixed Access Networks at Orange and Editor of the project. “To achieve this, the new project outlines power saving requirements, power measurement monitoring and testing methods that are needed to unlock greater energy efficiency.