Using OMNeT++ for Energy Optimization Simulations in Mobile Core Networks

Optimizing energy consumption in mobile core networks is one of the major challenges towards a greener, less energy consuming mobile network infrastructure. We developed a simulation model for mobile core networks which is able to handle large-scale scenarios including millions of users and the corresponding amount of network infrastructure and mobile core service nodes. It can be used to assess the impact of local and global optimization strategies in routing and power management. Since it encompasses multiple system levels, it is also possible to assess synergies of optimization done at different levels. To achieve reasonable performance, our OMNeT++-based simulator uses a flow-based traffic model instead of simulating individual packets. The simulator also includes a flexible power model that can describe the power consumption of atomic as well as modular devices. It can be populated with device datasheets and measurements from real-world devices. This allows realistic energy measurements on different levels of granularity, ranging from entire sites down to individual line cards.