Game-changer? Nokia, NTT and Anritsu unveil first successful test of energy-saving networks

Nokia, Nippon Telegraph and Telephone (NTT), and Anritsu Corporation have successfully conducted a pioneering Proof of Concept (PoC) to validate the energy-saving capabilities of Elastic networking in mobile networks. This first-of-its-kind achievement, developed under the Innovative Optical and Wireless Network (IOWN) Global Forum, represents a major breakthrough in enhancing energy-efficient networks without compromising performance.

As global telecom operators face rising energy costs and increasing demand for bandwidth driven by artificial intelligence and next-generation applications, the ability to optimise energy consumption in networks has become a key industry priority. The successful validation of Elastic networking technology marks a significant step toward addressing these challenges, paving the way for large-scale implementation in commercial telecom environments.

What Is Elastic Networking and How Does It Work?

Elastic networking is an advanced, AI-driven approach designed to dynamically manage network resources based on real-time demand. By reallocating capacity between primary and secondary destinations, the technology enables telecom operators to hibernate radio and optical equipment when not in use, significantly reducing power consumption. During periods of high traffic, network resources can be instantly reactivated, ensuring seamless performance without affecting end users.

This innovative approach has the potential to revolutionise energy-efficient networks by intelligently managing resources to reduce operational costs while maintaining high-speed, reliable connectivity. The ability to hibernate radio and optical equipment without degrading network quality is particularly beneficial for operators like NTT, which must balance increasing bandwidth demands with sustainability goals.

How Did Nokia, NTT, and Anritsu Validate Elastic Networking?

To successfully demonstrate the energy-saving potential of Elastic networking, Nokia leveraged its industry-leading optical solutions, including the 1830 Time-Sensitive Packet Switch (TPS) and 1830 Photonic Service Switch (PSS). These high-performance platforms played a crucial role in conducting the PoC, validating the effectiveness of the technology in real-world conditions.

James Watt, Vice President and General Manager of Nokia’s Optical Networks Division, emphasised that reducing power consumption across Nokia’s product portfolio is a strategic priority. He highlighted that the successful PoC not only demonstrated the energy consumption in networks benefits of Elastic networking but also reaffirmed the trusted performance and resilience of Nokia’s optical products. He further stated that Nokia would continue working with the IOWN Global Forum and other industry stakeholders to enhance the energy efficiency of telecom networks without compromising service quality.

Similarly, Takeshi Shima, Director and Senior Vice President at Anritsu, reiterated the company’s commitment to supporting industry-wide energy efficiency initiatives. He noted that contributing to this milestone PoC underscores Anritsu’s dedication to enabling innovative, energy-efficient networks that help telecom operators achieve sustainability goals.

What Role Do Nokia’s 1830 TPS and PSS Play in Optimising Energy Consumption?

The success of the PoC was largely driven by Nokia’s advanced optical networking solutions, particularly the 1830 TPS and 1830 PSS, which are designed to support scalable, energy-efficient networks for business, residential, and mobile services.

The 1830 TPS is a carrier-grade, time-sensitive networking platform that enables cost-effective scaling of optical networking capacity while ensuring ultra-low latency for mission-critical applications. It is particularly beneficial for supporting energy consumption in networks, as it allows operators to deliver real-time communications while reducing operational costs.

Meanwhile, the 1830 PSS provides advanced optical transport capabilities, allowing operators to efficiently manage unpredictable traffic demands. As a key enabler of energy-efficient networks, the platform integrates intelligent networking algorithms that optimise power consumption without compromising performance. This makes it an ideal solution for operators looking to lower their carbon footprint while maximising network scalability.

What Are the Implications of Elastic Networking for the Telecom Industry?

The successful validation of Elastic networking is expected to drive significant industry-wide adoption, particularly as telecom operators seek innovative solutions to enhance energy-efficient networks while maintaining high-speed connectivity. Given the increasing focus on sustainability, this breakthrough technology presents a transformative opportunity to reduce energy costs while supporting next-generation applications such as AI, cloud computing, and 5G.

By leveraging Elastic networking, operators can optimise energy consumption in networks, enabling them to achieve cost savings and environmental benefits without sacrificing service quality. This shift toward AI-driven, dynamic resource allocation could redefine how telecom networks operate, setting new benchmarks for efficiency and sustainability.

Furthermore, as global regulators impose stricter energy efficiency standards, technologies like Elastic networking will become essential for ensuring compliance while maintaining competitive advantages. Telecom providers that adopt energy-efficient networks powered by Elastic networking will be better positioned to meet evolving market demands while achieving long-term cost reductions.

What’s Next for Elastic Networking and Telecom Energy Efficiency?

The successful PoC conducted by Nokia, NTT, and Anritsu marks only the beginning of a broader industry shift toward energy-efficient networks. As the technology matures, further enhancements are expected to improve its scalability and integration across different network architectures.

Future advancements in Elastic networking will likely focus on refining AI-driven resource allocation algorithms, improving compatibility with emerging network technologies, and expanding adoption beyond mobile networks into fixed and enterprise environments. Additionally, ongoing collaborations between industry leaders and regulatory bodies will play a critical role in shaping standards and best practices for implementing energy-efficient networks at scale.

As the telecommunications sector continues to evolve, Elastic networking is poised to become a cornerstone technology in the drive toward more sustainable, energy-efficient networks. With Nokia, NTT, and Anritsu leading the way, the industry is set to witness a paradigm shift in how energy consumption in networks is managed, ensuring a more sustainable and cost-effective future for global telecom operators.