Summary - L Suppl. 62 (06/2026) - ITU-T L.1331 – Supplement on study of multi-dimensional network energy efficiency metrics

A mobile network needs to fulfil several service requirements, such as being able to deliver a certain service volume with a given service quality and service availability. A number of different energy efficiency metrics have been defined throughout the years, e.g., for mobile networks in Recommendation ITU-T L.1331. These metrics are typically used to assess the energy efficiency of the network over time but can also be used in network optimization algorithms for improving the network energy efficiency in an automated manner. The metrics should not be used for benchmarking of different networks, as contextual factors of different networks such as regulatory obligations, emergency service requirements, geographical and population characteristics, etc., significantly influence the metrics.
These existing network energy efficiency metrics are typically only based on the amount of service provided, e.g., transported data volume, coverage area, or number of connections. However, the quality of the service provided is seldom reflected, and it is also not always clear if/how these metrics can be combined to give a more complete picture of the energy efficiency of a network.
Supplement 62 to ITU-T L-series Recommendations studies existing network energy efficiency metrics and outlines proposals and analysis on how mobile network energy efficiency metrics capturing multiple performance dimensions (service volume, service quality, service availability, etc.) can be formulated.