6G and NTN Power Consumption Modeling

Résumé fourni par la source

The transition from 5G to 6G shifts network design beyond low latency and high data rates toward extreme device density, pervasive AI, terabit-per-second throughput, and the integration of terrestrial and non-terrestrial platforms. However, dense RAN deployments, AI-driven processing, satellites, high-altitude platforms, and unmanned aerial vehicles significantly increase energy consumption. Thus, energy efficiency and sustainability are central to 6G viability. Global research aligns with frameworks such as the Paris Agreement, UN SDGs, and the European Green Deal, targeting greener networks by 2030. European projects examine performance–energy trade-offs, while accurate power modeling remains essential, as current models rely on simplified assumptions that limit real-world applicability. Within this context, this chapter aims to offer a comprehensive overview and derivation of power consumption modeling for 6G networks. It discusses power consumption modeling across various segments of 6G networks while pointing out crucial technical and methodological challenges. Analytical frameworks are proposed, including mathematical formulations and empirical results that incorporate the critical AI/ML processing required in 6G technology and focus on non-terrestrial networks as one of the promising use cases for upcoming ecosystems.