Energy Efficient Networks: Media Streaming

Following the initial kick-off meeting, techUK and the CSA Catapult will host a series of ‘deep dive’ roundtables to explore in more detail key topics related to network energy efficiency.

This roundtable will examine the energy efficiency issues and opportunities for immersive streaming as a way to investigate the future for media streaming and power consumption of telecoms networks.

It will be chaired by techUK and Digital Catapult. Speakers:

• Tim Hatt, Head of Research, GSMA

• Paul Ceely, Director of Technology Strategy, Digital Catapult (Co-Chair)

• Sophie James, Head of Telecoms and Spectrum Policy, techUK (Co-Chair)

We anticipate the following themes will be discussed, along with other related ones identified as the discussion progresses:

• Illustrative examples of immersive streaming in a manufacturing context;  social immersive content streaming for consumers; broadcast TV migration to streaming

• Network optimisation for energy reduction through Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML): the use of software in order to manage network energy needs. 

• Network technology options - fixed, 4G, 5G, wifi…

• RAN, RF and microwave communications: How the RAN itself, not just its components, power source or network management, can become more efficient – we will also explore the potential of open and disaggregated networks in reducing energy consumption. 

• Computational needs and architectural implications and options with respect to improving energy efficiency such as offloading, edge data centres, private networks, cloud…

• Device hardware designs and optimisation opportunities

• Rendering and encoding options and tradeoffs, edge core, quality vs size

• Content delivery options, broadcast, multicast, edge…

During the deep dive roundtables, we will invite attendees to discuss UK capabilities, market potential and priorities for future investment. The roundtables will be held under Chatham House Rule. 

Session chairs: