Modeling and Optimization of Energy Efficiency in 5G mmWave Networks With JT-CoMP Under Different Deployment Conditions

In the face of exponential growth in mobile traffic and network densification, reducing energy consumption is a strategic challenge for the sustainability of 5G networks, particularly in the millimeter wave (mmWave) bands, where high propagation losses and inter-cell interference make optimizing Energy Efficiency (EE) a complex task. The urgent need to develop reliable models to quantify and improve EE under these conditions is all the more crucial given that operators have to reconcile performance and energy sobriety. Against this backdrop, this article proposes an accurate and flexible analytical model to assess the EE of two transmission modes: Joint Transmission-Coordinated Multi-Point (JT-CoMP), which exploits inter-cell interference as useful signals, and the uncoordinated No-CoMP mode. The analysis covers several typical scenarios for 5G mmWave networks, including Rural Macro (RMa), Urban Macro (UMa), and Urban Micro (UMi) environments. The model features the joint integration of complex propagation parameters (line-of-sight probabilities, path losses, shadow fading, three-dimensional distances, and breakpoints), topological factors (type of base stations and Inter-Site Distances – ISDs), as well as the main sources of energy consumption (transmission, circuits, and backhaul), while taking into account the spatial distribution of users. Simulation results demonstrate: (i) a clear superiority of JT-CoMP in terms of EE over No-CoMP in densified environments, with maximum gains observed in UMi, particularly at high mmWave frequencies; (ii) the specific challenges of UMa, linked to larger ISDs in urban environments, although it offers higher data rates; and (iii) the importance of adapting ISD and transmission power to maintain optimal EE. Finally, we identify critical thresholds beyond which No-CoMP becomes more efficient, underlining the importance of adaptive transmission strategies depending on the environment.