Impact of end-user devices on power consumption of next generation broadband access network

While a considerable effort is devoted to analysis and optimization of energy efficiency of both wired and wireless broadband access networks, power consumption of devices attached to the network by the end-user is usually neglected. Faster net access motivates the subscriber to buy and intensively use additional power-hungry devices, e.g. large-screen TVs. Relatively simple calculations shows this contribution to be substantial, creating additional burden on power systems and environment. An analysis made for the case of universal introduction of fiber access in Poland shows the required investment in extra power generation capacity will be comparable with cost of nationwide FTTH network. For its subscribers, increase in electricity bills may compete with fees for broadband access.