Access Point Data Queue Scheduling for Wi-Fi Power Saving
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power saving modes in Wi-Fi networks are ineffective, particularly for VoIP and other applications due to latency issues and interference from other wireless devices, leading to increased power consumption and decreased performance.
Innovation Solution
Scheduling data transmissions to align with the activity periods of power-saving clients by modifying the distribution queue in access points or proxy devices, and virtualizing access points for specific activities to optimize power management across multiple clients.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a client operates in power-saving mode with periodic polling, then power consumption is reduced, but latency increases and data delivery reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The access point performs preliminary actions by buffering data intended for power-saving clients and proactively sending TIM beacons before the client actually needs the data. This allows the client to remain in sleep mode longer while ensuring data is ready when needed, reducing latency without increasing power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the access point monitors the TIM beacon responses and adjusts its data transmission scheduling accordingly. When a client responds to a TIM beacon, the access point uses this feedback to optimize future data delivery timing, balancing power savings with low latency requirements.
2Productivity
If data is transmitted to multiple clients simultaneously, then network productivity increases, but power-saving effectiveness for individual clients decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The access point segments the data transmission process by separating data intended for power-saving clients from data for active clients. It creates distinct transmission schedules and uses separate queues, allowing simultaneous network activity while ensuring power-saving clients receive data at optimized times that minimize their active duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic TIM beacons sent at strategically determined intervals to wake power-saving clients only when necessary. This periodic action allows the access point to maintain network productivity through continuous data transmission to active clients while keeping power-saving clients in low-power state between beacon intervals.
3Reliability
If the access point buffers data for power-saving clients, then data delivery reliability improves, but the time client remains active increases
Solution Approach 1:
The access point performs preliminary buffering of data for power-saving clients and sends TIM beacons in advance to indicate available data. This preliminary action ensures data is ready when the client wakes up, improving delivery reliability while minimizing the actual active duration needed to receive the data.
Solution Approach 2:
When a power-saving client responds to a TIM beacon, the access point uses high-priority transmission to rush through the data delivery quickly. This skipping approach minimizes the time the client needs to remain active by bypassing normal transmission delays and prioritizing power-saving client data delivery.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the claimed subject matter provide an approach to managing the power state of wireless network devices in a wireless network. Embodiments include a process for modifying the scheduling of data distribution device by referencing the data buffer in an access point for data intended for a wireless network client operating under a power-saving mode, and re-arranging the distribution queue of the access point to be granted priority for a time which coincides with the delivery of a polling beacon to the power-saving wireless client. Other embodiments include a method to create virtual access points for a particular usage, and to leverage access points in a wireless network for particular usages of devices in range.