Access Point Power State Transition for Energy Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power saving protocols for wireless communication systems are primarily designed for non-AP stations and do not effectively address the energy efficiency of access points (APs), leading to potential performance and connectivity issues.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of protocols and options that allow access points to balance power saving and performance requirements by adjusting their schedule and capability, including absence notifications, reduced capability modes, and listen states, to manage power consumption while maintaining network functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If existing power saving protocols are applied to APs, then energy consumption is reduced, but functionality and performance are degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power management by allowing the AP to transition between different operational states (awake, doze, listen) based on real-time network conditions and traffic patterns. The AP can dynamically adjust its power state without fixed scheduling, enabling flexible adaptation that maintains performance when needed while saving energy during low-activity periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The AP autonomously manages its own power states by monitoring network conditions and making independent decisions about when to enter doze or listen states. The system uses self-service mechanisms where the AP evaluates its own workload and power requirements, eliminating the need for external control while maintaining optimal performance-energy balance.
2Use of energy by moving object
If AP enters power saving mode with absence notification, then power consumption is reduced, but connectivity for legacy devices is impacted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic listen states where the AP periodically wakes up to check for incoming traffic from legacy devices before entering doze states. This periodic monitoring ensures that legacy devices can maintain connectivity while the AP spends most time in energy-saving mode, resolving the contradiction between power savings and legacy device compatibility.
3Use of energy by moving object
If AP reduces capability during scheduled time window, then energy efficiency is improved, but service quality may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables dynamic capability adjustment where the AP can scale its operational capabilities (transmit power, bandwidth, MIMO streams) based on current network demand. During low-traffic periods, the AP reduces capabilities to improve energy efficiency, while automatically scaling up when traffic patterns indicate higher service requirements, thus dynamically balancing energy efficiency with service quality.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and a method are disclosed for implementing power saving protocols for devices in a wireless communication system. A method performed by an AP is provided, which includes transmitting, to a STA, a first message indicating a power save schedule of the AP; and transitioning, during a scheduled time window, from an awake state to a reduced power state, based on the power save schedule. The reduced power state is associated with a power state transition capability.