Access Point Power Save With Pre-Switch Connectivity Recommendations

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Solution Overview

Problem

Access points entering power save mode can cause sudden loss of connectivity or reduced performance for associated devices, leading to significant disruptions in wireless communication.

Innovation Solution

Access points generate and transmit a connectivity recommendation to associated stations before entering power save mode, indicating alternative connection points and power save details, allowing stations to prepare for uninterrupted service.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If access points enter power save mode to reduce power consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but wireless connectivity reliability deteriorates due to sudden loss of connection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidwireless connectivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The access point sends a connectivity recommendation message to associated stations before entering power save mode, providing advance notice of alternative connection points. This preliminary action allows stations to proactively switch connections before the power save transition occurs, maintaining service continuity without requiring the access point to remain fully operational.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The connectivity recommendation message acts as an intermediary mechanism that bridges the gap between power save operations and connectivity maintenance. By providing information about alternative access points through this message, the system enables smooth transition without direct interruption to wireless service.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Use of energy by stationary object

If access points shut down or reduce power on links to save energy, then power consumption is reduced, but service continuity deteriorates causing disruptions in wireless communication

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidservice continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by stationary objectVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary notification by sending connectivity recommendation messages before the access point shuts down or reduces power. This advance notice enables stations to initiate connection transitions in advance, ensuring service continuity is maintained throughout the power save operation rather than experiencing interruptions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The access point enables stations to self-manage their connectivity by providing them with alternative connection information. Stations autonomously decide when and how to switch to recommended access points based on their own needs, eliminating the need for forced disconnections or service interruptions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Use of energy by moving object

If access points enter power save mode to optimize energy efficiency, then energy consumption is reduced, but connection stability deteriorates leading to sudden loss of connectivity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidconnection stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

By sending connectivity recommendations before entering power save mode, the system stabilizes connections proactively rather than reactively. Stations receive advance notice and can smoothly transition to alternative access points, preventing sudden connection losses that would otherwise occur during the power save transition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The connectivity recommendation message provides feedback to stations about available alternative access points and their characteristics. This information feedback enables stations to make informed decisions about connection transitions, maintaining stable connectivity by selecting appropriate alternative access points based on signal quality, load conditions, and other factors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS20260019939A1Access point recommendation for access point power save
Publication Date: 2026.01.15 CISCO TECHNOLOGY INC
  • US20260019939A1 patent drawing
  • US20260019939A1 patent drawing
  • US20260019939A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Techniques for optimizing wireless connectivity between access points and associated stations. The techniques include determining, at an access point, to enter a power save mode at a future period of time. The techniques further include generating, at the access point, a connectivity recommendation of one or more alternative connection points for maintaining wireless service among one or more stations associated with the access point. The techniques further include transmitting, prior to entering the power save mode, the connectivity recommendation to the one or more stations associated with the access point.