Access Point Transmit Power Mapping for Energy-Efficient Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional access point (AP) designs prioritize high bandwidth over power efficiency, leading to significant energy consumption, especially when active, despite advancements in power over Ethernet (POE) and intelligent power monitor (IPM) features.
Innovation Solution
APs adjust transmit power based on signal strength, using a mapping between signal strength ranges and transmit powers, and adapt working modes according to load scenarios to minimize power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If AP operates with high transmit power to ensure coverage and signal strength, then signal integrity and coverage are improved, but power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic transmit power adjustment by continuously monitoring received signal strength (RSRP) from client devices and adapting the AP's transmit power accordingly. The system transitions from static high-power operation to dynamic power control, reducing power consumption when clients are close while maintaining coverage when needed. This is achieved through power control mechanisms that adjust transmission power based on real-time signal conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the transmit power parameter based on signal strength measurements. By establishing a mapping between signal strength ranges and corresponding transmit power levels, the system adjusts the power parameter dynamically. When clients report strong received signals, the AP reduces its transmit power to节能; when clients are distant or signal is weak, the AP increases power to maintain connectivity.
2Productivity
If AP uses high bandwidth and high power transmission to maintain performance, then data transmission rate is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adjusts multiple transmission parameters including bandwidth and power levels based on client capabilities and signal conditions. The system dynamically selects optimal bandwidth modes (e.g., 20MHz, 40MHz, 80MHz, 160MHz) and power levels to match actual transmission needs, avoiding unnecessary high-power high-bandwidth operation when clients are close or have limited capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial power transmission rather than always using full power. By transmitting at only the necessary power level required for the current signal condition and client capability, the system avoids excessive energy consumption while maintaining adequate data transmission rates. This partial action approach replaces the traditional full-power default behavior.
3Loss of energy
If AP continuously monitors and adjusts power based on signal strength, then power efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback loop where the AP monitors received signal strength from client devices and uses this information to adjust its transmit power. This closed-loop control mechanism continuously measures signal conditions and automatically modifies power levels accordingly, achieving power efficiency through automated feedback-based adaptation rather than complex manual control systems.
Data Source
AI summary
In implementations of the present disclosure, there is provided an approach for saving power for an AP. A method comprises receiving a first signal from a station in connection with the AP. Then, a signal strength of the received first signal is detected. The detected signal strength is used to determine a signal strength range from a plurality of signal strength ranges, including the signal strength. Next, a transmit power corresponding to the selected signal strength range is determined according to a mapping between the plurality of signal strength ranges and a plurality of transmit powers and. Then, the determined transmit power is used to transmit a second signal to the station. Implementations of the present disclosure can reduce the transmit power of the AP when the signal strength of a signal from the station is greater, thereby saving power.