Direct Wireless Link Power Management via Sleep-Wake Cycling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional direct link protocols in wireless networks, such as IEEE 802.11e, fail to provide effective power management techniques, leading to unnecessary power consumption as both peers in a direct link remain awake, preventing them from entering a sleep state and thus draining power.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of three power management techniques: Fast Resumption Mode (FRM), Slow Resumption Mode (SRM), and Reverse Polling (RP), which allow for the suspension and resumption of direct wireless links, enabling peer stations to conserve power by entering a sleep state while maintaining efficient link connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If both peer stations remain in awake state during direct link, then link reliability is maintained, but power consumption increases unnecessarily
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by allowing peer stations to alternate between awake and sleep states during direct link operation. One station remains awake while the other enters sleep state, with periodic wake-up cycles to maintain link connectivity. This resolves the contradiction by reducing overall power consumption while preserving link reliability through scheduled activity cycles rather than continuous awake states.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies self-service through automatic link resumption mechanisms where stations can independently wake up and re-establish the direct link without requiring continuous active monitoring or external intervention. The resumption process is triggered automatically based on sleep duration and link state, allowing stations to manage their own power states while maintaining connection reliability.
2Use of energy by moving object
If peer stations enter sleep state to conserve power, then power consumption is reduced, but link connectivity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by establishing and maintaining link parameters and state information before the station enters sleep mode. The awake station prepares resumption parameters in advance, and both stations pre-configure wake-up triggers and link re-establishment protocols. This ensures that when the sleeping station wakes up, the link can be quickly re-connected without compromising connectivity reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies feedback mechanisms where the awake station continuously monitors link status and sleep duration, then provides feedback signals to manage the sleep-wake cycle. When the sleep duration exceeds predetermined thresholds or link quality degrades, feedback triggers wake-up events. This feedback loop maintains link connectivity reliability while allowing power-saving sleep states.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are exemplary techniques for managing power in a direct wireless link between two wireless devices. The present invention provides at least three direct link power management techniques: Fast Resumption Mode (FRM) wherein the direct link is resumed automatically at a specified timing synchronization function (TSF); Slow Resumption Mode (SRM) wherein the direct link may be resumed by sending a Resume-Request via the access point; and Reverse Polling (RP), wherein one peer station of the direct link is continually awake and the other peer station uses reverse polling to start a service period. Thus, a method for power management of a direct wireless link between two wireless devices is disclosed. The method comprising the steps of establishing a direct wireless link between the first wireless device and the second wireless device; transmitting, from a first wireless device, a frame having a time value; receiving, at the second wireless device, the frame from the first wireless device; suspending the direct wireless link a duration determined based on the time value; and resuming the direct wireless link at a time determined based on the time value.