Dynamic DTIM Intervals for WLAN Power Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current WLAN devices have poor standby time performance compared to cellular phones, with IEEE 802.11 power-saving methods being inefficient due to signaling limitations and limited support from access points and stations.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method where a station receives a first delivery traffic indication message (DTIM) with a larger delivery interval than a second DTIM, allowing it to receive group-addressed traffic, including broadcast and multicast traffic, during a beacon interval, thereby optimizing power-saving strategies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a station uses frequent DTIM intervals to ensure receipt of group-addressed traffic, then traffic delivery reliability is improved, but power consumption increases and standby time decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic DTIM interval adjustment where the access point can modify the DTIM interval based on current network conditions and station capabilities. This allows the system to adapt between frequent intervals (for reliability) and less frequent intervals (for power saving) depending on traffic requirements and station power states, resolving the contradiction between reliable traffic delivery and power consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the DTIM interval parameter dynamically rather than using a fixed value. By adjusting this timing parameter based on network conditions, traffic types, and station power management requirements, the system can optimize between ensuring group-addressed traffic delivery and minimizing station power consumption during standby
2Reliability
If a station wakes up frequently to check for group-addressed traffic, then traffic reception is improved, but standby time is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the DTIM interval dynamic, allowing stations to have different effective wake-up intervals based on their power management mode and traffic requirements. Stations in deep power-save mode can use longer intervals to extend standby time, while stations needing reliable group traffic reception can use shorter intervals, resolving the contradiction between traffic reception and standby time
3Use of energy by moving object
If the DTIM interval is increased to reduce wake-up frequency, then power consumption is reduced, but traffic delivery latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of DTIM intervals that can be optimized based on traffic urgency and station power state. For time-sensitive group traffic, the system can use shorter intervals to reduce latency, while for non-urgent traffic and stations in power-save mode, longer intervals reduce power consumption, resolving the contradiction between these two parameters
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes receiving, at a station, a first delivery traffic indication message (DTIM) assigned to a first delivery interval. The first DTIM is configured to indicate whether group-addressed traffic is scheduled for delivery during a beacon interval. The first delivery interval is larger than a second delivery interval associated with a second DTIM. The method further includes receiving the group-addressed traffic during the beacon interval.