Dynamic Idle Timeout for Wireless Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current power management mechanisms in wireless communication devices face inefficiencies due to the use of static idle timeout periods, which can lead to premature transition into power save mode, resulting in increased latency and degraded responsiveness, especially when network latency varies.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a dynamic idle timeout period adjustment based on end-to-end network latency, where the wireless communication device sets the idle timeout period to align with the network latency of high-priority streams for improved responsiveness and with low-priority streams for power conservation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a static idle timeout period is used for power management, then power consumption is reduced, but latency increases and responsiveness degrades
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a static idle timeout period to a dynamic one that adapts to network conditions. The system continuously monitors network latency and adjusts the idle timeout period accordingly, allowing the timeout value to change over time based on actual network performance rather than remaining fixed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the idle timeout period based on measured network latency. When network latency increases, the system extends the idle timeout period to prevent premature transitions to power save mode, thereby maintaining responsiveness while still achieving power savings under normal conditions.
2Loss of energy
If the idle timeout period is shortened to save power, then power consumption decreases, but responsiveness to network traffic deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs feedback by continuously monitoring network latency and using this information to adjust the idle timeout period. This closed-loop control ensures that power management decisions are based on actual network conditions, preventing premature transitions to power save mode when latency is high and allowing aggressive power saving when latency is low.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by autonomously adjusting its own power management parameters based on observed network conditions. The wireless communication device independently monitors latency and modifies its idle timeout period without external intervention, optimizing both power consumption and responsiveness adaptively.
3Loss of time
If a longer idle timeout period is used to improve responsiveness, then latency is reduced, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamics to make the idle timeout period adaptive rather than fixed. By continuously adjusting the timeout value based on real-time network latency measurements, the system achieves long timeouts when needed for responsiveness while maintaining short timeouts during periods of low latency, thereby optimizing power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the idle timeout period based on network conditions. The system changes the timeout parameter dynamically, extending it only when network latency warrants improved responsiveness, and reducing it when power savings are the priority, thus avoiding continuous high power consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
For example, an apparatus may include circuitry and logic configured to cause a wireless communication device to identify an end-to-end network latency of a data stream communicated between the wireless communication device and an endpoint via a wireless communication link between the wireless communication device and an Access Point (AP); and to set an idle timeout period for the wireless communication link based on the end-to-end network latency of the data stream. For example, the idle timeout period includes a time period after which the wireless communication device is to be allowed to switch the wireless communication link from an active mode to a power save mode when the wireless communication link is idle.