Dynamic Power Management for Wireless Access Points

Solution Overview

Problem

Network systems face inefficiencies in power management and security due to redundant devices being unnecessarily powered during non-peak usage, increasing power consumption and security risks.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a method to dynamically manage power for network devices based on operational characteristics, user location, and connectivity needs, allowing for the activation or deactivation of devices to match demand, and using Power over Ethernet (POE) to control access and conserve power.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple network devices are deployed in redundant or overlapping manner to provide maximum coverage and connectivity, then network connectivity and coverage are improved, but power consumption increases and security risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork connectivityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic power management that adjusts the operational state of network devices based on real-time monitoring of network conditions, user presence, and traffic patterns. Devices can transition between active, standby, and powered-off states, allowing the system to maintain connectivity when needed while conserving power during low-demand periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs automated decision-making algorithms that monitor network parameters and autonomously determine which devices should be active or deactivated. This self-managing approach eliminates the need for manual intervention while optimizing the balance between connectivity and power consumption based on actual network demands.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If multiple network devices are deployed in redundant or overlapping manner to provide maximum coverage and connectivity, then network connectivity and coverage are improved, but security risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork connectivityVSAvoidsecurity risks

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic security management that adjusts the operational state of network devices based on real-time monitoring of network conditions, user presence, and traffic patterns. Devices can transition between active, standby, and powered-off states, allowing the system to maintain connectivity when needed while conserving power during low-demand periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs automated decision-making algorithms that monitor network parameters and autonomously determine which devices should be active or deactivated. This self-managing approach eliminates the need for manual intervention while optimizing the balance between connectivity and power consumption based on actual network demands.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Use of energy by moving object

If network devices are deactivated to conserve power during non-peak usage, then power consumption is reduced, but network coverage and connectivity may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidnetwork coverage

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates continuous monitoring of network parameters including traffic patterns, user presence detection, and connectivity requirements. This feedback mechanism allows the system to make informed decisions about device activation, ensuring that devices are kept active only when actually needed while being deactivated during genuine low-demand periods, thus maintaining coverage quality while optimizing power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts device states based on real-time conditions, transitioning devices between active, standby, and powered-off states. This dynamic approach allows the network to adapt to changing demands, maintaining adequate coverage during peak usage while conserving power during non-peak periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS7756544B1Power controlled network devices for security and power conservation

Publication Date: 2010.07.13 EXTREME NETWORKS INC

AI summary

The present invention provides method and systems for activating or deactivating network devices by managing the power of the network device. By controlling the power for network devices, the size and coverage of the network can be adjusted to meet the needs for the current usage. This can be particularly advantageous in wireless networks where multiple wireless access points may be provided to provide coverage during peak usage but present the additional security concern of the network being accessible to unauthorized users. Being able to power down unneeded wireless access points during off-peak usage allows for the minimization of such potential security concerns.