Extender Node Power Management via Idle State Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless communication networks with extender nodes consume excessive power due to the uninterrupted power-on state of their wireless network interfaces, limiting coverage expansion.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device manages extender nodes by determining idle connection states and sending sleep commands to power off wireless network interfaces during low-traffic periods, with automatic wake-up mechanisms to restore connectivity when needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If extender nodes keep wireless network interface continuously powered on to maintain network coverage, then network availability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The extender node implements periodic sleep and wake cycles for its wireless network interface. The interface is powered off during sleep periods to save energy, and powered on during active periods to maintain network availability. This periodic action resolves the contradiction by alternating between low-power and high-availability states based on network needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless network interface transitions between static power-on and power-off states based on dynamic network conditions. The system dynamically adjusts the interface state according to whether clients are present and whether coverage extension is currently needed, resolving the contradiction between continuous availability and power savings.
2Area of stationary object
If extender nodes are deployed to expand coverage area, then coverage area is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each extender node implements periodic sleep-wake cycles, allowing multiple extender nodes to be deployed for coverage expansion while reducing overall power consumption. The network can activate only the necessary extender nodes during specific periods, enabling coverage area expansion without proportionally increasing power consumption.
3Use of energy by moving object
If wireless network interface is powered off to save energy, then power consumption is reduced, but network connectivity is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback mechanisms to monitor network conditions, client presence, and traffic patterns. Based on this feedback, the extender node intelligently decides when to power off the wireless interface to save energy and when to power it on to maintain connectivity, resolving the contradiction between power savings and connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The extender node performs preliminary actions by saving wireless link information and configuration data before powering off the interface. This allows the node to quickly restore connectivity when needed without losing network state, resolving the contradiction by preparing in advance for potential connectivity needs.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device for managing gateways comprises: a processor; and a computer-readable storage medium which contains executable instructions which, when executed by the processor, causes the electronic device to: determine whether the current time falls within the specified sleep time interval; in response to determining that the current time falls within the specified sleep time interval, determine whether the first extender node among one or a plurality of extender nodes is in an idle connection state, wherein the idle connection state includes: the first extender node being not connected to any client, or the first extender node being only connected to a sleeping client; and sending a sleep command to the first extender node based at least in part on the idle connection state of the first extender node, wherein the sleep command instructs the first extender node to power off a wireless network interface of the first extender node.