Wireless LAN Power Management via OOK Wake-Up Packets
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Next-generation WLAN systems face challenges in improving power management for access points in dense environments with multiple access points and stations, leading to inefficiencies in power consumption and performance, especially in indoor and outdoor settings with interference and high user loads.
Innovation Solution
A method for power management in wireless LAN systems involves transmitting wake-up packets using On-Off Keying (OOK) modulation to activate main radio modules, determining acknowledgement receipt within a predetermined time, and adjusting power states to minimize unnecessary active periods, thereby reducing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the main radio module is kept in active state to ensure immediate data transmission, then communication responsiveness is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The access point transmits wake-up packets before actual data transmission to preliminarily activate the station's main radio module. This preliminary action ensures the station is ready for immediate data reception without keeping the main radio module continuously active, thus balancing responsiveness with power savings during idle periods
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic wake-up packets sent at specific intervals to activate the main radio module only when needed. The main radio module operates in a periodic active-sleep pattern rather than continuous operation, reducing average power consumption while maintaining communication responsiveness when data needs to be transmitted
2Reliability
If the access point continuously monitors for acknowledgements to ensure reliable transmission, then transmission reliability is improved, but system complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The access point implements a feedback mechanism by monitoring for acknowledgement packets from stations after transmitting data. This feedback confirms successful reception and triggers appropriate power state transitions. The feedback loop ensures reliable transmission by verifying data delivery while enabling automated power management based on actual transmission outcomes
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the natural acknowledgement mechanism inherent in wireless communication protocols to automatically determine when power states should be adjusted. The acknowledgement packets serve dual purposes: confirming reliable transmission and triggering the access point to transition stations to sleep mode, eliminating the need for separate complex power management control logic
3Reliability
If wake-up packets are transmitted frequently to ensure stations are activated, then data transmission reliability is improved, but power consumption of the access point increases
Solution Approach 1:
The access point transmits wake-up packets with partial redundancy, sending them only when necessary based on traffic patterns and station power states. Rather than excessive frequent transmission, the system applies wake-up packets selectively - just enough to ensure reliable activation when data needs to be transmitted, avoiding unnecessary power consumption from redundant wake-up packet transmissions
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enhances power efficiency by ensuring that radio modules are only active when necessary, reducing standby power consumption and improving overall system performance in dense environments.
Implementation Method 1
the first wake-up packet includes a first payload being modulated according to an On-Off Keying (OOK) scheme for the first WUR module and a second payload being modulated according to an OOK scheme for the second WUR module
Data Source
AI summary
A method for power management in a wireless LAN system, according to one embodiment of the present specification, comprises the steps of: transmitting a first wake-up packet for a first WUR terminal and a second WUR terminal, wherein the first wake-up packet instructs a first main radio module and a second main radio module to enter into an activation state, and the first wake-up packet includes a first payload, which is modulated according to an On-Off Keying (OOK) method for the first WUR module, and a second payload, which is modulated according to the OOK method for the second WUR module; transmitting a plurality of downlink packets for the first WUR terminal and the second WUR terminal when a preset guard time has elapsed; determining whether at least one acknowledgement packet is received from the first WUR terminal and the second WUR terminal in response to a plurality of downlink packets within a preset retransmission time limit; and transmitting a second wake-up packet according to the determination.