Multi-Band Access Point Traffic-Based Band Switching for Lower Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Access points for wireless local area networks consume excessive power due to continuous operation across multiple frequency bands, even when network traffic demands are low.
Innovation Solution
Implement a multi-band radio assembly with a controller that dynamically switches between operating modes based on monitored network traffic, disabling unused frequency bands to conserve energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the access point operates in multiple frequency bands continuously, then network coverage and performance are improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The access point dynamically adjusts its operating mode by switching between first and second operating modes based on real-time traffic monitoring. The controller enables or disables specific frequency bands (e.g., 5GHz or 6GHz) depending on whether high performance is needed, thereby adapting the system state to actual usage conditions rather than maintaining a fixed configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by modifying which frequency bands are active. The controller adjusts the radio assembly's configuration by enabling/disabling specific bands (5GHz, 6GHz) based on traffic thresholds, effectively changing the system's operational characteristics to balance performance and energy consumption
2Use of energy by moving object
If the access point disables unused frequency bands to save power, then power consumption is reduced, but network performance may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The controller continuously monitors wireless network traffic and uses this feedback to determine when to switch operating modes. By comparing actual traffic levels against predefined thresholds, the system intelligently decides when to enable/disable frequency bands, ensuring that performance is maintained when needed while saving power when traffic is low
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts its performance characteristics based on real-time conditions. When traffic exceeds thresholds, the system transitions to a higher-performance mode with all bands enabled; when traffic is low, it transitions to an energy-saving mode with fewer bands active, creating a flexible, condition-responsive network
Data Source
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AI summary
Access points and methods of operating access points for a wireless local area network. The access point includes a multi-band radio assembly configured to operate in a first frequency band and a second frequency band and a controller configured to switch operation of the radio assembly between a first operating mode and a second operating mode. When operated in the first operating mode, the radio assembly operates in both the first frequency band and the second frequency band. When operated in the second operating mode, the radio assembly operates in the first frequency band and disables operation of the radio assembly in the second frequency band. The controller monitors wireless network traffic transmitted and received by the access point switches the operation of the radio assembly between the first operating mode and the second operating mode in dependence on the monitored wireless network traffic.