Network Anchor Device Power Management via Weighted Election
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless networks, devices entering hibernation mode simultaneously can lead to increased energy consumption and protocol overhead, as all devices typically scan the network, and synchronized wake-ups result in inefficient beacon period management.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a mechanism to elect specific devices as 'anchors' that remain active or wake up at predetermined times, assigning anchor status based on weighted values and anchor statuses, allowing other devices to go into partial hibernation and wake up only for necessary activities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If all devices scan the network simultaneously upon waking from hibernation, then network coverage is ensured, but energy consumption increases and protocol overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network scanning function is segmented between anchor devices and non-anchor devices. Anchor devices perform full network scanning while non-anchor devices skip scanning when waking from hibernation, relying on anchor devices to maintain network coverage. This segmentation reduces overall energy consumption while preserving network reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
Anchor devices act as intermediaries between the network infrastructure and non-anchor devices. They perform the scanning and beaconing functions that would otherwise need to be performed by all devices, thereby reducing the energy burden on individual non-anchor devices while maintaining network coverage.
2Speed
If all devices remain active to maintain network responsiveness, then network responsiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts device states based on their anchor status. Anchor devices remain active to maintain network responsiveness, while non-anchor devices transition to hibernation mode when not performing scanning functions. This dynamic state management optimizes both responsiveness and energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
Different quality states are assigned to different devices based on their anchor status. Anchor devices maintain high activity levels (high quality) for network responsiveness, while non-anchor devices operate in low-power states (low quality) when not needed for scanning, optimizing the overall system balance between responsiveness and energy usage.
3Productivity
If devices use weighted values and anchor statuses to select anchors, then network management efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Devices automatically calculate their own anchor status and weighted values based on simple criteria (number of active neighbors, beacon reception count). This self-service approach enables efficient network management through distributed decision-making without requiring complex centralized control, balancing productivity improvement with acceptable device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a method for managing power of devices on a network. The method comprises: transmitting a first weighted value and a first anchor status of a first device on the network to a second device on the network, wherein the second device is a neighboring device to the first device; receiving a second weighted value and a second anchor status from the second device; and setting one of the devices as an anchor device based on one or more of weighted values and the anchor statuses, wherein the anchor device is configured to either wake up at predetermined times or to remain active.