Network Device Power Management With Dynamic Functionality Modes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Network devices face challenges in managing power consumption and resource allocation due to varying operational constraints in different deployment scenarios, particularly in locations where resources may be scarce or fluctuating.

Innovation Solution

Network devices are configured to selectively reduce and restore functionality by powering down or reducing the functionality of components like receivers and transmitters based on triggering conditions, such as client device detection or scheduled time windows, using lower power transceivers during inactive periods, and coordinating functionality levels across multiple communication protocols.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If network devices continuously consume resources (data, memory, processor, power) to remain always on, then availability and responsiveness are improved, but power consumption and resource usage increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveavailabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The access point implements periodic action by alternating between reduced functionality mode (lower power state) and normal functionality mode (full operation). The device periodically transitions between these states based on triggering conditions such as beacon reception, probe request detection, or scheduled time windows, thereby achieving availability when needed while conserving power during inactive periods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The access point applies dynamics by making its operational state adjustable rather than fixed. The device dynamically transitions between different functionality levels (reduced vs. normal) based on real-time conditions including client presence, network activity, and power availability, allowing the system to adapt its resource consumption profile to match actual operational requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Use of energy by moving object

If network devices reduce functionality to conserve power, then power consumption is reduced, but responsiveness and availability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidresponsiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The access point employs preliminary action by maintaining reduced functionality mode during scheduled time windows and notifying client devices in advance. The system prepares for potential functionality restoration by monitoring for triggering conditions (beacons, probe requests) that would initiate a transition back to normal mode, ensuring responsiveness is restored when needed without unnecessary power consumption during stable periods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The access point implements feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring network conditions (client presence, traffic patterns, power availability) and adjusting its functionality level accordingly. The device responds to triggering conditions such as beacon reception or probe requests by transitioning from reduced to normal functionality, ensuring responsiveness is maintained when clients are present while allowing power savings during idle periods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If network devices use dedicated resources (direct connection to power, data, memory) to ensure optimal performance, then performance is improved, but adaptability to scarce or fluctuating resources deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveperformanceVSAvoidadaptability to resource constraints

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The access point applies parameter changes by adjusting its operational parameters (functionality level, power consumption rate) based on available resources. The device transitions between reduced and normal functionality modes depending on power availability, client presence, and network conditions, thereby adapting its performance characteristics to match actual resource constraints rather than operating at fixed dedicated resource levels

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The access point implements universality by designing a multi-functional architecture that can operate in multiple modes (reduced functionality mode, normal functionality mode) depending on resource availability. The device serves both power-constrained and performance-constrained scenarios through a single unified system that adapts its behavior based on environmental conditions, making it universally applicable across diverse deployment scenarios

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12395823B2Methods and systems for managing power consumption of the network devices

Publication Date: 2025.08.19 ADEIA MEDIA HOLDINGS INC

AI summary

Methods and systems for managing power consumption of network devices are disclosed. An example method can comprise detecting a triggering condition and reducing functionality of a network device based on detecting the triggering condition. The method can comprise detecting, at the network device, a user device, restoring functionality of the network device in response to detecting the user device, and transmitting information to the user device after restoring functionality of the network device.