Small Cell Power Controller for Enterprise Access Point Energy Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Femtocell access points in enterprise environments consume power even when there are no users present, leading to increased energy expenditure without corresponding usage.
Innovation Solution
A method for dynamically controlling the power mode of small cell access points based on the presence of registered wireless devices, switching to a reduced power consumption mode when no devices are detected and an active power mode when devices are present, utilizing a small cell power controller that communicates with enterprise concentrators and access points to manage power states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If femtocell access points are kept active to maintain network readiness, then network availability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The access point dynamically transitions between active and sleep states based on real-time detection of wireless devices. When no devices are detected, the access point enters sleep mode to conserve power; when devices are detected, it transitions to active mode to provide network service, thus adapting its operational state to current network conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The access point implements periodic scanning for wireless devices rather than continuous operation. It alternates between active scanning periods and sleep periods, checking for device presence at intervals and adjusting its state accordingly, which reduces average power consumption while maintaining network readiness
2Reliability
If access points operate continuously to support communications, then communication reliability is improved, but energy expenditure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The access point uses feedback from device detection mechanisms to control its operational state. It continuously monitors for the presence of wireless devices and uses this feedback information to determine whether to remain active or transition to sleep mode, creating a closed-loop control system that optimizes energy usage based on actual network demand
Solution Approach 2:
The access point autonomously manages its own power state transitions without requiring external control. It self-detects device presence, self-determines the appropriate operational state, and self-transitions between active and sleep modes, enabling independent energy optimization
Data Source
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AI summary
A method is provided in one embodiment and includes receiving a first message including an indication that a first access point of a first network is a gateway access point of a first network, receiving a second message including an indication that a second access point of the first network is an inner access point of the first network, and receiving an indication of a number of wireless devices registered with at least one of the first access point and the second access point. The method further includes determining a power mode for the second access point based upon whether at least one wireless device is registered with the first access point or the second access point, and sending a power mode command message to the second access point indicative of the determined power mode.