VHT Access Point Power Saving via QoS-Based Station Sleep Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless networks with Very High Throughput (VHT) access points, existing power saving methods lead to inefficiencies as VHT stations and non-VHT stations remain in active states for random data transmissions, resulting in power wastage due to the inability to differentiate and manage Quality of Service (QoS) requirements effectively.
Innovation Solution
Implement a method where the VHT access point determines and manages QoS requirements based on the remaining lifetime and access category of buffered data, sending VHT TXOP power saving stations into sleep states when QoS requirements are met or exceeded by non-VHT TXOP stations, and vice versa, prioritizing data transmission according to decreasing QoS requirements to optimize power usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If VHT and non-VHT stations use conventional power saving methods (legacy power save, U-APSD, SMPS), then power saving is achieved through basic mechanisms, but stations cannot effectively differentiate and manage QoS requirements leading to power wastage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating power saving behavior based on station type (VHT vs non-VHT) and data characteristics (QoS requirements). The access point determines QoS parameters for buffered data and applies different power saving strategies to different station groups, allowing VHT stations to enter sleep state when QoS requirements are met while non-VHT stations maintain active state for critical data transmissions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making power saving decisions adaptive and flexible. The access point dynamically determines QoS requirements based on remaining lifetime and access category of buffered data, and dynamically decides which stations to put to sleep based on real-time QoS assessment. This dynamic approach allows the system to optimize power consumption while meeting varying QoS demands.
2Productivity
If stations remain in active states for random data transmissions, then data transmission flexibility is maintained, but power wastage occurs due to inability to enter sleep states
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the access point determine QoS requirements for buffered data before transmission occurs. The access point assesses QoS parameters (remaining lifetime, access category) in advance and makes power saving decisions beforehand. This allows stations to enter sleep state when appropriate, avoiding unnecessary active states while ensuring data transmission needs are met.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through the access point continuously monitoring QoS requirements of buffered data and adjusting power saving decisions accordingly. The access point receives triggers from stations, determines QoS parameters, and uses this feedback to dynamically control which stations should be in sleep state versus active state, optimizing the balance between power saving and transmission efficiency.
3Reliability
If the access point transmits buffered data to all stations without QoS-based differentiation, then all stations receive data, but power saving efficiency is reduced due to unnecessary active states
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by treating different station groups differently based on their QoS requirements and station type. The access point identifies which stations (VHT or non-VHT) should receive data and which can enter sleep state. This differentiated approach ensures reliable data delivery to stations that need it while enabling power saving for stations where QoS requirements are met, thus reducing overall power consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for power saving in power saving stations connected to a Very High Throughput (VHT) access point is disclosed. The access point receives triggers from power saving stations. The power saving stations are one of VHT Transmission Opportunity (TXOP) power saving stations and non-VHT TXOP power saving stations. Successively, Quality of service (QoS) requirements of buffered data for the power saving stations connected to the VHT access point is determined. In a first case, the QoS requirements of buffered data corresponding to the non-VHT TXOP power saving stations exceed the QoS requirements of the VHT TXOP power saving stations. During the first case, the VHT TXOP power saving stations are sent into a sleep state and buffered data corresponding to the non-VHT TXOP power saving stations is transmitted. In a second case, the QoS requirements of buffered data corresponding to the VHT TXOP power saving stations either exceeds or equal to the QoS requirement of buffered data corresponding to the non-VHT TXOP power saving stations. During the second case, the non-VHT TXOP power saving stations are sent into a sleep state and the buffered data corresponding to the VHT TXOP power saving stations is transmitted.