Wireless AP Energy Saving via Dynamic Channel Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless access points (APs) lack energy-saving solutions, leading to increased power consumption and reduced service time due to the absence of efficient power management techniques.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an energy-saving method where the wireless AP disables its transmit channel and retains only a receive channel when no packets are transmitted for a preset time threshold, and enables the transmit channel upon detecting a Probe Request meeting specific activation conditions, such as signal strength and authorized device information, to reduce power consumption without affecting normal communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the wireless AP continuously operates with both transmit and receive channels enabled, then communication reliability is maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic channel configuration where the transmit channel is enabled or disabled based on communication state. When no packets are transmitted for a preset time threshold, the transmit channel is disabled to save power; when packets need transmission, the channel is re-enabled. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between maintaining communication reliability and reducing power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational state parameter of the transmit channel from continuously enabled to conditionally enabled. By monitoring packet transmission status and time thresholds, the system transitions the channel between enabled and disabled states, optimizing the balance between communication reliability and energy consumption.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the wireless AP enters sleep state to save energy, then power consumption is reduced, but response time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent sets a preset time threshold before disabling the transmit channel. This preliminary timing mechanism ensures that the channel is only disabled after confirming no packets will be transmitted within the threshold period, preventing premature sleep states that would increase response time. The threshold acts as a buffer to optimize both power saving and response speed.
3Loss of energy
If the wireless AP disables the transmit channel for extended periods, then energy saving is maximized, but service availability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the wireless AP continuously monitors packet transmission status and uses this information to control the transmit channel state. When packets are detected or transmission is needed, the channel is re-enabled immediately. This feedback loop ensures service availability is maintained while maximizing energy savings during idle periods.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention disclose an energy saving method for a wireless AP, including: when it is detected that a time during which a wireless AP transmits no packet uplink or downlink and is associated with no station is greater than a preset time threshold, disabling, by the wireless AP, a transmit channel, and retaining only a receive channel; listening for, by the wireless AP, a Probe Request through the receive channel; and if the Probe Request obtained by listening meets a preset activation condition, enabling, by the wireless AP, the transmit channel. The embodiments of the present invention further disclose a wakeup method for a wireless AP and related devices. By means of the present invention, power consumption of a wireless AP can be effectively reduced.