Wireless Station Path Loss Power Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless client stations face inefficiencies in battery power consumption due to incorrect association with access points based on received signal strength indicators (RSSI), which can lead to increased power usage despite greater distances, as they assume stronger RSSI indicates better communication quality.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a control module to estimate path losses between wireless devices and adjust transmit power based on calculated path losses and link margins, allowing the station to associate with the access point having the lowest path loss and adjust transmit power accordingly to minimize energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the STA associates with the AP having the strongest RSSI, then the STA assumes better communication quality and lower signal loss, but the STA may actually be farther from the AP and consume more battery power
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the RSSI-based association mechanism with a path loss-based mechanism. Instead of using received signal strength (a mechanical/electrical measurement) to determine association, the system calculates path loss using transmit power and RSSI values, then selects the AP with the lowest path loss. This substitution resolves the contradiction by providing a more accurate representation of communication quality that accounts for transmit power differences, thereby preventing battery waste while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces path loss calculation as an intermediary between RSSI measurement and AP association decision. The path loss value serves as a mediator that translates raw RSSI measurements into a meaningful metric for comparison across different APs with varying transmit powers. This intermediary layer enables the STA to make informed association decisions that balance communication quality and energy consumption.
2Reliability
If the STA transmits at higher power to maintain communication quality, then communication reliability is improved, but battery power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic transmit power adjustment based on calculated path loss values. Instead of using fixed or maximum transmit power, the STA adjusts its transmit power dynamically according to the path loss characteristics of the selected AP. This dynamic approach allows the system to maintain communication reliability while minimizing energy consumption by transmitting at the lowest necessary power level.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the STA continuously monitors RSSI values from the associated AP and uses this feedback to adjust transmit power. The system calculates path loss based on feedback information (RSSI and known transmit power) and uses this information to optimize transmit power settings, creating a closed-loop control system that balances reliability and energy efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A first wireless device including a receiver, a signal strength module, a path loss module, and a control module. The receiver receives a first signal from a second wireless device. The first signal includes an indication of a first power at which the second wireless device transmits the first signal. The signal strength module estimates a first signal strength of the first signal. The path loss module estimates a path loss associated with a communication path between the first wireless device and the second wireless device based on the first power at which the second wireless device transmits the first signal and the first signal strength of the first signal received from the second wireless device. The control module controls a second power at which the first wireless device transmits data based on the path loss associated with the communication path between the first wireless device and the second wireless device.