Wireless Terminal Access Point Dynamic Power Scheduling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless access points, typically battery-powered, face rapid battery drain when acting as access points, and existing power-saving methods like the Notice of Absence (NoA) protocol and Contention Free Periods (CFPs) are either inflexible or degrade Quality of Service (QoS) for connected clients.
Innovation Solution
Adapting absence/presence periods' duration and interval parameters based on available external network bandwidth and traffic volume to dynamically balance energy savings and QoS performance, using protocols like Wi-Fi Direct's NoA for efficient power management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a wireless terminal acts as an access point continuously to provide network access to clients, then network connectivity and QoS are maintained, but battery power is rapidly depleted
Solution Approach 1:
The access point terminal implements periodic presence and absence periods in its operation. During presence periods, the terminal actively provides network access to clients. During absence periods, the terminal enters a low-power state. This periodic operation pattern allows the system to maintain network connectivity when needed while significantly reducing average power consumption compared to continuous operation.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the access point terminal enters a sleep state to save power, then energy consumption is reduced, but QoS experienced by connected clients deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts the duration and frequency of presence and absence periods based on network conditions, traffic load, and QoS requirements. When traffic demand is high or QoS thresholds are approached, presence periods are extended or frequency increased. When conditions allow, absence periods are extended to maximize power savings. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by optimizing the trade-off between power consumption and QoS in real-time.
Solution Approach 2:
The access point terminal monitors network conditions, client traffic patterns, and QoS metrics, and uses this feedback to adjust its presence/absence schedule. The system detects when clients need service and adapts its operation accordingly, ensuring QoS requirements are met while maximizing power savings during periods of low demand.
3Use of energy by moving object
If fixed absence periods are established to save power, then energy efficiency is improved, but flexibility in adapting to varying network conditions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from fixed, static absence periods to dynamic, adaptive presence/absence scheduling. The duration and frequency of periods are adjusted in real-time based on monitored network conditions, traffic patterns, and QoS requirements. This dynamic approach maintains energy efficiency through regular absence periods while gaining the flexibility to adapt to varying network demands.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (presence period duration, absence period duration, interval between periods) based on network conditions. When network demand increases, parameters are adjusted to provide more presence time. When demand decreases, parameters shift to maximize absence time for power savings. This parameter adaptation resolves the contradiction between energy efficiency and adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating a wireless terminal as an access point—access point terminal (2)—that connects a set of one or more client terminals (4) to an external network, wherein a schedule of absence periods is established during which the connected client terminals (4) are not allowed to transmit data to the access point terminal (2), wherein the absence periods together with corresponding presence periods are scheduled at regular intervals and have certain durations, is characterized in that an adaptation of the absence/presence periods' duration and/or interval parameters is executed on the basis of the bandwidth available in the external network and the amount of traffic transmitted between the access point terminal (2) and the connected client terminals (4). Furthermore, a corresponding wireless terminal is disclosed.