WLAN Access Point Power States Based on Device Capabilities

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless local area network (WLAN) power management solutions, whether top-down or bottom-up, fail to adapt to the nuances and dynamics of mobile wireless networks, particularly in environments with always-connected devices, leading to inefficient power consumption.

Innovation Solution

Implement a policy-centered approach using a policy server that generates and enforces power policies based on sustainability capability information from devices and access points, allowing for dynamic power state management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If access points operate in full-power state continuously, then network reliability and connectivity are maintained, but power consumption increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork connectivityVSAvoidaccess point power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The access point dynamically transitions between full-power and low-power states based on real-time detection of client devices. The system monitors for the presence of always-connected devices and adjusts power state accordingly, making the power management adaptive rather than static.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors the wireless network for client device connections and uses this feedback to determine when to transition between power states. The detection mechanism provides real-time information about device presence, enabling informed power management decisions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Use of energy by moving object

If access points transition to low-power state, then power consumption is reduced, but network responsiveness and connectivity may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess point power consumptionVSAvoidnetwork response time

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection of always-connected devices before transitioning to low-power state. By identifying devices that require continuous connectivity in advance, the system can make informed decisions about when it is safe to enter power-saving mode without compromising essential network functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Loss of energy

If power management policies are enforced strictly, then energy efficiency improves, but device connectivity and user experience may be negatively impacted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork energy consumptionVSAvoidnetwork adaptability to device needs

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies different power management strategies to different devices based on their connectivity requirements. Always-connected devices receive differentiated service compared to temporary devices, allowing the network to optimize power consumption while maintaining appropriate connectivity levels for each device type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS20250310873A1Techniques to facilitate power management for access points of a wireless local area network

Publication Date: 2025.10.02 CISCO TECHNOLOGY INC

AI summary

Provided herein are techniques to facilitate power management for access points of a wireless local area network. In one example, a method may include obtaining capability information for each of one or more devices wirelessly connected to an access point of a wireless local area network; determining a power policy for the access point based, at least in part, on the capability information obtained for each of the one or more devices wirelessly connected to the access point; and enforcing the power policy for the access point, wherein the enforcing includes maintaining the access point in a full-power state or causing the access point to operate in a low-power state.