WLAN Doze Scheduling for Power Savings in Fragmented Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
WLAN systems operating in spectrum with limited bandwidth and fragmented channels, such as those below 1 GHz, face challenges in supporting large numbers of stations due to the limitations of existing power save mechanisms, leading to increased overhead and reduced efficiency.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method and apparatus for power savings in WLANs by optimizing channel access and sleep schedules through two-way negotiations between stations and access points, using unified information elements for power saving specifications, and enhancing physical layer protocols to reduce peak-to-average power ratio.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If existing power save mechanisms are used in WLAN systems operating in spectrum with limited bandwidth and fragmented channels, then power consumption is reduced, but overhead increases and efficiency decreases when supporting large numbers of stations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the beacon interval into multiple doze periods, allowing stations to enter power saving mode at different times. This segmentation enables the system to support large numbers of stations without increasing overhead, as each station can independently manage its power saving schedule based on the segmented intervals.
2Use of energy by moving object
If existing power save mechanisms are used in WLAN systems operating in spectrum with limited bandwidth and fragmented channels, then power consumption is reduced, but efficiency decreases when supporting large numbers of stations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic doze period offsets that can be adjusted based on network conditions and station requirements. This dynamic approach allows the system to maintain high efficiency while supporting power saving modes for large numbers of stations, as the offsets can be optimized in real-time rather than being fixed.
3Area of stationary object
If spectrum below 1 GHz is used for WLAN operations, then coverage area is extended, but bandwidth is limited and channels are fragmented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic doze periods within beacon intervals to enable stations to enter power saving mode systematically. This periodic structure allows efficient use of limited bandwidth by coordinating channel access and power saving cycles, thereby supporting large numbers of stations without requiring additional spectrum resources.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for power savings in a wireless local area network (WLAN) are disclosed. A station (STA) may receive parameters that associate the STA to a specific group of STAs and perform a channel access during a period that is allowed for the group of STAs based on the parameters. The STA may receive information regarding an access slot that is allowed for the group of STAs and access a channel during the access slot. The STA may receive a schedule for wake up from a doze state and goes in and out of the doze state based on the schedule. A highest channel access priority may be provided to a sensor or meter type of STA. The STA may indicate to an access point (AP) that the STA will not listen to a traffic indication map (TIM) or a delivery TIM (DTIM) in a beacon.