Patent ID: 8169991
Filing Date: 2012-05-01
Classification: H04W

Abstract:
1. A method for wireless data communications between a network of wireless access points and a mobile device, wherein the mobile device comprises a first radio circuit for bidirectional wireless communication with an associated access point and a second radio circuit for transmitting identification signals for the purpose of revealing at least one of mobile unit's identification and location, the method comprising the steps of: identifying a time interval during which the first radio circuit is inactive in wireless communication with the associated access point by: activating a power save mode in the mobile device to indicate that no data transmissions are intended by the first radio circuit during the time interval, wherein the power save mode shuts down power to the first radio circuit; buffering data intended for the mobile unit in the associated access point while power to the first radio circuit is shut down; operating the second radio circuit to transmit the location and identification signals during the time interval of the identifying step while power to the first radio circuit is shut down; and periodically re-activating the first radio circuit to receive beacon transmissions from the access point according to a regular polling schedule and scheduling operation of the second radio circuit according to the polling schedule.