Wi-Fi power reduction system, method and media

A server includes a processor configured to execute instructions stored on a memory to cause the server to: receive a client position signal; predict a future position of a client device based on a client device position signal providing location and velocity information about the client device; instruct a first access point device to provide a first Wi-Fi hotspot network with a first SSID, currently in use by the client device with another access point device, based on the predicted future position of the client device; and instruct a second access point device, which was previously providing a second Wi-Fi hotspot network with the first SSID, to stop providing the second Wi-Fi hotspot network with the first SSID after instructing the first access point device to provide the first Wi-Fi hotspot network with the first SSID.

BACKGROUND

Embodiments of the invention relate to Wi-Fi hotspot networks.

A multiple-system operator (MSO) is an operator of multiple cable or direct-broadcast satellite television systems. MSO's and other vendors are beginning to deploy outdoor Wi-Fi access point devices in dense urban areas, sports arenas, train stations, airports, etc. A Wi-Fi access point device (APD) is a networking hardware device that allows other Wi-Fi devices to connect to a wired network. The APD usually connects to a router (via a wired network) as a standalone device, but it can also be an integral component of the router itself. An APD is differentiated from a hotspot which is a physical location where Wi-Fi access is available. These APDs permit the MSO to offer hotspot services to their customers. Thus connecting to the MSO's data networks, instead of using their respective mobile data plan, can save the user significant cellular overage charges.

SUMMARY

Aspects of the present invention are drawn to a server for use with a plurality of client devices, a plurality of access point devices and a client device position signal associated with a client device of the plurality of client devices. Each access point device is configured to provide a respective plurality of Wi-Fi hotspot networks. Each of the plurality of Wi-Fi hotspot networks has a respective SSID. The client device position signal provides location and velocity information about the client device. The server includes a memory and a processor configured to execute instructions stored on the memory to cause the server to: receive the client device position signal; predict a future position of the client device based on the client device position signal providing location and velocity information about the client device; instruct a first access point device to provide a first Wi-Fi hotspot network with a first SSID, currently in use by the client device with another access point device, based on the predicted future position of the client device; and instruct a second access point device, which was previously providing a second Wi-Fi hotspot network with the first SSID, to stop providing the second Wi-Fi hotspot network with the first SSID after instructing the first access point device to provide the first Wi-Fi hotspot network with the first SSID.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As mentioned above, MSOs and other vendors are beginning to deploy outdoor Wi-Fi access point devices in dense urban areas, sports arenas, train stations, airports, etc. However, in order to provide full coverage across an urban area, an MSO might deploy one or two outdoor APDs per city block. The MSOs that provide these outdoor APDs have, in turn, created secondary revenue streams by reselling data bandwidth to what could be seen as competitors. One outdoor APD could provide 4, 8 or 16 SSIDs on a single radio (2.4 or 5 GHz). However, there are inefficiencies when transmitting multiple SSIDs. For each SSID, beacons must be transmitted, and it is theoretically possible that entire radio bandwidth could be consumed just transmitting beacons on all the SSIDs. Additionally, a significant amount of electrical power is wasted transmitting beacons to non-existent clients.

FIG.1illustrates a portion of a city100having a conventional Wi-Fi hotspot network that includes a plurality of access point devices (APDs).

As shown in the figure, city100includes: a plurality of eastbound-westbound streets, a sample of which are indicated as streets102,104,106and108; a plurality of northbound-southbound streets, a sample of which are indicated as streets110and112; a plurality of client devices114,116,118and120and a plurality of APDs, a sample of which are indicated as APDs A2, A4, A6and A8. It should be noted that, or the purposes of discussion only, this example includes users having the respective four client devices114,116,118and120, but this could easily be 1000 users with respective 1000 client devices.

FIG.2illustrates an exploded view of APD A2and client device120.

As shown in the figure, APD A2includes a controller206, a radio208, an interface circuit210, and a memory212, which includes controller executable instructions214stored therein. Client device120includes a controller216, a display218, a radio220, an interface circuit222and a memory224, which includes controller executable instructions226stored therein. Further, any of the APDs inFIG.1may be an APD similar to APD A2.

Controller206can include a dedicated control circuit, CPU, microprocessor, etc. Controller206controls the circuits of APD A2. Memory212can store various programming, and user content, and data as stored data214. Interface circuit210can include one or more connectors, such as RF connectors, or Ethernet connectors, and/or wireless communication circuitry, such as 5G circuitry and one or more antennas. Interface circuit210receives service from a service provider by known methods, non-limiting examples of which include terrestrial antenna, satellite dish, wired cable, DSL, optical fibers, or 5G as discussed above. Through interface circuit210, APD A2receives an input signal, including data and/or audio/video content, from the service provider and can send data to the service provider.

Radio208(and preferably two or more radios) may also be referred to as a wireless communication circuit, such as a Wi-Fi WLAN interface radio transceiver, and is operable to communicate with client devices, such as client device120. Radio208includes one or more antennas and communicates wirelessly via one or more of the 2.4 GHz band, the 5 GHz band, and the 6 GHz band, or at the appropriate band and bandwidth to implement the Wi-Fi 4, 5, 6, or 6E protocols. APD A2can also be equipped with a radio to implement a Bluetooth interface radio transceiver and antenna, which communicates wirelessly in the ISM band, from 2.400 to 2.485 GHz. As an alternative, at least one of the radios can be a radio meeting a Radio Frequency For Consumer Electronics (RF4CE) protocol, Zigbee protocol, and/or IEEE 802.15.4 protocol, which also communicates in the ISM band.

In client device120, controller216, which can include a dedicated control circuit, CPU, microprocessor, etc., controls the circuits of client device120. Memory224can store various programming, and user content, and data as stored data226. Radio220may include a Wi-Fi WLAN interface radio transceiver that is operable to communicate with APD A2and also may include a cellular transceiver operable to communicate with cellular service provider through a cellular network. Radio220includes one or more antennas and communicates wirelessly via one or more of the 2.4 GHz band, the 5 GHz band, and the 6 GHz band, or at the appropriate band and bandwidth to implement the Wi-Fi 4, 5, 6, or 6E protocols. Client device120can also be equipped with a radio to implement a Bluetooth interface radio transceiver and antenna, which communicates wirelessly in the ISM band, from 2.400 to 2.485 GHz. As an alternative, at least one of the radios can be a RF4CE protocol, Zigbee protocol, and/or IEEE 802.15.4 protocol, which also communicates in the ISM band. Further, any of the client devices inFIG.1may be a client device similar to client device120.

FIG.3illustrates the portion of city100as shown inFIG.1with the addition of a service provider302, providing a service indicated by double arrow304and a plurality of Wi-Fi hotspot networks provided by the plurality of APDs, respectively. A sample of the plurality of Wi-Fi hotspot networks are indicated as Wi-Fi hotspot network N2, which is provided by APD A6and Wi-Fi hotspot network N4, which is provided by APD A2.

FIG.3illustrates service provider302, e.g., an MSO, providing outdoor Wi-Fi coverage over portion of city100. In this example there is one outdoor APD per city block with a total of 24 APDs. In this example, users have client devices that are attached to a respective APD in following zones: client device114with the Wi-Fi coverage of APD A2; client device116with the Wi-Fi coverage of APD A4; client device118with the Wi-Fi coverage of APD A6and client device120with the Wi-Fi coverage of APD A8. All other APDs in this example have no clients. In this use case, only 4 of 24 APDs are being used or 16%. Therefore, 83% of the APDs are using power to send beacons to non-existent clients.

Further, in this example, there are only four people walking thru the city, so it is highly inefficient to transmit on all APDs (24) and with both radios (2.4 and 5 GHz). At peak periods, there may be 1000 users, and all 24 APDs may be in use.

Some MSOs offer their subscribers a Wi-Fi anywhere feature. This allows an individual subscriber to connect to any APD within the MSO's footprint. Further, some MSOs may resell surplus bandwidth/SSIDs on their outdoor APDs. For example, an MSO may rent network capacity to up to 7 other competitors. Each of these vendors is given a unique SSID on both 2.4 and 5 GHz bands. All SSIDs are beaconing at the standard rates. Thus, assuming there are 8 SSIDs, 32% of the bandwidth is being consumed by the beacons alone (2.4 GHz). This bandwidth is being consumed by beacons alone, and not consumed by data being sent to or from clients.

What is needed is a system and method to reduce the bandwidth consumed by multiple beacon transmission and to reduce power consumption of unused radio transmitters.

A system and method in accordance with the present disclosure reduces the bandwidth consumed by multiple beacon transmission and reduces power consumption of unused radio transmitters.

In accordance with the present disclosure, an APD only broadcasts a Wi-Fi network as needed, based on a received probe request or an activation signal from a service provider indicating that a user will likely need the Wi-Fi network in the near future.

Most clients can actively or passively scan for an APD. In an active scan session, the client sends out probe request broadcasts looking for any APD, and an APD responds via probe response messages. In the case of a passive scan, the only looks for Wi-Fi beacons, and upon encountering one it has connected to in the past, initiates a reconnection sequence.

Given that it is unlikely that an APD would have clients connected on all SSIDs that may be simultaneously provided by the APD, e.g., 8 SSIDs, overall traffic/throughput could be reduced by removing unnecessary beacons. An unnecessary beacon may be a beacon transmitted to non-existing clients. While beacons contain other necessary information, transmission of the beacons may be suspended until needed. That is, the APD will stop sending beacons until a probe request is received from a client device. Once a client device makes a probe request, and the APD responds, beacons will start on the SSID in question, and connections will be permitted.

Energy consumption may be further reduced by shutting off transmitters of all radios that are not connected to an active client device. Consider the situation wherein four users are all stationary, not moving through an urban area. Since each user is stopped, there is no need for other APDs in the urban area to be transmitting. Thus only 4 APDs would be enabled and for receiving and transmitting. Only activating those 4 APDs with clients would reduce power consumption potentially by 83%.

Some example embodiments reduce power consumption by operating each radio in a standby mode, if no client is connected to it.

Some example embodiments reduce power consumption in APDs that have two radios, e.g., a 5 GHz radio and a 2.4 GHz radio, wherein the one of the radios, e.g., the 5 GHz radio, is shut off if no client is connected to it. Almost all mobile devices that support 5 GHz channels also support 2.4 GHz channels. Therefore, it is possible to enable only the 2.4 GHz APD radio, and when a client device connects to the 2.4 GHz radio, the APD will determine whether the client device also supports 5 GHz. If the client device does, then the 5 GHZ radio may be switched on, and the client device is steered (moved) from the 2.4 GHz radio over to the 5 GHz radio. The action of shutting off the 5 GHz radio until it is needed will reduce power consumption by as much as 50% per APD.

Should the user of a client device start to walk through the city, only those APDs in the immediate vicinity would be turned on. As will be described in greater detail below, only those APDs with which the user currently resides, or will potentially travel into, will be activated.

In some embodiments, each APD is in contact with a service provider, which may take the form of a server that operates as an electronic communication traffic server device, which may log the location of each client device, and determining the path the user is expected to travel. With this location and expected travel path information, the electronic communication traffic service device may notify other APDs to turn on and connect to the client device of the user, as needed.

In some embodiments, a cellular service provider that provides cellular service to a client device may determine the location and velocity of the client device. The cellular service provider may provide the location and velocity information to the electronic communication traffic server device, which may log the location of each client device and determine the path the user is expected to travel. With this location and expected travel path information, the electronic communication traffic service device may notify other APDs to turn on and connect to the client device of the user, as needed.

As the user of the client device begins to move through the city, other APDs may be activated by the electronic communication traffic service device. The electronic communication traffic service device would proactively activate APDs in the user's direction of travel. Likewise, the electronic communication traffic service device would shut off APDs that are no longer needed, or place them in a standby mode. In some embodiments, each activated APD may send positioning information for each client device back to the electronic communication traffic service device.

An example system and method for managing a network of APDs in order to reduce power consumption in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure will now be described in greater detail with reference toFIGS.4-8.

FIG.4illustrates an example method400for operating an APD within a network of APDs in order to reduce power consumption in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

As shown in the figure, method400starts (S402), and it is determined whether an activation signal is received (S404). Initially, consider an initial situation wherein 4 client devices are within a portion of a city. This will be described in greater detail with reference toFIGS.5A and6A. Then a discussion of receipt of the activation signal will be provided.

FIG.5Aillustrates the portion of city100, at a time t1, having a Wi-Fi hotspot network that includes a plurality of access point devices (APDs), in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

As shown in the figure, city100includes: plurality of eastbound-westbound streets, the sample of which are indicated as streets102,104,106and108; plurality of northbound-southbound streets, the sample of which are indicated as streets110and112; plurality of client devices114,116,118and120; a plurality of APDs, a sample of which is indicated as APDs A02, A04, A06, A08, A10, A12, A14, A16, A18, A20, A22, A24, A26, A28, A30, A32, A34; a service provider536providing a service indicated as double arrow538; a cellular service provider540providing a cellular service indicated as double arrow542; and a plurality of Wi-Fi hotspot networks provided by the plurality of APDs, respectively, a sample of the plurality of Wi-Fi hotspot networks is indicated as a Wi-Fi hotspot network N44, which is provided by APD A02, a Wi-Fi hotspot network N46, which is provided by APD A04, a Wi-Fi hotspot network N48, which is provided by APD A06, a Wi-Fi hotspot network N50, which is provided by APD A08, a Wi-Fi hotspot network N52, which is provided by APD A10, a Wi-Fi hotspot network N54, which is provided by APD A12, a Wi-Fi hotspot network N56, which is provided by APD A14, a Wi-Fi hotspot network N58, which is provided by APD A20, a Wi-Fi hotspot network N60, which is provided by APD A22, a Wi-Fi hotspot network N62, which is provided by APD A28, a Wi-Fi hotspot network N64, which is provided by APD A30, a Wi-Fi hotspot network N66, which is provided by APD A32, and a Wi-Fi hotspot network N68, which is provided by APD A34.

In accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, each APD is only providing a Wi-Fi network for any specific client device within its broadcasting range, or as directed by service provider536through service538. This is in direct comparison with the conventional system discussed above with reference toFIG.3, wherein each APD is constantly providing a maximum number, e.g., 8, of Wi-Fi networks in the event that a client device might enter into its broadcast range.

At time t1, discussed above with reference toFIG.5A: APDs A02, and A08are broadcasting only a single SSID to potentially provide Wi-Fi hotspot service to client device114at a future time; APD A10is broadcasting one SSID to provide Wi-Fi hotspot service to client device114at time t1and is additionally broadcasting a second SSID to potentially provide Wi-Fi hotspot service to client device116at a future time; APD A04is broadcasting one SSID to potentially provide Wi-Fi hotspot service to client device114at a future time and is additionally broadcasting a second SSID to potentially provide Wi-Fi hotspot service to client device116at a future time; APD A06is broadcasting one SSID to potentially provide Wi-Fi hotspot service to client device116at a future time; APD A12is broadcasting one SSID to provide Wi-Fi hotspot service to client device116at time t1and is additionally broadcasting a second SSID to potentially provide Wi-Fi hotspot service to client device118at a future time; APD A14is broadcasting one SSID to provide Wi-Fi hotspot service to client device118at time t1; APDs A20and A22are broadcasting only a single SSID to potentially provide Wi-Fi hotspot service to client device118at a future time; APDs A28, A32and A34are broadcasting only a single SSID to potentially provide Wi-Fi hotspot service to client device120at a future time; and APD A30is broadcasting one SSID to provide Wi-Fi hotspot service to client device120at time t1.

In this example embodiment, for the purposes of discussion, let each APD be configured to broadcast eight (8) different SSIDs, wherein each of the broadcasts would provide one eighth (⅛) of the total power that may be expended in broadcasting. Therefore a maximum power expenditure, pmax, would be equal to the total number of APDs, n, times the total number of available broadcast SSIDs, b, or:
Pmax=nb(1)
which in this example would be Pmax=24*8=192 power units.

It should be noted that is the power that is constantly consumed by the conventional system discussed above with reference toFIG.3.

However, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, at time t1, as discussed above, the present power expenditure, pp, would be equal to the sum of the SSIDs from the APDs that are presently broadcasting. In this example, APDs A02, A06, A08, A14, A22, A28, A30, A32and A34are broadcasting a single SSID, and APDs A04, A10, A12and A20are broadcasting two SSIDs. Therefore, the present power expenditure, pp, at time t1would be 9*(1)+4*(2), or 17 power units.

By comparing the power that is constantly consumed by the conventional system discussed above with reference toFIG.3, with the example embodiment of the present disclosure discussed above with reference toFIG.5A, the percentage of power savings at time t1is (192-17)/192, or 91.1% savings in power expenditure in broadcasting.

FIG.5Aillustrates a situation wherein some APDs are already broadcasting a Wi-Fi network. To arrive at this situation, each of these broadcasting APDs were previously (at some point in time) in a standby mode and had been activated to a broadcast mode. Such activation may be performed by receiving an activation signal from service provider536or by receiving a probe request from a client device.

Different embodiments for a standby mode will first be described with additional reference toFIG.6A. Then different embodiments for receiving an activation signal will be described.

One embodiment for implementing a standby mode, may be termed a no-broadcast standby mode, wherein a broadcasting component of a radio of an APD will not broadcast until the receiver component of the radio receives either an initiate signal from the service provider or a probe request from a client device. This no-broadcast standby mode will be described with reference toFIG.6A.

FIG.6Aillustrates an exploded view of APD A30, client device120, and service provider536.

As shown in the figure, APD A30includes a controller604, a radio610, an interface circuit612, and a memory606, which includes controller executable instructions608stored therein. Radio610includes a broadcasting component614and a receiving component616.

In this example, controller604, radio610, interface circuit612, and memory606are illustrated as individual devices. However, in some embodiments, at least two of controller604, radio610, interface circuit612, and memory606may be combined as a unitary device. Further, in some embodiments, at least one of controller604, radio610, interface circuit612, and memory606may be implemented as a computer having non-transitory computer-readable media for carrying or having computer-executable instructions or data structures stored thereon. Such non-transitory computer-readable recording medium refers to any computer program product, apparatus or device, such as a magnetic disk, optical disk, solid-state storage device, memory, programmable logic devices (PLDs), DRAM, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to carry or store desired computer-readable program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer, or a general-purpose or special-purpose processor. Disk or disc, as used herein, includes compact disc (CD), laser disc, optical disc, digital versatile disc (DVD), floppy disk and Blu-ray disc. Combinations of the above are also included within the scope of computer-readable media. For information transferred or provided over a network or another communications connection (either hardwired, wireless, or a combination of hardwired or wireless) to a computer, the computer may properly view the connection as a computer-readable medium. Thus, any such connection may be properly termed a computer-readable medium. Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media.

Example tangible computer-readable media may be coupled to a processor such that the processor may read information from, and write information to the tangible computer-readable media. In the alternative, the tangible computer-readable media may be integral to the processor. The processor and the tangible computer-readable media may reside in an integrated circuit (IC), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or large scale integrated circuit (LSI), system LSI, super LSI, or ultra LSI components that perform a part or all of the functions described herein. In the alternative, the processor and the tangible computer-readable media may reside as discrete components.

Components of an example computer system/server may include, but are not limited to, one or more processors or processing units, a system memory, and a bus that couples various system components including the system memory to the processor.

A program/utility, having a set (at least one) of program modules, may be stored in the memory by way of example, and not limitation, as well as an operating system, one or more application programs, other program modules, and program data. Each of the operating system, one or more application programs, other program modules, and program data or some combination thereof, may include an implementation of a networking environment. The program modules generally carry out the functions and/or methodologies of various embodiments of the application as described herein.

The OSI model includes seven independent protocol layers: (1) Layer 1, the physical layer, which defines electrical and physical specifications for devices, and the relationship between a device and a transmission medium, such as a copper or fiber optical cable; (2) Layer 2, the data link layer, which provides the functional and procedural means for the transfer of data between network entities and the detection and correction of errors that may occur in the physical layer; (3) Layer 3, the network layer, which provides the functional and procedural means for transferring variable length data sequences from a source host on one network to a destination host on a different network (in contrast to the data link layer which connects hosts within the same network), and performs network routing functions and sometimes fragmentation and reassembly; (4) Layer 4, the transport layer, which provides transparent transfer of data between end users, providing reliable data transfer services to the upper layers by controlling the reliability of a given link through flow control, segmentation/desegmentation, and error control; (5) Layer 5, the session layer, which controls the connections (interchanges) between computers, establishing, managing and terminating the connections between the local and remote applications; (6) Layer 6, the presentation layer, which establishes context between application layer entities, by which the higher-layer entities may use different syntax and semantics when the presentation service provides a mapping between them; and (7) Layer 7, the application layer, which interacts directly with the software applications that implement the communicating component.

Generic Stream Encapsulation (GSE) provides a data link layer protocol, which facilitates the transmission of data from packet oriented protocols (e.g., Internet protocol or IP) on top of a unidirectional physical layer protocol (e.g., DVB-S2, DVB-T2 and DVB-C2). GSE provides functions/characteristics, such as support for multi-protocol encapsulation (e.g., IPv4, IPv6, MPEG, ATM, Ethernet, VLANs, etc.), transparency to network layer functions (e.g., IP encryption and IP header compression), and support of several addressing modes, a mechanism for fragmenting IP datagrams or other network layer packets over baseband frames, and support for hardware and software filtering.

In a layered system, a unit of data that is specified in a protocol of a given layer (e.g., a “packet” at the network layer), and which includes protocol-control information and possibly user data of that layer, is commonly referred to as a “protocol data unit” or PDU. At the network layer, data is formatted into data packets (e.g., IP datagrams, Ethernet Frames, or other network layer packets).

In this example, broadcasting component614and receiving component616are illustrated as individual devices. However, in some embodiments, broadcasting component614and receiving component616may be combined as a unitary device. Further, in some embodiments, at least one of broadcasting component614and receiving component616may be implemented as a computer having non-transitory computer-readable media for carrying or having computer-executable instructions or data structures stored thereon.

Controller604can include a dedicated control circuit, CPU, microprocessor, etc. Controller604controls the circuits of APD A30. Memory606can store various programming, and user content, and data as stored data608.

As will be described in more detail below, stored data608includes instructions that may be used by controller604to cause APD A30to establish a Wi-Fi hotspot network with a SSID based on at least one of an activation signal and a probe request associated with the SSID, wherein the probe request is transmitted from a client device, such as client device120. Stored data608includes instructions that may be used by controller604to cause APD A30to additionally operate the Wi-Fi hotspot network with the SSID in a standby mode based upon one of the group consisting of receipt of a standby signal from service provider536and a disassociation from an associated client device, wherein the associated client device is the client device having been associated with the established Wi-Fi hotspot network.

As will be described in more detail below, in some non-limiting example embodiments, stored data608includes instructions that may be used by controller604to cause APD A30to additionally determine a position and a velocity of the client device when the client device is associated with the established Wi-Fi hotspot network. Further, in these non-limiting example embodiments, stored data608includes instructions that may be used by controller604to cause APD A30to further transmit a client device position signal to service provider536, wherein the client device position signal is based on the determined position and velocity of client device.

As will be described in more detail below, in some non-limiting example embodiments, stored data608includes instructions that may be used by controller604to cause APD A30to additionally operate the Wi-Fi hotspot network with the SSID in the standby mode a predetermined time period after the disassociation from the associated client device.

As will be described in more detail below, in some non-limiting example embodiments, broadcasting component614is configured to broadcast data associated with the Wi-Fi hotspot network, and receiving component616is configured to receive the activation signal, the probe request and the standby signal. Further, when operating the Wi-Fi hotspot network with the SSID in the standby mode, controller604is configured to turn broadcasting component614off to save power.

Interface circuit612can include one or more connectors, such as RF connectors, or Ethernet connectors, and/or wireless communication circuitry, such as 5G circuitry and one or more antennas. Interface circuit612receives service from service provider536by known methods, non-limiting examples of which include terrestrial antenna, satellite dish, wired cable, DSL, optical fibers, or 5G as discussed above. Through interface circuit612, APD A30receives an input signal, including data and/or audio/video content, from the service provider and can send data to the service provider.

Radio610(and preferably two or more radios), may also be referred to as a wireless communication circuit, such as a Wi-Fi WLAN interface radio transceiver and is operable to communicate with client devices, such as client device120. Radio610includes one or more antennas and communicates wirelessly via one or more of the 2.4 GHz band, the 5 GHz band, and the 6 GHz band, or at the appropriate band and bandwidth to implement the Wi-Fi 4, 5, 6, or 6E protocols. APD A30can also be equipped with a radio to implement a Bluetooth interface radio transceiver and antenna, which communicates wirelessly in the ISM band, from 2.400 to 2.485 GHz. As an alternative, at least one of the radios can be a radio meeting a Radio Frequency For Consumer Electronics (RF4CE) protocol, Zigbee protocol, and/or IEEE 802.15.4 protocol, which also communicates in the ISM band.

Service provider536includes a controller618, a memory620, which includes controller executable instructions622stored therein, and a predictor624.

In this example, controller618, memory620and predictor624are illustrated as individual devices. However, in some embodiments, at least two of controller618, memory620and predictor624may be combined as a unitary device. Further, in some embodiments, at least one of controller618, memory620and predictor624may be implemented as a computer having non-transitory computer-readable media for carrying or having computer-executable instructions or data structures stored thereon.

Controller618can include a dedicated control circuit, CPU, microprocessor, etc. Controller618controls the circuits of service provider536. Memory620can store various programming, and user content, and data as stored data622.

As will be described in more detail below, in some non-limiting example embodiments, stored data622includes instructions that may be used by controller618to cause service provider624to receive a client position signal, and predict a future position of the client device based on the client device position signal providing location and velocity information about the client device. Stored data622includes instructions that may be used by controller618to cause service provider536to additionally instruct a first access point device to provide a first Wi-Fi hotspot network with a first SSID, currently in use by the client device with another access point device, based on the predicted future position of the client device and instruct a second access point device, which was previously providing a second Wi-Fi hotspot network with the first SSID, to stop providing the second Wi-Fi hotspot network with the first SSID after instructing the first access point device to provide the first Wi-Fi hotspot network with the first SSID.

As will be described in more detail below, in some non-limiting example embodiments, stored data622includes instructions that may be used by controller618to cause service provider624to further instruct a third access point device to provide a third Wi-Fi hotspot network with the first SSID. In some embodiments, stored data622includes instructions that may be used by controller618to cause service provider624to still further receive the client device position signal from the third access point device, whereas in other embodiments, stored data622includes instructions that may be used by controller618to cause service provider624to still further receive the client device position signal from a cellular service provider associated with the client device.

As will be described in more detail below, in some non-limiting example embodiments, stored data622includes instructions that may be used by controller618to cause service provider624to further stop providing the Wi-Fi hotspot network with the first SSID a predetermined time period after instructing the first access point device to provide the first Wi-Fi hotspot network with the first SSID.

Predictor624can include a dedicated control circuit, CPU, microprocessor, etc., that is able to predict a future position of a client device based on a position and velocity of the client device.

In this example, in client device120, controller222, memory224, radio228, interface circuit230and display232are illustrated as individual devices. However, in some embodiments, at least two of client device120, controller222, memory224, radio228, interface circuit230and display232may be combined as a unitary device. Further, in some embodiments, at least one of client device120, controller222, memory224, radio228, interface circuit230and display232may be implemented as a computer having non-transitory computer-readable media for carrying or having computer-executable instructions or data structures stored thereon.

Returning toFIG.4, if it is determined that an activation signal is not received (N at S404), then it is then determined whether a probe request is received (S406). For example, returning toFIG.6A, in a no-broadcast standby mode, receiving component616of radio610may receive a probe request from radio228of client device120, in the event that client device120transmits a probe request while in the receiving area of access point device A30. If a probe request is received, radio610may then inform controller604of the receipt of the probe request.

Returning toFIG.4, if it is determined that a probe request is not received (N at S406), then method400continues to wait for an activation signal (return to S404). If it is determined that an activation signal has been received (Y at S404) or if it is determined that a probe request has been received (Y at S406), then a network is established (S408). For example, returning toFIG.6A, in the no-broadcast standby mode as mentioned above, controller604will have been informed by radio610of the receipt of either the probe request or the activation signal. In either event, controller604may then instruct radio610to provide power to broadcast component614. Broadcast component614may then establish a Wi-Fi hotspot using the SSID identified in the received probe request or the received activation signal.

Returning toFIG.4, after the network has been established (S408), the client position and velocity is found (S410). In some example embodiments, an APD finds the position and velocity of the client device. In other embodiments, as will be described much later, cellular service provider540provides the client position and velocity to service provider536. For now, a more detailed discussion of APD finds the position and velocity of the client device.

In an example embodiment, returning toFIG.6A, access point device A30may determine the position and velocity of client device120. This determination may be performed by controller604instructing radio610to request the position and velocity of client device120from client device120.

Upon receiving this request, controller222of client device120may determine its position and velocity by any known system or method, non-limiting examples of which include a global positioning system or a Wi-Fi triangulation system. Controller222may then instruct radio228to transmit a client device position signal which includes information describing the position and velocity of client device120.

Radio610of APD A30may then receive the client device position signal from client device120.

In other embodiments, client device120may provide the client device position signal to APD A30without receiving a request from APD A30. In some embodiments, client device120provides the client device position signal to APD A30at predetermined time intervals. In some embodiments, client device120provides the client device position signal to APD A30after a predetermined event, a non-limiting example of which includes client device120connecting to Wi-Fi hotspot network N64.

Returning toFIG.4, after the client position and velocity is found (S410), the client device position signal is transmitted (S412). For example, returning toFIG.6A, APD A30transmits the client device position signal to service provider536by way of service538.

Returning toFIG.4, after the client device position signal is transmitted (S412), it is determined whether a standby signal has been received (S414). For example, returning toFIG.6Aradio610of APD A30is in constant communication with radio228of client device120until client device120disassociated with APD, by any known method, non-limiting examples of which include a disassociation resulting from a Basic Service Set (BSS) transition request, a Blacklist disassociation and client device120moving out of range of radio610. In any of these methods, controller604will know whether client device120has disassociated from APD A30.

Returning toFIG.4, if it is determined that a standby signal has been received (Y at S414), then the network is disbanded (S416). For example, returning toFIG.6A, if client device120receives a standby signal from service provider536, then APD A30will revert to the no-broadcast standby mode, wherein controller604will instruct radio610to turn off power to broadcasting component614.

Returning toFIG.4, after the network is disbanded (S416), method400stops.

However, if it is determined that a standby signal has not been received (N at S414), then it is determined whether a new activation signal is received (S420). For example, as shown inFIG.6A, APD will determine whether a new activation signal is received. This may be performed in manner similar to that discussed above (S404). The difference here (S420) is that an APD is determining whether any additional activation signals are being received based on a new SSID, as compared with the original SSID that is currently enabled.

Consider now, a situation wherein at least some of the client devices have moved throughout the portion of city100. This will be described in more detail with reference toFIG.5B.

FIG.5Billustrates the portion of city100ofFIG.5A, at a time t2.

As shown in the figure, at time t2, city100includes all the elements ofFIG.5Adiscussed above, with the addition of: a Wi-Fi hotspot network N74, which is provided by APD A24; a Wi-Fi hotspot network N76, which is provided by APD A26; a Wi-Fi hotspot network N70, which is provided by APD A16; and a Wi-Fi hotspot network N72, which is provided by APD A18.

As compared to time t1discussed above with reference toFIG.5A, at time t2, the user of client device114has moved south on street110and the user of client device120has moved north on street112.

For client device114, at a time t2after time t1, service provider536have will have received the client device position signal indicating the position and velocity of client device114. The client device position signal will be used to determine whether additional APDs need to be initiated. This will be described in greater detail with reference toFIG.7.

FIG.7illustrates an example method700for operating an electronic communication traffic server device in order to reduce power consumption of a network of APDs in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

As shown in the figure, method700starts (S702), and a client device position signal is received (S704). For example, in some embodiments as discussed above with reference toFIGS.4and6A-B, service provider536receives the client device position signal from ABD A30(see S412).

Returning toFIG.7, after the client device position signal is received (S704), a future position of the client device is predicted (S706). For example, as shown inFIGS.6A and6B, controller618of service provider536will instruct predictor624to predict a likely future position of the user of client device120based on the client device position signal.

Returning toFIG.7, after the future position of the client device is predicted (S706), it is determined whether a new APD is to be activated (S708). For example, as shown inFIGS.6A-B, controller618determines whether new APDs are to be activated.

For example, returning toFIG.5B, consider the user of client device114, who at time t2is located at the corner of streets104and110and is traveling south. At this position and velocity, controller618determines that the person will likely either: stop moving or turn east so as to stay within Wi-Fi hotspot network N52, which has been broadcasting from APD A10since time t1as shown inFIG.5A; continue south so that client device114will need to be handed off to a Wi-Fi hotspot network that would be provided by APDs A16or A18; or turn west so as to be handed off to Wi-Fi hotspot network N50, which has been broadcasting from APD A08since time t1as shown inFIG.5Aor a Wi-Fi hotspot network that would be provided by APD A16. In this case, controller618determines that APDs A16and A18will need to be activated to account for the predicted movement of wireless client114.

Similarly, consider the user of client device120, who at time t2is located at the corner of streets112and106and is traveling north. At this position and velocity, controller618determines that the person will likely either: stop moving or turn east so as to stay within Wi-Fi hotspot network N64, which has been broadcasting from APD A30since time t1as shown inFIG.5A; continue north so that client device120will need to be handed off to a Wi-Fi hotspot network that would be provided by APDs A24or A26; or turn west so as to be handed off to Wi-Fi hotspot network N62, which has been broadcasting from APD A28since time t1as shown inFIG.5Aor a Wi-Fi hotspot network that would be provided by APD A24. In this case, controller618determines that APDs A24and A26will need to be activated to account for the predicted movement of client device120.

Now, consider the user of client device116, who at time t2is located at the same position, thus with no velocity, that they occupied at time t1discussed above with reference toFIG.5A. At this position and velocity, controller618determines that the person will likely remain. In this case, controller618determines that no new APD will need to be activated to account for the predicted movement of client device116.

Similarly, now consider the user of client device118, who at time t2is located at the same position, thus with no velocity, that they occupied at time t1discussed above with reference toFIG.5A. At this position and velocity, controller618determines that the person will likely remain. In this case, controller618determines that no new APD will need to be activated to account for the predicted movement of client device118.

Returning toFIG.7, if it is determined that a new APD is not to be activated (N at S708), it is further determined whether any currently activated APDs should be placed in a standby mode (S710). For example, as shown inFIGS.6Aand B, controller618determines whether the predicted likely future position of the user of client device120, based on the client device position signal, will take client device out of range of any currently activated APDs. This will be described in greater detail with reference toFIG.5C.

FIG.5Cillustrates the portion of city100ofFIG.5A, at a time t3.

As shown in the figure, at time t3, city100includes some elements ofFIG.5Bdiscussed above, but is missing: Wi-Fi hotspot network N64, which is provided by APD A02; Wi-Fi hotspot network N46, which is provided by APD A04; Wi-Fi hotspot network N66, which is provided by APD A32; and Wi-Fi hotspot network N68, which is provided by APD A34.

Consider the user of client device114, who at time t3is similarly situated as they were at time t2discussed above with reference toFIG.5B. In this case, the time difference, Δt12, between time t1and time t2is much greater than the time difference, Δt23, between time t2and time t3. The time difference, Δt12, reflects the difference in time for the person using client device to travel from the location illustrated inFIG.5Ato the location illustrated inFIG.5B. The time difference, Δt23, reflects the time for service provider536to recognize that an APD may need to be put in a standby mode (as discussed with reference toFIG.5B) and the APD actually being placed in a standby mode.

As discussed above, after time t2, but prior to time t3, controller618had determined that the person using client device114is not, and will not be, in range of Wi-Fi hotspot network N44of APD A02or in range of Wi-Fi hotspot network N46of APD A04at time t3. In this case, controller618determines that APDs A02and A04will need to be placed in standby mode to account for the predicted movement of wireless client114.

Similarly, consider the user of client device120, who at time t3is similarly situated as they were at time t2discussed above with reference toFIG.5B. As discussed above, after time t2, but prior to time t3, controller618had determined that the person using client device120is not, and will not be, in range of Wi-Fi hotspot network N66of APD A32or in range of Wi-Fi hotspot network N68of APD A34at time t3. In this case, controller618determines that APDs A32and A34will need to be placed in standby mode to account for the predicted movement of wireless client120.

Returning toFIG.7, if it is determined that no currently activated APDs are to be placed in a standby mode (N at S710) then method700continues to wait for a new client device position signal (S704). However, if it is determined that any currently activated APDs are to be placed in a standby mode (Y at S710), then the APDs are placed in a standby mode (S716). For example, as shown inFIG.6A, controller618transmits a standby signal, via service538, to any APDs that are to be place in a standby mode into standby mode. Any APDs receiving the standby signal may then operate in a manner as discussed above with reference toFIG.4(S414), or as described below with further reference toFIG.4(S430).

In some non-limiting example embodiments, the standby signal will instruct an APD to stop providing the Wi-Fi hotspot network with an SSID identified in the standby signal. In some non-limiting example embodiments, the standby signal will instruct an APD to immediately stop providing the Wi-Fi hotspot network. In other non-limiting example embodiments, the standby signal will instruct an APD to stop providing the Wi-Fi hotspot network after a predetermined time period, for example, after 10 seconds. In other non-limiting example embodiments, the standby signal will instruct an APD to stop providing the Wi-Fi hotspot network after occurrence of an event.

Returning toFIG.5C, in the example of time t3, APDs A02, A04, A32and A34are example APDs that have received a respective standby signal from service provider536via service538and that have subsequently been placed in a standby mode so as to no longer broadcast a respective Wi-Fi hotspot service.

In this example embodiment, for the purposes of discussion, again let the maximum power expenditure, pmax, be that as discussed above with reference to equation (1), which in this example would be Pmax=24*8=192 power units.

However, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, at time t2, as discussed above, the present power expenditure, pp, would be equal to the sum of the SSIDs from the APDs that are presently broadcasting. In this example, APDs A02, A04, A06, A08, A14, A16, A18, A20, A22, A24, A26, A28, A30, A32and A34are broadcasting a single SSID, and APDs A10and Al2are broadcasting two SSIDs. Therefore, the present power expenditure, pp, at time t2would be 15*(1)+2*(2), or 19 power units.

By comparing the power that is constantly consumed by the conventional system discussed above with reference toFIG.3, with the example embodiment of the present disclosure discussed above with reference toFIG.5A, the percentage of power savings at time t2is (192-19)/192, or 90.1% savings in power expenditure in broadcasting.

Returning toFIG.7, after the APDs are placed in a standby mode (S716), method700stops (S718).

Returning toFIG.7, if it is determined that new APD(s) is(are) to be activated (Y at S708), then new APD(s) is(are) activated (S712). For example, any new APDs may be activated in a manner discussed above with reference toFIG.4(e.g., S408) andFIGS.5B-C.

Returning toFIG.7, after the new APD(s) is(are) activated (S712), it is determined whether any currently activated APDs should be placed in a standby mode (S714). This may be performed in a manner as described above (S710).

If it is determined that any currently activated APDs are to be placed in a standby mode (Y at S714), then the APDs are placed in a standby mode as discussed above (S716). However, if it is determined that no currently activated APDs are to be placed in a standby mode (N at S714), then the method700stops (S718).

Returning toFIG.4, if it is determined that a new activation signal is not received (N at S420), then it is then determined whether a new probe request is received (S422). This operation may be performed in a manner similar to that discussed above (S406). The difference here (S422) is that an APD is determining whether any additional probe requests are being received on a new SSID, as compared with the original SSID that is currently enabled.

If it is determined that a new probe request is not received (N at S422), then method400continues to wait for a standby signal (return to S414).

If it is determined that a new activation signal has been received (Y at S420) or if it is determined that a new probe request has been received (Y at S422), then a new network is established (S424). This operation may be performed in a manner similar to that discussed above (S408). The difference here (S424) is that an APD is establishing a new Wi-Fi hotspot network using new SSID that is identified in the newly received activation signal (S420) or the newly received probe request (S422) as compared with the original SSID that is currently enabled.

An example of an APD establishing a new Wi-Fi hotspot network using a new SSID that is identified in a newly received activation signal is APD A26establishing Wi-Fi hotspot network N76as shown inFIG.5Bas discussed above.

Returning toFIG.4, after the new network has been established (S424), the new client position and velocity is found (S426). This operation may be performed in a manner similar to that discussed above (S410). The difference here (S426) is that the position and velocity of the client that is found is a new client device associated with the newly received activation signal (S420) or the newly received probe request (S422) as compared with the client device that is currently connected.

After the new client position and velocity is found (S426), a new client device position signal is transmitted (S428). This operation may be performed in a manner similar to that discussed above (S412). The difference here (S428) is that the new client device position signal corresponding to a new client device that has associated with the newly established Wi-Fi hotspot network (S424) as compared with the client device position signal corresponding to client device that was previously currently connected.

Returning toFIG.4, after the new client device position signal is transmitted (S428), it is determined whether a standby signal has been received (S430). This operation may be performed in a manner similar to that discussed above (S412). Returning toFIG.4, if it is determined that a standby signal has been received (Y at S430), then the new network is disbanded (S432). This operation may be performed in a manner similar to that discussed above (S416). An example of an APD disbanding a Wi-Fi hotspot network is APD A34disbanding Wi-Fi hotspot network N68as shown inFIG.5Cas discussed above.

Returning toFIG.4, after the new network has disbanded (S432), it is determined whether all the networks have disbanded (S434). For example, as shown inFIG.6A, controller604may determine whether broadcasting component614of radio610is broadcasting any SSIDs to maintain any Wi-Fi hotspot networks.

If it is determined that all the networks have not disbanded (N at S434), then it is again determined whether a standby signal has been received (return to S430). However, it if is determined that all the networks have disbanded (Y at S434), method400stops (S418). Therefore, an APD, such as APD A34inFIG.5C, will be in a standby mode, waiting for either an activation signal from service provider536or probe request for a new client device.

In this example embodiment, as shown inFIG.5C, for the purposes of discussion, again let the maximum power expenditure, pmax, be that as discussed above with reference to equation (1), which in this example would be Pmax=24*8=192 power units.

However, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, at time t3, as discussed above, the present power expenditure, pp, would be equal to the sum of the SSIDs from the APDs that are presently broadcasting. In this example, APDs A06, A08, A14, A16, A18, A20, A22, A24, A26, A28and A30are broadcasting a single SSID, and APDs A10and Al2are broadcasting two SSIDs. Therefore, the present power expenditure, pp, at time t3would be 11*(1)+2*(2), or 15 power units.

By comparing the power that is constantly consumed by the conventional system discussed above with reference toFIG.3, with the example embodiment of the present disclosure discussed above with reference toFIG.5A, the percentage of power savings at time t3is (192-15)/192, or 92.2% savings in power expenditure in broadcasting.

In the no-broadcast standby mode embodiment discussed above with reference toFIG.6A, APD A30saves power in the standby mode by providing power receiving component616and not providing power to broadcasting component614, until receiving component616receives either an activation signal from service provider536or a probe request from client device120. In another embodiment, an APD saves power in the standby mode by providing power to one set of a receiving component and a broadcasting component, of a plurality of sets of receiving components and broadcasting components. This embodiment may be termed a multi-band radio standby mode embodiment and will be described in greater detail with reference toFIG.6B.

FIG.6Billustrates an exploded view of another embodiment of an APD618, client device120, service provider536.

As shown in the figure, APD618includes a controller620, a radio628, an interface circuit630, and a memory622, which includes controller executable instructions624stored therein. Radio628includes a 5 GHz broadcasting component632, a 5 GHz receiving component634, a 2.4 GHz broadcasting component636and a 2.4 GHz receiving component638.

In this example, controller620, radio628, interface circuit630and memory622are illustrated as individual devices. However, in some embodiments, at least two of controller620, radio628, interface circuit630and memory622may be combined as a unitary device. Further, in some embodiments, at least one of controller620, radio628, interface circuit630and memory622may be implemented as a computer having non-transitory computer-readable media for carrying or having computer-executable instructions or data structures stored thereon.

In this example, 5 GHz broadcasting component632, 5 GHz receiving component634, 2.4 GHz broadcasting component636and 2.4 GHz receiving component638are illustrated as individual devices. However, in some embodiments, at least two of 5 GHz broadcasting component632, 5 GHz receiving component634, 2.4 GHz broadcasting component636and 2.4 GHz receiving component638may be combined as a unitary device. Further, in some embodiments, at least one of 5 GHz broadcasting component632, 5 GHz receiving component634, 2.4 GHz broadcasting component636and 2.4 GHz receiving component638may be implemented as a computer having non-transitory computer-readable media for carrying or having computer-executable instructions or data structures stored thereon.

Further, with respect to implementation of the example embodiment ofFIG.6B, wherein if it is determined that an activation signal is not received (N at S404ofFIG.4), then it is then determined whether a probe request is received (S406), in the multi-band radio standby mode, 2.4 GHz receiving component638of radio628may receive a probe request from radio228of client device120, in the event that client device120transmits a probe request while in the receiving area of access point device618. If a probe request is received, radio628may then inform controller620of the receipt of the probe request.

Further, with respect to implementation of the example embodiment ofFIG.6B, wherein if it is determined that an activation signal has been received (Y at S404) or if it is determined that a probe request has been received (Y at S406), then a network is established (S408), in the multi-band radio standby mode as mentioned above, controller222will have been informed by 2.4 GHz receiving component638of radio628of the receipt of either the probe request or the activation signal. In either event, controller620may then instruct radio628to instruct 2.4 GHz broadcast component636and 2.4 GHz receiving component638to establish a Wi-Fi hotspot in the 2.4 GHz band using the SSID identified in the received probe request or the received activation signal. Further, in the event that client device120connects with APD618using the newly created Wi-Fi hotspot in the 2.4 GHz band, APD618may communicate with client device120to determine whether client device120additionally supports communication within the 5 GHz band. If it is determined that client device120additionally supports communication within the 5 GHz band, then controller620within APD618may instruct radio628to provide power to 5 GHz broadcasting component632and 5 GHz receiving component634and establish a second Wi-Fi hotspot in the 5 GHz band with a new SSID. Client device120may then be steered, by any known steering system or method, from the Wi-Fi hotspot in the 2.4 GHz band to the Wi-Fi hotspot in the 5 GHz band.

Still further, it should be noted that disbanding the network (S416) may be performed in a consistent manner using APD618as shown inFIG.6B. For example, if client device120was the only client device associated with APD618, then APD618will revert to the multi-band radio standby mode. Specifically, if controller620determines that no wireless clients are associated, then controller620will instruct radio628to turn off power to 5 GHz broadcasting component632and to 5 GHz receiving component634.

In the non-limiting example embodiments discussed above with reference toFIG.4, an APD may receive a probe request from a client device (e.g., S406and S422) to initiate the establishment of a Wi-Fi hotspot network. Further, in the non-limiting example embodiments discussed above with reference toFIG.4, an APD may find the client position and velocity and transmit the information as a client device position signal to service provider536.

In other embodiments one or both of these operations may be performed by cellular service provider540. For example, the operations illustrated in dotted box402inFIG.4and dotted box404inFIG.4may optionally not be performed by an APD because the cellular service provider540may transmit a client device position signal to service provider536.

As shown inFIG.6A-B, cellular service provider540is configured to monitor the position and velocity of client device120by any known method, non-limiting examples of which include a global positioning system. This position and velocity information of client device120may be provided to cellular service provider540via cellular service542. Once obtained, cellular service provider540may send the information as a client device position signal to service provider536via cellular service542(shown as the dotted double arrow542). The double arrow for cellular service542is dotted inFIG.6Ato reflect this optional embodiment wherein the client device position signal is provided by cellular service provider540.

In this embodiment, because cellular service provider540monitors client devices that use service542, cellular service provider540will provide service provider536with the client device position signal well prior to the client devices getting close enough to any of the APDs to warrant the use of a probe request. Accordingly, as shown in dotted boxes402and404ofFIG.4, a decision as to whether a probe request is received is not needed.

In the example embodiments discussed above, the client devices are illustrated as moving down streets though a portion of a city. It should be noted that aspects of the present invention are still enabled if the client devices move into buildings between the streets.

Wi-Fi networks are described in the non-limiting example embodiments discussed above. It should be noted that any wireless network that uses a plurality of APDs may employ aspects of the present invention.