Patent ID: 8812641

Claim:
A method for processing data using a processing unit, wherein the processing unit has a first mode of operation and a second mode of operation for processing data, the second mode of operation requiring more power than the first mode of operation, the processing unit being arranged to switch between the first mode of operation and the second mode of operation based on a processing load for the processing unit, wherein the method comprises: receiving data packets from a sender; sending acknowledgements to the sender in respect of received data packets, wherein sending acknowledgements comprises sending one acknowledgement in respect of n received data packets; determining a metric indicative of a processing load for the processing unit; and setting the value of n to be a value m greater than a first predetermined value if the metric lies in a predetermined range that includes a value that the metric assumes when the processing unit switches between the first mode of operation and the second mode of operation, and to the first predetermined value otherwise.