Patent ID: 8208973

Claim:
A variable beacon timing method for a first wireless device and a second wireless device, the method comprising: periodically transmitting beacons from the first wireless device to the second wireless device at a first rate during a first operating mode; the first wireless device initiating a switch from the first operating mode to a second operating mode; transmitting a control beacon from the first wireless device to the second wireless device in accordance with the first rate, the control beacon conveying a mode switching command for the second wireless device; thereafter, periodically transmitting beacons from the first wireless device at a second rate during the second operating mode; while operating the first wireless device and the second wireless device in the second operating mode, the first wireless device receiving a control message from the second wireless device, wherein the control message is generated and transmitted by the second wireless device in response to the second wireless device detecting a mode switching event that occurs while operating the first wireless device and the second wireless device in the second operating mode, and wherein the control message conveys a second mode switching command for the first wireless device; and returning the first wireless device to the first operating mode in response to receiving the control message from the second wireless device.