Patent · US Active

Methods and apparatus for controlling access points coupled to a common power source

US9019895B2 · kind B2 · utility

48Cited by
2References
20Claims
0Family size

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Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJan 9, 2013
Grant dateApr 28, 2015
Priority date
Expiry dateNov 23, 2033

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY02D30/70
  • WIPO fieldDigital communication
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

Power efficient methods and apparatus for detecting wireless terminals in a relatively small geographic area are described. Wireless terminals transmit discovery signals and/or other signals which may be detected by an access point. Various described methods and apparatus are well suited for embodiments where multiple access points, which obtain power from a common power source and/or via a common power bus, with limited power delivery capability. To address power constraints, access points are controlled by a gateway device coupled to the access points so that one or more access points perform monitoring at different times with one or more access points having their receivers powered off while another access point monitors for wireless terminal signals. Power consumption from the common power source is managed by controlling power consumption associated with monitoring operations performed by one or more access points coupled to a common power source.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.