Within only the last few years, wireless network access has gone from virtually unheard of to being almost everywhere.  In order to provide wireless access for computers in homes and businesses, literally hundreds of millions of wireless access points (WAPs) have been created.  In some cities, WiFi access is even available on public streets.  One could only imagine the power consumption of all of these networks!

It is a basic principle that in order for these networks to be ready to provide wireless access to all of the connected computers, they must remain on at all times.  Especially in home settings, then, these wireless access points are not actually being used much of the time.

Research In Motion, a Canadian Corporation, has patented a system which seeks to reduce power consumption during dormant periods, while seeking maintain network performance.  The system is also adjustable to find the desired balance between network performance and power saving.

Download U.S. Patent No. 7,436,790

This entry was posted on Tuesday, October 14th, 2008 at 11:27 am and is filed under Energy Patent of Today. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.