1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to wireless networks in general and in particular to power management in devices operating in said wireless networks.
2. Prior Art
The use of wireless devices and wireless networks as a means for accessing remote office computers, the Internet or communicating with other wireless devices is well known in the prior art. The popularity of wireless devices has increased significantly due in part to the fact that they can be used wherever one chooses to use them and there is a wireless network to make the interconnection.
Because of this synergism it is almost impossible to separate wireless devices from wireless networks. Stated another way, when one uses wireless devices a wireless network is also used whether the user is aware or not aware of the wireless network. In this regard the wireless network, if not already, is becoming a standard part of mobile technology. When compared with wired networks wireless networks may have functional advantages. For example, their availability for use anywhere; without the need for cables to be attached.
In spite of these advantages, there are also disadvantages. Probably the most striking disadvantage is that a wireless network imposes significant energy drain on the mobile device battery. The battery drain phenomenon occurs because when the mobile device is wirelessly connected to the wireless network it must continuously receive and transmit high power radio signals. As a consequence it is believed that wireless network may reduce battery life>(greater than) 50%.
Most prior art attempts to solve this problem either adjust radio power or place mobile units in low power, also called sleep, mode. It seems as if the prior art solution could adversely affect the throughput of the mobile device.
In view of the above there is a need to provide a more effective and efficient method and apparatus that address the battery drain phenomenon and at the same time does not adversely affect throughput of the mobile device.