Wireless access point methods and apparatus using dynamically-activated service intervals

Abstract

Methods and apparatus for controlling a wireless access point (AP) (e.g. a battery-powered wireless AP) for reduced power consumption are provided. In one illustrative example, the AP is adapted to provide communication access for end stations in one or more activated service intervals of each superframe. During operation, the AP changes the number of activated service intervals that are available to end stations for the communication access, as well as the durations of their active subinterval durations, in accordance with a change in traffic requirements. The AP regularly broadcasts data which indicates the activated service intervals that are made available to the mobile devices. A wireless transceiver of the AP is enabled during each activated service interval made available to the mobile devices, but the AP is placed in a power conservation mode during each deactivated service interval provided in between the activated service intervals. The AP may also be placed in the power conservation mode during inactive subintervals of each activated service interval.