Mobile power management for maximum battery life in wireless communication networks

Abstract

We address the problem of how a mobile node in a wireless network should vary its transmitter power so that energy consumption is minimized, subject to fixed quality-of-service constraints. Optimal solutions are obtained for channels with stationary, extraneous interference. A simple dynamic power management algorithm based on these solutions is developed. The algorithm is tested by a series of simulations, including the extraneous-interference case and the more general case where multiple, mutually interfering transmitters operate in a therefore highly responsive interference environment. Results show improved network capacity and stability in addition to substantially improved battery life at the mobile terminals.