Energy Consumption Modeling for Wi-Fi HaLow Networks

Abstract

Wi-Fi HaLow (IEEE 802.11ah) has emerged as a promising solution which can support Internet of Things (IoT) applications where energy efficiency and extended coverage are important. A key feature of Wi-Fi HaLow is the Target Wake Time (TWT) mechanism, which allows devices to schedule wake-up times, significantly reducing IDLE listening and energy consumption. However, there is currently no energy consumption model, leaving a gap in calculating how much energy a device actually consumes in a real network. This study aims to bridge this gap by developing a forecast model to accurately predict the energy consumption of devices with TWT enabled. The proposed model is then validated through experimental measurements using real Wi-Fi HaLow-compatible devices, ensuring an accurate representation of practical energy consumption. This research provides empirical insights and recommendations for optimizing network configurations in battery-constrained environments. In particular, the proposed energy consumption model can assist businesses in accurately estimating and managing energy usage, which is essential for cost-effective planning and improving operational efficiency in real-world IoT deployments.