Abstract: A communication apparatus uses a short range communication function for displaying a decrease of remaining battery power of a cellular phone that is in communication with the communication apparatus based on a report from the cellular phone when the remaining battery power decreases to a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A trigger signal generating device includes a first power source terminal and a second power source terminal; a first current generator to generate a first current with a first amplitude in accordance with the amplitude of the input signal; a second current generator to generate a second current with a second amplitude, the second current being flowed from the first power source terminal to the second power source terminal; a current mirror circuit to amplify the second current generated from the second current generator to obtain an amplified current; and a trigger signal generator to convert the amplified current into a trigger signal used for triggering a trigger device, the voltage amplitude of the trigger signal being corresponding to the current amplitude of the amplified current; wherein both of the first and second current generators are connected to either one of the first and second power source terminals.

Abstract: A wireless mesh network routes messages between a host computer and a plurality of field devices. The mesh network is synchronized to a global regular active schedule that defines active periods when messages can be transmitted or received by nodes of the network, and inactive periods when messages cannot be transmitted or received. Based upon messages to be sent by the host computer to selected field devices, the network is controlled to selectively maintain active those nodes required to route messages to the selected field devices. Those required nodes are maintained in an active state as long as communication with the selected field devices continues, while other nodes are allowed to return to a low power inactive state. When communication between the host computer and the selected field devices is no longer required, the entire network is allowed to enter the low power inactive state.

Abstract: A method of supporting operation of sleep mode in a wideband radio access system is disclosed. More specifically, a mobile subscriber station (MSS) which determines a frame offset information for synchronizing listening windows of at least one MSS that is in sleep mode, and transmits the determined framed offset information to at least one MSS.

Abstract: The present invention, which is aimed at providing a wireless communication unit which is operated by battery power and offers long battery life, power control method thereof and a wireless network which utilizes the wireless communication unit, includes: a direct demodulation standby part for prestoring an own unit identification code to compare the identification code included in the high-frequency signal with the own unit identification code; an intermittent power supply part for intermittently supplying power to the direct demodulation standby part; and a power control part for controlling the power supply to the transmitting/receiving part, wherein the direct demodulation standby part notifies the power control part and the intermittent power supply part, whether or not the identification code coincides with the own unit identification code after comparing the both, the power control part supplies power to the transmitting/receiving part upon receiving the notification from the direct demodulation standb

Abstract: A system and method for reducing call establishment delay in wireless network is provided, in which a network node establishes a call to a wireless terminal controlled by an AP via a sever. The wireless terminal notifies the server of its listen interval. In the power saving mode, the wireless terminal wakes up every listen interval and listen the beacon to check whether any buffered packet for it. When the wireless terminal learns from the beacon that there are packets waiting, it communicates with the access point to retrieve them. The server records a listen time at which the wireless terminal will wake tip and listen to the AP based on the listen interval. When a network node calls the wireless terminal, the server buffers the request for a time interval based on the listen time, and then sends the request to the wireless terminal.

Abstract: A radio communication apparatus has a battery, a transmit buffer for temporarily accumulating packets to be sent, a battery state monitoring unit for monitoring a battery state of the battery, and a traffic control unit. The traffic control unit determines a packet burst length and an interval time between the packet bursts in order to obtain charge recovery effect based on the battery state, and controls so as to take out data packets of the packet burst length from the transmit buffer for every interval time between the packet bursts of the packet burst.

Abstract: A wireless device (110) is provided for supporting extended battery life. A transceiver (132) is configured to receive and transmit data over a wireless link. A frame detection sensor (140) is coupled to the transceiver and configured to sense an incoming frame and generate an incoming frame sensor signal. A controller (142) is coupled to the frame detection sensor and transceiver, and configured to selectively deactivate a portion of the transceiver device based at least in part on the frame sensor signal. Advantages of the invention include the ability to extend battery life in mobile wireless devices.

Abstract: Improved apparatus for a radio communication system having a multiplicity of mobile transceiver units selectively in communication with a plurality of base transceiver units which, in turn, communicate with one or more host computers for storage and manipulation of data collected by bar code scanners or other collection means associated with the mobile transceiver units. A network controller and an adapter which has a simulcast and sequential mode provide selective interface between host computers and base transceivers. A scheme for routing data through the communication system is also disclosed wherein the intermediate base stations are organized into an optimal spanning-tree network to control the routing of data to and from the RF terminals and the host computer efficiently and dynamically.

Abstract: A receiving device performs reception in a service period of a broadcast signal and switches to a power saving mode in a non-service period. The service period is composed of a first period during which an application data table of an MPE-FEC frame is transmitted and a second period, following the first period, during which an RS data table of the MPE-FEC frame is transmitted. An error correction unit 12 performs one of error correction that uses the whole RS data table according to MPE-FEC, and erasure correction that uses a same number of parity bytes as bytes having bit errors. When the bit errors are corrected by the error correction unit 12 performing erasure correction, a power control unit 30 switches a receiving circuit to a power saving mode before the second period ends.

Abstract: A rectifier circuit includes a first MOS transistor; a first capacitor connected between a gate and a source of the first MOS transistor; a first switching circuit for supplying a bias voltage to the first capacitor in response to a control signal; a second MOS transistor whose drain is connected to the source of the first MOS transistor; a second capacitor connected between a gate and a source of the second MOS transistor; and a second switching circuit for supplying the bias voltage to the second capacitor in response to the control signal. The rectifier circuit also includes a third MOS transistor for imitating the first MOS transistor; a third capacitor for imitating the first capacitor; a dummy switching circuit for supplying the bias voltage to the third capacitor in response to the control signal; and a generating circuit for generating the control signal based on a potential of the third capacitor.

Abstract: An antenna device includes: a transmitting unit which is connected to a control unit of an in-vehicle device mounted at a vehicle; and a transmission antenna connected to the transmitting unit. The transmitting unit operates the transmission antenna based on a binary signal and a carrier signal from the control unit. The transmitting unit includes: a duty ratio controller that modifies the binary signal to a duty ratio signal having a prescribed duty ratio and outputs the duty ratio signal; and a driving circuit that supplies an energizing current to the transmission antenna based on the carrier signal. The duty ratio controller changes intensity of the signal transmitted from the transmission antenna by changing the energizing current according to the duty ratio signal so as to form a desired communication range.

Abstract: A wireless network scheduling control system and a method therefor are provided, which includes a first receiving/transmitting node, one or a plurality of second receiving/transmitting nodes, and an end receiving/transmitting node. When data is transmitted from the first receiving/transmitting node to the end receiving/transmitting node via the second receiving/transmitting node, a type of the transmitted data for being connected is determined. If a transmission sequence can be registered and reset, the end receiving/transmitting node enters a sleeping mode through a control signal, and the second receiving/transmitting node registers and resets the transmission sequence; otherwise, the transmission is performed according to a plan of an MAP. A technology of registering and reorganizing the data in a frame structure that is transmitted is utilized, such that the data relevant to the end receiving/transmitting node is received and transmitted as collectively as possible.

Abstract: Methods and arrangements for wireless communications are described. Embodiments include transformations, code, state machines or other logic to adaptively change a snoozing interval of a station. The embodiments may also include determining a timeout (TO) period for a station, examining network traffic of the station after a period of network traffic inactivity not less than the TO period, and determining a snoozing interval, the length of the snoozing interval based upon the examination of the network traffic. The embodiments may also include adjusting the length of the TO period. In some further embodiments, examining network traffic may include determining categories of network traffic. In other further embodiments, examining network traffic may include determining a size of a queue of network traffic for the station. The embodiments may also include redetermining a snoozing interval after returning to a normal power mode.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a communication system includes a first terminal to be connected to a first communication network, assigned a terminal ID and driven by power supplied from a battery, a server apparatus to be connected to a second communication network differing from the first network, to periodically confirm presences of the first terminal and a second terminal to be connected to the second communication network, and to communication-connect between the first and the second terminals in the case of presences thereof, and a controller which makes the server apparatus monitor that the first terminal is present on the first communication network by a second period longer than a first period monitoring that the second terminal is present on the second communication network.

Abstract: A method to remotely control a wireless unit, includes receiving an activation/deactivation request from a user. It is determined if the user is authorized to activate/deactivate the wireless unit. If the user is authorized to activate/deactivate the wireless unit, a signal is sent to the wireless unit causing the wireless unit to power-on/power-off in response to the signal.

Abstract: An autonomous vehicle collision/crossing warning system provides for simple, inexpensive and decentralized installation, operation and maintenance of a reliable vehicle collision/crossing warning system. The autonomous warning system preferably utilizes a single frequency TDM radio communication network with GPS clock synchronization, time slot arbitration and connectionless UDP protocol to broadcast messages among vehicles and components in the warning system. Adaptive localized mapping of components of interest within the warning system eliminates the need for centralized databases or coordination and control systems and enables new vehicles and warning systems to be easily added to the system in a decentralized manner. Preferably, stationary warning systems are deployed as multiple self-powered units each equipped to receive broadcast messages and to communicate with the other units by a low power RF channel in a redundant Master-Slave configuration.

Abstract: Power management features of a reader device control an amount of electrical energy supplied to the reader device. The power management features include several power control categories that a user may select to affect an amount of power consumed by the reader device. One power control category controls power consumption based on a genre of an electronic book being processed by the reader device. Another power control category controls power consumption based on a time of day an electronic book is being processed by the reader device. Power control instructions that control how much power a reader device consumes may also be generated based on a characteristic of a user's interaction with the device.

Abstract: Operational characteristics of a wireless input device are modified so as to balance performance and power conservation. Power management algorithms may include an algorithm that improves device performance and increases device power consumption, as well as an algorithm that decreases device power consumption and reduces device performance. An algorithm that most closely corresponds to the desired balance of performance and power consumption is identified. The identified algorithm is then transmitted to the wireless device.

Abstract: Various embodiments are described herein for a mobile communication device that utilizes a smart battery. The mobile device includes a main processor for controlling the operation of the mobile communication device. The smart battery is coupled to the main processor and provides supply power. The smart battery includes a battery processor for controlling the operation of the smart battery and communicating with the main processor, and a battery module having one or more batteries for providing the supply power. A battery interface is provided for coupling between the main processor and the battery processor for providing communication therebetween. The battery interface comprises a data communication line and protection circuitry for protecting the main processor from electrostatic discharge. A communication protocol is also provided for communication between the main processor and the battery processor.

Abstract: A method and system to determine when a wireless terminal has been paged by a servicing base station. An encoded paging burst is received on a paging channel and then decoded to produce a decoded paging burst. The decoded paging burst is processed to determine if it is a null page. When the encoded paging burst is a null page, subsequent processing operations scheduled to follow a later null page are rescheduled and immediately processed, allowing the wireless terminal to re-enter the sleep mode more quickly following the receipt of a subsequent paging burst.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for limiting communication capabilities in mobile communication devices are disclosed. In one illustrative example, an operating variable of a mobile communication device is detected to be within one of a first range of values, a second range of values, and a third range of values. The mobile device operates in a full communication state if the operating variable is detected to be within the first range of values, a first limited communication state if the operating variable is detected to be within the second range of values, or a second limited communication state if the operating variable is detected to be within the third range of values. When receiving a communication request for establishment of a voice call or for communication of a user data message, the mobile device permits or prohibits the communication depending on the communication state, and preferably depending on whether the communication request is for a non-emergency or emergency communication.

Abstract: An onboard-equipment control apparatus controls activation of an onboard apparatus such as an air conditioner and termination of the operation of the onboard apparatus in order to prevent an onboard battery from running out of residual electric charge in advance. Upon detection of a state in which an onboard radio apparatus is not capable of receiving a termination command from a cellular phone or the cellular phone is not capable of transmitting a termination command to the onboard radio apparatus while the air conditioner is in operation, the onboard-equipment control apparatus forcibly terminates the operation of the air conditioner even before a termination condition is satisfied. Thus, the onboard battery can be prevented in advance from running out of accumulated electric charge required for operating the activated air conditioner thereafter.

Abstract: A low power integrated circuit (IC) includes a power supply module, first circuitry, and second circuitry. The power supply module is coupled to receive a power source signal from a source external to the low power IC, derive an electromagnetic signal from the power source signal, and convert the electromagnetic signal into a supply voltage. The first circuitry is coupled to produce a first resultant from a first stimulus, wherein the first circuitry is powered via the supply voltage. The second circuitry is coupled to produce a second resultant from a second stimulus, wherein the second circuitry via powered by the supply voltage.

Abstract: A method of timer-based registration prevents timer-based registrations that are not needed from being sent. A history is maintained of time instances of implicit registrations transmitted by a mobile station over a communications network. If an elapsed time between a pair of successive ones of the time instances in the history is not less than a registration period with the network, a timer-based registration of the mobile station with the communications network is initiated after the expiry of a random time value less than the registration period. Otherwise, a timer-based registration is initiated after the expiry of a time period equal to the registration period.

Abstract: A mobile terminal includes a battery; a power supply block which supplies power of the battery; and a radio communication block which communicates with a base station when the power is supplied from the battery through the power supply block. The mobile terminal further includes a first switch which is interposed between the power supply block and the radio communication block; and a key operation section to which the power is always supplied from the battery through the power supply block. A control unit controls the first switch to stop the power supply from the battery to the radio communication block in response to a manual operation of the key operation section.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for an electronic device 101 operating in a piconet 100 to assign itself a unique identifier 112 is provided. Once the device 101 assigns itself the unique identifier 112, which may be temporary in nature, the device 101 may use the temporary identifier 112 to identify itself to other devices 102-105 operating within the piconet 100, which may be a Bluetooth local area network. In accordance with one embodiment of the method, a device 101 may first scan the piconet 100 to determine device identifiers 113-116 corresponding to devices 102-105 that are operating within the piconet 100. After scanning the device 101 stores the device identifiers 113-116 in a list and queries the list to determine which identifiers are included in the list. The device 101 then selects the temporary, unique identifier 112 that is not found in the list. The unique identifier 112 may then be used to identify the device 101 to the piconet.

Abstract: A transceiver includes a two-way communication component capable of powering down to conserve energy and capable of powering up in response to an electronic signal, the two-way communication component including a transmitter and a first receiver; and a second receiver that is configured to screen a radio frequency broadcast and provide the electronic signal to the two-way communication component in order to power up the two-way wireless communication component. The second receiver is configured to screen the radio frequency broadcast for first criteria, and screen the radio frequency broadcast for second criteria. The electric current may be an order of magnitude larger when screening for the first criteria than the second criteria. Screening also may be performed for third criteria, namely, specific data. The second receiver is adapted to draw substantially less current while awaiting receipt of and listening for a radio frequency broadcast than the two-way wireless communication component.

Abstract: A power-saving method of wireless communication device, which operates a sleep mode for minimizing power consumption except for an active mode for communication, initializes a sleep probability upon the device being turned on, operates the active mode for communication with starting an active mode timer, transits to the sleep mode when there is no packet to transmit or receive before the active mode timer expires; and determines an exit from the sleep mode on the basis of the sleep probability.

Abstract: A method and system to determine when a wireless terminal has been paged by a servicing base station. An encoded paging burst is received on a paging channel and then decoded to produce a decoded paging burst. The decoded paging burst is processed to determine if it is a null page. When the encoded paging burst is a null page, subsequent processing operations scheduled to follow a later null page are rescheduled and immediately processed, allowing the wireless terminal to re-enter the sleep mode more quickly following the receipt of a subsequent paging burst.

Abstract: A system and method for reducing call establishment delay in wireless network is provided, in which a network node establishes a call to a wireless terminal controlled by an AP via a server. The wireless terminal notifies the server of its listen interval. In the power saving mode, the wireless terminal wakes up every listen interval and listen the beacon to check whether any buffered packet for it. When the wireless terminal learns from the beacon that there are packets waiting, it communicates with the access point to retrieve them. The server records a listen time at which the wireless terminal will wake up and listen to the AP based on the listen interval. When a network node calls the wireless terminal, the server buffers the request for a time interval based on the listen time, and then sends the request to the wireless terminal.

Abstract: A system and method for generating a rectified signal in a RFID tag. An alternating signal is received by the RFID tag, and a first phase of the alternating signal is coupled to a gate and to a first non-controlling terminal of a first switching transistor. The non-controlling terminal of the first switching transistor is one of a source and a drain of the first switching transistor. A first bias voltage is applied between the first non-controlling terminal and the gate of the first switching transistor and a rectified voltage is received between the first non-controlling terminal and a second non-controlling terminal of the first switching transistor.

Abstract: A wireless device is disclosed. The wireless device includes a radio module and an application. The radio module is used to communicate data on a wireless network. The application is used to facilitate the transition of the radio module from an active state to a dormant state. This transition occurs whenever data has not been communicated at the radio module for a predetermined time interval.

Abstract: A system for automatic configuration and authentication of network devices is disclosed. A network base station, e.g., a wireless router, includes an RFID transceiver. A network device includes an RFID tag. Then the network device is brought into proximity with the base station, an exchange of information takes place between the RFID transceiver in the base station and the RFID tag in the device. When the network device is powered on, it reads the information in its RFID tag and uses this information to establish a limited connection to the base station. Once connected, the base station and network device exchange authentication and encryption parameters over the limited connection and thus establish a fully functional and secure network connection between the network base station and the network device.

Abstract: A method for controlling a power supply of a mobile data memory (MDS). The mobile data memory is operable to communicate via wireless data transfer using an antenna (A). The mobile data memory has at least one energy accumulator (BAT), a data demodulator (EMP), a data processing unit (C) and an electronic memory (MEM). The method includes switching to a standby mode from a full operation mode, the standby mode having a lower energy supply than the full operation mode but permitting receipt of the signal. When the mobile data memory receives a signal (ES), the received signal is evaluated to detect at least one backscatter frequency and an associated communication frequency (f1, f2).

Abstract: A system and method for generating a rectified signal in a RFID tag. An alternating signal is received by the RFID tag, and a first phase of the alternating signal is coupled to a gate and to a first non-controlling terminal of a first switching transistor. The non-controlling terminal of the first switching transistor is one of a source and a drain of the first switching transistor. A first bias voltage is applied between the first non-controlling terminal and the first gate of the first switching transistor and a rectified voltage is received between the first non-controlling terminal and a second non-controlling terminal of the first switching transistor.

Abstract: A thermostat control system having remote devices and/or other internally powered devices provides transmissions at different power levels and at different data transfer rates to conserve power life. Thermostat control system components and devices may be powered by replaceable power supplies that are conserved by transmitting at a lower power level more often than at a higher power level. A higher power level transmission is provided at a lower data transfer rate, and a lower power level transmission is provided at a higher data transfer rate. A higher power transmission is provided periodically to ensure reliable communication of temperature information.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for partitioning and downloading executable memory images in low-powered computing devices comprised of multiple processors and a mobile station modem. The general computing subsystem 102 handles tasks generally related to a personal digital assistant (PDA) as well as activating the modem computer subsystem 104 and one or more shared memory modules 108-110. The modem computing subsystem 104 handles tasks associated with a mobile station modem. Power is conserved by not clocking the modem computer system 104 and the shared memory 108-110 during times when modem functions are not needed. The shared memory modules 108-110 are loaded with a binary memory image for use by the modem computer subsystem 104 from a memory 222 under control of the general computing subsystem 102. When needed, the modem computing subsystem 104 is activated to monitor a paging channel, and disabled when it is no longer desired to monitor the paging channel.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, an analog radio receiver circuit is configured alternatively in a full-power mode when the receiver is situated in a cradle and connected to an external power source, and in a power-saving mode when the receiver is not connected to the external power source. In the power-saving mode, a scaled-down power level is supplied to an analog radio signal processing circuit component such as an amplifier, filter, oscillator, or mixer. Scaling down the power supplied to analog circuit components allows reducing their power consumption, at the expense of degraded circuit performance (e.g. increased non-linearity and intermodulation, decreased filter selectivity). Switching between full-power and power-saving modes may be achieved by controlling the connection of internal nodes of the signal processing circuit to a power source, and/or inserting circuit components (e.g. resistors, active devices, filter poles) into the signal processing circuit.

Abstract: A system and method for autonomic extensions to wake on LAN are presented. An access point detects wake on LAN (WOL) requests that are targeted for unassociated clients. When the access point detects a WOL request for an unassociated client, the access point stores the WOL request in a table for a predefined amount of time. A client queries the access point periodically to see if the access point is storing a WOL request which is targeted for the client. When the access point receives the query, the access point compares the client's identifier, such as its MAC address, with targeted client identifiers corresponding to pending WOL requests. When the access point detects a match, the access point sends the WOL request to the client for the client to process.

Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for gathering data concerning media usage by predetermined audience members. An audience measurement code in acoustic energy produced by a media receiver is detected by a portable media monitor. The monitor also detects a location code produced in a vicinity of the media receiver.

Abstract: In a door control system, in polling collation processing, a start request signal is intermittently transmitted from a vehicle. When a human around the vehicle is detected, a start request signal is transmitted from the vehicle with high output power. A portable device returns a response signal to the vehicle. Furthermore, when the start request signal is transmitted at the high output power, the reception sensitivity is set to be lower than the normal sensitivity. When receiving the response signal from the portable device, the vehicle transmits an ID request signal, and acquires an ID code from the portable device. The ID code thus acquired is collated with each ID code registered in the vehicle. When both ID codes agree, the vehicle doors are unlocked.

Abstract: A wireless station communicates with at least one other wireless station in a local area network (LAN). A media access control (MAC) device controls transitions between an active mode and a low power mode. A radio frequency (RF) transceiver communicates with the MAC device and, after the transition to the active mode, transmits data during a predetermined time slot that is assigned to the wireless LAN station and that is not assigned to other wireless LAN stations in the LAN. The RF transceiver receives data from other wireless LAN stations in the LAN during the active mode and transitions to the low power mode after receiving the data from the other wireless LAN stations. The MAC device transitions the wireless LAN station to the active mode prior to a timing beacon and transitions the wireless LAN station to the low power mode prior to a subsequent beacon.

Abstract: Described is a system and method for power conservation in a wireless device. The method includes switching, by a wireless computing unit, from a first communication mode to a second communication mode at a predefined time interval. The unit receives wireless signals only when in the second communication mode, and the first communication mode is a power-save mode. The unit then receives a wireless signal, and initiates a wireless connection to a wireless arrangement to obtain traffic data from the wireless arrangement when the signal includes a traffic data indicator which is indicative of existence of the traffic data. The unit switches into the first communication mode when the indicator is absent from the signal.

Abstract: An “identical beacons” field (401) is inserted near the beginning of a transmitted beacon (403) that contains either an integer equal to the number of consecutive identical beacons sent (i.e., identical to the one presently being transmitted) or a repetition bit indicating whether or not the beacon contains changed information when compared to a prior-sent beacon. After sleeping awhile, a node (302-304) wakes up, receives a first portion of the beacon containing the identical beacons field, and analyzes the identical beacons field. Based on the analysis, the node makes a decision on whether to remain “awake” for reception of the remaining beacon or to return to sleep.

Abstract: A portable electronics device comprises an interior space for storing a fuel vessel, and a chassis that includes at least one transparent window opposing the interior space.

Abstract: In an access control system, a method and system for power management. A method of power management in a wireless access control system includes monitoring usage of a transceiver in a remote access point in a wireless access control system, de-activating the transceiver when the transceiver is not in use, and re-activating the transceiver upon occurrence of a predefined event. Additionally, the method may include transmitting a warning signal when an energy level of a power supply associated with the transceiver is below a predetermined threshold. The method may further include locking the remote access point when an energy level of a power supply associated with the transceiver is below a predetermined threshold. The remote access point may be locked until the energy level is above the predetermined threshold.

Abstract: The present invention relates to Wireless Local Area Networks and Access Points in such networks, in particular it relates to the control and use of varying beacon intervals in such networks. According to the present invention, the beacon frames in the Wireless Local Area Network are provided with an adaptive beacon interval. The interval is adapted in dependence on a current network load such that the length of the beacon interval is decreased when the network load is decreased and increased when network load is increased. The invention is applicable in existing as well as future IEEE 802.11 standards.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a communication system includes a first terminal to be connected to a first communication network, assigned a terminal ID and driven by power supplied from a battery, a server apparatus to be connected to a second communication network differing from the first network, to periodically confirm presences of the first terminal and a second terminal to be connected to the second communication network, and to communication-connect between the first and the second terminals in the case of presences thereof, and a controller which makes the server apparatus monitor that the first terminal is present on the first communication network by a second period longer than a first period monitoring that the second terminal is present on the second communication network.

Abstract: A method for reducing current drain in a communication device includes a first step of developing a history of readings of received signal strengths (RSS) of a neighboring broadcast control channel (BCCH). A next step includes monitoring a RSS of the neighboring channel during a wakeup period. A next step includes determining whether the RSS is substantially stable with respect to the history of readings. A next step includes skipping the monitoring of the RSS for at least one of the subsequent wakeup periods if the RSS is substantially stable with respect to the history of readings.