Abstract: A property of a wireless signal over time is monitored while a processor is maintained in a first power state that utilizes less power than a second power state. While the processor remains in the first power state, a measure of the property is compared to a first threshold and to a second threshold. The processor can be transitioned from the first power state to the second power state if the measure crosses the first threshold and the second threshold, and otherwise the processor is maintained in the first power state.

Abstract: A method and system of periodically measuring the signal strength fluctuations in a wireless connection between a portable computer system and a wireless network. The portable computer system has a main processor and a DSP (digital signal processor). The DSP receives instructions from the main processor for controlling the periodic measuring, and subsequent thereto is placed in low power mode. The main processor is placed into a low power mode after sending the instructions. The DSP periodically awakens to measure the signal strength fluctuations while the main processor remains in a low power mode. When the signal strength fluctuation is unacceptable, this triggers the DSP to awaken the main processor. When the signal strength fluctuation is acceptable, the DSP returns to a low power state until the next periodic measuring.