An Average Power Reduction Method for Web Applications on Wireless Terminals

Recently, there is a widespread use of Web browser-based Web applications such as e-mails and chats. However, frequent communication between mobile wireless terminals and HTTP servers give rise to problematic increases of average power consumption for the mobile devices. Current attempts to tackle this problem focus on reducing power consumption at the network and data link layers used by the devices. In this study, we propose a different solution where certain functionalities of the mobile application are delegated to other devices with abundant power resources (either from large capacity batteries or power outlets). This method off-loads parts of the communication process normally done at wireless terminals to amply powered machines. With messages pushed from the machines only when the HTTP server responds with an update, the wireless terminal needs to transmit data less frequently, thus cutting down on power consumption. Our prototype implementing the proposed method succeeded in reducing the rise in average power consumption.