wifi/data power consumption

[deanshep85]

I just wanna get the tech heads mind working on this one..

I have both wifi on and data on, but obviously only one will be used at any given time..

what I want to know is, is there any power consumption with them being 'on' but not used?

as in, when Wifi is on and data is not being used, but is on in the background, will data connection being draining battery? and likewise the other way round when im using data connection will wifi drain in the background?

I do have the 'search networks' turned off in wifi settings so its JUST finding and connecting to my network and mine only..

I did try some tasker profiles based on 'network' location, but they were a little problematical and a little weak in finding the area etc.

 

[SUroot]

When WiFi is in use, data connection is not established so no drain there, but if data is in use WiFi does use power. I use tasker to schedule WiFi on and off based on the time I leave and return home. Found it makes a fair bit of difference.

I also tested WiFi connected data on/off with current widget and found no difference in power draw

 

[deanshep85]

ah makes sense really...I did try the tasker thing, but I cant use time as I get out all hours of the day so cant ever be sure with that.....and the location just seemed quite weak to me, its because its running from polling network location rather than GPS, as I turn GPS off until needed for more battery saving.

 

[SUroot]

I never turn GPS off. Its not using power unless its active in the status bar.

 

[deanshep85]

well then, if I reset the profile to turn wifi on/data off when im in my home location, but this time fix the location WITH both GPS & network for a better result, it should hold my location better shouldn't it?

if thats the case I can put the profile back on again.

 

[Fishyweb]

I use cell location combined with the "wifi near" context in Tasker to get it to switch wifi on at home. Seems to work very well, without having to use gps.