System and method for small cell power control in an enterprise network environment

Logic encoded in one or more non-transitory media that includes code for execution and when executed by a processor operable to perform operations comprising:

• receiving a first message including an indication that a first access point of a first network is a gateway access point of a first network;
• receiving a second message including an indication that a second access point of the first network is an inner access point of the first network;
• receiving an indication of a number of wireless devices registered with at least one of the first access point and the second access point;
• determining a power mode for the second access point based upon whether at least one wireless device is registered with the first access point or the second access point;
• and
• sending a power mode command message to the second access point indicative of the determined power mode.

A network element, comprising:

• a memory element configured to store electronic code;
• a processor operable to execute instructions associated with the electronic code;
• and
• a module coupled to the memory element and the processor, wherein the network element is configured for:
• receiving a first message including an indication that a first access point of a first network is a gateway access point of a first network;
• receiving a second message including an indication that a second access point of the first network is an inner access point of the first network;
• receiving an indication of a number of wireless devices registered with at least one of the first access point and the second access point;
• determining a power mode for the second access point based upon whether at least one wireless device is registered with the first access point or the second access point;
• and
• sending a power mode command message to the second access point indicative of the determined power mode.