A method and system for conserving battery strength of a mobile node, such as a laptop computer, on a wireless local area network (WLAN). The mobile node transmit symbols, which are units of data, during transmission cycles to maintain a connection with the WLAN. A battery charge level of the mobile node is measured. As the battery charge level drops below pre-defined levels, a frequency of symbol transmission for the mobile node is reduced. The reduction of the frequency of the symbol transmission results in lower power demands by a transmitter chipset of the mobile node. Thus, the mobile node is able to prolong the life of the battery of the mobile node.