DYNAMIC ENERGY SAVING FOR MOBILE CLOCK APP

Abstract

The embodiments described herein provide mechanisms by which a mobile access point (mobile AP) can transmit information for dynamic power saving (DPS) operation to non-AP stations (non-AP STAs). A mobile AP can generate a frame containing DPS operation parameters and send the frame to one or more non-AP STAs. The mobile AP and the STA can then use the DPS operation parameters for DPS operation.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] This application relates generally to wireless communication systems, including the signaling of dynamic power-saving information to non-access point stations. BACKGROUND

[0002] Wireless communication technology uses various standards and protocols to transmit data between an access point and a wireless communication device. Wireless communication system standards and protocols can include, for example, the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) Long Term Evolution (LTE) (e.g., 4G), 3GPP New Radio (NR) (e.g., 5G), and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standard for wireless local area networks (WLAN) (commonly referred to as Wi-Fi in industry groups). ® include (known).

[0003] In the 802.11 standard for WLAN, an access point (AP) is a device that provides a wireless local area network (WLAN) or Wi-Fi. ® A wireless access point (AP) creates a network. It can be connected to a wired network, such as an Ethernet network, and provides other devices with wireless access to that network. A station is a device capable of wirelessly connecting to the AP to join the wireless network. Stations can be laptops, smartphones, tablets, or any other device with a wireless adapter.

[0004] Access points and stations communicate with each other using WLAN. ® -protocol. Various protocols have been developed to increase the security of a wireless communication network. For example, Simultaneous Authentication of Equals is the core authentication protocol of WPA3-Personal and must be used by all Wi-Fi users. ®Alliance certified devices are supported, including both access points (APs) and non-AP stations (non-AP-STAs). BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DIFFERENT VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] To easily identify the discussion of a particular element or action, the highest digit or digits in a reference number refer to the figure number in which that element is first introduced. Fig. Figure 1 illustrates an example transmission timeline for a non-AP STA and a mobile AP, which, according to some embodiments, use a low-performance dynamic power saving (LC) mode and a high-performance (HC) mode. Fig. Figure 2 illustrates an example capability information field that, according to some embodiments, may be enclosed in a broadcast frame. Fig. Figure 3 illustrates an example clock operating element according to some embodiments. Fig. Figure 4 illustrates an example DPS operating IE according to some embodiments. Fig. Figure 5 illustrates an example beacon transmission timeline according to some embodiments. Fig. Figure 6 illustrates an example transmission timeline for the unicast signaling of DPS attributes by a mobile AP according to some embodiments. Fig. Figure 7 illustrates a method for a mobile AP according to embodiments herein. Fig. Figure 8 illustrates a method for a non-AP-STA according to the embodiments herein. Fig. Figure 9 illustrates an example of a system for performing signaling between a wireless device and a network device according to embodiments disclosed herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0006] Wireless communication technology uses various standards and protocols to transmit data between an access point and a wireless communication device. One standard used for wireless communication is the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standard for wireless local area networks (WLAN) (commonly referred to as Wi-Fi in industry groups). ® (known). Wi-Fi ® Provides a convenient way to establish a network between devices. A device (e.g., a station) can connect to a Wi-Fi network. ® -Establish an access point to join a network and establish a wireless connection to the Internet.

[0007] An access point (AP) is a device that provides a wireless local area network (WLAN) or Wi-Fi. ®A network is created. A station (STA) is a device capable of wirelessly connecting to the access point (AP) to join the network. A mobile AP is a device that can act as a portable AP to provide internet access to nearby STAs. For example, a mobile AP could be a mobile phone with its hotspot mode enabled.

[0008] Several embodiments are described with respect to a network access point (STA) and an access point (AP). However, the reference to an STA and an AP is provided for illustrative purposes only. The embodiments can be used with any electronic component capable of connecting to a network and configured with hardware, software, and / or firmware to exchange information and data with the network. Therefore, the STAs and APs described herein are used to represent any suitable electronic component.

[0009] One of the goals of Wi-Fi ® The goal is to minimize the energy consumption of devices. Minimizing energy consumption in Wi-Fi. ®Power management is important for devices (especially mobile access points) due to the high energy demands associated with their operation. An AP's function can involve continuous data transmission, signal processing, and frequent communication with multiple devices, all of which can lead to high energy consumption. For mobile APs (which are often battery-powered), this increased energy consumption can significantly reduce battery life and device operating time. Effective power management, including dynamic power saving (DPS) operation, can extend battery life. By reducing power consumption, mobile APs can remain active for longer periods without frequent recharging, supporting their role as convenient, portable network nodes. The embodiments described herein relate to DPS operation for a mobile AP.In particular, some embodiments describe how a mobile AP can transmit DPS-related information to non-AP STA(s).

[0010] In some wireless systems, dynamic power-saving operation may include a power-saving mode and a non-power-saving mode. A power-saving mode can be used to enable energy-efficient operation. Power-saving modes can be useful in reducing the power consumption of battery-powered mobile access points (APs) because they contribute to energy conservation by allowing the AP to enter a power-saving mode during idle periods or when only minimal data transmission is required. In some implementations, a power-saving mode may be referred to as a lower-power mode, and a non-power-saving mode as a higher-power mode.

[0011] For a system access point (STA), whether it be a mobile access point with ultra-high reliability (UHR) or a non-AP STA with UHR, a power-saving mode can be defined. In some embodiments, the STA (e.g., mobile AP or non-AP STA) can transition from a lower-power mode to a higher-power mode upon receiving an initial control frame (ICF). The power management technique that allows a device to dynamically switch between the lower-power and higher-power modes can be referred to as dynamic power management (DPS) operation.

[0012] For example, it illustrates Fig. Figure 1 shows an example transmission timeline 102 for a non-AP-STA 104 and a mobile AP 106, which, according to some embodiments, employ a low-power dynamic power saving (LC) mode and a high-power DPS mode (HC). The mobile AP 106 can utilize the dynamic power saving mode to reduce energy consumption.

[0013] For example, the mobile AP 106 can use LC mode 108 when idle or during minimal data transmission. LC mode 108 may be characterized by reduced performance capabilities relative to HC mode 110. For example, LC mode 108 may have reduced performance with respect to one or more of the operating channel bandwidth, the number of supported spatial data streams, the maximum data rate the device can receive while operating in this mode, and the various physical layer Protocol Data Units (PPDUs) the device can receive in this mode. For example, when the mobile AP 106 is operating in LC mode 108 in some embodiments, it may support an operating channel bandwidth of 20 MHz, one spatial data stream, limited data rates, and non-HT PPDU formats (dual PPDUs).Due to its reduced performance, the mobile AP 106 can consume less energy in LC mode 108 than in HC mode 110.

[0014] If the non-AP-STA 104 or a peer device wants to initiate frame exchanges with the mobile AP 106 operating in LC mode 108, the non-AP-STA 104 can send an ICF 112 with sufficient padding. In some embodiments, the ICF 112 can be a Multi-User Request to Send (MU-RTS) or a Buffer Status Report Poll (BSRP). The ICF 112 can indicate that the mobile AP 106 should transition from LC mode 108 to HC mode 110.

[0015] The mobile AP 106 can switch to HC mode 110 to participate in a subsequent frame exchange with the initiating device (e.g., non-AP-STA 104). The non-AP-STA 104 can send the PPDU 114, and the mobile AP 106 can receive the PPDU 114 in HC mode 110. Once the frame exchange is complete, the mobile AP 106 can return to LC mode and continue monitoring the medium for another ICF using the lower performance.

[0016] The embodiments described herein describe how a mobile AP can transmit DPS-related information to non-AP STA(s). The DPS-related information transmitted to a non-AP STA may include the current DPS state of the mobile AP (e.g., enabled / disabled). If DPS is currently enabled, the mobile AP may also transmit the DPS replenishment delay and the DPS transition delay. The DPS-related information transmitted to a non-AP STA may include information about a planned future change to the DPS mode, if any. When DPS is enabled, the DPS-related information transmitted to a non-AP STA may include updates to the DPS replenishment duration and the DPS transition delay (e.g., the delay between transitioning from HC mode to LC mode), if any.

[0017] Two methods can be used to signal DPS information from the mobile AP to non-AP STA(s). Some implementations can use broadcast signaling to send the DPS information to all STAs at once. For example, the broadcast signaling can be included in beacon, (unsolicited or requested) probe response, or FILS (Fast Initial Link Setup) discovery frames. Some implementations can use unicast signaling to send the DPS information individually to each STA. For example, the unicast signaling can be included in an association response frame or a new action frame. Some implementations can use both broadcast and unicast signaling.

[0018] By broadcasting DPS attributes, a mobile AP can simultaneously send information to multiple STAs. A mobile clock AP can indicate the current DPS state and a planned mode change in a beacon, probe response, or FILS discovery frame(s). The mobile clock AP can include various DPS-related information in the broadcast signal (e.g., current DPS state, planned DPS mode change, DPS replenishment time, DPS transition delay, etc.).

[0019] To indicate whether a current DPS state is enabled or disabled, the mobile AP can use a DPS-enabled bit in a new CLOCK element (e.g., CLOCK operation element). If DPS is currently enabled, the mobile AP can specify the DPS replenishment duration and the DPS transition delay in a new CLOCK element (e.g., CLOCK operation element). These attributes can describe the current DPS operation of a mobile AP. In some implementations, the mobile AP can indicate a future change in DPS mode by incorporating a new element called the DPS operation information element (IE) into the broadcast signaling.

[0020] To conserve power, a non-AP STA might not always receive and process a complete broadcast frame. Instead, the STA might only examine a portion of the broadcast frame and may terminate reception prematurely if certain conditions are met. To prevent the STA from prematurely terminating reception of the broadcast frame if it contains DPS information, the mobile AP can integrate a critical update flag into the broadcast frame. This critical update flag can inform the non-AP STA that critical information is being transmitted within the broadcast frame.

[0021] In some embodiments, the following events can be classified as critical updates. In some embodiments, a new flag can be defined, referred to as the UHR Critical Updated Flag. The UHR Critical Updated Flag can identify a DPS update as a critical UHR update, since such updates are irrelevant for pre-UHR STAs. A new UHR-specific flag can be defined to inform non-AP STA(s) of UHR DPS-specific updates from the mobile AP. For pre-UHR non-AP STA(s), such updates are irrelevant, and they do not need to be forced to receive this information. The UHR Critical Updated Flag can be set to 1, and Beacon Preamble Counter Control (BPCC) can be incremented for the updates. In some embodiments, a change to the UHR operating element can be a critical UHR update.In some implementations, the inclusion of DPS operational IE in the beacon or probe response frames can be a critical clock update. Accordingly, the mobile AP can use the critical clock update field to instruct the STAs to receive the remainder of a broadcast frame when the DPS attributes are updated.

[0022] Fig. Figure 2 illustrates an example field format for capability information and status indicator 202, which, according to some embodiments, may be included in a broadcast frame (e.g., beacon, probe, or FILS discovery frame). The capability information and status indicator field format 202 may include a critical clock update flag. In some embodiments, the mobile AP may set the critical clock update flag to one to indicate to STAs that a change to a clock operating element is present in the broadcast frame or that the broadcast frame includes a DPS operating IE. It may be desirable to explicitly identify a DPS update as a critical clock update because such updates are irrelevant to pre-clock STAs.In some embodiments, the critical clock update can be specified using one of the reserved bits in the capability information and status indicator field (e.g., B2 208, B3 210, B14 212 or B15 214).

[0023] Fig. Figure 3 illustrates an example clock operating element 318 according to some embodiments. As shown, the clock operating element 318 can include an element ID 302, a length field 304, an element ID extension 306, a DPS activation field 308, a parameter update control field 310, a DPS replenishment duration field 312, a DPS transition delay field 314, and a reserved field 316. The element ID 302 can identify the IE as a clock operating element. The length field 304 can specify the number of bytes used in the clock operating element 318. The element ID extension 306 can be used to extend the range of the element ID 302.

[0024] The DPS activation field 308 indicates whether DPS is currently enabled or not. In some embodiments, the DPS activation field 308 is set to one if DPS is currently enabled; otherwise, it is set to zero. The mobile AP can use the DPS activation field 308 to signal the DPS activation status to the STAs.

[0025] The DPS padding duration field 312 can specify the padding duration that the STAs should apply to an ICF. This padding can provide the mobile AP with sufficient time to transition from LC mode to HC mode. In some embodiments, the ICF can be transmitted in a non-HT duplicate format at a maximum data rate of 24 Mbit / s. As shown, the STA can send an ICF with padding 320. The DPS padding duration field 312 specifies the duration of the padding 320. In some embodiments, the DPS padding duration field 312 can be zero bits or four bits. In some embodiments, the DPS padding duration field 312 is present only when the DPS activation field 308 is set to one.

[0026] The DPS transition delay field 314 can specify the time delay of the transition 322 between DPS modes. The DPS transition delay in the DPS transition delay field 314 can refer to the time delay that the STAs wait before initiating the next frame exchange with the mobile AP, as this time is used for the transition from HC mode to LC mode. In some embodiments, the DPS transition delay field 314 is only present when the DPS activation field 308 is set to one.

[0027] Fig. Figure 4 illustrates an example DPS operating IE 402 according to some embodiments. The DPS activation field 406 can indicate a planned change of the DPS mode. In some embodiments, the DPS activation field 406 is set to one when DPS is activated; the DPS activation field 406 is set to zero to indicate that DPS is deactivated.

[0028] The parameter update control field 408 can indicate whether DPS operating parameters (e.g., DPS replenishment duration and DPS transition delay) will change as part of the next activation. In some embodiments, the mobile AP can set the parameter update control field 408 to one to indicate to the STAs that as part of the next activation, there will be a change to at least one of the DPS replenishment duration 410 or the DPS transition delay 412.

[0029] The DPS replenishment duration (410) and the DPS transition delay (412) can specify updated DPS operating parameters that will take effect with the upcoming DPS activation. The mode change counter (414) can specify the number of beacon intervals after which the DPS mode change takes effect. This mode change counter (414) can provide timing information for the state change (e.g., when DPS is enabled) because the mobile AP may enable or disable DPS in the future. The mode change counter (414) can enable the mobile AP to transmit this timing information to non-AP STAs in a timely manner so they can prepare accordingly for the change.

[0030] Fig. Figure 5 illustrates an example beacon transmission timeline 510 according to some embodiments. In the illustrated embodiment, the mobile AP's DPS mode is initially disabled (e.g., DPS Disabled, 512). At some point, the mobile AP may want to enable DPS (e.g., DPS Enabled, 514). To enable DPS, the mobile AP can use the DPS operating IE (e.g., CLOCK operating element 318 of Fig. 3) Include in a first beacon 516. The DPS operating IE can include a mode change counter 502, which indicates the number of beacon intervals after which DPS is activated.

[0031] In the illustrated example, the mode change counter 502 in the first beacon 516 is set to three, meaning that DPS is activated after three beacon intervals. In a second beacon 518, the mode change counter 502 is decremented from three to two using the DPS operating IE. The third beacon 520, also using the mode change counter 502, decrements the mode change counter 502 again from two to one, and in the fourth beacon 522, the mode change counter 502 reaches zero. When the mode change counter 502 reaches zero, the DPS mode change (e.g., DPS activation bit 504) becomes effective from that beacon onward.

[0032] Furthermore, the beacons that include the DPS operational IE can contain a Critical Clock Update 508 flag. The Critical Clock Update 508 flag indicates that the broadcast frame includes a DPS operational IE. As shown, the Critical Clock Update 508 flag can be set to one for the first beacon (516). The Critical Clock Update 508 flag can remain set to one until the DPS IE is included in the beacon.

[0033] When DPS is disabled, the DPS enable bit 504 within the UHR operating element is set to zero, indicating that the mobile AP has not enabled DPS. When DPS is enabled, the mobile AP sets the DPS enable bit 504 to one. This bit can remain one until DPS is disabled. In the illustrated embodiment, the DPS enable bit 504 refers to a bit in the UHR operating element, not the DPS enable bit in the DPS operating IE. The DPS enable bit 504 in the UHR operating element and the DPS enable bit in the DPS operating IE represent two different things. The DPS operating IE provides information about the planned future DPS mode, while the DPS in the UHR operating element describes the current operation. For this reason, the DPS activation bit 504 is zero when DPS is disabled by the mobile AP, and is set to one when DPS is enabled by the mobile AP.

[0034] In some implementations, a mobile AP can use unicast signaling to send DPS attributes to a non-AP STA. There can be two variants of unicast signaling. The first variant can be signaling within an Association Response Frame. The second variant can be signaling within an Action Frame (e.g., a newly created protected Action Frame) after the association.

[0035] A mobile access point (AP) can specify DPS parameters to an unassigned clock STA in the Association Response Frame. Accordingly, the mobile AP can specify various DPS attributes to an unassigned STA at the time of assignment. For example, if the mobile AP already has DPS enabled and a new, unassigned clock STA attempts to associate with the mobile AP, it can be helpful for the mobile AP to transmit that DPS is currently enabled and also transmit various attributes such as transition delay, DPS replenishment, etc.

[0036] The Association Response can indicate a current DPS state (e.g., enabled or disabled). For example, the Association Response can use a DPS enable bit in a new UHR element (e.g., UHR operation element) to signal the current DPS state. This allows the STA to fully know the current DPS operating mode of the mobile AP. Such DPS information can be used by the STA to decide whether or not to join the mobile AP. If DPS is currently enabled, the Association Response can specify DPS parameters (e.g., DPS replenishment time, DPS transition delay, etc.) in a new UHR element (e.g., UHR operation element). In some embodiments, the Association Response can indicate a future change in the DPS mode by including the DPS operation IE.

[0037] In some embodiments, if a mobile AP wants to change its DPS mode in the future (after assignment) and is only assigned to a few STAs (e.g., one or two), the mobile AP can indicate the DPS mode change to each STA using unicast signaling. Advantages of unicast signaling include faster mode changes at the mobile AP, rather than waiting for one or more beacon periods, which can lead to power savings. Unicast signaling can also be more reliable than broadcast signaling. Broadcast signaling does not provide ACK responses like unicast signaling. Consequently, when using broadcast signaling, the mobile AP might not be able to determine whether all STAs have received the DPS information. In some embodiments, both unicast and broadcast signaling are permitted.This can offer flexibility in signaling DPS information.

[0038] Fig. Figure 6 illustrates an example transmission timeline 602 for the unicast signaling of DPS attributes by a mobile AP 604 according to some embodiments. DPS may be disabled on the mobile AP 604. As shown, the mobile AP 604 can unicast a protected action frame (with ACK) called DPS Notification Frame 608 to inform the non-AP-STA 606 of a change in the DPS mode (e.g., from DPS disabled to DPS enabled).

[0039] The mobile AP 604 can integrate a DPS Operation IE into the DPS Notification Frame 608. The mobile AP 604 can use the DPS Notification Frame 608 and the DPS Operation IE to specify the target beacon transmission time (TBTT) at which the DPS state change takes effect, using the mode change counter field in the DPS Operation IE. For example, the mobile AP 604 can specify that it will switch to DPS enabled at beacon 612.

[0040] The non-AP-STA 606 can respond to DPS Notification Frame 608 with an ACK 610. When the mobile AP 604 receives the ACK 610, it knows that the non-AP-STA 606 is aware of the upcoming DPS mode change. The mobile AP 604 can then activate DPS at the beacon 612 specified in DPS Notification Frame 608.

[0041] The embodiments described herein provide mechanisms by which a mobile UHR access point can transmit dynamic power-saving information to UHR non-AP STAs. A mobile AP can use one or both broadcast and unicast signaling to send STA DPS attributes. Broadcast signaling from the mobile AP can use a beacon frame, a probe response frame, and / or a FILS discovery frame. Unicast signaling from the mobile AP to each STA can use an association response frame and / or a new protected action frame called a DPS notification frame.

[0042] Fig. Figure 7 illustrates a method 700 for a mobile AP according to embodiments herein. The illustrated method 700 includes generating 702 a frame containing DPS operating parameters. The method 700 further includes transmitting 704 the frame to one or more non-AP STAs. The method 700 further includes activating 706 the DPS operation according to the DPS operating parameters in the frame.

[0043] In some embodiments of Method 700, the frame includes a DPS operating IE, which includes a DPS activation field indicating whether DPS is activated, and a mode change counter TBTT at which DPS state change becomes effective.

[0044] In some embodiments of Method 700, the DPS operating parameters include a DPS replenishment time and a DPS transition delay.

[0045] In some embodiments of Method 700, the frame containing the DPS operating parameters is transmitted using broadcast signaling. In some of these embodiments, the broadcast signaling includes a beacon frame, a probe response frame, or a FILS discovery frame. Some other such embodiments further include setting a critical clock update flag in a capability information field of the broadcast signaling when a modification of a DPS operating parameter occurs or when a DPS operating IE is included in the broadcast signaling.

[0046] In some embodiments of Method 700, the frame containing the DPS operating parameters is sent using unicast signaling. In some such embodiments, the unicast signaling includes an Association Response Frame or a DPS Notification Frame.

[0047] The embodiments considered herein include a device comprising means for carrying out one or more elements of the method 700. This device may, for example, be a device of an AP (such as an AP 918, as described herein).

[0048] The embodiments considered herein include one or more non-transitory computer-readable media comprising instructions to cause an electronic device, upon execution of the instructions by one or more processors of the electronic device, to perform one or more elements of method 700. This non-transitory computer-readable medium may, for example, be a memory of an AP (such as a memory 922 of an AP 918, as described herein).

[0049] The embodiments considered herein include a device comprising logic, modules, or switching logic for performing one or more elements of Method 700. This device may, for example, be a device of an AP (such as an AP 918, as described herein).

[0050] The embodiments considered herein include a device comprising one or more processors and one or more computer-readable media containing instructions which, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform one or more elements of Method 700. This device may, for example, be a device of an AP (such as an AP 918, as described herein).

[0051] Embodiments considered herein include a signal as described in or related to one or more elements of Method 700.

[0052] The embodiments considered herein include a computer program or computer program product comprising instructions, wherein the execution of the program by a processing element is intended to cause the processing element to execute one or more elements of the method 700. The processor may be a processor of an AP (such as one or more processor(s) 920 of an AP 918, as described herein). These instructions may, for example, reside in the processor and / or in a memory of the AP (such as a memory 922 of an AP 918, as described herein).

[0053] Fig. Figure 8 illustrates a method 800 for a non-AP STA according to the embodiments herein. The illustrated method 800 includes receiving 802 a frame containing DPS operating parameters, wherein the DPS operating parameters include a DPS replenishment duration. The method 800 further includes sending 804 an ICF with a replenishment length based on the DPS replenishment duration to a mobile AP to request that the mobile AP transition from a lower-performance mode to a higher-performance mode. The method 800 further includes sending 806 a PPDU to the mobile AP while the mobile AP is in the higher-performance mode.

[0054] In some embodiments of Method 800, the frame includes a DPS operating IE, which includes a DPS activation field indicating whether DPS is activated, and a mode change counter TBTT to which a DPS state change takes effect.

[0055] In some embodiments of Method 800, the DPS operating parameters further include a DPS transition delay.

[0056] In some embodiments of Method 800, the frame containing the DPS operating parameters is received via broadcast signaling. In some of these embodiments, the broadcast signaling includes a beacon frame, a probe response frame, or a FILS discovery frame. Some other such embodiments further include the detection of a critical clock update flag in a capability information field of the broadcast signaling, indicating that a modification of a DPS operating parameter is present or that a DPS operating IE is included in the broadcast signaling.

[0057] In some embodiments of Method 800, the frame containing the DPS operating parameters is received via unicast signaling. In some such embodiments, the unicast signaling includes an Association Response Frame or a DPS Notification Frame.

[0058] The embodiments considered herein include a device comprising means for carrying out one or more elements of the method 800. This device may, for example, be a device of an STA (such as STA 902, as described herein).

[0059] The embodiments considered herein include one or more non-transitory computer-readable media comprising instructions to cause an electronic device, upon execution of the instructions by one or more processors of the electronic device, to perform one or more elements of Method 800. This non-transitory computer-readable medium may, for example, be a memory of an STA (such as a memory 906 of an STA 902, as described herein).

[0060] The embodiments considered herein include a device comprising logic, modules, or switching logic for performing one or more elements of Method 800. This device may, for example, be a device of an STA (such as an STA 902, as described herein).

[0061] The embodiments considered herein include a device comprising one or more processors and one or more computer-readable media containing instructions which, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform one or more elements of Method 800. This device may, for example, be a device of an STA (such as an STA 902, as described herein).

[0062] Embodiments considered herein include a signal as described in or related to one or more elements of Method 800.

[0063] Embodiments considered herein include a computer program or computer program product comprising instructions, wherein the execution of the program by a processor is intended to cause the processor to execute one or more elements of the method 800. The processor may be a processor of an STA (such as one or more processor(s) 904 of an STA 902, as described herein). These instructions may, for example, be located in the processor and / or in a memory of the STA (such as a memory 906 of an STA 902, as described herein).

[0064] Fig. Figure 9 illustrates a system 900 for performing signaling 934 between an STA 902 and an AP 918 according to embodiments disclosed herein. The system 900 can be a section of a wireless communication system as described herein. The STA 902 can, for example, be a UE of a wireless communication system. The AP 918 can, for example, be an access point of a wireless communication system.

[0065] The STA 902 can include one or more Processor(s) 904. The Processor(s) 904 can execute instructions to perform various operations of the STA 902 as described herein. The Processor(s) 904 can include one or more baseband processors implemented, for example, using a central processing unit (CPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a controller, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) device, other hardware device, a firmware device, or any combination thereof, configured to perform the operations described herein.

[0066] The STA 902 can include a memory 906. The memory 906 can be a non-transitory, computer-readable storage medium that stores instructions 908 (which may include, for example, the instructions executed by the processor(s) 904). The instructions 908 can also be referred to as program code or a computer program. The memory 906 can also store data used by the processor(s) 904 and results calculated by them.

[0067] The STA 902 can include one or more transceivers 910, which may include a high-frequency (HF) transmitter and / or receiver switching logic, which uses the antenna(s) 912 of the STA 902 to enable signaling (e.g., the signaling 934) to and / or from the STA 902 with other devices (e.g., the AP 918).

[0068] The STA 902 can include one or more antennas 912 (e.g., one, two, four, or more). In embodiments with multiple antennas 912, the STA 902 can utilize the spatial diversity of such multiple antennas 912 to transmit and / or receive multiple different data streams on the same time and frequency resources. This behavior can be described, for example, as "Multiple Input Multiple Output" (MIMO) behavior (referring to the multiple antennas used on each of the transmitting and receiving devices, which enable this aspect).MIMO transmissions by the STA 902 can be achieved by means of pre-coding (or digital beamforming) applied at the STA 902, which multiplexes the data streams via the antenna(s) 912 according to known or assumed channel characteristics, so that each data stream is received with a suitable signal strength relative to other streams and at a desired location in the spatial domain (e.g., the location of a receiver assigned to that data stream). Certain embodiments can employ single-user MIMO (SU-MIMO) methods (where the data streams are all directed to a single receiver) and / or multi-user MIMO (MU-MIMO) methods (where individual data streams can be directed to individual (different) receivers at different locations in the spatial domain).

[0069] In certain embodiments having multiple antennas, the STA 902 can implement analog beamforming techniques, whereby phases of the signals transmitted by the antenna(s) 912 are relatively matched so that the (common) transmission of the antenna(s) 912 can be directional (this is sometimes referred to as beam steering).

[0070] The STA 902 can include one or more interface(s) 914. The interface(s) 914 can be used to provide input to or output from the STA 902. For example, an STA 902 that is a user unit (UE) can include interface(s) 914, such as microphones, speakers, a touchscreen, buttons, and the like, to allow input and / or output from a user of the UE to the UE. Other interfaces of such a UE can be composed of transmitters, receivers, and other switching logic (e.g., other than the transceiver(s) 910 / antenna(s) 912 already described) that enable communication between the UE and other devices according to known protocols (e.g., Wi-Fi). ® Bluetooth ® and the like) can work.

[0071] The STA 902 can include a DPS module 916. The DPS module 916 can be implemented via hardware, software, or a combination of both. For example, the DPS module 916 can be implemented as a processor, a circuit, and / or the instructions 908, which are stored in memory 906 and executed by the processor(s) 904. In some examples, the DPS module 916 can be integrated within the processor(s) 904 and / or the transceiver(s) 910. For example, the DPS module 916 can be implemented by a combination of software components (e.g., executed by a DSP or a general-purpose processor) and hardware components (e.g., logic gates and switching logic) within the processor(s) 904 or the transceiver(s) 910.

[0072] The DPS module 916 can be used for various aspects of the present disclosure, for example, aspects of Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7 and / or Fig. 8. The DPS module 916 is configured to determine DPS operating parameters based on the signaling from the AP 918.

[0073] The AP 918 can include one or more Processor(s) 920. The Processor(s) 920 can execute instructions to perform various operations of the AP 918, as described herein. The Processor(s) 920 can include one or more baseband processors, implemented, for example, using a CPU, DSP, ASIC, controller, FPGA device, other hardware device, firmware device, or any combination thereof, configured to perform the operations described herein.

[0074] The AP 918 can include a memory 922. The memory 922 can be a non-transitory, computer-readable storage medium that stores instructions 924 (which may include, for example, the instructions executed by the processor(s) 920). The instructions 924 can also be referred to as program code or computer programs. The memory 922 can also store data used by the processor(s) 920 and results calculated by them.

[0075] The AP 918 can include one or more transceivers 926, which may include an RF transmitter and / or receiver switching logic that uses the antenna(s) 928 of the AP 918 to enable signaling (e.g. the signaling 934) to and / or from the AP 918 with other devices (e.g. the STA 902).

[0076] The AP 918 can include one or more antenna(s) 928 (e.g., one, two, three, four, or more). In embodiments having multiple antennas 928, the AP 918 can perform MIMO, digital beamforming, analog beamforming, beam steering, etc., as described above.

[0077] The AP 918 can include one or more interface(s) 930. The interface(s) 930 can be used to provide input to or output from the AP 918. For example, an AP 918 that is a base station can include one or more interface(s) 930, which are composed of transmitters, receivers, and other switching logic (e.g., other than the transceiver(s) 926 / antenna(s) 928 already described), enabling the base station to communicate with other equipment in a core network and / or enabling the base station to communicate with external networks, computers, databases, and the like for the purposes of operating, managing, and maintaining the base station or other equipment functionally connected to it.

[0078] The AP 918 can include a DPS module 932. The DPS module 932 can be implemented via hardware, software, or a combination of both. For example, the DPS module 932 can be implemented as a processor, a circuit, and / or the instructions 924, which are stored in memory 922 and executed by the processor(s) 920. In some examples, the DPS module 932 can be integrated within the processor(s) 920 and / or the transceiver(s) 926. For example, the DPS module 932 can be implemented by a combination of software components (e.g., executed by a DSP or a general-purpose processor) and hardware components (e.g., logic gates and switching logic) within the processor(s) 920 or the transceiver(s) 926.

[0079] The DPS module 932 can be used for various aspects of the present disclosure, for example, aspects of Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7 and / or Fig. 8. The DPS module 932 is configured to provide the STA 902 DPS operating parameters.

[0080] For one or more embodiments, at least one of the components shown in one or more of the preceding figures can be configured to perform one or more operations, techniques, processes, and / or procedures as set forth herein. For example, a processor, as described herein in conjunction with one or more of the preceding figures, can be configured to operate according to one or more of the examples set forth herein. As another example, switching logic associated with an STA or AP, as described above in conjunction with one or more of the preceding figures, can be configured to operate according to one or more of the examples set forth herein.

[0081] Each of the examples described above can be combined with any other embodiment (or any combination of embodiments) unless explicitly stated otherwise. The foregoing description of one or more implementations provides illustration and description but does not claim to be exhaustive and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the embodiments to the precisely disclosed form. Modifications and variations are possible in light of the foregoing teachings or may be obtained from the practice of different embodiments.

[0082] Embodiments and implementations of the systems and methods described herein may include various operations, which may be embodied in machine-executable instructions to be carried out by a computer system. A computer system may include one or more general-purpose or specialized computers (or other electronic devices). The computer system may include hardware components that incorporate specific logic for performing the operations, or it may include a combination of hardware, software, and / or firmware.

[0083] It should be recognized that the systems described herein include descriptions of specific embodiments. These embodiments may be combined to form individual systems, partially combined to form other systems, divided into multiple systems, or otherwise divided or combined. Additionally, it is acknowledged that parameters, attributes, aspects, etc., of one embodiment may be used in another embodiment. The parameters, attributes, aspects, etc., are described in one or more embodiments only for clarity, and it is acknowledged that the parameters, attributes, aspects, etc., may be combined or replaced with parameters, attributes, aspects, etc., of another embodiment unless expressly waived herein.

[0084] It goes without saying that when using personal data, privacy policies and practices should be followed that are generally accepted and meet or exceed industry-specific or regulatory requirements for protecting user privacy. In particular, personal data should be managed and handled in a way that minimizes the risk of accidental or unauthorized access or use, and the nature of permitted use should be clearly communicated to users.

[0085] Although the foregoing has been described in some detail for the sake of clarity, it is obvious that certain changes and modifications can be made without deviating from the underlying principles. It should be noted that there are many alternative ways to implement both the processes and facilities described herein. Accordingly, the present embodiments are to be considered illustrative and non-limiting, and the description is not restricted to the details given herein but may be modified within the scope and equivalents of the appended claims.

Claims

Method for a mobile access point (mobile AP), wherein the method comprises: generating a frame containing operating parameters for dynamic power saving (DPS); sending the frame to one or more non-AP stations (non-AP STAs); and enabling DPS operation according to the DPS operating parameters in the frame. Method according to claim 1, wherein the frame comprises a DPS operational information element (IE) comprising a DPS activation field indicating whether DPS is activated and a target beacon transmission time (TBTT) for a mode change counter at which a DPS state change becomes effective. Method according to claim 1, wherein the DPS operating parameters include a DPS replenishment time and a DPS transition delay. Method according to claim 1, wherein the frame containing the DPS operating parameters is sent using broadcast signaling. Method according to claim 4, wherein the broadcast signaling comprises a Beacon Frame, a Probe Response Frame or a Fast Initial Link Setup (FILS) Discovery Frame. The method of claim 4, further comprising setting a UHR flag for critical updates in a capability information field of the broadcast signaling when a modification of a DPS operating parameter is present or when a DPS operating IE is included in the broadcast signaling. Method according to claim 1, wherein the frame containing the DPS operating parameters is sent using unicast signaling. Method according to claim 7, wherein the unicast signaling comprises an Association Response Frame or a DPS Notification Frame. Method for a non-access point station (non-AP-STA), wherein the method comprises: receiving a frame comprising operating parameters for dynamic power saving (DPS), wherein the DPS operating parameters include a DPS replenishment duration; sending an ICF with a replenishment length based on the DPS replenishment duration to a mobile AP to request that the mobile AP transition from a lower-power mode to a higher-power mode; and sending a physical layer protocol data unit (PPDU) to the mobile AP while the mobile AP is in the higher-power mode. Equipment comprising means for carrying out the method according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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