Wireless access point and energy saving control method thereof

Abstract

A wireless access point and an energy saving control method are provided. The wireless access point includes a main system and a low-power wireless module. The main system includes a storage media, a processor and a plurality of functional parts. The storage media stores a user list. In an operating mode, in response to receiving a sleep request, the processor turns on the low-power wireless module and transmits a Beacon packet to the low-power wireless module. In response to receiving the Beacon packet, the low-power wireless module turns off the plurality of functional parts to put the wireless access point into a sleep mode. During the sleep mode, the low-power wireless module transmits the Beacon packet. In response to receiving a probe request, the low-power wireless module turns on the plurality of functional parts to return the wireless access point to the operating mode.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This case relates to a wireless access point (Wireless AP), and more particularly to a wireless access point and its energy-saving control method. [Previous Technology]

[0002] Generally speaking, in order to maintain the normal operation of the network, wireless access points, as basic network equipment, usually do not enter sleep mode. Users can only disable some functions of the wireless access point through software (e.g., turn off the display function) to reduce the power consumption of the wireless access point. However, disabling some functions through software is not only complicated to operate, but also has very limited power reduction capabilities. [Summary of the Invention]

[0003] This invention provides a wireless access point and its energy-saving control method, which can significantly improve the energy-saving effect of the wireless access point and simplify the hibernation and wake-up process of the wireless access point.

[0004] This invention provides a wireless access point. The wireless access point includes a main system and a low-power wireless module. The low-power wireless module is coupled to the main system. The main system includes storage media, a processor, and a plurality of functional components. The processor is coupled to the storage media. The plurality of functional components are electrically connected to the processor. The storage media stores a user list. In operating mode, in response to receiving a sleep request, the processor turns on the low-power wireless module and transmits a Beacon packet to the low-power wireless module. In response to receiving a Beacon packet, the low-power wireless module turns off the plurality of functional components to put the wireless access point into sleep mode. During sleep mode, the low-power wireless module transmits Beacon packets. In response to receiving a probe request, the low-power wireless module turns on the plurality of functional components to return the wireless access point to operating mode.

[0005] This invention also provides a wireless access point. The wireless access point includes a main system, a control circuit, and a low-power wireless module. The low-power wireless module is coupled to the main system and the control circuit. The main system includes a storage medium and a processor. The processor is coupled to the storage medium. The storage medium stores a user list. In operating mode, in response to receiving a sleep request, the processor turns on the low-power wireless module and transmits a Beacon packet to the low-power wireless module. In response to receiving a Beacon packet, the low-power wireless module turns off the power of the main system through the control circuit, so that the wireless access point enters sleep mode. During sleep mode, the low-power wireless module transmits Beacon packets. In response to receiving a probe request, the low-power wireless module turns on the power of the main system through the control circuit, so that the wireless access point returns to operating mode.

[0006] This application also provides an energy-saving control method for a wireless access point. The wireless access point includes a main system and a low-power wireless module. The main system includes a processor, a storage medium, and a plurality of functional components. The storage medium stores a user list. The energy-saving control method includes: in an operating mode, in response to receiving a sleep request, the processor turns on the low-power wireless module and transmits a Beacon packet to the low-power wireless module; in response to receiving a Beacon packet, the low-power wireless module turns off a plurality of functional components to put the wireless access point into a sleep mode; during the sleep mode, the low-power wireless module sends a Beacon packet; and in response to receiving a probe request, the low-power wireless module turns on a plurality of functional components to return the wireless access point to an operating mode.

[0007] This application also provides an energy-saving control method for a wireless access point. The wireless access point includes a main system, a control circuit, and a low-power wireless module. The main system includes a processor and a storage medium. The storage medium stores a user list. The energy-saving control method includes: in a working mode, in response to receiving a sleep request, the processor turns on the low-power wireless module and transmits a Beacon packet to the low-power wireless module; in response to receiving a Beacon packet, the low-power wireless module turns off the power of the main system through the control circuit to put the wireless access point into a sleep mode; during the sleep mode, the low-power wireless module sends a Beacon packet; and in response to receiving a probe request, the low-power wireless module turns on the power of the main system through the control circuit to return the wireless access point to the working mode.

[0008] Based on the above, the wireless access point and its energy-saving control method provided in this case provide a simple hibernation and wake-up process, which can turn off (or turn on) some functional components of the main system or the power supply of the main system based on the hibernation request (or probe request), thereby greatly improving the energy-saving effect of the wireless access point, and simulating the operation of the main system through the low-power wireless module during the hibernation mode to maintain the normal operation of the network.

Implementation Method

[0009] Some embodiments of this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Component symbols used in the following description are considered identical or similar components when the same component symbol appears in different drawings. These embodiments are only a part of this application and do not disclose all possible implementations of this application. More precisely, these embodiments are merely examples within the scope of this patent application.

[0010] Figure 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of a wireless access point and electronic devices according to an embodiment of this invention. Please refer to Figure 1. In this embodiment, the wireless access point 100 may be, for example, a Wi-Fi Access Point (Wi-Fi AP), a wireless router, or other device with access point (AP) functionality. The electronic devices 200-1 to 200-N may be, for example, smartphones, desktop computers, laptops, wearable devices, or other devices with station (STA) functionality. The electronic devices 200-1 to 200-N can communicate with the wireless access point 100 to access the Internet and / or the local network. Specifically, the wireless access point 100 is communicatively connected to the electronic devices 200-1 to 200-N and provides wireless access services to the electronic devices 200-1 to 200-N. Wireless access services may include, but are not limited to, procedures for establishing wireless connections, maintaining wireless connections, releasing wireless connections, registration procedures, authentication procedures, and transmission procedures for data packets and / or signals.

[0011] Wireless access point 100 includes a main system MS, a low-power wireless module 110, and a control circuit 120. The low-power wireless module 110 is coupled to the main system MS and the control circuit 120. The main system MS may include a processor 130, storage media 140, and multiple functional components. In one embodiment, the multiple functional components may include, but are not limited to, a transceiver 150, a switch 160, a display element 170, and a USB port 180.

[0012] The low-power wireless module 110 is, for example, a Wi-Fi wireless module. In this embodiment, the low-power wireless module 110 can be turned off when the wireless access point 100 is in operating mode. Conversely, the low-power wireless module 110 can be turned on when the wireless access point 100 is in sleep mode to simulate the operation of the wireless access point 100.

[0013] The control circuit 120 is, for example, an overvoltage protection (OVP) circuit or a power switching circuit well known to those skilled in the art. In this embodiment, the control circuit 120 is, for example, connected to a system power supply VDD and used to control the connection status between the system power supply VDD and the low-power wireless module 110 and the main system MS.

[0014] The processor 130 is, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a micro control unit (MCU), a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a programmable controller, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or other similar elements or combinations thereof. The processor 130 may also be, for example, a system on a chip (SoC).

[0015] Storage medium 140 is, for example, random access memory (RAM), flash memory, hard disk drive (HDD), solid state drive (SSD), or similar elements or combinations thereof. Storage medium 140 may store, for example, a user list and other instructions and / or data accessible and executable by processor 130. In one embodiment, the user list L may include, for example, the media access control (MAC) addresses of electronic devices 200-1 to 200-N that can connect to wireless access point 100.

[0016] For example, if a new electronic device (e.g., electronic device 200-N) is to be added that can connect to the wireless access point 100, the user needs to register the electronic device 200-N with the wireless access point 100 while the wireless access point 100 is in working mode. Afterwards, once the registration process is successfully completed, the processor 130 can record the MAC address of the electronic device 200-N in the user list L.

[0017] The transceiver 150 is, for example, various communication chips, mobile communication chips, Bluetooth chips, Wi-Fi chips, radio frequency (RF) chips, etc., but not limited to these.

[0018] The display element 170 is, for example, a light-emitting diode (LED), a liquid crystal display (LCD), or other similar elements that have display or light-emitting functions.

[0019] In one embodiment, when electronic devices 200-1 to 200-N want to establish a connection with wireless access point 100, electronic devices 200-1 to 200-N may send a probe request to initiate a connection establishment request to wireless access point 100. Alternatively, electronic devices 200-1 to 200-N may also receive Beacon packets from wireless access point 100 to obtain relevant information about wireless access point 100 and send a probe request accordingly to establish a connection with wireless access point 100.

[0020] In one embodiment, in the working mode, if the wireless access point 100 fails to establish a connection with any device after a preset time, the wireless access point 100 may enter a sleep mode. The preset time can be designed according to actual needs, and this invention is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the wireless access point 100 may enter a sleep mode based on other conditions, and this invention is not limited thereto.

[0021] In one embodiment, in the operating mode, a device (e.g., electronic device 200-1) connected to the wireless access point 100 may send a sleep request to the wireless access point 100 to instruct (or schedule) the wireless access point 100 to enter sleep mode.

[0022] Specifically, when the wireless access point 100 (transceiver 150) receives a sleep request, the processor 130 can activate the low-power wireless module 110 and transmit Beacon packets to the low-power wireless module 110. Further, when the wireless access point 100 is in sleep mode, the low-power wireless module 110 can be used to simulate the transmission of Beacon packets by the wireless access point 100 to establish a connection with the electronic devices 200-1 to 200-N. Therefore, after the wireless access point 100 receives a sleep request, the processor 130 must first transmit Beacon packets to the low-power wireless module 110 so that the low-power wireless module 110 can successfully simulate the operation of the wireless access point 100 during subsequent sleep mode periods.

[0023] In one embodiment, when the low-power wireless module 110 receives a Beacon packet, the low-power wireless module 110 can shut down multiple functionalities of the host system MS to put the wireless access point 100 into sleep mode. Specifically, after the low-power wireless module 110 successfully simulates the Beacon packet received by the autonomous system MS, the low-power wireless module 110 can, for example, send a control command (also referred to as a first control command) to the host system MS to instruct the processor 130 to shut down power-consuming components in the host system MS (e.g., switch 160, display element 170, and / or USB port 180), so that the wireless access point 100 formally enters sleep mode. At this time, the wireless access point 100 is in sleep mode under the first power-saving state. In one embodiment, when the low-power wireless module 110 receives a Beacon packet, the low-power wireless module 110 can shut down the power supply of the host system MS through the control circuit 120 to put the wireless access point 100 into sleep mode. Specifically, after the low-power wireless module 110 successfully simulates the Beacon packet received by the autonomous system MS, the low-power wireless module 110 may, for example, send a control command (also referred to as a second control command) to the control circuit 120 to instruct the control circuit 120 to cut off the power supply to the main system MS (e.g., cut off the transmission path between the main system MS and the system power supply VDD), thereby completely shutting down the main system MS and causing the wireless access point 100 to formally enter sleep mode. At this time, the wireless access point 100 is in sleep mode under the second power-saving state.

[0024] In other words, a user can, for example, send a sleep request (or a sleep request to enter a sleep mode in a first-level power-saving state) to the wireless access point 100 via a device connected to the wireless access point 100 (i.e., electronic device 200-1), thereby instructing (or scheduling) the wireless access point 100 to enter the corresponding sleep mode. It is worth noting that the energy-saving effect of the sleep mode in the second-level power-saving state is better than that of the sleep mode in the first-level power-saving state.

[0025] Subsequently, during the sleep state, the low-power wireless module 110 may, for example, continuously (or periodically) send Beacon packets to simulate the operation of the main system MS.

[0026] Next, when a device matching the user list L (i.e., a device whose MAC address has been recorded in the user list L) wants to establish a connection with the wireless access point 100 which is in sleep mode, this device (e.g., electronic device 200-2) will actively send a probe request to establish a connection with the wireless access point 100. In one embodiment, assuming that the STA function of electronic device 200-2 is enabled, it can passively receive Beacon packets from the low-power wireless module 110, determine that it is within the service range of the wireless access point 100, and send a probe request to establish a connection with the wireless access point 100. In one embodiment, assuming that electronic device 200-2 is within the service range of the wireless access point 100, but the STA function of electronic device 200-2 is not enabled, the user can, for example, enable the STA function, so that electronic device 200-2 actively sends a probe request to establish a connection with the wireless access point 100.

[0027] Accordingly, when the low-power wireless module 110 receives a probe request from the electronic device 200-2, the low-power wireless module 110 can cause the wireless access point 100 to return to the working mode in order to establish a connection with the electronic device 200-2. In one embodiment, when a probe request is received from the electronic device 200-2, the low-power wireless module 110 may, for example, send a control command (also referred to as a third control command) to the main system MS to instruct the processor 130 to turn on the power-consuming components that are turned off in the main system MS (e.g., switch 160, display element 170 and / or USB port 180), so that the wireless access point 100 returns to the working mode, thereby establishing a connection with the electronic device 200-2. In one embodiment, when a probe request is received from electronic device 200-2, low-power wireless module 110 may, for example, send a control command (also known as a fourth control command) to control circuit 120 to instruct control circuit 120 to turn on the power supply of the main system MS (i.e., to turn on the transmission path between the main system MS and the system power supply VDD) to wake up the main system MS, so that wireless access point 100 returns to working mode and establishes a connection with electronic device 200-2.

[0028] It should be noted that when the wireless access point 100 returns to the working mode, the low-power wireless module 110 used to simulate the operation of the main system MS does not need to be used. Therefore, the low-power wireless module 110 can be turned off by the main system MS (processor 130) or automatically turned off.

[0029] As described above, electronic devices 200-1 to 200-N can send a sleep request to instruct (or schedule) the wireless access point 100 to enter sleep mode. Subsequently, the low-power wireless module 110 can simulate the operation of the main system MS and wake up the wireless access point 100 upon receiving a probe request from electronic devices 200-1 to 200-N. Furthermore, the low-power wireless module 110 of this invention can also be used with the control circuit 120 to complete sleep mode in the first power-saving state and sleep mode in the second power-saving state, effectively improving the energy-saving effect of the wireless access point 100.

[0030] Figure 2 illustrates a flowchart of an energy-saving control method for a wireless access point according to an embodiment of this invention, wherein the energy-saving control method can be implemented by the wireless access point 100 as shown in Figure 1. Please refer to Figures 1 and 2. In step S201, in the operating mode, in response to receiving a sleep request, the processor 130 turns on the low-power wireless module 110 and transmits a Beacon packet to the low-power wireless module 110. In step S202, in response to receiving a Beacon packet, the low-power wireless module 110 shuts down multiple functions of the main system MS to cause the wireless access point 100 to enter sleep mode. In step S203, during the sleep mode, the low-power wireless module 110 transmits a Beacon packet. In step S204, in response to receiving a probe request, the low-power wireless module 110 turns on multiple functions of the main system MS to cause the wireless access point 100 to return to the operating mode.

[0031] The implementation details of steps S201 to S204 have been clearly explained in the above embodiments, and therefore will not be repeated here.

[0032] Figure 3 illustrates a flowchart of an energy-saving control method for a wireless access point according to an embodiment of this invention, wherein the energy-saving control method can be implemented by the wireless access point 100 as shown in Figure 1. Please refer to Figures 1 and 3. In step S301, in the working mode, in response to receiving a sleep request, the processor 130 turns on the low-power wireless module 110 and transmits a Beacon packet to the low-power wireless module 110. In step S302, in response to receiving a Beacon packet, the low-power wireless module 110 turns off the power of the main system MS through the control circuit 120, so that the wireless access point 100 enters the sleep mode. In step S303, during the sleep mode, the low-power wireless module 110 sends a Beacon packet. In step S304, in response to receiving a probe request, the low-power wireless module 110 turns on the power of the main system MS through the control circuit 120, so that the wireless access point 100 returns to the working mode.

[0033] The implementation details of steps S301 to S304 have been clearly explained in the above embodiments, and therefore will not be repeated here.

[0034] In summary, the wireless access point and its energy-saving control method provided in this embodiment can make the wireless access point go into sleep or wake up by sending packets (i.e., sleep request and probe request). During the sleep state, the operation of the main system is simulated by the low-power wireless module (i.e., transmitting Beacon packets), so that the main system can enter a more complete sleep mode (e.g., directly turn off the power of the main system), thereby greatly improving the energy-saving effect of the wireless access point.

[0035] Although the present invention has been disclosed above by way of embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Anyone with ordinary knowledge in the art may make some modifications and refinements without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention shall be determined by the appended claims. [Simplified Explanation of the Diagram]

[0036] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a wireless access point and electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a flowchart of an energy-saving control method for a wireless access point according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 is a flowchart of an energy-saving control method for a wireless access point according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Claims

1. A wireless access point, comprising: A main system includes: a storage medium storing a user list; a processor coupled to the storage medium; and a plurality of functional components electrically connected to the processor; and a low-power wireless module coupled to the main system, wherein in an operating mode, in response to receiving a sleep request, the processor activates the low-power wireless module and transmits a Beacon packet to the low-power wireless module; in response to receiving the Beacon packet, the low-power wireless module deactivates the functional components to cause the wireless access point to enter a sleep mode; during the sleep mode, the low-power wireless module transmits the Beacon packet; and in response to receiving a probe request, the low-power wireless module activates the functional components to cause the wireless access point to return to the operating mode.

2. The wireless access point as claimed in claim 1, wherein the user list includes at least one Media Access Control (MAC) address of at least one electronic device that can be connected to the wireless access point.

3. A wireless access point, comprising: A main system includes: a storage medium storing a user list; a processor coupled to the storage medium; a control circuit; and a low-power wireless module coupled to the main system and the control circuit. In an operating mode, in response to receiving a sleep request, the processor activates the low-power wireless module and transmits a Beacon packet to the low-power wireless module. In response to receiving the Beacon packet, the low-power wireless module, through the control circuit, shuts down the power of the main system, causing the wireless access point to enter a sleep mode. During the sleep mode, the low-power wireless module transmits the Beacon packet. In response to receiving a probe request, the low-power wireless module, through the control circuit, activates the power, causing the wireless access point to return to the operating mode.

4. The wireless access point as claimed in claim 3, wherein the user list includes at least one media access control address of at least one electronic device that can be connected to the wireless access point.

5. The wireless access point as described in claim 3, wherein the control circuit is an overvoltage protection (OVP) circuit.

6. An energy-saving control method for a wireless access point, wherein the wireless access point includes a main system and a low-power wireless module, the main system including a processor, a storage medium and a plurality of functional components, the storage medium storing a user list, the energy-saving control method comprising: In one operating mode, in response to receiving a sleep request, the processor turns on the low-power wireless module and sends a Beacon packet to the low-power wireless module; in response to receiving the Beacon packet, the low-power wireless module turns off certain functions to put the wireless access point into a sleep mode; during the sleep mode, the low-power wireless module sends the Beacon packet; in response to receiving a probe request, the low-power wireless module turns on certain functions to return the wireless access point to the operating mode.

7. The energy-saving control method as described in claim 6, wherein the user list includes at least one media access control address of at least one electronic device that can be connected to the wireless access point.

8. An energy-saving control method for a wireless access point, wherein the wireless access point includes a main system, a control circuit, and a low-power wireless module, the main system including a processor and a storage medium storing a user list, the energy-saving control method comprising: In one operating mode, in response to receiving a sleep request, the processor turns on the low-power wireless module and sends a Beacon packet to the low-power wireless module; in response to receiving the Beacon packet, the low-power wireless module turns off the power of the main system through the control circuit, so that the wireless access point enters a sleep mode; during the sleep mode, the low-power wireless module sends the Beacon packet; in response to receiving a probe request, the low-power wireless module turns on the power through the control circuit, so that the wireless access point returns to the operating mode.

9. The energy-saving control method as described in claim 8, wherein the user list includes at least one media access control address of at least one electronic device that can be connected to the wireless access point.

10. The energy-saving control method as described in claim 8, wherein the control circuit is an overvoltage protection circuit.

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