Multi-access point collaboration, APSD energy saving method, device, terminal, and medium

Abstract

The embodiments of the present invention relate to the field of wireless communication technology, and disclose a multi-access point collaboration, APSD energy-saving method, device, terminal, and medium. In the present invention, a data frame is received from a first access point in a multi-access point collaboration group, which is transmitted through a time slot allocated to the first access point in a C-OFDMA situation and cached in the first access point; data frames are received from other access points other than the first access point, which are transmitted by occupying a time slot allocated to the first access point and cached in the other access points, until a confirmation frame sent from the access point is received; and according to the received confirmation frame, a sleep state of a power-saving mode is entered or a corresponding affiliated non-AP STA is controlled to enter a sleep state of a power-saving mode. This allows a terminal in a power-saving mode and in a C-OFDMA situation to cache the data of a terminal through two or more APs, fully utilizing wireless resources without causing energy loss.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments of the present invention relate to the field of wireless communication technology, and in particular to a multi-access point collaboration, APSD energy saving method, device, terminal, and medium. Background Art

[0002] In current Wi-Fi systems, the power management of terminals is based on an AP / MLD device. Terminals in power saving mode are in doze or wake up mode. Terminals that are not in power saving mode are in active mode. The basic idea of ​​Wi-Fi energy saving is that if there is downlink data from a terminal, the associated AP will cache the data first. The AP periodically uses beacons to broadcast its cache status to the corresponding nodes. When the terminal wakes up after dormancy, it detects the beacon to see if it has its own data. If it has its own data, it stays awake and the terminal will make a data request. In this way, the node will know whether there is its own cached data in the AP cache. If there is no terminal data in the AP cache, the terminal will continue to sleep.

[0003] Wi-Fi 7 introduces multi-link devices (MLDs), and many of its power management parameter settings are raised to the MLD level, rather than the AP level or connection (link) level attached to the MLD. In a sense, MLD is equivalent to a super AP, and its power management is promoted to the MLD, simplifying power management.

[0004] In future Wi-Fi systems, such as the Wi-Fi 8UHR currently under discussion, multiple access point coordination (multiple AP coordination) is used. Specific working modes include C-OFDMA, C-spatial reuse, C-Beamforming, Joint transmission, etc. It is generally believed that C-AP will form a coordination group with a coordination group head. Wi-Fi8 also supports high-reliability services. Therefore, the power management of the terminal needs to be designed in this context, or new features need to be introduced to meet the needs of C-AP and high reliability.

[0005] A C-AP (coordinated-AP or multiple AP coordination) can be called a multiple AP coordination group, or a multiple AP coordination group, multiple AP-coordination, C-AP group, C-AP group. Among them, there is a master access point, or a master access point. There are also two slave access points, slave access points. The master access point coordinates the behavior of multiple access points, information transmission, etc. The C-AP group can work in master-slave mode (master-slave device mode, also called master-servant mode). In some cases, the C-AP group is a distributed mode without a master-slave hierarchy.

[0006] In the context of C-AP, multiple APs will serve and interact with a terminal. On the one hand, each AP has its own parameters, and the C-AP group also has its own parameters. At the same time, since each AP transmits different services, the support for high reliability and low latency makes the power management of the terminal complicated. A terminal may communicate with multiple collaborative APs, so it is more necessary to pay attention to power management.

[0007] This patent summarizes the following issues regarding cache data transmission in Automatic Power Save Delivery (APSD) mode and power saving mode in C-OFMDA:

[0008] The related art does not provide a working method in which a terminal needs two or more APs to cache data of a terminal in power saving mode and C-OFDMA (cooperative OFDMA), so wireless resources are not fully utilized, resulting in energy loss. Summary of the invention

[0009] The purpose of the embodiments of the present invention is to provide a multi-access point collaboration, APSD energy saving method, device, terminal, and medium, so that a terminal in energy saving mode and in C-OFDMA can cache the data of a terminal through two or more APs, fully utilizing wireless resources without causing energy loss.

[0010] To solve the above technical problems, an embodiment of the present invention provides a multi-access point collaboration energy saving method, which is applied to a wake state in an energy saving mode and with a terminal in a multi-access point collaboration mode, including: receiving a data frame cached in the first access point, which is transmitted from a first access point in a multi-access point collaboration group through a time slot allocated to the first access point in a C-OFDMA situation; receiving data frames cached in the one or more other access points in the multi-access point collaboration group, which are transmitted by occupying the time slot allocated to the first access point in a C-OFDMA situation, until receiving a confirmation frame sent from one or more access points in the multi-access point collaboration group; and entering a sleep state of the energy saving mode or controlling an affiliated non-AP STA corresponding to the confirmation frame to enter a sleep state of the energy saving mode according to the confirmation frame received from the one or more access points in the multi-access point collaboration group.

[0011] An embodiment of the present invention also provides an APSD energy saving method, which is applied to a terminal in an awake state of an energy saving mode and in a multi-access point cooperation mode, including: performing capability negotiation with a multi-access point cooperation group for the multi-access point cooperation group to enter the APSD mode; when the multi-access point cooperation group is in the APSD mode, sending a trigger frame containing service time information to any access point in the multi-access point cooperation group, or receiving a trigger frame containing service time information sent by any access point in the multi-access point cooperation group, so as to perform data frame interaction with any access point in the multi-access point cooperation group within the service time; when it is detected that the multi-access point cooperation group is in a C-OFDMA situation, entering the sleep state of the energy saving mode according to the above-mentioned multi-access point cooperation energy saving method or controlling the affiliated non-AP STA corresponding to the confirmation frame to enter the sleep state of the energy saving mode.

[0012] An embodiment of the present invention further provides a multi-access point cooperative energy-saving device, comprising: a separate receiving module, used to receive, when in an awake state of an energy-saving mode and in a multi-access point cooperative mode, a data frame cached in the first access point transmitted by a first access point in a multi-access point cooperative group through a time slot allocated to the first access point in a C-OFDMA situation; a cooperative receiving module, used to receive, when in an awake state of an energy-saving mode and in a multi-access point cooperative mode, a data frame cached in the first access point transmitted by occupying a time slot allocated to the first access point in a C-OFDMA situation from one or more other access points in the multi-access point cooperative group except the first access point, until a confirmation frame sent by one or more access points in the multi-access point cooperative group is received; a sleep control module, used to enter a sleep state of the energy-saving mode or control an affiliated non-AP STA corresponding to the confirmation frame to enter a sleep state of the energy-saving mode according to the confirmation frame received from one or more access points in the multi-access point cooperative group.

[0013] An embodiment of the present invention also provides a terminal, comprising: at least one processor; and a memory communicatively connected to the at least one processor; wherein the memory stores instructions executable by the at least one processor, and the instructions are executed by the at least one processor so that the at least one processor can execute the above-mentioned multi-access point collaborative energy saving method or APSD energy saving method.

[0014] The embodiments of the present invention further provide a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program, which implements the above-mentioned multi-access point collaboration energy saving method or APSD energy saving method when executed by a processor.

[0015] In the embodiment of the present invention, a data frame is received from a first access point in a multi-access point cooperation group and transmitted through a time slot allocated to the first access point in a C-OFDMA situation and cached in the first access point; a data frame is received from one or more other access points in the multi-access point cooperation group except the first access point and transmitted through a time slot allocated to the first access point in a C-OFDMA situation and cached in the one or more other access points until a confirmation frame is received from one or more access points in the multi-access point cooperation group; and according to the confirmation frame received from one or more access points in the multi-access point cooperation group, a sleep state of an energy-saving mode is entered or a subordinate non-AP STA corresponding to the confirmation frame is controlled to enter a sleep state of an energy-saving mode. In this way, a terminal in an energy-saving mode and in a C-OFDMA situation can cache the data of a terminal through two or more APs, fully utilizing wireless resources without causing energy loss.

[0016] In addition, the confirmation frame sent from one or more access points in the multi-access point cooperation group includes: a frame sent from the first access point in the multi-access point cooperation group, and / or the one or more other access points, and / or the multi-access point cooperation group leader, and carrying an EOSP subfield set to 1.

[0017] In addition, after receiving all the data frames cached in the first access point, a corresponding notification frame is sent to the other access points that occupy the time slots allocated to the first access point to transmit the data frames, so that the other access points that occupy the time slots allocated to the first access point to transmit the data frames occupy all the remaining time slots allocated to the first access point to transmit the data frames cached in the second access point.

[0018] In addition, when there is only a single access point in the multi-access point cooperation group that has a cached data frame, the multi-access point cooperation mode is exited and the data frame cached by the only access point that has a cached data frame is received separately until a rejoining instruction sent by the multi-access point cooperation group leader is received, and the multi-access point cooperation group is rejoined according to the rejoining instruction. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] One or more embodiments are exemplarily described by pictures in the corresponding drawings, and these exemplified descriptions do not constitute limitations on the embodiments. Elements with the same reference numerals in the drawings represent similar elements, and unless otherwise stated, the figures in the drawings do not constitute proportional limitations.

[0020] Figure 1 is a flow chart of a multi-access point collaborative energy saving method provided according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the principle of generating empty time slots according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the principle of alternating data transmission according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a communication method when APs transmit alternately according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 5 is a flow chart of an energy saving method of APSD according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 6 is a schematic structural diagram of a multi-access point cooperative energy-saving device according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 7 It is a schematic structural diagram of an electronic device according to another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] To make the purpose, technical scheme and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that in the embodiments of the present invention, many technical details are proposed in order to enable the reader to better understand the present application. However, even without these technical details and various changes and modifications based on the following embodiments, the technical scheme claimed in the present application can be implemented. The division of the following embodiments is for the convenience of description, and should not constitute any limitation on the specific implementation of the present invention. The various embodiments can be combined and referenced with each other without contradiction.

[0028] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a multi-access point cooperative energy saving method, which can be applied in the awake state of the energy saving mode and with the terminal in the multi-access point cooperative mode, such as a mobile phone, a computer and other terminal devices. In this embodiment, a data frame is received from the first access point in the multi-access point cooperative group, which is transmitted through the time slot allocated to the first access point in the C-OFDMA situation and is cached in the first access point; a data frame is received from one or more other access points in the multi-access point cooperative group except the first access point, which is transmitted by occupying the time slot allocated to the first access point in the C-OFDMA situation and is cached in the one or more other access points, until a confirmation frame is received from one or more access points in the multi-access point cooperative group; according to the confirmation frame received from one or more access points in the multi-access point cooperative group, a sleep state of the energy saving mode is entered or the affiliated non-AP STA corresponding to the confirmation frame is controlled to enter the sleep state of the energy saving mode. In this way, a terminal in the energy saving mode and in the C-OFDMA situation can cache the data of a terminal through two or more APs, fully utilizing wireless resources without causing energy loss. The implementation details of the energy saving method for multi-access point cooperation of this implementation mode are described in detail below. The following content is only the implementation details provided for the convenience of understanding and is not necessary for the implementation of this solution.

[0029] like Figure 1 As shown, in step 101, the terminal receives a data frame buffered in a first access point, which is transmitted from a first access point in a multi-access point cooperation group through a time slot allocated to the first access point in a C-OFDMA situation;

[0030] In one example, in a power saving mode, in a downlink situation, in a C-AP group, C-OFDMA is used to transmit downlink data.

[0031] In step 102, the terminal receives data frames buffered in the one or more other access points except the first access point in the multi-access point cooperation group, which are transmitted by occupying a time slot allocated to the first access point in the C-OFDMA case, until receiving a confirmation frame sent by one or more access points in the multi-access point cooperation group;

[0032] The problems and solutions faced by multiple access points when transmitting downlink data using C-OFDMA and coordinating data frame transmission between two access points are similar to those faced by two access points. Multiple APs sending data to one AP terminal are similar to two APs sending data to one terminal. Multiple APs with cached data will not be described in detail.

[0033] The first access point (hereinafter referred to as access point 1, AP1) has less cached downlink data and ends earlier. The second access point (hereinafter referred to as access point 2, AP2) has more cached data and ends later. Figure 2 As shown, access point 2 and access point 1 transmit data alternately. After access point 1 caches the data, the cached data is transmitted. Figure 2 In one example, the empty time slot problem needs to be avoided. Otherwise, other devices detect that the channel is idle, the channel is grabbed, and the channel is easily lost. On the other hand, the empty time slot reduces the channel rate. In order to improve resource utilization, access point 2 uses the empty time slot of access point 1 to transmit the data of access point 2. That is to say, access point 2 can use the time slot allocated to access point 1, provided that access point 1 completes the transmission and the time slot allocated to access point 1 becomes an empty time slot.

[0034] In an example, Figure 3 As shown in the figure, if access point 1 has not received a confirmation frame after transmitting the data of the last time slot, access point 1 can retransmit its own data in the time slot occupied by access point 2. This process is similar to preemptive transmission. In one example, after the AP1 finishes transmission, because it does not receive a confirmation frame, AP1 retransmits the content of the last slot, and the retransmitted content uses the slot originally assigned to AP1 for transmission. Figure 4 shown. Figure 4In the example, slots are alternately allocated to AP1 and AP2 for transmission services. In one example, after AP1 finishes transmission (transmits the last frame in the buffer), the time slot is actively shared by AP1 with AP2. At this time, AP1 notifies AP2 that it can use the slot originally allocated to AP1. AP2 responds and starts to use the slot originally allocated to AP1 for transmission. Of course, in another example, the slot can also be preempted by AP2.

[0035] In one example, when AP1 transmits the last frame of cached data, in addition to setting the EOSP subfield (EOSPsubfield) to 1, it also notifies other APs in the C-AP that it has completed transmitting the cached data, and other APs can use the slots allocated to AP1. In some cases, AP1 notifies other APs in the C-AP that it has completed transmitting the data packet of the cached data, and transmits it after AP1 receives the ACK frame of its last data frame. In some cases, the notification is a frame that contains TXOP share information, that is, the slot originally allocated to AP1, TXOP (also known as Transmission Opportunity) can be shared with other APs. In one example, the notification frame, including the EOSP subfield set to 1, indicates that AP1 has completed transmitting all cached data for the terminal. Other APs can preempt work in the slot originally allocated to AP1.

[0036] In some cases, other APs can only use the slot(s) to transmit BUs (Buffered Units) buffered to the terminal.

[0037] In some cases, other AP1 and AP2 learn about the number of buffered units (BUs) of each other through message communication. If the BU cached by one AP1 is transmitted first, the other AP2 can occupy the slot allocated to it and transmit data. Figure 4 As shown in the figure, after AP1 completes the transmission first, it sends a notification frame to AP2. If at this time, AP2 does not have a buffered BU for the terminal to transmit, the response does not occupy the slot allocated to AP1. If at this time AP2 has a buffered BU for the terminal to transmit, the response occupies the slot allocated to AP1. In some cases, the response frame contains 1 bit, 0 means not occupying the other party's slot, and 1 means occupying the other party's slot.

[0038] In one example, when AP1 transmits the last frame of cached data, in addition to setting the EOSP subfield to 1, AP2 has not yet transmitted the cached data. At this time, AP1 notifies the group head or other terminals that they cannot use the slots that have been allocated to AP1 by the C-OFDMA / C-AP group. This allows AP1 to immediately use the allocated slots for transmission when a service to be transmitted to the terminal suddenly arrives. In some cases, the notification frame, including the EOSP subfield set to 1, indicates that AP1 has completed the transmission of all cached data for the terminal.

[0039] In one example, after AP1 has transmitted the cached service, it does not mean that the C-OFDMA mode has ended. The C-AP grouphead can dynamically schedule the slots of AP1 and AP2 based on the service conditions of AP1 and AP2. In one example, when AP1 has transmitted the last frame of cached data, AP1 notifies the C-AP Group head AP, and the group head AP reallocates the time slots of AP1 and AP2. For example, the proportion of time slots allocated to AP1 is reduced for retransmission, or for transmission of data that suddenly arrives at AP1. In some cases, the notification frame, including the EOSP subfield set to 1, indicates that AP1 has completed transmission of all cached data for the terminal.

[0040] In one example, after AP1 has transmitted the last cached frame of service, or retransmitted the frame, it successfully receives the ACK frame of the frame from the terminal. AP1 then notifies the C-AP Group head AP, and the group head AP reallocates the time slots of AP1 and AP2. Alternatively, AP1 notifies AP2 of the slot that can be occupied. In some cases, the notification frame contains the EOSP subfield set to 1, indicating that AP1 has completed the transmission of all cached data for the terminal.

[0041] In one example, after the AP1 finishes transmission, because it does not receive an acknowledgment frame, the retransmitted content uses the next slot for transmission. If the next slot has been allocated to Slot2, due to business needs (such as low-latency business), the slot originally allocated to AP2 is occupied for transmission.

[0042] By letting AP2 use the slot assigned to AP1 but no longer used by AP1, resource utilization can be improved and data cached by AP2 can be quickly transmitted, so that the current SP (service period) ends quickly and the terminal goes to sleep earlier, further saving energy for the terminal.

[0043] In one example, whether AP1 data / service can occupy the slot originally assigned to AP2 for transmission depends on the priority of AP1's service and the priority of AP2's service. If AP1's service priority is higher than AP2's service priority, AP1 can occupy the slot originally assigned to AP2 for transmission.

[0044] If the services of AP1 and AP2 have the same priority, they cannot preempt the time slots / resources originally allocated to each other for transmission, or randomly select one AP for service transmission.

[0045] In one example, AP1 has transmitted all buffered data. Figure 4 Process. If AP1 suddenly has data arriving and needs to transmit, then AP can reoccupy the time slot originally assigned to it. In one example, before occupying the time slot originally assigned to it, AP1 notifies AP2 in advance that it needs to use the time slot originally assigned to it. In one example, before occupying the time slot originally assigned to it, AP1 does not notify AP2 that it needs to re-use the time slot originally assigned to it, but directly uses these time slots to transmit its own data.

[0046] In one example, when there is only a single access point in the multi-access point cooperation group that has cached data frames, the multi-access point cooperation mode is exited and the data frames cached by the only access point that has cached data frames are received separately until a rejoining instruction sent by the leader of the multi-access point cooperation group is received, and the multi-access point cooperation group is rejoined according to the rejoining instruction.

[0047] In one example, if the AP1 cached service has been transmitted, it automatically exits the multi-AP coordination mode. The terminal connects to AP2 and focuses on the service transmitted from AP2. If AP1 has new service coming and needs to be transmitted to the terminal, the terminal can choose to re-enter the multi-AP coordination mode. In some implementations, the terminal transmits the AP1 service and transmits the C-AP teardownframe to the C-AP group head, indicating that the current multiple AP coordination working mode is exited. In one example, the terminal does not transmit the C-AP coordination group release instruction or release frame. When the cached service burdened by AP1 is transmitted and AP2 has unfinished services, the terminal automatically exits the C-AP mode and focuses on the AP2 service. The advantage of the terminal exiting the C-AP mode is that the terminal does not need to maintain contact with multiple APs, saving signaling overhead and ultimately saving energy. In some cases, whether the terminal ends the multi-AP coordination mode when only the only access point has cached data is configurable, such as a newly defined field / field included in the C-AP request establishment frame or in the power management (powermanagement) related frame. Or in some cases, by default, the terminal ends the multi-AP cooperation mode when only one access point has cached data. Or in some cases, by default, the terminal does not end the multi-AP cooperation mode when only one access point has cached data, unless the multi-AP cooperation release signaling / frame is transmitted. In some cases, when the cached service borne by AP1 is transmitted, and AP2 still has services that have not been transmitted, the terminal continues to maintain the multi-AP cooperation mode. AP1 transmits padding frames on the allocated resources / time slots. The terminal enters a dormant state until the transmission of AP2 is completed. In some cases, AP1 transmits data to terminal 1, AP2 transmits data to terminal 2, and AP2 shares the current TXOP with AP1, and the above scheme also applies.

[0048] In step 103, the terminal enters the sleep state of the energy-saving mode or controls the subordinate non-AP STA corresponding to the confirmation frame to enter the sleep state of the energy-saving mode according to the confirmation frame received from one or more access points in the multi-access point cooperation group.

[0049] AP1 and AP2 transmit services to the terminal in a multi-AP collaborative manner. For the sake of illustration, we assume that only two APs transmit cache services to the terminal. When multi-APs collaborate, the situation with multiple access points is similar.

[0050] After receiving all the data frames buffered in the first access point, the terminal may also send corresponding notification frames to the other access points that occupy the time slots allocated to the first access point to transmit data frames, so that the other access points that occupy the time slots allocated to the first access point to transmit data frames occupy all the remaining time slots allocated to the first access point to transmit the data frames buffered in the second access point. The confirmation frames sent by one or more access points in the access point cooperation group may be frames sent by the first access point in the multiple access point cooperation group, and / or the one or more other access points, and / or the multiple access point cooperation group leader, and carry the EOSP subfield set to 1.

[0051] In one example, AP1 and AP2 transmit services to the terminal in a collaborative manner, and the terminal is in powersaving mode. After AP1 transmits the cached services first, it does not mean that the C-OFDMA mode ends. The last frame of the cache transmitted by AP1 contains the EOSP subfield set to 1. At this time, AP2 still has services to be transmitted, and can occupy the slot originally allocated to AP1 to transmit to the terminal. When the terminal receives the data frame from AP2, the frame contains the EOSP subfield set to 1. In addition, the terminal enters the sleep state only after receiving the confirmation frame of going to "sleep" from the C-AP group head.

[0052] In one example, AP1 and AP2 transmit services to the terminal in a collaborative manner, and the terminal is in energy-saving mode. After AP1 transmits the cached services first, it does not mean that the C-OFDMA mode ends. The last frame of the cache transmitted by AP1 does not contain the EOSP subfield setting, or the EOSP subfield is set to 0. AP2 can occupy the slot originally allocated to AP1. When the terminal receives a data frame from AP2, the frame contains the EOSP subfield set to 1. The terminal goes to sleep.

[0053] In an example, AP1 and AP2 transmit services to a terminal in a collaborative manner, and the terminal is in powersaving mode. After AP1 transmits the cached services, it does not mean that the C-OFDMA mode ends. The last frame that AP1 transmits the cache does not contain the EOSP subfield setting, or the EOSP subfield is set to 0. AP2 can occupy the slot originally allocated to AP1. The last data frame transmitted by AP2 to the terminal contains the EOSP subfield set to 0, or does not contain the EOSP subfield set to. The C-AP group head transmits a frame or the EOSP subfield is set to 1. When the terminal receives the frame, the terminal goes into sleep mode.

[0054] In one example, AP1 and AP2 transmit services to the terminal in a collaborative manner, and the terminal is in powersaving mode. After AP1 transmits the cached services, it does not mean that the C-OFDMA mode ends. The last frame of the cache transmitted by AP1 contains the EOSP subfield set to 1. AP2 can occupy the slot originally allocated to AP1. When the terminal receives the data frame from AP2, the frame contains the EOSP subfield set to 1. In addition, the terminal enters the sleep state only after receiving the confirmation frame of going to sleep from the C-AP group head.

[0055] In some cases, AP2 in the above embodiments does not occupy the slot originally allocated to AP1.

[0056] In one example, when AP1 transmits the last frame of cached data, AP1 notifies C-AP Group head AP, and group head AP reallocates time slots of AP1 and AP2. For example, the proportion of time slots allocated to AP1 is reduced for retransmission or for transmission of data that suddenly arrives at AP1. In some cases, the notification frame includes EOSPsubfield set to 1, indicating that AP1 has completed transmission of all cached data for the terminal.

[0057] In some cases, after the buffered services of AP1 and AP2 are transmitted, the C-OFDMA mode of the terminal is automatically terminated.

[0058] In a certain case, after the cache services of AP1 and AP2 are transmitted, the terminal receives a C-AP group transmission confirmation frame containing the EOSP subfield set to 1, and the C-OFDMA mode of the terminal is automatically terminated.

[0059] In one example, AP1 transmits the last frame of cached data, including the EOSP subfield set to 1 to the terminal. At this time, the terminal has not received the last frame of AP2, including the EOSP subfield set to 1. AP2 has not yet transmitted the cached data of the terminal. At this time, the terminal sends a notification frame to AP2 in the next time slot originally allocated to AP1, and the terminal informs AP2 to use AP1's time slot to transmit the remaining cached data to itself. In some cases, the notification frame is a PS-Poll.

[0060] In some cases, the terminal working in the multi-AP cooperative mode is a multi-connection non-AP terminal. The multi-connection non-AP terminal uses the above method to perform power management on a certain connection, and the non-AP STA attached to the connection enters the energy-saving mode sleep state.

[0061] In this embodiment, a data frame is received from a first access point in a multi-access point cooperation group and transmitted through a time slot allocated to the first access point in a C-OFDMA situation and cached in the first access point; a data frame is received from one or more other access points in the multi-access point cooperation group except the first access point and transmitted through a time slot allocated to the first access point in a C-OFDMA situation and cached in the one or more other access points until a confirmation frame is received from one or more access points in the multi-access point cooperation group; and according to the confirmation frame received from one or more access points in the multi-access point cooperation group, a sleep state of a power-saving mode is entered or a subordinate non-AP STA corresponding to the confirmation frame is controlled to enter a sleep state of a power-saving mode. In this way, a terminal in a power-saving mode and in a C-OFDMA situation can cache the data of a terminal through two or more APs, fully utilizing wireless resources without causing energy loss.

[0062] The steps of the above method are divided only for clear description. When implemented, they can be combined into one step or some steps can be split and decomposed into multiple steps. As long as they include the same logical relationship, they are all within the scope of protection of this application; adding insignificant modifications to the algorithm or process or introducing insignificant designs without changing the core design of the algorithm and process are all within the scope of protection of this application.

[0063] Another embodiment of the present invention relates to an energy saving method of APSD, such as Figure 5 As shown, it includes: in step 501, performing capability negotiation with a multiple access point cooperation group so that the multiple access point cooperation group enters an APSD mode;

[0064] Automatic power save delivery (APSD) is a capability for both APs and terminals in the case of Multiple AP coordination.

[0065] The AP supports automatic power save delivery (APSD) in C-AP in legacy beacon, probe response or (Re)Association frame. The newly defined C-APAPSD field is used to indicate this capability.

[0066] In some cases, an AP indicates support for automatic power save delivery (APSD) by using the newly defined C-APAPSD field in a newly defined beacon, probe response, or (Re)Association frame in a C-AP group.

[0067] The newly defined C-AP APSD subfield is set to 1, indicating that the AP supports APSD if it is in a C-AP, otherwise it does not support it.

[0068] In one example, a terminal connected to a C-AP has the capability to work in APSD under C-AP, which is indicated by defining relevant content such as in ReVector or TxVector, or in the Management Information Base MIB (Management Information Base), defining C-AP_APSD field = 1 or C-AP_APSD field = 0 or no relevant items. When there is no relevant item, it means that the terminal does not support APSD. In some cases, this capability is not indicated. If a terminal supports both power saving mode and C-AP group access capability, the terminal has the capability to work in APSD mode under coordinated multiple APs.

[0069] In step 502, when the multiple access point cooperation group is in the APSD mode, a trigger frame including service time information is sent to any access point in the multiple access point cooperation group, or a trigger frame including service time information sent by any access point in the multiple access point cooperation group is received, so as to perform data frame interaction with any access point in the multiple access point cooperation group within the service time;

[0070] ASPD includes two working modes: scheduled APSD (S-APSD) and unscheduled-APSD (U-APSD). Scheduled APSD (S-APSD) uses the Schedule Element field in the management frame to schedule an SP in advance. The AP sends a trigger frame, and the terminal wakes up in advance to receive the frame and start a service time. Unscheduled-APSD (U-APSD). The terminal first sends a trigger frame to the AP. The AP starts a service time after receiving the frame. Then the AP and the terminal transmit data. Similarly, in the C-AP group, APSD still works in two ways, namely unscheduled APSD (U-APSD) and scheduled APSD (S-APSD). The terminal side (STAs corresponding to the AP) can use U-APSD to transmit its BUs during unscheduled SPs or S-APSD during scheduled SPs.

[0071] In one example, the trigger frame containing service time information is sent to any access point in the multi-access point cooperation group, or the trigger frame containing service time information sent by any access point in the multi-access point cooperation group is a QoS-Null frame.

[0072] For U-APSD, the terminal sends a trigger frame to the associated C-AP group. The trigger frame can be a QoS data or QoS null frame, corresponding to an access category that is trigger-enabled. When the C-AP group receives the trigger frame and there is no other U-APSD SP, the U-APSD SP starts. When a member AP in the C-AP group transmits a delivery-enabled AC and the transmission target is the terminal, the U-APSD SP terminates.

[0073] In some cases, the trigger frame targets the C-AP group head AP of the C-AP group that the terminal accesses. When the C-AP group head AP receives the trigger frame, the U-APSD SP starts.

[0074] In some cases, the trigger frame targets the associated / connected AP in the C-AP group that the terminal accesses. When the AP receives the trigger frame, U-APSD SP starts.

[0075] Next, we will introduce C-AP group, where multiple APs transmit data to terminals simultaneously in a multi-connection manner.

[0076] In C-AP transmission, when a terminal is in power saving mode and wakes up, multiple APs belonging to the C-AP group will transmit data to it. When the transmission is about to end, the AP that last completes the transmission sets the EOSPsubfield in a frame equal to 1, ending the transmission of the current C-AP group. When other APs in the previous C-AP group complete their own transmission, if there are other APs that have not completed the transmission, the AP sets the EOSP subfieldequal in the last transmission frame to 0.

[0077] In some cases, during C-AP transmission, when a terminal is in power saving mode and wakes up, multiple APs belonging to the C-AP group want to transmit data to it. The AP that completes the transmission sets the EOSP subfield in its last frame equal to 1 to end the transmission of the current AP. The last AP to complete the transmission also sets the EOSP subfield in its last transmission frame equal to 1 to end the transmission of the C-AP group.

[0078] In some cases, during C-AP transmission, when a terminal is in power saving mode and wakes up, multiple APs belonging to the C-AP group want to transmit data to it. The AP that completes the transmission sets the EOSP subfield equal to 0 in its last frame to end the current AP's transmission. The last AP that completes the buffered BU transmission sets the EOSP subfield equal to 1 in its last transmission frame and notifies the C-AP group head AP of the end of the transmission.

[0079] In some cases, during C-AP transmission, when a terminal is in power saving mode and wakes up, multiple APs belonging to the C-AP group want to transmit data to it. The AP that completes the transmission sets the EOSP subfield in its last frame equal to 0 to end the current AP's transmission. The last AP that completes the buffered BU transmission sets the EOSP subfield in its last transmission frame equal to 0 and notifies the C-AP group head AP of the end of the transmission.

[0080] In some cases, during C-AP transmission, when a terminal is in power saving mode and wakes up, multiple APs belonging to the C-AP group want to transmit data to it. The AP that completes the transmission sets the EOSPsubfield in its last frame equal to 0 to end the current AP's transmission. The last AP that completes the buffered BU transmission sets the EOSP subfield in its last transmission frame equal to 1, and notifies the end of the C-AP group's transmission. Then the C-AP group head AP transmits a QoS data frame or a QoS Null frame to the terminal in which the EOSPsubfield is equal to 1.

[0081] In some cases, multiple AP coordination may have multiple APs caching data of one terminal, so that multiple APs send data to one terminal. In APSD mode, multiple APs send data to one terminal, which is similar to the case where two APs send data to one terminal. Multiple APs caching data will not be described in detail.

[0082] In step 503, when it is detected that the multi-access point cooperation group is in the C-OFDMA state, the multi-access point cooperation energy saving method mentioned above enters the sleep state of the energy saving mode or controls the affiliated non-APSTA corresponding to the confirmation frame to enter the sleep state of the energy saving mode.

[0083] It should be clear that in the energy saving method of APSD, regardless of whether the terminal is in the C-OFDMA situation, in the case of multiple AP coordination, the terminal can enter the sleep state of the energy saving mode or control the affiliated non-AP STA corresponding to the confirmation frame to enter the sleep state of the energy saving mode. It is only when the multiple access point coordination group is in the C-OFDMA situation that the above-mentioned energy saving method of multiple access point coordination is used to enter the sleep state of the energy saving mode or control the affiliated non-AP STA corresponding to the confirmation frame to enter the sleep state of the energy saving mode.

[0084] In the case of multiple AP coordination, when a terminal ends the current transmission and enters the sleep state, it will face various situations and corresponding processing methods, as follows:

[0085] In some cases, when a terminal is connected to a C-AP group, or when a terminal is connected to an AP in a C-AP group, the terminal remains awake until it receives a QoS data frame or a QoS Null frame addressed to it with the EOSP subfield equal to 1. This frame is transmitted by any AP in any C-AP group.

[0086] In some cases, when a terminal is connected to a C-AP group, or when a terminal is connected to an AP in a C-AP group, the terminal remains awake until it receives a QoS data frame or a QoS Null frame addressed to it with the EOSP subfield equal to 1. This frame is transmitted by the grouphead AP in the C-AP group.

[0087] In some cases, when a terminal is connected to a C-AP group, or a terminal is connected to an AP in a C-AP group, the terminal remains awake until it receives a QoS data frame or a QoS Null frame addressed to it with the EOSP subfield equal to 1. This frame is sent by the AP in the C-AP group that transmits data to the terminal in the C-AP group.

[0088] For example, there may be multiple APs in a C-AP group, and only two of them have buffered data for the terminal. After a series of steps (PS-Poll), the two APs use C-OFDMA to send buffered data to the terminal. The terminal ends the current awake state only when it receives all QoSData frames or QoS Nullframes with EOSP subfield equal to 1 sent by the two APs.

[0089] The start time of the S-APSD service period is fixed and needs to be scheduled in advance.

[0090] In one example, the access point first schedules the S-APSD, and the service time of the S-APSD is included in the Schedule Element in at least one management frame newly defined for Mulitple AP coordination. The newly defined management frame is at least one of the following frames: {beacon frame, probe request and probe response frame, Authentication and Deauthentication frame, Association Request frame, Diassociation frame, Reassociation Request frame, Association Response and Reassociation Response frame}, and the management frame includes the Schedule Element.

[0091] In an example, in the case of multi-AP coordination, the C-AP group will send a trigger frame.

[0092] In an example, the trigger frame is sent by any AP in the C-AP group to which the terminal is associated.

[0093] In an example, the trigger frame is sent by a group head AP in a C-AP group associated with the terminal.

[0094] In an example, the trigger frame is sent by any memberAP in the C-AP group associated with the terminal.

[0095] In some cases, the trigger frame is a QoS-Null frame.

[0096] Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a multi-access point collaborative energy-saving device, such as Figure 6 As shown, it includes: a separate receiving module 601, which is used to receive, when in the awake state of the energy-saving mode and in the multi-access point cooperation mode, a data frame cached in the first access point transmitted by the first access point in the C-OFDMA case through the time slot allocated to the first access point from the first access point in the multi-access point cooperation group; a cooperative receiving module 602, which is used to receive, when in the awake state of the energy-saving mode and in the multi-access point cooperation mode, a data frame cached in the one or more other access points in the multi-access point cooperation group except the first access point, which is transmitted by occupying the time slot allocated to the first access point in the C-OFDMA case, until a confirmation frame sent by one or more access points in the multi-access point cooperation group is received; a sleep control module 603, which is used to enter the sleep state of the energy-saving mode or control the affiliated non-AP STA corresponding to the confirmation frame to enter the sleep state of the energy-saving mode according to the confirmation frame received from the one or more access points in the multi-access point cooperation group.

[0097] In one example, the confirmation frame sent from one or more access points in the multi-access point cooperation group includes: a frame sent from the first access point in the multi-access point cooperation group, and / or the one or more other access points, and / or the multi-access point cooperation group leader, carrying an EOSP subfield set to 1.

[0098] In one example, the device further includes: a transmission occupation module, which is used to send a corresponding notification frame to the other access points that occupy the time slots allocated to the first access point to transmit data frames after receiving all the data frames cached in the first access point, so that the other access points that occupy the time slots allocated to the first access point to transmit data frames occupy all the remaining time slots allocated to the first access point to transmit the data frames cached in the second access point.

[0099] In one example, the device further includes: a collaboration termination module, which is used to exit the multi-access point collaboration mode and separately receive the data frames cached by the only access point with cached data frames when there is only a single access point in the multi-access point collaboration group, until a rejoining instruction sent by the leader of the multi-access point collaboration group is received, and rejoin the multi-access point collaboration group according to the rejoining instruction.

[0100] In this embodiment, a data frame is received from a first access point in a multi-access point cooperation group and transmitted through a time slot allocated to the first access point in a C-OFDMA situation and cached in the first access point; a data frame is received from one or more other access points in the multi-access point cooperation group except the first access point and transmitted through a time slot allocated to the first access point in a C-OFDMA situation and cached in the one or more other access points until a confirmation frame is received from one or more access points in the multi-access point cooperation group; and according to the confirmation frame received from one or more access points in the multi-access point cooperation group, a sleep state of a power-saving mode is entered or a subordinate non-AP STA corresponding to the confirmation frame is controlled to enter a sleep state of a power-saving mode. In this way, a terminal in a power-saving mode and in a C-OFDMA situation can cache the data of a terminal through two or more APs, fully utilizing wireless resources without causing energy loss.

[0101] It is not difficult to find that this embodiment is a device embodiment corresponding to the above method embodiment, and this embodiment can be implemented in conjunction with the above method embodiment. The relevant technical details mentioned in the above method embodiment are still valid in this embodiment, and in order to reduce repetition, they are not repeated here. Accordingly, the relevant technical details mentioned in this embodiment can also be applied in the above method embodiment.

[0102] It is worth mentioning that all modules involved in this embodiment are logic modules. In practical applications, a logic unit can be a physical unit, a part of a physical unit, or a combination of multiple physical units. In addition, in order to highlight the innovative part of the present invention, this embodiment does not introduce units that are not closely related to solving the technical problem proposed by the present invention, but this does not mean that there are no other units in this embodiment.

[0103] Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a terminal, such as Figure 7 As shown, it includes at least one processor 701; and a memory 702 that is communicatively connected to the at least one processor; wherein the memory 702 stores instructions that can be executed by the at least one processor 701, and the instructions are executed by the at least one processor 701 so that the at least one processor 701 can execute the energy saving method of multi-access point collaboration or the energy saving method of APSD as described above.

[0104] The memory 702 and the processor 701 are connected in a bus manner, and the bus may include any number of interconnected buses and bridges, and the bus connects various circuits of one or more processors 701 and the memory 702 together. The bus can also connect various other circuits such as peripheral devices, voltage regulators, and power management circuits, which are well known in the art and are therefore not further described herein. The bus interface provides an interface between the bus and the transceiver. The transceiver can be one element or multiple elements, such as multiple receivers and transmitters, providing a unit for communicating with various other devices on a transmission medium. The data processed by the processor 701 is transmitted on a wireless medium via an antenna, and further, the antenna also receives data and transmits the data to the processor 701.

[0105] The processor 701 is responsible for managing the bus and general processing, and can also provide various functions, including timing, peripheral interfaces, voltage regulation, power management and other control functions. The memory 702 can be used to store data used by the processor 701 when performing operations.

[0106] Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program, which implements the above method embodiment when executed by a processor.

[0107] That is, those skilled in the art can understand that all or part of the steps in the above-mentioned embodiment method can be completed by instructing the relevant hardware through a program, and the program is stored in a storage medium, including several instructions to enable a device (which can be a single-chip microcomputer, chip, etc.) or a processor to execute all or part of the steps of the method described in each embodiment of the present application. The aforementioned storage medium includes: U disk, mobile hard disk, read-only memory (ROM, Read-Only Memory), random access memory (RAM, Random Access Memory), disk or optical disk and other media that can store program codes.

[0108] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the above-mentioned embodiments are specific examples for implementing the present invention, and in actual applications, various changes may be made thereto in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A multi-access point collaborative energy saving method, characterized in that: Applied to a terminal in a wake state in a power saving mode and in a multi-access point cooperation mode, the method includes: receiving a data frame buffered in a first access point and transmitted from a first access point in a multi-access point cooperation group through a time slot allocated to the first access point in a C-OFDMA situation; There is an association relationship between the terminal and the multi-access point cooperation group; receiving, from one or more other access points in the multiple access point cooperation group except the first access point, data frames buffered in the one or more other access points transmitted by occupying a time slot allocated to the first access point in a C-OFDMA case, until receiving a confirmation frame sent by one or more access points in the multiple access point cooperation group; Entering a sleep state of a power-saving mode or controlling a subordinate non-AP STA corresponding to the confirmation frame to enter a sleep state of a power-saving mode according to the confirmation frame received from one or more access points in the multi-access point cooperation group; The step of entering a sleep state of a power-saving mode or controlling a subordinate non-AP STA corresponding to the confirmation frame to enter a sleep state of a power-saving mode according to the confirmation frame received from one or more access points in the multi-access point cooperation group includes: After receiving a frame carrying the EOSP subfield set to 1 sent from the first access point in the multi-access point cooperation group, and / or the one or more other access points, and / or the multi-access point cooperation group leader, entering a sleep state in a power saving mode or controlling an affiliated non-AP STA corresponding to the confirmation frame to enter a sleep state in a power saving mode.

2. The energy saving method of multi-access point collaboration according to claim 1, characterized in that: The method further comprises: After receiving all the data frames buffered in the first access point, a corresponding notification frame is sent to the other access points that occupy the time slots allocated to the first access point to transmit the data frames, so that the other access points that occupy the time slots allocated to the first access point to transmit the data frames occupy all the remaining time slots allocated to the first access point to transmit the data frames buffered in the second access point.

3. The energy saving method of multi-access point collaboration according to claim 1, characterized in that: The method further comprises: When there is only a single access point in the multi-access point cooperation group with cached data frames, the multi-access point cooperation mode is exited and the data frames cached by the only access point with cached data frames are received separately until a rejoining instruction sent by the multi-access point cooperation group leader is received, and the multi-access point cooperation group is rejoined according to the rejoining instruction.

4. An APSD energy saving method, characterized in that: Applied to a terminal in a wake state in a power saving mode and in a multi-access point cooperation mode, the method includes: Performing capability negotiation with a multiple access point cooperation group so that the multiple access point cooperation group enters an APSD mode; When the multiple access point cooperation group is in the APSD mode, sending a trigger frame containing service time information to any access point in the multiple access point cooperation group, or receiving a trigger frame containing service time information sent by any access point in the multiple access point cooperation group, so as to perform data frame interaction with any access point in the multiple access point cooperation group within the service time; When it is detected that the multi-access point cooperation group is in a C-OFDMA situation, the multi-access point cooperation energy saving method according to any one of claims 1-3 enters a sleep state of the energy saving mode or controls the affiliated non-AP STA corresponding to the confirmation frame to enter a sleep state of the energy saving mode.

5. The APSD energy saving method according to claim 4, characterized in that: The trigger frame containing service time information is sent to any access point in the multi-access point cooperation group, or the trigger frame containing service time information sent by any access point in the multi-access point cooperation group is received, which is a QoS-Null frame.

6. A multi-access point collaborative energy-saving device, characterized in that: include: A separate receiving module, configured to receive, when in an awake state of the energy saving mode and in a multi-access point cooperation mode, a data frame buffered in the first access point and transmitted from a first access point in the multi-access point cooperation group through a time slot allocated to the first access point in a C-OFDMA situation; There is an association relationship between the device and the multi-access point cooperation group; a cooperative receiving module, configured to, when in an awake state of the energy-saving mode and in a multi-access point cooperative mode, receive data frames buffered in the one or more access points in the multi-access point cooperative group, which are transmitted by occupying a time slot allocated to the first access point in a C-OFDMA case, until receiving a confirmation frame sent by one or more access points in the multi-access point cooperative group; a sleep control module, configured to enter a sleep state of a power-saving mode or control a subordinate non-AP STA corresponding to the confirmation frame to enter a sleep state of a power-saving mode according to the confirmation frame received from one or more access points in the multi-access point cooperation group; The step of entering a sleep state of a power-saving mode or controlling a subordinate non-AP STA corresponding to the confirmation frame to enter a sleep state of a power-saving mode according to the confirmation frame received from one or more access points in the multi-access point cooperation group includes: After receiving a frame carrying the EOSP subfield set to 1 sent from the first access point in the multi-access point cooperation group, and / or the one or more other access points, and / or the multi-access point cooperation group leader, entering a sleep state in a power saving mode or controlling an affiliated non-AP STA corresponding to the confirmation frame to enter a sleep state in a power saving mode.

7. A terminal, characterized in that: include: at least one processor; as well as, a memory communicatively connected to the at least one processor; wherein, The memory stores instructions that can be executed by the at least one processor, and the instructions are executed by the at least one processor so that the at least one processor can execute the energy saving method of multi-access point collaboration as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, or execute the energy saving method of APSD as described in any one of claims 4 to 5.

8. A computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program, characterized in that: When the computer program is executed by a processor, the energy saving method for multi-access point collaboration described in any one of claims 1 to 3 is implemented, or the energy saving method for APSD described in any one of claims 4 to 5 is implemented.

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