Access point energy saving method, access point and storage medium

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention relates to the technical field of wireless communication, and discloses an access point energy saving method, an access point and a storage medium. In the invention, an access point sends a TWT capability identifier which is contained in a TWT element and is used for indicating the energy-saving capability of the TWT to each terminal accessed to the access point in a broadcast form, and a TWT energy-saving mode in which a broadcast ID is 0 is started; wherein the TWT capability identifier is used for indicating to the terminal that the access point will enter an energy-saving state immediately or in a delayed manner after establishing a TWT time table formed by the energy-saving capability of the TWT of which the broadcast ID is 0; in the energy-saving state, the access point will enter a dormant state formed based on the energy-saving capability of the TWT in a time period outside the TWT SP in the TWT schedule, or the access point will enter a low-capability mode formed based on the energy-saving capability of the capability mode in a time period outside the TWT SP in the TWT schedule, and further deep energy saving is achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments of the present invention relate to the technical field of wireless communications, and in particular to an access point energy saving method, an access point and a storage medium. Background Art

[0002] Energy saving of access points (APs) has gradually become a hot topic for research in the 802.11 working group. Currently, there are two main ways to save energy on access points. One is the energy saving mode based on capability mode, which defines different capability modes for access points, similar to different working modes of terminals. For example, high capability mode and low capability mode. The access point does not work at the highest capability, such as 320MHz bandwidth, 4096-QAM, Multi-RU, and multi-link. On the contrary, the access point only works at 1024-QAM, 160MHz bandwidth, can only schedule a single RU, and only open one link. This achieves energy saving. The access point switches between different capability modes to achieve energy saving while ensuring performance requirements.

[0003] The other is based on the target wake-up time. For example, the access point wakes up at a fixed time to communicate with the terminal. After the communication, it goes to sleep at a fixed time. Using this mechanism requires the access point to face all terminals, and all terminals must obey the access point's TWT schedule. Therefore, if the AP currently works in this energy-saving mode, it must use the broadcast target wake-up time (TWT for short), and the ID of the TWT = 0. This means that this broadcast target wake-up time (broadcast TWT) requires all terminals connected to the access point to participate in the TWT schedule.

[0004] The inventors found that there are at least the following problems in the related technology: In the energy-saving mode based on broadcast TWT (ID=0), how should the AP manage the energy-saving mode based on the capability mode and how to reasonably adjust its own energy-saving behavior, which is still a technical gap in this field. Summary of the invention

[0005] The purpose of the embodiments of the present invention is to provide an access point energy saving method, an access point and a storage medium, so that in the case of a TWT energy saving mode based on a broadcast ID of 0, it is possible to manage the energy saving mode based on the capability mode and reasonably adjust its own energy saving behavior to achieve further deep energy saving.

[0006] To solve the above technical problems, an embodiment of the present invention provides an access point energy saving method, comprising: applied to an access point, the method comprising: sending a TWT capability identifier contained in a TWT element for indicating the energy saving capability of TWT to each terminal accessing the access point in the form of a broadcast, and starting a TWT energy saving mode with a broadcast ID of 0; wherein the TWT capability identifier is used to indicate to the terminal that the access point will enter an energy saving state immediately or with a delay after establishing a TWT schedule formed by the energy saving capability of the TWT with a broadcast ID of 0; in the energy saving state, the access point will enter a sleep state formed based on the energy saving capability of the TWT in a time period outside the TWT SP in the TWT schedule, or the access point will enter a low capability mode formed based on the energy saving capability of the capability mode in a time period outside the TWT SP in the TWT schedule.

[0007] An embodiment of the present invention further provides an access point, 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 access point energy saving method.

[0008] The embodiment of the present invention further provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program, and when the computer program is executed by a processor, the above-mentioned access point energy saving method is implemented.

[0009] In an embodiment of the present invention, the access point sends a TWT capability identifier contained in a TWT element for indicating the energy-saving capability of the TWT to each terminal accessing the access point in the form of a broadcast, and turns on the TWT energy-saving mode with a broadcast ID of 0, wherein the TWT capability identifier is used to indicate to the terminal that the access point will enter the energy-saving state immediately or with a delay after establishing a TWT schedule formed by the energy-saving capability of the TWT with a broadcast ID of 0; in the energy-saving state, the access point will enter a sleep state formed based on the energy-saving capability of the TWT in the time period outside the TWT SP in the TWT schedule, or the access point will enter a low-capacity mode formed based on the energy-saving capability of the capability mode in the time period outside the TWT SP in the TWT schedule. In the case of the TWT energy-saving mode based on the broadcast ID of 0, it is possible to manage the energy-saving mode based on the capability mode and reasonably adjust its own energy-saving behavior, thereby achieving further deep energy saving. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] 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.

[0011] Figure 1 is a flow chart of an access point energy saving method provided according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0012] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a timeline in which other timetables are completely covered according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0013] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a time axis when other timetables provided according to an embodiment of the present invention are not completely covered;

[0014] Figure 4 It is a schematic structural diagram of an access point according to another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] 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.

[0016] An embodiment of the present invention relates to an access point energy saving method, which can be applied to an access point device. In this embodiment, the access point sends a TWT capability identifier contained in a TWT element for indicating the energy saving capability of TWT to each terminal accessing the access point in the form of broadcast, and turns on the TWT energy saving mode with a broadcast ID of 0, wherein the TWT capability identifier is used to indicate to the terminal that the access point will immediately or delayedly enter the energy saving state after establishing a TWT schedule formed by the energy saving capability of TWT with a broadcast ID of 0; in the energy saving state, the access point will enter a dormant state formed based on the energy saving capability of TWT in the time period outside the TWT SP in the TWT schedule, or the access point will enter a low capability mode formed based on the energy saving capability of the capability mode in the time period outside the TWT SP in the TWT schedule. In the case of a TWT energy saving mode based on a broadcast ID of 0, it is possible to manage the energy saving mode based on the capability mode and reasonably adjust its own energy saving behavior to achieve further deep energy saving. The implementation details of the access point energy saving method of this embodiment are described in detail below. The following content is only the implementation details provided for easy understanding and is not necessary for the implementation of this solution.

[0017] like Figure 1As shown, in step 101, the access point sends a TWT capability identifier contained in a TWT element for indicating the energy-saving capability of the TWT to each terminal that accesses the access point in the form of a broadcast, thereby starting a TWT energy-saving mode with a broadcast ID of 0, wherein the TWT capability identifier is used to indicate to the terminal that the access point will enter the energy-saving state immediately or with a delay after establishing a TWT schedule formed by the energy-saving capability of the TWT with a broadcast ID of 0.

[0018] For access points that are capable of using both the energy-saving capabilities of TWT and the energy-saving capabilities based on the capability mode, the specific energy-saving capability to be used can be indicated by a capability identification bit, or it can be indicated separately by using two capability identification bits. Using a capability identification bit to indicate this is specifically as follows: defining a domain field, occupying one bit, or a field: the content of this item is 1, indicating that the AP can be in both the capability-based energy-saving mode and the TWT (broadcast ID=0)-based energy-saving mode at the same time, and 0 indicates that the AP cannot be in both of the above energy-saving modes at the same time (establishing a normal broadcast TWT (ID=0)). Or not including this content indicates that the AP is not in both of the above energy-saving modes at the same time. In other words, at this time, the AP cannot work in both the energy-saving mode based on the capability mode and the energy-saving mode based on the broadcast TWT ID=0 at the same time.

[0019] Two capability identification bits are used to indicate specifically: in some cases, when an AP establishes a TWT with a broad cast TWT ID = 0, it is used for energy saving of the AP. This is a capability contained in the MAC / PHY capability element of the ultra-high reliability (Ultra High Reliability) physical layer (Physical Layer) / media access control sublayer (Media Access Control), or in a beacon, a probe response frame, a probe request frame, or in the management information base MIB (Management information base), or in a TWT element.

[0020] The AP has the ability to work in a power-saving mode based on TWT (broad cast TWT ID=0), which can be called broadcast TWT AP power save. 1 indicates that the AP has this capability, and 0 indicates that the AP does not have this capability. There is no specific limitation on the name of this capability. In some cases, the AP works in a power-saving mode based on a capability mode, which is used for the AP to save energy. This capability is included in the UHR MAC / PHY capability element, or in the beacon, probe response frame, probe request frame, or in the management information base (MIB). The capability or field can be called access point capability power save (APCapability power save). 1 indicates that the AP has this capability, and 0 indicates that the AP does not have this capability. There is no specific limitation on the name of this capability. When both of the above capabilities are configured to 1, it indicates that the AP has the ability to work in both the energy-saving mode based on the capability mode and the broadcast cast TWT ID=0 based energy-saving mode.

[0021] In some cases, an access point that works in two working power-saving modes at the same time is called a deep power-saving access point, and this mode is called deep power-saving mode.

[0022] In one example, when the access point simultaneously receives an indication for starting the TWT energy-saving mode with a broadcast ID of 0 and an indication for adjusting the working mode formed by the energy-saving capability of the access point based on the capability mode, the TWT energy-saving mode with a broadcast ID of 0 will be turned on; or, when the access point simultaneously receives an indication for starting the TWT energy-saving mode with a broadcast ID of 0 and an indication for adjusting the working mode formed by the energy-saving capability of the access point based on the capability mode, one of them will be selected for execution according to the priority of the indications carried by each. Specifically: In some cases, when the AP receives indications (or signaling, or related frames) of two energy-saving modes at the same time (or in a short period of time), namely, an energy-saving mode based on broadcast TWT ID=0, and an energy-saving mode indication based on high capability mode / low capability mode, one energy-saving mode is selected first. In some cases, the energy-saving mode based on broadcast TWT ID=0 is selected first, which has a better priority than the energy-saving mode based on high capability mode / low capability mode. In some cases, the energy-saving mode based on high capability mode / low capability mode is selected first, which has a higher priority than the energy-saving mode based on broadcast TWT ID=0. In some cases, the priority is represented by a bit, or a field, or a domain (subdomain), 0 means that the energy-saving mode based on the high-capability mode / low-capability mode has a higher priority, 1 means that the energy-saving mode based on the broadcast TWT ID=0 has a higher priority; the priority is represented by or contained in the beacon, probe response frame, probe request frame, or contained in the MIB (Management information base).

[0023] In one example, after the access point turns on the TWT energy-saving mode with a broadcast ID of 0, it will be prohibited from entering the slave channel access mode. Specifically: in some cases, if the AP enters the energy-saving mode, or is instructed to enter the energy-saving mode (receives a request from some device, thereby entering the energy-saving mode), in this energy-saving mode, the AP cannot enter the slave channel access mode, that is, it cannot access the slave channel (or switch to slave channel access) when the main channel is busy and the slave channel is idle. In some cases, the energy-saving mode is based on the broadcast TWT ID=0 energy-saving mode, or it is preferred to the energy-saving mode based on the high capability mode / low capability mode. In some cases, if the AP is in energy-saving mode, even if the slave channel access capability of the AP is enabled and the slave channel access capability of the terminal associated with the AP is also enabled, the AP does not perform slave channel access (or the terminal does not perform slave channel access).

[0024] In step 102, in the energy-saving state, the access point will enter a sleep state formed by the energy-saving mode based on TWT during the time period outside the TWT SP in the TWT schedule, or the access point will enter a low capability mode formed based on the capability mode during the time period outside the TWT SP in the TWT schedule.

[0025] Next, further examples will be given to illustrate when to enter the energy-saving state.

[0026] The first is to immediately enter the energy-saving state. Specifically, in some cases, the above-mentioned broad cast TWT APpower save flag, or the domain is included in the TWT element and is 1, indicating that the AP enters the energy-saving state after the broad cast TWT (ID=0) Schedule is established. (For example, it is in sleep mode outside the TWT SP, or in low-capacity mode outside the TWT SP) At the same time, the AP enters the energy-saving state.

[0027] The second type is delayed entry into the energy-saving state. Specifically: in some cases, the above-mentioned broad cast TWT APpower save flag, or the domain is included in the TWT element and is 1, indicating that the AP enters the energy-saving state after an integer number of TBTTs after the schedule of the broad cast TWT (ID=0) is established. (For example, the AP is dormant outside the TWT SP, or is in a low-capacity mode outside the TWT SP). The integer number of TBTTs is a newly defined field called PSTWT persistent field (or reuses the current TWT persistent field) to indicate the specific number of TBTTs after which the AP enters the energy-saving state. In some cases, the indication that the above-mentioned AP enters the energy-saving state is included in the same frame as the information established by the broad cast TWT (ID=0). In some cases, the frame is a TWT response frame that is broadcast to the terminal connected to the AP. While the broad cast TWT (ID=0) TWT is established, the AP delays entering the energy-saving state.

[0028] The third type is to control entry into the energy-saving state through separate configuration. Specifically: in one example, the indication that the AP enters the energy-saving state, or delays entering the energy-saving state, is contained separately in a newly defined frame. At this time, the Schedule for the broad cast TWT (ID=0) has been established. This frame is used to inform the terminal connected to the AP, or the terminal that is about to connect to the AP, that the AP is about to enter, or delay entering, the energy-saving mode. In some cases, the frame is a beacon frame, or a probe response frame. Or the newly defined frame for AP power Save can be transmitted in unicast, multicast, or broadcast mode, and its function is to indicate that the AP enters an energy-saving state based on broad cast TWT (ID=0).

[0029] Among them, for the newly defined frame, specifically: in some cases, in the above content, the frame has an identification bit, or domain or field, or field, called EnableAP_TWTpowerPS (not limited to the specific name), which is a bit. When the value is 1, it means that the broadcast cast TWT (ID=0) has been established, and the AP enters the energy-saving state based on the broadcast TWT (ID=0). In some cases, EnableAP_TWTpowerPS=0 indicates that the AP ends the energy-saving state based on the broadcast cast TWT (ID=0). In some cases, EnableAP_TWTpowerPS is combined with the PS TWTpersistent field to jointly indicate that the AP delays entering the energy-saving state (EnableAP_TWTpowerPS=0) after an integer number of TBTTs, or delays releasing the energy-saving state based on the broadcast cast TWT (ID=0) after an integer number of TBTTs (EnableAP_TWTpowerPS=0). The PS TWT persistent field and EnableAP_TWTpowerPS are included together in the newly defined frame for AP power Save, or are included in the TWT element. In some cases, this field is included in the TWT element, or in the newly defined AP power save element, or in the AP operation mode element. In some cases, the PS TWT persistent field is 0 or does not exist, indicating that according to the value of EnableAP_TWTpowerPS, the AP immediately enters (EnableAP_TWTpowerPS=1) or immediately releases (EnableAP_TWTpowerPS=0) the energy-saving mode based on the broadcast TWT (ID=0) of the AP. In some cases, the immediate means executed in the current TBTT, or in the next TBTT; in some cases, the immediate means completed after the next beacon of the current TBTT, or completed after the beacon of the next TBTT. In some cases, the frame contains a TWT element, and the Broadcast TWT ID is 0, indicating that a schedule based on the TWTelement is established, and an AP energy-saving mode based on Broadcast TWT ID=0 is established.If the TWT of the current Broadcast TWT ID=0 has been established, the schedule in the TWT element in the frame is used to update or modify the original schedule at the specified time. In some cases, if the AP is in an energy-saving state based on broadcast TWT (ID=0). The current AP wants to send a TWT contact release frame to release the broadcast cast TWT (ID=0), or, if the beacon contains that the current AP wants to release the broadcast cast TWT (ID=0), and does not contain EnableAP_TWTpowerPS or PS TWT persistent field, the energy-saving mode of the AP based on broadcast cast TWT (ID=0) is automatically released when the broadcast cast TWT (ID=0) is released. In some cases, if the energy-saving mode of the AP based on broadcast TWT (ID=0) is released, and the specific release time indicated is later than or equal to the release time of the broadcast cast TWT (ID=0), the energy-saving mode of the AP based on broadcast cast TWT (ID=0) is released when the broadcast cast TWT (ID=0) is released. On the other hand, if a specific release time indicated for releasing the energy-saving mode based on the broadcast cast TWT (ID=0) of the AP is earlier than the release time of the broadcast cast TWT (ID=0), the energy-saving mode based on the broadcast TWT (ID=0) of the AP is released at the indicated release time of the energy-saving mode. In some cases, the above-mentioned signaling or field for releasing the energy-saving mode of the broadcast cast TWT (ID=0), or the signaling or indication of the energy-saving mode of the AP based on the broadcast cast TWT (ID=0) is included in the same frame, such as a beacon, a TWT release frame, or a probe response frame, or a newly defined AP power save management frame.

[0030] Next, we will give an example of the behavior of the AP after the AP starts / terminates the energy-saving mode of the broadcast cast TWT ID=0:

[0031] In one example, when the access point and its members meet the preset energy-saving conditions during a certain TWT SP, the access point does not need to be released from the sleep state or low-capability mode during the TWT SP that meets the preset energy-saving conditions; in other words, the terminal STA does not need to wake up when broadcasting certain SPs of the TWT. The preset energy-saving conditions include one of the following or any combination thereof: all members of the access point are in a sleep state or low-capability mode, all members of the access point have no uplink services to be uploaded, and the access point has no buffered downlink services. For example, there can also be three rules that do not require waking up:

[0032] The first is conditional non-waking up. Specifically, in the above case, if the AP is also a secondary link AP of non-simultaneous transmit and receive (NSTR), or the AP is in a multiple BSSID set and is a non-transmitted BSSID, then the AP does not need to wake up. Otherwise, the AP needs to wake up.

[0033] The second is to not wake up no matter what;

[0034] The third type is to choose to wake up occasionally in certain special cases. For example, there are two special cases: First, in some cases, if the AP is not a multi-point access device, or the AP is the only access point attached to an MLD, the AP does not need to wake up in each broadcast TWT SP (ID=0) to transmit beacon and other information. The AP only needs to wake up in at least one SP within a time not greater than the max BSS idle period and transmit at least one beacon frame. Second type: In some cases, if the AP is not a multi-point access device, or the AP is the only access point attached to an MLD, the AP needs to wake up in each broadcast TWT (ID=0) SP to transmit beacon and other information. If a new terminal requests access, it is necessary to cooperate with the terminal to complete the initial access.

[0035] Next, an example is given to illustrate the behavior of the AP after the AP terminates the energy-saving mode of the broadcast cast TWT ID = 0:

[0036] In one example, the broadcast cast TWT ID=0 mode is terminated. If the working state of the AP (or capability mode) is not specified, when the TWT mode is terminated, the AP returns to the default working state, which is a non-energy-saving mode, a high capability mode or a low capability mode.

[0037] In an example, if the working state of the AP is not specified when the broadcast cast TWT ID=0 is terminated, then when the TWT mode is terminated, the working state of the AP is returned to before the establishment of the broadcast cast TWT ID=0.

[0038] In an example, if the AP's designated working state is indicated when the broadcast cast TWT ID=0 is terminated, then when the TWT mode is terminated, the AP works in the designated working state, or the designated high capability mode, or the designated low capability mode.

[0039] The above working state, or high capability mode, or low capability mode includes at least one of the following: modulation mode, bandwidth, transmit power, coding mode supported by the AP, whether to support secondary channel access, whether to support only low-latency services, whether to support preemptive working mode, the maximum number of spatial streams transmitted, and whether to repeat transmission.

[0040] In one example, when the access point exits the TWT energy-saving mode with a broadcast ID of 0 under the action of a TWT capability release frame, it will enter a working mode formed by the energy-saving capability based on the capability mode specified by the TWT capability release frame, or will automatically recover to the working mode formed by the energy-saving capability based on the capability mode before the TWT energy-saving mode with a broadcast ID of 0 was established, or, when the TWT capability release frame specifies a working mode formed by the energy-saving capability based on the capability mode, it will enter a working mode formed by the energy-saving capability based on the capability mode specified by the TWT capability release frame, or when the TWT capability release frame does not specify a working mode formed by the energy-saving capability based on the capability mode, it will enter a default working mode formed by the energy-saving capability based on the capability mode. The release frame may include the broadcast TWT ID=0, the release at a specified time, such as release after a certain integer number of TBTTs, and the AP accessing the corresponding working state, or energy-saving capability mode.

[0041] The above-mentioned termination of the energy-saving mode of the broadcast TWT ID=0 AP is a TWT release frame, or an enhanced TWT release frame, or an initial control frame, or a trigger frame, which is a broadcast frame or a multicast frame. The frame contains that the broadcast TWT ID is 0. In some cases, the frame contains the end time of the broadcast TWT. In some cases, the frame contains a field indicating the working state specified by the AP after the broadcast TWT is released; for example, the corresponding field 0 represents the default working mode, or the working mode in which the AP was before the broadcast TWT was established. Similarly, the frame contains another field indicating the energy-saving capability mode of the AP after the broadcast TWT is released, 1 represents the high capability mode, and 0 represents the low capability mode. In addition, other capability modes can also be defined, represented by bitmap or binary encoding, which will not be repeated here. In some cases, the above frame is only sent during the SP period of the broadcast TWT ID=0, and is transmitted to the terminal connected to the AP, or to the members of the broadcast TWT ID=0.

[0042] In one example, the TWT capability release frame is sent by the access point's subordinate access point to the access point and its members in the form of broadcast. Specifically: in some cases, the above frame is transmitted by the AP's connection to another AP affiliated to the MLD, and is transmitted to the members (terminal devices) of the broadcast TWT ID=0 in a broadcast, multicast or unicast manner. In the current case, the release time of the broadcast TWT ID=0 is an integer number of TBTTs, where the TBTT is calculated according to the TBTT of the above-mentioned other AP. In some cases, the integer number of TBTTs is the TBTT of the original AP, that is, the TBTT of the AP in the energy-saving mode of broadcast TWT ID=0. If the frame is transmitted by another AP instead, the frame contains the MAC address of the original AP, or the link ID, and the combined indication of the TWT ID field (broadcast TWT ID=0) releases the TWT of the broadcast ID=0. In some cases, the contact frame has the function of waking up the terminal, waking up and notifying the information (release). Because not all terminals will wake up in the broadcast TWT SP. The terminal needs to wake up as soon as possible, transmit (complete) the cached data connected to the AP (as much as possible), and then release the broadcast TWT at the scheduled time.

[0043] Next, an example is given to illustrate the behavior of the AP after the AP suspends / resumes the energy-saving mode of the broadcast cast TWT ID=0:

[0044] In one example, in some cases, when the access point using the broadcast TWT (ID = 0) saves energy, the AP cannot suspend or resume the broadcast TWT (ID = 0). Even if a terminal requests to suspend or resume the broadcast TWT (ID = 0), the AP does not respond or does not respond to the request.

[0045] In one example, in certain circumstances, when the access point using the broadcast cast TWT (ID=0) saves energy, when the AP suspends or resumes the broadcast cast TWT (ID=0), the AP also suspends or resumes the energy-saving behavior of the broadcast cast TWT (ID=0). Among them, the energy-saving behavior of the AP accompanying the broadcast cast TWT (ID=0) is to sleep outside the SP of the broadcast cast TWT (ID=0) or to be in a low-capacity mode. That is, when the access point suspends the use of the TWT energy-saving mode with a broadcast ID of 0, it also suspends and maintains the energy-saving state; when the access point resumes the use of the TWT energy-saving mode with a broadcast ID of 0, it also resumes the energy-saving state.

[0046] In one example, the suspension and resumption are allowed, and the TWT information frame is transmitted one-to-one. Specifically: in some cases, if the AP sends a TWT information frame one-to-one to at least one terminal, the TWT information frame informs the other party that the current TWT is about to be suspended, and the next twt subfield contained in the frame is resumed (no earlier than this time, or resumed in the first scheduled TWT no earlier than this time), then the broadcast cast TWT (ID=0) is only suspended and resumed from the perspective of the terminal, not for all terminals, so as long as the broadcast cast TWT (ID=0) schedule is still working (functioning), the accompanying AP energy saving state will not be transmitted, suspended or resumed with the one-to-one TWT information frame. In some cases, based on the energy-saving AP of the broadcast cast TWT (ID=0), there is only one terminal among the members of the broadcast cast TWT (ID=0), and the terminal sends a TWT information frame to the AP to request to suspend or resume the broadcast cast TWT (ID=0), and the AP transmits a response acknowledgment frame to the terminal, and the AP energy saving state is suspended or resumed with the transmission of the acknowledgment frame. In the acknowledgment frame, the next twt subfield in is restored (no earlier than this time, or at the first scheduled TWT no earlier than this time).

[0047] In an example, the behavioral operation of the TWT energy-saving mode of the access point with a broadcast ID of 0 is not bound to the behavioral operation of the TWT schedule formed by the energy-saving capability of the TWT with a broadcast ID of 0; wherein the behavioral operations include: establishing, releasing, suspending, and resuming; the behavioral operation of the TWT energy-saving mode of the access point with a broadcast ID of 0 will be triggered for immediate execution or delayed execution in the form of an indication frame.

[0048] In one example, in certain cases, as long as the broadcast cast TWT (ID = 0) of at least one terminal associated with the AP or connected to the AP is working normally (as long as one member of the broadcast cast TWT (ID = 0) is working normally) (there is no suspension or resumption behavior), the energy-saving method of the AP based on the broadcast cast TWT (ID = 0) still exists and will not be suspended or resumed with the suspension or resumption of certain members of certain broadcast cast TWT (ID = 0). The energy-saving method of the AP based on the broadcast cast TWT (ID = 0) will not be suspended or resumed with the SP of the broadcast cast TWT (ID = 0) of a certain terminal.

[0049] In one example, in some cases, only the AP broadcasts or multicasts the TWT information frame to all terminals associated with or connected to the AP to suspend or resume the broad cast TWT (ID=0), and the AP uses the energy-saving method based on the broad cast TWT (ID=0), and suspends or resumes the broad cast TWT (ID=0). The AP resumes at the same time as the broad cast TWT (ID=0), and the resumption time is indicated by the next twt subfield (or the first TWT scheduled no earlier than this time is resumed).

[0050] In an example, the TWT information frame or the acknowledgment frame includes the all TWT subfield, indicating that all TWTs of the device (STA or access point) are paused.

[0051] In an example, if the TWT information frame or acknowledgment frame does not contain the next twt subfield broad cast TWT (ID=0) indicating the recovery time, the AP returns to the default energy saving mode (default capability mode), or the specified energy saving mode (specified capability mode), or returns to the non-energy saving mode.

[0052] In one example, the access point allows scheduling of multiple TWT schedules based on TWT energy-saving capabilities while turning on the TWT energy-saving mode with a broadcast ID of 0. In other words, an AP working in a broadcast TWT ID = 0 can have other TWT SPs, which are specifically implemented as follows:

[0053] In some cases, an energy-saving AP working in broadcast cast TWT ID=0 schedules other TWTs for its terminals at the same time. Among them, the other TWT includes at least the following items: individual TWT, broadcast TWT, flexible TWT. In some cases, whether the AP working in the energy-saving mode of broadcast cast TWT ID=0 can schedule other TWTs is a capability, or whether the AP can schedule other TWTs is configurable, which is a domain field. Field 1 means that other TWTs can be scheduled, and 0 means that other TWTs cannot be scheduled; it is contained in the UHR MAC / PHY capability element, or in the beacon, probe response frame, probe request frame, or in the MIB (Management information base). In some cases, it is assumed that the energy-saving AP working in broadcast cast TWT ID=0 can schedule other TWTs. In some cases, the maximum number of TWTs scheduled by the energy-saving AP working in broadcast cast TWT ID=0 is one of the following values ​​{1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8}.

[0054] In some cases, the period of the other scheduled TWT is a subset of the period of broadcast TWT ID=0, or the SP (Service period) of the other scheduled TWT is included in the SP of broadcast TWT ID=0 of the other scheduled TWT. A possible situation is as follows Figure 2 shown. Figure 2 The TWT1 in the figure is the broadcast TWT with ID=0, which works in cycle 1. Another TWT2 works in cycle 2, and the SP of TWT2 is covered by the TWT1 SP. In some cases, the terminals of the covered multiple TWT SPs use frequency division (different RUs), space division, or use EDCA to compete for channels at the same time in time to communicate. In some cases, the start time of TWT2 SP is the same as the start time of the broadcast TWT (ID=0) SP.

[0055] In some cases, when the access point energy saving mode based on broadcast TWT (ID=0) is established, other TWTs already exist. Or, when the access point energy saving mode based on broadcast TWT (ID=0) is established, broadcast TWT (ID=0) already exists, then the access point energy saving mode based on broadcast TWT (ID=0) and other TWTs that can be covered or included by the SP of broadcastTWT (ID=0) continue to exist or continue to work. Other TWTs that cannot be covered or included by the SP of broadcast TWT (ID=0) are released or suspended. In some cases, the release or suspension support is included in the broadcast frame, beacon, or TWT element that announces the establishment of the access point energy saving mode based on broadcast TWT (ID=0), and the terminal performs the release or suspension after several TBTTs indicated therein.

[0056] Apart from Figure 2 There is another situation as shown in Figure 3 As shown in the figure, in some cases, if some SPs of TWT3 are not covered by TWT1 SP (or called included), then the SPs not covered by TWT1 SP cannot be used by TWT3 to transmit data (or BSR-poll (buffer state report poll), or management frame or control frame). Only when the SP of TWT3 covered by TWT1 SP (or the SP part of TWT3 included) is used to transmit information. Figure 3 As shown, the portion of TWT3 not included in TWT1 SP cannot be used to transmit information because the AP is in a power-saving state (such as sleeping or in a lower capability mode with limited transmission capability) during this period.

[0057] In one example, the terminal requests the schedule of other TWTs, and if it meets the requirements, Figure 2 If the conditions are met, it will be accepted. If not, Figure 2In this case, the response method is as follows: If an access point in energy-saving mode works in (broadcast TWT ID=0) and schedules other TWT schedules for its terminals. If the terminal requests or suggests a new TWT SP through a TWT request frame or a TWT suggestion frame that can be covered or included by the SP of broadcast TWT (ID=0), the AP can accept the TWT. For example, in an initial frame (initiating frame), the TWT setup command field is set to (suggest TWT, demand TWT or request TWT, which indicates accept TWT in a response frame). Otherwise, the TWT or (TWT schedule) is not accepted. For example, in an initial frame (initiating frame), the TWT setup command field is set to (suggest TWT, demand TWT or request TWT, which indicates not accepting in a response frame, or not transmitting a response frame.

[0058] In one example, the terminal updates the schedule of other TWTs, and if it meets the requirements, Figure 2 If the conditions are met, it will be accepted. If not, Figure 2In the case of an error, the response method is as follows: After the AP enters the energy-saving mode of the broad cast TWT ID=0, if the schedule of the broad cast TWT ID=0 is updated. For example, at this time, in an initial frame (initiating frame), the TWT setup command field is set to suggest TWT, demand TWT or request TWT (broad cast TWT ID=0), and in the response frame, it indicates alternative TWT, or broadcast TWT ID=0. In one example, the TWT schedule of the broad cast TWT ID=0 for AP energy saving has been determined, and it is not allowed to update the broad cast TWT ID=0 schedule for AP energy saving; in one example, whether the broad cast TWT ID=0 for AP energy saving is allowed to be modified is configurable. A newly defined field, called AP TWT PS update, is included in the TWT element. Among them, the field is 0, which means that it cannot be modified. If you want to modify it, you can only delete the TWT schedule and create a new schedule for AP energy saving, and the broad cast TWT ID=0. The field is 1, which means that it can be modified. Among them, AP TWT PS update is just a name of the domain and does not limit the specific name of the domain.

[0059] For updating the TWT schedule of the broadcast cast TWT ID=0 for AP energy saving, the following are examples of the response methods for other TWTs:

[0060] In one example, after the AP enters the energy-saving mode of the broadcast cast TWT ID=0, if the AP schedules other TWT SPs at the same time, the schedule of the broadcast cast TWT (ID=0) is updated at the same time. In one example, if the other TWT SP conflicts with the updated schedule of the broadcast cast TWT ID=0 and cannot be covered by the updated schedule of the broadcast cast TWT ID=0, it is either updated or modified. In one example, if the other TWT SP conflicts with the updated schedule of the broadcast cast TWT ID=0, it can be covered by the updated schedule of the broadcast TWT ID=0. Among them, the conflict with the updated schedule of the broadcast cast TWT ID=0 is released or suspended by other TWT SPs.

[0061] In an example, an AP working in an energy-saving mode based on (broadcast TWT ID=0) updates the broadcast TWT schedule according to normal steps if no other TWT SPs are scheduled, such as the AP sending an initiating frame (TWT broadcast frame) or including a new Broadcast TWT element (ID=0) in the beacon.

[0062] In one example, the Broadcast TWT element (ID=0) SP may be non-periodic. Other coexisting TWT SP periods may also be periodic or non-periodic, not limited to Figure 2 and Figure 3 Describes the situation of periodic TWT SP.

[0063] In this embodiment, the access point sends a TWT capability identifier included in a TWT element for indicating the energy-saving capability of TWT to each terminal accessing the access point in the form of a broadcast, and starts the TWT energy-saving mode with a broadcast ID of 0, wherein the TWT capability identifier is used to indicate to the terminal that the access point will enter the energy-saving state immediately or with a delay after establishing a TWT schedule formed by the energy-saving capability of TWT with a broadcast ID of 0; in the energy-saving state, the access point will enter a dormant state formed based on the energy-saving capability of TWT in the time period outside the TWT SP in the TWT schedule, or the access point will enter a low-capacity mode formed based on the energy-saving capability of the capability mode in the time period outside the TWT SP in the TWT schedule. In the case of the TWT energy-saving mode based on the broadcast ID of 0, it is possible to manage the energy-saving mode based on the capability mode and reasonably adjust its own energy-saving behavior, thereby achieving further deep energy saving.

[0064] 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.

[0065] Another embodiment of the present invention relates to an access point, such as Figure 4 As shown, it includes at least one processor 501; and a memory 502 that is communicatively connected to the at least one processor; wherein the memory 502 stores instructions that can be executed by the at least one processor 501, and the instructions are executed by the at least one processor 501 so that the at least one processor 501 can execute the access point energy saving method as described above.

[0066] The memory 502 and the processor 501 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 501 and the memory 502 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 501 is transmitted on a wireless medium via an antenna, and further, the antenna also receives data and transmits the data to the processor 501.

[0067] The processor 501 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 502 can be used to store data used by the processor 501 when performing operations.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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. An access point energy saving method, characterized in that: Applied to an access point, the method comprises: Sending a TWT capability identifier included in a TWT element for indicating the energy-saving capability of the TWT to each terminal accessing the access point in the form of broadcast, and turning on the TWT energy-saving mode with a broadcast ID of 0; The TWT capability identifier is used to indicate to the terminal that the access point will enter the energy-saving state immediately or with a delay after establishing a TWT schedule formed by the energy-saving capability of the TWT with a broadcast ID of 0; In the energy-saving state, the access point will enter a sleep state formed based on the energy-saving capability of the TWT during the time period outside the TWT SP in the TWT schedule, or the access point will enter a low-capability mode formed based on the energy-saving capability of the capability mode during the time period outside the TWT SP in the TWT schedule.

2. The access point energy saving method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The method further comprises: When the access point and the member accessing the access point during a certain TWT SP period meet a preset energy-saving condition, the access point does not need to release the sleep state or the low-capacity mode during the TWT SP period that meets the preset energy-saving condition; The preset energy-saving condition includes one of the following or any combination thereof: All members accessing the access point are in the dormant state or the low-capability mode, all members accessing the access point have no uplink services to be uploaded, and the access point has no buffered downlink services.

3. The access point energy saving method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The method further comprises: When the access point exits the TWT energy-saving mode with a broadcast ID of 0 under the action of the TWT capability release frame, it will enter a working mode formed by the energy-saving capability based on the capability mode specified by the TWT capability release frame, or, It will automatically restore to the working mode formed by the energy-saving capability based on the capability mode before the TWT energy-saving mode with the broadcast ID of 0 was established, or, When the TWT capability release frame specifies a working mode based on the energy-saving capability of the capability model, the working mode specified by the TWT capability release frame for energy-saving capability will be entered; when the TWT capability release frame does not specify a working mode based on the energy-saving capability of the capability model, the default working mode based on the energy-saving capability of the capability model will be entered.

4. The access point energy saving method according to claim 3, characterized in that: The TWT capability release frame is sent by the subordinate access point of the access point to the access point and members accessing the access point in the form of broadcast.

5. The access point energy saving method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The method further comprises: When the access point suspends the use of the TWT energy-saving mode with the broadcast ID of 0, the energy-saving state is also suspended; When the access point resumes using the TWT energy-saving mode with the broadcast ID being 0, the energy-saving state is also restored.

6. The access point energy saving method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The method further comprises: When the access point simultaneously receives an instruction for starting the TWT energy-saving mode with a broadcast ID of 0 and an instruction for adjusting the working mode formed by the energy-saving capability of the access point based on the capability mode, the TWT energy-saving mode with a broadcast ID of 0 will be started; or, When the access point simultaneously receives an instruction for starting the TWT energy-saving mode with a broadcast ID of 0 and an instruction for adjusting the working mode formed by the energy-saving capability of the access point based on the capability mode, it will select one of them for execution according to the priority of the instructions carried by each.

7. The access point energy saving method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The behavior operation of the TWT energy-saving mode of the access point with a broadcast ID of 0 is not bound to the behavior operation of the TWT schedule formed by the energy-saving capability of the TWT with a broadcast ID of 0; Among them, the behavior operations include: create, release, suspend, and resume; The behavior operation of the TWT energy-saving mode of the access point with a broadcast ID of 0 will be triggered for immediate execution or delayed execution in the form of an indication frame.

8. The access point energy saving method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The access point allows scheduling of multiple TWT schedules formed based on the energy-saving capability of the TWT while turning on the TWT energy-saving mode with a broadcast ID of 0.

9. An access point, 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 to enable the at least one processor to perform the access point energy saving method according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program, characterized in that: When the computer program is executed by a processor, the access point energy saving method according to any one of claims 1 to 8 is implemented.

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