Power saving protocol for multi-link devices

Abstract

The present disclosure provides methods and devices for introducing a power saving protocol (e.g., lower power mode) for a multi-link device (MLD). Some aspects more specifically relate to reducing power consumption in an access point (AP) MLD, and more specifically to a power saving protocol (or lower power mode) for an AP MLD. In some aspects, the AP MLD may initiate a lower power mode to save power as long as possible while still maintaining minimum receive (RX) and transmit (TX) functionality. When requested by an associated station (STA), the AP MLD may then transition from the lower power mode to a higher power mode with full RX and TX functionality with minimal delay. The described techniques may also take into account tradeoffs and constraints that occur due to different use cases and scenarios, as well as different device configurations.

Description

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Non - Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 18 / 047,956, filed on October 19, 2022, entitled "POWER SAVE PROTOCOLS FOR MULTI - LINK DEVICES", which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure generally relates to wireless communication and, more particularly, to minimizing power consumption for multi - link devices. Background Art

[0004] A wireless local area network (WLAN) may be formed by one or more access points (APs) that provide a shared wireless communication medium for use by multiple client devices (also referred to as stations (STAs)). The basic building block of a WLAN that follows the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standard series is a basic service set (BSS) managed by an AP. Each BSS is identified by a basic service set identifier (BSSID) announced by the AP. The AP periodically broadcasts beacon frames so that any STA within the wireless range of the AP can establish or maintain a communication link with the WLAN.

[0005] Generally, it has been desirable for APs to stay in an active mode, and for a given set of channel conditions, APs often operate at the maximum bandwidth (BW) and the maximum number of spatial streams (NSS) so that associated STAs can obtain the highest possible throughput and the fastest service. Additionally, the power consumption of APs has not been considered a problem because most APs are continuously connected to a power source, such as through a wall outlet. However, the amount of power consumed by APs is significant and increases the maintenance cost and ecological footprint of the network. For multi - AP networks and APs that support multi - link operation, the power consumption problem is further exacerbated because power consumption increases linearly with the number of APs and links. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The systems, methods, and devices of this disclosure each have several innovative aspects, none of which is solely responsible for the desirable attributes disclosed herein.

[0007] One innovative aspect of the subject matter described in this disclosure can be implemented in a wireless communication device. In some specific implementations, the wireless communication device may include: at least one memory; and at least one processor communicatively coupled to the at least one memory, the at least one processor operable to cause the wireless communication device to: send a request to a wireless AP multi-link device (MLD) having an AP operating in a lower power mode in which a link associated with a wireless station (STA) is disabled for the wireless STA to transition from operating in the lower power mode to operating in a higher power mode in which the link associated with the AP is enabled for the wireless STA; receive a response associated with the request after a transition delay period; and after the transition delay period, send data to the AP MLD on the link associated with the AP.

[0008] Another innovative aspect of the subject matter described in this disclosure can be implemented in a wireless communication method. The method may be performed by an STA and may include: sending a request to a wireless AP MLD having an AP operating in a lower power mode in which a link associated with a wireless STA is disabled for the wireless STA to transition from operating in the lower power mode to operating in a higher power mode in which the link associated with the AP is enabled for the wireless STA; receiving a response associated with the request after a transition delay period; and after the transition delay period, sending data to the AP MLD on the link associated with the AP.

[0009] Another innovative aspect of the subject matter described in this disclosure can be implemented in a wireless AP. In some specific implementations, the wireless AP includes: at least one memory; at least one processor communicatively coupled to the at least one memory, the at least one processor operable to cause the wireless AP to: receive from a wireless STA a request for the wireless AP of the AP MLD to transition from operating in a lower power mode in which a link associated with the wireless STA is disabled for the wireless STA to operating in a higher power mode in which the link associated with the wireless AP is enabled for the wireless STA; send a response associated with the request after a transition delay period; and receive data from the wireless STA on the link associated with the wireless AP when the link is enabled after the transition delay period.

[0010] Another innovative aspect of the subject matter described in this disclosure can be implemented in a wireless communication method. The method can be performed by a wireless AP and can include receiving, from a wireless STA, a request for the AP MLD to transition from operating in a lower power mode in which the link associated with the wireless AP is disabled for the wireless STA to operating in a higher power mode in which the link associated with the wireless AP is enabled for the wireless STA; sending, after a transition delay period, a response associated with the request; and receiving, from the wireless STA, data on the link associated with the wireless AP when the link is enabled after the transition delay period. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Details of one or more specific implementations of the subject matter described in this disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, aspects, and advantages will become apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims. Note that the relative dimensions of the following drawings are not drawn to scale.

[0012] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an example wireless communication network is shown.

[0013] Figure 2 A block diagram of an example wireless communication device is shown.

[0014] Figure 3A A block diagram of an example access point (AP) is shown.

[0015] Figure 3B A block diagram of an example station (STA) is shown.

[0016] Figure 4 An example wireless communication system including an AP multi-link device (MLD) and a non-AP MLD is shown.

[0017] Figure 5 A sequence diagram depicting an example of wireless communication between a non-AP MLD and an AP MLD according to a power saving protocol is shown.

[0018] Figure 6 A timing diagram depicting an example of wireless communication between a non-AP MLD and an AP MLD according to a power saving protocol is shown.

[0019] Figure 7 A timing diagram depicting an example of wireless communication between a non-AP MLD and an AP MLD according to a power saving protocol is shown.

[0020] Figure 8 A flowchart illustrating an example process that can be performed by a non-AP MLD supporting wireless communication according to a power saving protocol is shown.

[0021] Figure 9A flowchart is shown that illustrates an example process that may be performed by a non-AP MLD supporting wireless communication according to a power saving protocol.

[0022] Figure 10 A flowchart is shown that illustrates an example process that may be performed by a non-AP MLD supporting wireless communication according to a power saving protocol.

[0023] Figure 11 A flowchart is shown that illustrates an example process that may be performed by an AP MLD supporting wireless communication according to a power saving protocol.

[0024] Figure 12 A flowchart is shown that illustrates an example process that may be performed by an AP MLD supporting wireless communication according to a power saving protocol.

[0025] Figure 13 A flowchart is shown that illustrates an example process that may be performed by an AP MLD supporting wireless communication according to a power saving protocol.

[0026] Figure 14 A block diagram of an example MLD according to some specific implementations is shown.

[0027] The same reference numerals and names in different figures indicate the same elements. Detailed Description

[0028] The following description is directed to certain specific implementations and is intended to describe innovative aspects of the present disclosure. However, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that the teachings herein can be applied in many different ways. The described implementations can be implemented in any device, system, or network capable of transmitting and receiving radio frequency (RF) signals according to one or more of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standards, IEEE 802.15 standards, standards defined such as by the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG), standards, or Long Term Evolution (LTE), 3G, 4G, or 5G standards, etc. The described implementations can be implemented in any device, system, or network capable of transmitting and receiving RF signals according to one or more of the following technologies or techniques: Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA), Single User (SU) Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO), and Multi-User (MU) MIMO. The described specific implementations can also be implemented using other wireless communication protocols or RF signals suitable for use in one or more of a Wireless Personal Area Network (WPAN), Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), Wireless Wide Area Network (WWAN), or Internet of Things (IoT) network.

[0029] Aspects generally relate to reducing power consumption in a multi-link device (MLD), and more specifically to a power saving protocol (associated with a "lower power mode") for an access point (AP) MLD. In some aspects, in the lower power mode, the AP MLD can conserve power on a subset of links by reducing the number of active links while leaving an "anchoring link" for non-AP stations (STAs). When a subset of links is disabled, the AP MLD can rely on the anchoring links of the non-AP STAs to perform basic functions, and the AP operating on the subset of disabled links saves power due to being disabled. In some aspects, the AP MLD can also initiate the lower power mode to save power for as long as possible while still maintaining minimum receive (RX) and transmit (TX) functions. When requested by an associated STA, the AP MLD can then transition from the lower power mode to a higher power mode with full RX and TX functions with minimal latency. Additionally, an STA can explicitly request that the AP MLD wake up and request an increase in the duration for which the AP MLD can remain awake on a link associated with the AP MLD, an increase in the bandwidth on the link, or an increase in the number of spatial streams (NSS) configured for the link. For example, in an instance where the AP MLD includes an AP operating in a lower power mode (where links associated with the AP are disabled for the STA), the STA can send an explicit request for the AP MLD to transition from the lower power mode to a higher power mode where the originally disabled links associated with the AP are now enabled for the STA. The described techniques can also account for tradeoffs and constraints that arise due to different use cases and scenarios as well as different device configurations.

[0030] Specific embodiments of the subject matter described in this disclosure can be implemented to realize one or more of the following potential advantages. In some aspects, the described techniques can be used by the AP MLD to enter and remain in a lower power mode to operate with minimal RX and TX functions to minimize power consumption while ensuring that associated STAs continue to be served without service interruption. Additionally, the amount of power consumed by an AP is significant and even more so in multi-link and multi-AP networks because power consumption increases linearly with the number of links and the number of APs in the same network. This allows the AP to remain in the lower power mode for as long as possible by only entering the higher power mode with full RX / TX capabilities when needed.

[0031] Figure 1FIG. 0 shows a schematic diagram of an example wireless communication network 100. According to some aspects, wireless communication network 100 may be an example of a wireless local area network (WLAN) (such as a Wi-Fi network) (and will be referred to hereinafter as WLAN 100). For example, WLAN 100 may be a network that implements at least one of the IEEE 802.11 series of wireless communication protocol standards (such as the standards defined by the IEEE 802.11-2016 specification or its revisions, including but not limited to 802.11ay, 802.11ax, 802.11az, 802.11ba, and 802.11be). WLAN 100 may include a number of wireless communication devices, such as AP 102 and multiple stations (STAs) 104. Although only one AP 102 is shown, WLAN network 100 may also include multiple APs 102.

[0032] Each STA in STA 104 may also be referred to as a mobile station (MS), mobile device, mobile phone, wireless phone, access terminal (AT), user equipment (UE), subscriber station (SS), or subscriber unit, etc. STA 104 may represent various devices, such as a mobile phone, personal digital assistant (PDA), other handheld devices, netbook, notebook computer, tablet computer, laptop computer, display device (e.g., TV, computer monitor, navigation system, etc.), music or other audio or stereo device, remote control device (″remote control″), printer, kitchen or other household appliance, remote key fob (e.g., for a passive keyless entry and start (PKES) system), etc.

[0033] A single AP 102 and the associated set of STAs 104 may be referred to as a basic service set (BSS), which is managed by the corresponding AP 102. Figure 1Additionally shown is an example coverage area 108 of the AP 102, which may represent the basic service area (BSA) of the WLAN 100. The BSS can be identified to users by a service set identifier (SSID), and can also be identified to other devices by a basic service set identifier (BSSID), which can be the media access control (MAC) address of the AP 102. The AP 102 periodically broadcasts beacon frames (″beacons″) including the BSSID so that any STA 104 within the wireless range of the AP 102 can ″associate″ or re-associate with the AP 102 to establish a corresponding communication link 106 (also referred to hereinafter as a ″Wi-Fi link″) with the AP 102 or maintain the communication link 106 with the AP. For example, the beacon can include an identification of the primary channel used by the corresponding AP 102 and a timing synchronization function for establishing or maintaining timing synchronization with the AP 102. The AP 102 can provide access to an external network to various STAs 104 in the WLAN via the corresponding communication link 106.

[0034] To establish a communication link 106 with the AP 102, each STA 104 in the STA is configured to perform passive or active scanning operations (″scanning″) on frequency channels in one or more frequency bands (e.g., 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz, or 60 GHz bands). To perform passive scanning, the STA 104 listens for beacons sent by the corresponding AP 102 at periodic time intervals (referred to as the target beacon transmission time (TBTT), measured in time units (TU), where one TU can be equal to 1024 microseconds (μs)). To perform active scanning, the STA 104 generates probe requests and sequentially sends these probe requests on each channel to be scanned, and listens for probe responses from the AP 102. Each STA 104 can be configured to identify or select the AP 102 to associate with based on the scanning information obtained through passive or active scanning, and perform authentication and association operations to establish a communication link 106 with the selected AP 102. The AP 102 assigns an association identifier (AID) to the STA 104 at the end of the association operation, and the AP 102 uses this association identifier (AID) to track the STA 104.

[0035] As wireless networks become increasingly prevalent, STA 104 may have the opportunity to select one of many BSSs within the range of the STA or among multiple APs 102 that together form an extended service set (ESS) (including multiple connected BSSs). Extended network stations associated with WLAN 100 can connect to a wired or wireless distribution system that permits multiple APs 102 to be connected within such an ESS. Thus, STA 104 may be covered by more than one AP 102 and may be associated with different APs 102 at different times for different transmissions. Additionally, after being associated with an AP 102, STA 104 may also be configured to periodically scan its surrounding environment to look for a more suitable AP 102 to associate with. For example, a STA 104 that is moving relative to its associated AP 102 may perform a "roaming" scan to look for another AP 102 with more desirable network characteristics such as a greater received signal strength indicator (RSSI) or reduced traffic load.

[0036] In some cases, STA 104 may form a network that does not have an AP 102 or other equipment other than the STA 104 itself. An example of such a network is an ad hoc network (or wireless ad hoc network). An ad hoc network may alternatively be referred to as a mesh network or a peer-to-peer (P2P) network. In some cases, an ad hoc network may be implemented within a larger wireless network such as WLAN 100. In such aspects, while STA 104 may be able to communicate with each other through an AP 102 using communication link 106, STA 104 may also communicate directly with each other via a direct wireless link 110. Additionally, two STA 104 may communicate via a direct communication link 110 regardless of whether the two STA 104 are associated with the same AP 102 and served by the same AP. In such an ad hoc system, one or more STA 104 may assume the role that an AP 102 plays in a BSS. Such a STA 104 may be referred to as a group owner (GO) and may coordinate transmissions within the ad hoc network. Examples of direct wireless link 110 include Wi-Fi direct connections, connections established by using Wi-Fi tunnel direct link setup (TDLS) links, and other P2P group connections.

[0037] AP 102 and STA 104 can operate and communicate (via the respective communication link 106) according to the IEEE 802.11 series of wireless communication protocol standards (such as the standards defined by the IEEE 802.11-2016 specification or its revisions, including but not limited to 802.11ay, 802.11ax, 802.11az, 802.11ba, and 802.11be). These standards define the WLAN radio and baseband protocols for the PHY and medium access control (MAC) layers. AP 102 and STA 104 send and receive wireless communications (also hereinafter referred to as "Wi-Fi communications") to and from each other in the form of PHY protocol data units (PPDUs) (or physical layer convergence protocol (PLCP) PPDUs). The AP 102 and STA 104 in the WLAN 100 can send PPDUs on the unlicensed spectrum, which can be a part of the spectrum including the frequency bands traditionally used by Wi-Fi technology (such as the 2.4 GHz band, 5 GHz band, 60 GHz band, 3.6 GHz band, and 900 MHz band). Some aspects of the AP 102 and STA 104 described herein can also communicate in other frequency bands (such as the 6 GHz band) that support both licensed and unlicensed communications. The AP 102 and STA 104 can also be configured to communicate on other frequency bands (such as shared licensed bands), where multiple operators can have licenses to operate in one or more identical or overlapping frequency bands.

[0038] Each of the frequency bands can include multiple sub-bands or frequency channels. For example, PPDUs compliant with the IEEE 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11ax, and 802.11be standard revisions can be sent on the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, or 6 GHz frequency bands, where each frequency band is divided into multiple 20 MHz channels. Thus, these PPDUs are sent on physical channels with a minimum bandwidth of 20 MHz, but can form larger channels through channel bonding. For example, PPDUs can be sent on physical channels having a bandwidth of 40 MHz, 80 MHz, 160 MHz, or 320 MHz by bonding multiple 20 MHz channels together.

[0039] Each PPDU is a composite structure that includes a PHY preamble and a payload in the form of a PHY service data unit (PSDU). The information provided in the preamble can be used by a receiving device to decode the subsequent data in the PSDU. In instances where the PPDU is transmitted on a bound channel, the preamble field can be replicated and transmitted in each of a plurality of component channels. The PHY preamble can include both a legacy portion (or "legacy preamble") and a non-legacy portion (or "non-legacy preamble"). The legacy preamble can be used for other purposes such as packet detection, automatic gain control, and channel estimation. The legacy preamble is also typically used to maintain compatibility with legacy devices. The format, decoding, and information provided in the non-legacy portion of the preamble are based on the particular IEEE 802.11 protocol to be used for transmitting the payload.

[0040] Figure 2 A block diagram of an example wireless communication device 200 is shown. In some specific implementations, the wireless communication device 200 can be an example of a device for use in a STA (such as one of the STAs 104 as referenced Figure 1 as described). In some specific implementations, the wireless communication device 200 can be an example of a device for use in an AP (such as the AP 102 as referenced Figure 1 as described). The wireless communication device 200 is capable of transmitting (or outputting for transmission) and receiving wireless communications (e.g., in the form of wireless packets). For example, the wireless communication device 200 can be configured to transmit and receive packets in the form of physical layer convergence protocol (PLCP) protocol data units (PPDUs) and medium access control (MAC) protocol data units (MPDUs) that comply with the IEEE 802.11 wireless communication protocol standard (such as the standard defined by the IEEE 802.11-2016 specification or its revisions, including but not limited to 802.11ah, 802.11ad, 802.11ay, 802.11ax, 802.11az, 802.11ba, and 802.11be).

[0041] The wireless communication device 200 can be or can include a chip, a system-on-chip (SoC), a chipset, a package, or a device that includes one or more modems 204 (e.g., a Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11 compliant) modem). In some specific implementations, one or more modems 204 (collectively referred to as "modems 204") additionally include a WWAN modem (e.g., a 3GPP 4G LTE or 5G compliant modem). In some specific implementations, the wireless communication device 200 further includes one or more radio components 206 (collectively referred to as "radio components 206"). In some specific implementations, the wireless communication device 200 further includes one or more processors, processing blocks, or processing elements 202 (collectively referred to as "processors 202") and one or more memory blocks or elements 208 (collectively referred to as "memory 208").

[0042] The modem 204 can include intelligent hardware blocks or devices such as, for example, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), etc. The modem 204 is generally configured to implement the PHY layer. For example, the modem 204 is configured to modulate packets and output the modulated packets to the radio component 206 for transmission over the wireless medium. Similarly, the modem 204 is configured to obtain the modulated packets received by the radio component 206 and demodulate these packets to provide demodulated packets. In addition to the modulator and demodulator, the modem 204 may further include digital signal processing (DSP) circuitry, automatic gain control (AGC), encoders, decoders, multiplexers, and demultiplexers. For example, when in the transmit mode, the data obtained from the processor 202 is provided to an encoder, which encodes the data to provide encoded bits. The encoded bits are then mapped to points in the modulation constellation (using the selected MCS) to provide modulated symbols. The modulated symbols can then be mapped to a number N SS spatial streams or a number N STS space-time streams. The modulated symbols in the corresponding spatial streams or space-time streams can then be multiplexed, transformed via an inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT) block, and subsequently provided to the DSP circuitry for Tx windowing and filtering. The digital signal can then be provided to a digital-to-analog converter (DAC). The resulting analog signal can then be provided to a frequency upconverter and ultimately to the radio component 206. In specific implementations involving beamforming, the modulated symbols in the corresponding spatial streams are pre-coded via a steering matrix before being provided to the IFFT block.

[0043] When in the receive mode, the digital signal received from radio component 206 is provided to the DSP circuit, which is configured to obtain the received signal, for example, by detecting the presence of the signal and estimating the initial timing and frequency offset. The DSP circuit is further configured to digitally condition the digital signal, for example, using channel (narrowband) filtering, analog impairment conditioning (such as correcting I / Q imbalance), and applying digital gain to ultimately obtain a narrowband signal. The output of the DSP circuit can then be fed to the AGC, which is configured to determine an appropriate gain using information extracted from the digital signal (e.g., in one or more received training fields). The output of the DSP circuit is also coupled to a demodulator, which is configured to extract the modulated symbols from the signal and, for example, calculate the log-likelihood ratio (LLR) for each bit location of each subcarrier in each spatial stream. The demodulator is coupled to a decoder, which can be configured to process the LLRs to provide the decoded bits. Then, the decoded bits from all spatial streams are fed to a demultiplexer for demultiplexing. Then, the demultiplexed bits can be descrambled and provided to the MAC layer (processor 202) for processing, evaluation, or interpretation.

[0044] Radio component 206 generally includes at least one radio frequency (RF) transmitter (or "transmitter chain") and at least one RF receiver (or "receiver chain"), which can be combined into one or more transceivers. For example, the RF transmitter and receiver can include various DSP circuits, respectively including at least one power amplifier (PA) and at least one low noise amplifier (LNA). The RF transmitter and receiver can in turn be coupled to one or more antennas. For example, in some specific embodiments, wireless communication device 200 can include multiple transmit antennas (each transmit antenna having a corresponding transmit chain) and multiple receive antennas (each receive antenna having a corresponding receive chain) or be coupled to these antennas. The symbols output from the modem 204 are provided to radio component 206, which then transmits these symbols via the coupled antennas. Similarly, the symbols received via the antennas are obtained by radio component 206, which then provides these symbols to the modem 204.

[0045] Processor 202 may include intelligent hardware blocks or devices designed to perform the functions described herein, such as, for example, processing cores, processing blocks, central processing units (CPUs), microprocessors, microcontrollers, digital signal processors (DSPs), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), programmable logic devices (PLDs) (such as field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs)), discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof. Processor 202 processes information received via radio component 206 and modem 204, and processes information to be output via modem 204 and radio component 206 for transmission over a wireless medium. For example, processor 202 may implement a control plane and a MAC layer configured to perform various operations related to the generation and transmission of MPDUs, frames, or packets. The MAC layer is configured to perform or facilitate frame encoding and decoding, spatial multiplexing, space-time block coding (STBC), beamforming, and OFDMA resource allocation, and other operations or techniques. In some specific implementations, processor 202 may generally control modem 204 to cause the modem to perform the various operations described above.

[0046] Memory 208 may include tangible storage media such as random access memory (RAM) or read only memory (ROM), or a combination thereof. Memory 208 may also store non-transitory processor or computer executable software (SW) code containing instructions that, when executed by processor 202, cause the processor to perform the various operations for wireless communication described herein, including the generation, transmission, reception, and decoding of MDPUs, frames, or packets. For example, the various functions of the components disclosed herein or the various blocks or steps of the methods, operations, processes, or algorithms disclosed herein may be implemented as one or more modules of one or more computer programs.

[0047] Figure 3A A block diagram of an example AP 302 is shown. For example, AP 302 may be an example implementation of AP 102 as referred to Figure 1 above. AP 302 includes a wireless communication device (WCD) 310 (although AP 302 itself may generally also be referred to as a wireless communication device as used herein). For example, wireless communication device 310 may be a reference Figure 4Exemplary embodiments of the wireless communication device 400 are described. The AP 302 also includes a plurality of antennas 320 coupled to the wireless communication device 310 to transmit and receive wireless communications. In some embodiments, the AP 302 additionally includes an application processor 330 coupled to the wireless communication device 310 and a memory 340 coupled to the application processor 330. The AP 302 also includes at least one external network interface 350 that enables the AP 302 to communicate with a core network or a backhaul network to obtain access to an external network including the Internet. For example, the external network interface 350 may include one or both of a wired (e.g., Ethernet) network interface and a wireless network interface (such as a WWAN interface). A plurality of the above components may communicate directly or indirectly with other components among the components via at least one bus. The AP 302 also includes a housing that houses at least a portion of the wireless communication device 310, the application processor 330, the memory 340, the antennas 320, and the external network interface 350.

[0048] Figure 3B A block diagram of an exemplary STA 304 is shown. For example, the STA 304 may be an exemplary embodiment of the STA 104 described Figure 1 Exemplary embodiments of the STA 304 are described. The STA 304 includes a wireless communication device 315 (although the STA 304 itself may generally also be referred to as a wireless communication device as used herein). For example, the wireless communication device 315 may be an exemplary embodiment of the wireless communication device 200 described Figure 2 Exemplary embodiments of the STA 304 are described. The STA 304 also includes one or more antennas 325 coupled to the wireless communication device 315 to transmit and receive wireless communications. The STA 304 additionally includes an application processor 335 coupled to the wireless communication device 315 and a memory 345 coupled to the application processor 335. In some embodiments, the STA 304 also includes a user interface (UI) 355 (such as a touch screen or a keyboard) and a display 365 that may be integrated with the UI 355 to form a touch screen display. In some embodiments, the STA 304 may also include one or more sensors 375, such as one or more inertial sensors, accelerometers, temperature sensors, pressure sensors, or altitude sensors. A plurality of the above components may communicate directly or indirectly with other components among the components via at least one bus. The STA 304 also includes a housing that houses at least a portion of the wireless communication device 315, the application processor 335, the memory 345, the antennas 325, the UI 355, and the display 365.

[0049] Various aspects described herein relate generally to reducing power consumption in an AP, and more specifically to introducing a power saving protocol (e.g., a low power mode) for an AP. In some aspects, an AP may initiate a low power mode for reducing power consumption while still maintaining minimum receive (RX) and transmit (TX) functionality. A wireless STA may then request the AP to transition from a lower power mode to a higher power mode in which a link associated with the AP is enabled for the wireless STA with minimal delay.

[0050] Figure 4 An example communication system 400 is shown that includes an AP MLD 410 and a non-AP MLD 420. In some implementations, the AP MLD 410 may be Figure 1 AP 102 or Figure 3A In some implementations, the non-APMLD 420 may be an example of an AP 302. Figure 1 Any of the STAs 104 or Figure 3B An example of STA 304.

[0051] AP MLD 410 includes a plurality of APs 412, 414, and 416 associated with (or operating on) communication links 402, 404, and 406, respectively. Figure 4 In the example of FIG. 4 , the AP MLD 410 is shown as including three APs. However, in some implementations, the AP MLD 410 may include more than Figure 4 410. In some aspects, APs 412, 414, and 416 may share a common association context (via AP MLD 410). APs 412, 414, and 416 may also establish their respective communication links 402, 404, and 406 on different frequency bands. In some implementations, one or more of APs 412, 414, and 416 may operate at a carrier frequency below 7 GHz, such as in any of the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, or 6 GHz bands. For example, in the illustrated aspect, AP 412 may operate at a carrier frequency in the 2.4 GHz band, AP 414 may operate at a carrier frequency in the 5 GHz band, and AP 416 may operate at a carrier frequency of 6 GHz. In some other implementations, one or more of APs 412, 414, and 416 may operate at a carrier frequency above 7 GHz, such as in the 60 GHz or 45 GHz bands.

[0052] The non-AP MLD 420 includes multiple STAs 422, 424, and 426 that can be configured to communicate on communication links 402, 404, and 406, respectively. In some specific implementations, one or more of the STAs 422, 424, and 426 can operate at a carrier frequency below 7 GHz (such as any frequency band in the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, or 6 GHz bands). For example, in the illustrated aspect, STA 422 can operate at a carrier frequency in the 2.4 GHz band, STA 424 can operate at a carrier frequency in the 5 GHz band, and STA 426 can operate at a carrier frequency of 6 GHz. In some other specific implementations, one or more of the STAs 422, 424, and 426 can operate at a carrier frequency above 7 GHz (such as in the 60 GHz or 45 GHz bands). In Figure 4 the example, the non-AP MLD 420 is shown as including three STAs. However, in some specific implementations, the non-AP MLD 420 can include fewer or more STAs than Figure 4 those depicted. Existing versions of the IEEE 802.11 standard define several modes in which the non-AP MLD can operate. The various operating modes depend on the number of radio components associated with the non-AP MLD and the non-AP MLD's ability to communicate concurrently on multiple communication links (such as by transmitting or receiving).

[0053] In some specific implementations, the non-AP MLD 420 may include a single radio component or may otherwise be capable of communicating on only one link at a time. In such specific implementations, the non-AP MLD 420 may operate in a multi-link single radio component (MLSR) mode or an enhanced MLSR (eMLSR) mode. The non-AP MLD operating in the eMLSR mode may concurrently listen for specific types of packets on multiple links, such as buffer status report poll (BSRP) frames or multi-user (MU) request to send (RTS) (MU-RTS); however, the non-AP MLD operating in the eMLSR mode may transmit or receive on only one of the links at any given time. For example, STAs 422, 424, and 426 may concurrently listen on their respective links 402, 404, and 406 during a listening interval. However, if any of the STAs 422, 424, or 426 detects a BSRP frame on its respective link, the non-AP MLD 420 then tunes all of its antennas to the link on which the BSRP frame was detected. In contrast, the non-AP MLD operating in the MLSR mode can listen on only one communication link and can transmit or receive on only one communication link at any given time. For example, at any time when one of the STAs 422, 424, or 426 is active, two of the STAs 422, 424, or 426 are in a power saving mode.

[0054] In some other specific implementations, the non-AP MLD 420 may include multiple radio components and may be capable of communicating concurrently on each of the links 402, 404, and 406. In such specific implementations, the non-AP MLD 420 may operate in a multi-link multi radio component (MLMR) simultaneous transmit and receive (STR) mode or a multi-link multi radio component non-STR (NSTR) mode. The non-AP MLD operating in the MLMR STR mode may transmit and receive simultaneously on multiple links. For example, STA 422 may transmit or receive on link 402 while STA 424 concurrently transmits or receives on link 404. More specifically, such communications may be asynchronous. In other words, STA 422 may be transmitting on link 402 while STA 424 is receiving on link 404. In contrast, the non-AP MLD operating in the MLMR NSTR mode may transmit and receive simultaneously on multiple links provided that such communications are synchronous. For example, STAs 422, 424, and 426 may transmit concurrently on links 402, 404, and 406 and may also receive concurrently on links 402, 404, and 406. However, STA 422 cannot transmit on link 402 while STA 424 is receiving on link 404.

[0055] Further, in some specific implementations, the non-AP MLD may include multiple radio components, but may be capable of concurrent communication only on a subset of the links. In such specific implementations, the non-AP MLD 420 may operate in an enhanced MLMR (eMLMR) mode or a hybrid eMLMR mode. The non-AP MLD operating in the eMLMR mode supports only MLMR STR operations between some link pairs. For example, STAs 422 and 424 may communicate concurrently on their respective links 402 and 404 according to the MLMR STR operation mode, while STA 426 may not transmit or receive concurrently on its respective link 406 (referred to herein as an "eMLMR link"). In aspects where the non-AP MLD 420 includes four or more STAs, the STAs associated with the eMLMR link (such as STA 426 and another similar STA) may "pool" their antennas so that each of these STAs may utilize the antennas of other STAs when transmitting or receiving on one of the eMLMR links in the eMLMR link. On the other hand, the non-AP MLD operating in the hybrid eMLSR mode supports MLMR STR operations between some link pairs and eMLSR operations between some other link pairs.

[0056] In some aspects, the AP MLD 410 and the non-AP MLD 420 may convey cross-link MLS control signaling via one or more of the links 402, 404, and 406. For example, the AP MLD 410 and the non-AP MLD 420 may convey MLS control signaling applicable to both of the links 402 and 404 on another link 406. In some specific implementations, the MLS control signaling may include a configuration common to all of the links indicated in the MAC header. For example, the AP MLD 410 or the non-AP MLD 420 may send a frame having a MAC header that includes a field (or sub-field) configured with a value that is generally applicable to each of the links identified in a link ID bitmap included in the MAC header. In some other specific implementations, the MLS control signaling may configure the communication on the links indicated in the MAC header individually. For example, the AP MLD 410 or the non-AP MLD 420 may send a frame having a MAC header that indicates that the communication on each of the links should be configured according to a respective value that is individually applicable to each of the links identified in a link ID bitmap included in the MAC header. In some aspects, each of the respective values may be carried in another MAC header of another frame (such as the respective frame most recently received on each of the identified links). Thus, the concepts and various aspects described herein implement a wide range of flexible and scalable options without incurring additional overhead in terms of frame or header size.

[0057] Figure 5 A sequence diagram is shown that depicts an example of wireless communication between a non-AP MLD and an AP MLD according to a power saving protocol. The non-AP MLD 510 may include a plurality of STAs 512 and 514, and each of the plurality of STAs may be configured to communicate with a respective one of the APs 522 and 524 of the AP MLD 520 via a respective one of the links 502 and 504.

[0058] The process flow 500 illustrates an example sequence of operations performed between the STA 512 and the AP 522 to support the power saving protocol of the AP 522. For example, the process flow 500 depicts the operations of the AP 522 switching between a lower power mode and a higher power mode, and one or more of the operations described in the process flow 500 may be performed earlier or later, omitted, replaced, supplemented, or combined with another operation in the process. Moreover, additional operations not included in the process flow 500 described herein may be included in the process flow 500.

[0059] In some specific implementations, the AP MLD 520 may be Figure 1 the AP 102 orFigure 3A An example of the AP 302. In some other specific embodiments, the AP MLD 510 can be Figure 4 An example of the AP MLD 410, and thus, AP522 and 524 can be examples of AP 412 and 414 respectively. In some specific embodiments, the non-AP MLD 520 can be Figure 1 Any one of the STA104s of Figure 3B An example of the STA 304. In some other specific embodiments, the non-AP MLD 520 can be Figure 4 An example of the non-AP MLD 420, and thus, STA 422 and 424 can be examples of STA 512 and 514 respectively.

[0060] At 521, the STA 512 of the non-AP MLD 520 can send a request to the AP 522 of the AP MLD 510 to transition from a lower power mode (e.g., "light sleep" (LS) mode) to a higher power mode (e.g., "active" mode). For example, the STA 512 can transmit a request to send (RTS) addressed specifically to the AP 522 at 24 MB per second in a non-HT PPDU. In one aspect, the lower power mode corresponds to a mode in which the AP can maintain a minimum RX / TX function using one of the following two modes: Mode 1 (or LS-RX) in which the AP can have a minimum RX function but no TX function; or Mode 2 (or LS-RXTX) in which the AP has a minimum RX / TX function. In some examples, the minimum RX and minimum RX / TX functions can include receiving data in non-HT PPDU format, mandatory MCS, 20 MHz bandwidth, etc. In one aspect, the lower power mode can be equivalent to a sleep state in which the AP does not have RX / TX function. In one aspect, the higher power mode corresponds to a mode with normal RX / TX function.

[0061] Optionally, at 525, the STA 512 can send a request on the anchor link 502 associated with another AP 524 of the AP MLD 520. The anchor link can be enabled when the request is sent. The AP can save power on a subset of the links while keeping only one link (e.g., the anchor link) in the higher power mode. The AP operating on the subset of the links can save power because the subset of the links is disabled and AP PS based on target weight time (TWT) is being used. Additionally, the AP in the higher power mode can announce that the other links are saving power by announcing the status of each link, where the current link is indicated as active and the other links are in power saving mode or disabled.

[0062] In some aspects, non-AP STAs 512 and 514 can perform all basic functions on the anchored link 504 and suspend their operations on the disabled links, in which case these APs will save the most power. However, during the time these links are disabled, the burden on all MLD APs will fall on the anchored link. The transition from disabled to enabled may also take multiple beacon intervals, and the STA may need to renegotiate certain link-specific procedures (e.g., the TWT protocol) after enabling. All of these together may result in increased latency and a slow response to traffic changes. Additionally, non-AP STAs 512 and 514 can also operate only during the TWT SP with APs in TWT-based PS mode, in which case these APs will save less power. However, the STAs operating on these links are still served, which avoids any increased latency and also actively reacts to traffic changes.

[0063] The multi-link environment can also enable the additional feature of ultra-high reliability (UHR). If the non-AP MLD 510 is intended to transmit frames on the disabled / TWT PS mode link, the STA can request the AP MLD 520 to enable or wake up any link it intends to use. This enabling can be done via a link identification frame. The request to transition to a higher power mode can also be achieved via an action frame (e.g., EML OMN) or A-Control, which can include the list of links being requested to transition to a higher power mode, providing flexibility in the links and the number of links to transition to a higher power mode, and can include the requested bandwidth, NSS, and duration of the TWT SP. In one aspect, the AP MLD 520 can confirm which links are being enabled or transitioning to a higher power mode by transmitting a corresponding response, which can also indicate the confirmed resources (e.g., BW / NSS and TWT SP).

[0064] At 526, the AP 522 can send a response associated with the request after a transition delay period. For example, the AP 522 can respond to the STA 512 with a CTS frame. The transition delay period can have a minimum delay on the order of microseconds. In the case where the AP is transitioning from a dormant state to a higher power state, the transition delay period can have a delay on the order of milliseconds.

[0065] At 528, the AP 522 may transition from operating in a lower power mode to operating in a higher power mode based on a frame exchange (e.g., RTS / CTS exchange). To conserve power for as long as possible, the AP 522 will transition to the higher power mode only when requested by the STA 512. For example, in response to a particular PPDU that meets the limited RX and TX criteria of the AP 522 in the lower power mode, the AP 522 turns on all or a subset of the modules (e.g., high bandwidth, higher MCS constellations, etc.) at the AP 522 depending on whether the AP 522 is in the first mode or the second mode of the power-reduced state. In other words, the AP 522 transitions to the higher power mode because the AP 522 expects to receive data from the STA 512 at full bandwidth.

[0066] Optionally, at 530, when the link is enabled after the transition delay period, the AP 522 may send data to the AP MLD 520. In other words, the AP 522 now has full RX / TX capabilities.

[0067] Optionally, at 532, the STA 512 may send a request for the AP to remain in the higher power mode after the end of the SP or TXOP in the higher power mode. For example, the STA 512 sends data to the AP 522 in the second power state. In one aspect, at the end of the TXOP or at 534, the STA 512 may send a request to the AP MLD 520 to transition the AP 522 from the higher power mode to the lower power mode. The TXOP is available as part of EDCA (Enhanced Distributed Channel Access) in the QoS mode and is a contention-free channel access for a limited period of time available to the channel-owning station. During such a period, the STA 512 may transmit multiple frames belonging to a particular access category. As another example, the STA 512 may indicate in the last frame that the STA 512 no longer has any data to send to the AP 522. In response, the AP 522 may re-enter the lower power mode.

[0068] Optionally, at 536, the STA 512 may send a short data packet with a non-HT PPDU format when the AP is operating in the lower power mode.

[0069] In this way, the power-reduced mode may allow the AP to minimize power consumption while ensuring that the associated STAs continue to be served without service interruption. Thus, the AP may initiate the power-reduced mode to turn off at least some of its modules while maintaining minimum RX and TX functionality. Then, the AP may transition back to the normal power mode when explicitly requested by the STA. This allows the AP to remain in the power-reduced mode for as long as possible by entering the normal power mode only when needed.

[0070] Figure 6 A timing diagram showing an example of wireless communication between a non-AP MLD and an AP MLD according to a power saving protocol is shown. In some embodiments, the AP 602 may be Figure 1 the AP 102 of Figure 3A the AP 302 of Figure 4 the APs 412, 414, and 416 of Figure 5 or an example of the APs 522 and 524 of Figure 1 any one of the STAs 104 of Figure 3B the STA 304 of Figure 4 the STAs 422, 424, and 426 of Figure 5 or an example of the STAs 512 and 514 of

[0071] The timing diagram 600 depicts the details of the dynamic AP PS mode when the AP 602 operates in a lower power mode (or "light sleep" mode) according to the first mode LS-RX. At time period t 0 , the AP 602 may be in the lower power mode 606. After the time period t 3 , the AP 602 enters the higher power mode (or "active" mode) short inter-frame space (SIFS) after receiving a non-HT PPDU solicitation. The solicitation PPDU can be any non-HT (dup) PPDU that solicits an ACK / BA / CTS frame. For example, the STA 604 can be any individually addressed PPDU transmitted to the AP 602 that satisfies the constraints of the AP 602 in the lower power mode. At time period t 1 , the STA 604 sends an RTS frame 612 to the AP 602. At t 2 , the transition delay 610 begins. After the time period t 3 , the AP 602 sends a CTS frame 614 to the STA 604 after the transition delay 610. The STA 604 can now send data 616 to the AP 602 on the link associated with the AP 602 in the higher power mode (or "active" mode) 608.

[0072] To enable the AP 602 to ensure active scanning of all stations 604, all stations 604 will initiate the active scanning procedure by transmitting a probe request frame only in the non-HT PPDU format. The AP 602 can also respond to the received probe requests after a specific period. There is local support in most setups because the data 616 is already expected to be in the non-HT PPDU format and 20 MHz. The AP 602 may be able to immediately respond to all received solicited non-HT PPDUs by transitioning to the higher power mode 608.

[0073] Figure 7 A timing diagram is shown depicting an example of wireless communication between a non-AP MLD and an AP MLD according to a power saving protocol. In some specific embodiments, the AP 602 can be Figure 1 the AP 102 of Figure 3A the AP 302 of Figure 4 the APs 412, 414, and 416 of Figure 5 the APs 522 and 524 of Figure 1 any one of the STAs 104 of Figure 3B the STA 304 of Figure 4 the STAs 422, 424, and 426 of Figure 5 the STAs 512 and 514 of

[0074] The timing diagram 700 depicts details of the dynamic AP 602 PS mode when the AP 602 operates in a lower power mode according to the second mode LS-RXTX. Contrary to the timing diagram 600 from Figure 6 the timing diagram 600, the timing diagram 700 depicts an AP that enters a lower power mode in a second mode with more capabilities (e.g., limited transmit capabilities) compared to an AP that enters a lower power mode in a first mode with only RX capabilities as depicted in Figure 6 Therefore, as also described below, in the second mode (e.g., LS-RXTX), the AP 602 can transmit a response (e.g., CTS frame 614) associated with a request (e.g., RTS frame 612) during the transition delay period 610.

[0075] At time period t 0 the AP 602 can be in the lower power mode 606. For example, the AP 602 can operate at 20 MHz / 1SS in the lower power mode 606. After the time period t 4 the AP 602 can switch to the higher power mode 608 due to receiving an MPDU addressed specifically to the AP 602 carried in a 20 MHz non-HT (dup) PPDU. In one aspect, additional restrictions (e.g., having a mandatory data rate) can be helpful from a PS / complexity perspective. At time period t 3 the response frame 614 transmitted by the AP 602 can be only 20 MHz, even though the bandwidth signaling can indicate the same bandwidth as the solicitation frame 612. After the time period t 4 the AP 602 remains in the higher power mode 608 for the higher power SP, and then at time period t 6At , return to the lower power mode 606 after the higher power SP ends.

[0076] In one aspect, if the STA 604 signals to the AP 602 during the SP / TXOP that there is more data, the AP 602 may not need to return to the lower power mode 606 after the TXOP / SP ends. This reduces the additional overhead due to frame exchanges (e.g., RTS frame 612, CTS frame 614) for power mode transitions, although there is a slight increase in power consumption. Here, when switching from the lower power mode 606 to the higher power mode 608, the AP 602 may require some additional transition delay 610 time.

[0077] When transmitting the response 614 to the solicited PPDU 612, the AP 602 can continue to be in the lower power mode 606. The transition delay 610 (e.g., the switch from the lower power mode 606 to the higher power mode 608) can be about dozens to hundreds of microseconds. In the first mode (e.g., limited RX capability mode), if the transition delay 610 is less than or equal to SIFS (e.g., 16 microseconds), the AP 602 can generate the CTS frame 614 with full bandwidth. Otherwise, in the second mode (e.g., limited RX / TX capability), if the transition delay 610 is less than or equal to 2*SIFS + CTRL_RSP + L_PHY_DUR, the AP 602 can generate the CTS frame 614 only with the primary 20 MHz. If the transition delay 610 is greater than 2*SIFS + CTRL_RSP + L_PHY_DUR, padding can be utilized. Assume the transition delay 610 starts at the end of the RTS 612. However, some additional delay can be obtained by starting the transition to the higher power mode 608 after the RA field of the RTS frame 612.

[0078] Figure 8 A flowchart illustrating an example process that can be performed by a non - AP MLD supporting wireless communication according to a power saving protocol is shown. In some specific implementations, the process 800 can be performed at a wireless STA (such as Figure 1 any one of the STA 104s, Figure 3B the STA 304, Figure 4 the STA 422, 424, and 426, Figure 5 the STA 512 and 514, or the STA604s referred to in Figure 6 and Figure 7 ). According to various different aspects, one or more of the illustrated blocks of the process 800 can be omitted, swapped, or executed concurrently.

[0079] In some specific implementations, process 800 begins at block 802, where a request is sent to an AP MLD of an AP operating in a lower power mode with a link associated with the AP disabled for the wireless STA to transition from operating in the lower power mode to operating in a higher power mode with the link associated with the AP enabled for the wireless STA.

[0080] In Figure 5 the context of, block 802 may be illustrated by the STA 512 sending a request 521 to transition from the lower power mode to the higher power mode. Additionally, in Figure 6 and Figure 7 the context of, block 802 may be illustrated by the STA 604 sending an RTS frame 612 to the AP 602.

[0081] In one aspect, the request for the AP to transition from operating in the lower power mode to operating in the higher power mode further includes a request to increase at least one of the following: the duration of the SP on the link when the link associated with the AP is enabled, the bandwidth on the link associated with the AP, or the NSS configured for the link associated with the AP. In one aspect, sending the request for the AP to transition from operating in the lower power mode to operating in a higher power mode with the link associated with the AP enabled for the wireless STA includes: sending the request on an anchor link associated with another AP of the AP MLD. The anchor link is enabled when the request is sent. In Figure 5 the context of, this aspect may be illustrated by the STA 512 sending a request 525 on an anchor link associated with another AP of the AP MLD.

[0082] In one aspect, when the link is disabled, the AP is dormant on the link, and when the link is enabled, the AP is active on the link. In one aspect, at least one of the bandwidth available on the link, the NSS configured for the link, or the number of PPDUs on the link is reduced when the link is disabled as compared to when the link is enabled.

[0083] In one aspect, the transition from operating in a lower power mode to operating in a higher power mode is based on a request for the AP to transition from operating in a lower power mode to operating in a higher power mode satisfying the functional constraints of the AP in the lower power mode, where the functional constraints include at least one or more of the following: the request for the AP to transition from operating in a lower power mode to operating in a higher power mode is a frame addressed separately in a single spatial stream, the request for the AP to transition from operating in a lower power mode to operating in a higher power mode is received in a non-HT PPDU format, is in a 20 MHz bandwidth with mandatory MCS operation, or the request for the AP to transition from operating in a lower power mode to operating in a higher power mode is a specific MAC frame. In one aspect, the request for the AP to transition from operating in a lower power mode to operating in a higher power mode indicates parameters for sending data in the higher power mode, and these parameters include at least one or more of the following: the bandwidth available on the link associated with the AP, the NSS configured for the link associated with the AP, the data rate supported by the link associated with the AP, the MCS of the link associated with the AP, or the duration of the PPDU of the link associated with the AP. In one aspect, the request for the AP to transition from operating in a lower power mode to operating in a higher power mode corresponds to a MAC MPDU addressed separately to the AP.

[0084] In one aspect, the lower power mode further includes a first mode and a second mode. In the first mode, the AP operates with a reduced receiving function relative to the AP operating in the normal operating mode and does not have a transmitting function. In the second mode, the AP operates with reduced receiving and transmitting functions relative to the AP operating in the normal operating mode. In some aspects, when the AP is operating in the first mode, the transition delay period is within a short inter-frame space (SIFS). In some aspects, when the AP is operating in the second mode, the transition delay period is greater than SIFS.

[0085] Process 800 may include block 804, which includes receiving a response associated with the request after the transition delay period. In one aspect, the response associated with the request is received when the AP is still operating in the second mode. In one aspect, the response associated with the request includes at least one of the following: bandwidth signaling information for indicating at least one of the maximum bandwidths on the link associated with the AP, the maximum NSS configured for the link associated with the AP, or the MCS used to exchange frames with the AP when the AP is operating in the second mode.

[0086] In Figure 5 the context of, block 804 may be illustrated by the STA 512 receiving the response 528 associated with the request after the transition delay period. In Figure 6 andFigure 7 In the context of, the frame 804 can also be illustrated by the AP 602 sending a CTS 614 frame in response to receiving an RTS frame 612.

[0087] The process 800 can include block 806, which includes sending data to the APMLD on a link associated with the AP after a transition delay period.

[0088] In Figure 5 In the context of, block 806 can be illustrated by the STA 512 sending data to the APMLD 520 when enabling the link after the transition delay period 530. In Figure 6 and Figure 7 In the context of, block 806 can also be illustrated by the STA 604 sending data 616 to the AP 602 when the AP 602 is in the higher power mode 608.

[0089] Figure 9 FIG. shows a flowchart illustrating an example process that can be performed by a non-AP MLD supporting wireless communication according to a power saving protocol. In some specific implementations, the process 900 can be performed at a wireless STA (such as any one of the STAs 104 of Figure 1 the STA 304 of Figure 3B the STA 422, 424, and 426 of Figure 4 the STA 512 and 514 of Figure 5 or the STA604 described with reference to Figure 6 and 7 ). According to various aspects, one or more of the illustrated blocks of the process 900 can be omitted, reordered, or executed concurrently. In such a process 900, blocks 802, 804, and 806 are performed as described above in connection with Figure 8 .

[0090] In one aspect, the process 900 can include block 908, which includes sending a request to the AP MLD for the AP MLD to transition the AP from a higher power mode to a lower power mode, and the link is disabled when the AP is in the lower power mode.

[0091] In Figure 5 In the context of, block 908 can be illustrated by the STA 612 sending a request to the AP MLD 520 to transition the AP 522 from a higher power mode to a lower power mode 534.

[0092] In one aspect, the process 900 can include block 910, which includes sending a short data packet with a non-HT PPDU format when the AP is operating in a second mode.

[0093] Figure 10A flowchart is shown that illustrates an example process that may be performed by a non - AP MLD that supports wireless communication according to a power - saving protocol. In some specific implementations, process 1000 may be performed at a wireless STA (such as any one of the STAs 104 in Figure 1 STA 104, Figure 3B STA 304, Figure 4 STAs 422, 424, and 426, Figure 5 STAs 512 and 514, or the STA 604 referenced in Figure 6 and Figure 7 ). According to various aspects, one or more of the illustrated blocks of process 1000 may be omitted, reordered, or performed concurrently. In such a process 1000, blocks 802, 804, and 806 are performed as described above in connection with Figure 8 .

[0094] In one aspect, process 1000 may include block 1008, which includes sending a request to an AP MLD for the AP to remain in a higher - power mode after the end of an SP or TXOP. The request for the AP to stay in the higher - power mode may indicate the presence of additional data to be sent during the SP or TXOP.

[0095] In the Figure 5 context, block 1008 may be illustrated by STA 512 sending a request to AP 522 to remain in a higher - power mode after the end of SP or TXOP 532.

[0096] Figure 11 A flowchart is shown that illustrates an example process that may be performed by an AP MLD that supports wireless communication according to a power - saving protocol. In some specific implementations, process 1100 may be performed at an AP (such as any one of the APs 102 in Figure 1 AP 102, Figure 3A AP302, Figure 4 APs 412, 414, and 416, Figure 5 APs 522 and 524, or the AP 602 referenced in Figure 6 and Figure 7 ). According to various aspects, one or more of the illustrated blocks of process 1100 may be omitted, reordered, or performed concurrently.

[0097] Process 1100 may include block 1102, which includes receiving from a wireless station (STA) a request for a wireless AP of the AP MLD to transition from operating in a lower - power mode (where the link associated with the wireless AP is disabled for the wireless STA) to operating in a higher - power mode (where the link associated with the wireless AP is enabled for the wireless STA).

[0098] InFigure 5 In the context of, the box 1102 can be illustrated by the STA 512 sending a request to the AP MLD 520 to transition the AP 522 from a higher power mode to a lower power mode 534. In Figure 6 and Figure 7 In the context of, the box 1102 can also be illustrated by the STA604 sending an RTS frame 612 to transition the AP 602 from a higher power mode to a lower power mode.

[0099] In one aspect, a request to transition a wireless AP from operating in a lower power mode to operating in a higher power mode also includes a request to increase at least one of the following: the duration of the SP on the link when the link associated with the wireless AP is enabled, the bandwidth on the link associated with the wireless AP, or the NSS configured for the link associated with the wireless AP. In one aspect, receiving a request to transition a wireless AP from operating in a lower power mode to operating in a higher power mode (where the link associated with the wireless AP is enabled for a wireless STA) includes receiving the request on an anchor link associated with another AP of the AP MLD, the anchor link being enabled when the request is received.

[0100] In one aspect, when the link is disabled, the wireless AP is dormant on the link, and when the link is enabled, the wireless AP is active on the link. In one aspect, at least one of the bandwidth available on the link, the NSS configured for the link, or the number of PPDUs on the link is reduced when the link is disabled as compared to when the link is enabled.

[0101] In one aspect, the transition from operating in a lower power mode to operating in a higher power mode is based on the request to transition the wireless AP from operating in a lower power mode to operating in a higher power mode satisfying the functional constraints of the wireless AP in the lower power mode, where the functional constraints include at least one or more of the following: the request to transition the wireless AP from operating in a lower power mode to operating in a higher power mode is a frame addressed separately in a single spatial stream, the request to transition the wireless AP from operating in a lower power mode to operating in a higher power mode is received in a non-HT PPDU format, is operating with a bandwidth of 20 MHz and mandatory MCS, or the request to transition the wireless AP from operating in a lower power mode to operating in a higher power mode is a specific MAC frame.

[0102] In one aspect, a request to transition a wireless AP from operating in a lower power mode to operating in a higher power mode indicates parameters for sending data in the higher power mode, the parameters including at least one or more of the following: bandwidth available on the link, NSS configured for the link, data rates supported by the link, MCS of the link, or duration of the PPDU of the link.

[0103] In one aspect, a request to transition a wireless AP from operating in a lower power mode to operating in a higher power mode corresponds to a MAC MPDU addressed separately to the wireless AP.

[0104] Procedure 1100 may include block 1104, which includes sending a response associated with the request after a transition delay period.

[0105] In Figure 5 context, block 1104 may be illustrated by STA 512 receiving response 528 associated with the request after a transition delay period. In Figure 6 and Figure 7 context, block 1104 may also be illustrated by AP 602 sending CTS frame 614 in response to receiving RTS frame 512.

[0106] Procedure 1100 may include block 1106, which includes receiving data from a wireless STA on the link when enabling the link associated with the wireless AP after a transition delay period.

[0107] In Figure 5 context, operation 1106 may be illustrated by STA 512 sending data to AP MLD 520 after a transition delay period. In Figure 6 and Figure 7 context, block 1106 may also be illustrated by STA 604 sending data 616 to AP 602 when AP 602 is in higher power mode 608.

[0108] Figure 12 FIG. shows a flowchart illustrating an example procedure that may be performed by an AP MLD supporting wireless communication according to a power saving protocol. In some specific implementations, procedure 1100 may be performed at an AP (such as any one of the APs 102 of Figure 1 , the AP302 of Figure 3A , the APs 412, 414, and 416 of Figure 4 , the APs 522 and 524 of Figure 5 , or with reference to Figure 6 and Figure 7Execute at the described AP 602). According to various aspects, one or more of the illustrated boxes of process 1200 may be omitted, reordered, or executed concurrently. In such a process 1200, boxes 1102, 1104, and 1106 are executed as described above in connection with Figure 11 as described.

[0109] In one aspect, process 1200 may include box 1208, which includes receiving from a wireless STA a request for an AP MLD to transition a wireless AP from operating in a higher power mode to operating in a lower power mode. When the wireless AP is in the low power mode, the link is disabled.

[0110] In Figure 5 context, box 1208 may be illustrated by the STA 512 sending a request to the AP MLD 520 to transition the AP 522 from the higher power mode to the lower power mode 534.

[0111] Figure 13 FIG. shows a flowchart illustrating an example process that may be performed by an AP MLD supporting wireless communication according to a power saving protocol. In some specific implementations, process 1300 may be performed at an AP (such as Figure 1 any one of the APs 102 of Figure 3A the AP 302 of Figure 4 the APs 412, 414, and 416 of Figure 5 the APs 522 and 524 of Figure 6 and Figure 7 described AP 602). According to various aspects, one or more of the illustrated boxes of process 1300 may be omitted, reordered, or executed concurrently. In such a process 1300, boxes 1102, 1104, and 1106 are executed as described above in connection with Figure 11 as described.

[0112] Process 1300 may include box 1308, which includes receiving from a wireless STA a request for the wireless AP to remain in the higher power mode after the end of an SP or TXOP, where the request for the wireless AP to stay in the higher power mode indicates the presence of additional data to be transmitted during the SP or TXOP. In one aspect, the lower power mode also includes a first mode and a second mode. In the first mode, the AP operates with a reduced receive function relative to an AP operating in the normal operating mode and does not have a transmit function. In the second mode, the AP operates with reduced receive and transmit functions relative to an AP operating in the normal operating mode.

[0113] In Figure 5In the context of, box 1308 can be illustrated by the STA 512 sending a request for the AP 522 to remain in a higher power mode after the end of the SP or TXOP 532.

[0114] Figure 14 A block diagram of an example MLD 1400 according to some specific implementations is shown. In some specific implementations, MLD1400 is configured to perform process 1100 described above with reference to Figure 11 and process 1200 described above with reference to Figure 12 and process 1300 described above with reference to Figure 13 In some specific implementations, MLD 1400 can be a chip, SoC, chipset, package, circuit, device, or system that includes at least one processor and at least one modem (such as a Wi-Fi or IEEE 802.11 compatible modem or a cellular modem).

[0115] In some aspects, MLD 1400 can be an example specific implementation of an AP or an AP MLD, such as AP 102 described above with reference to Figure 1 or AP 302 or WCD 310 described above with reference to Figure 3A or AP MLD 410 described above with reference to Figure 4 or one of AP MLD 522 or 524 described above with reference to Figure 5 or AP 602 described with reference to Figure 6 and Figure 7 In some other aspects, MLD 1400 can be an example specific implementation of a STA or a non-AP MLD, such as one of STA 104 described above with reference to Figure 1 or STA 304 or WCD 315 described above with reference to Figure 3B or non-APMLD 420 described above with reference to Figure 4 or non-AP MLD 510 described above with reference to Figure 5 or one of STA 604 described above with reference to Figure 6 and Figure 7 In some other aspects, MLD 1400 can be an example specific implementation of a STA or a non-AP MLD, such as one of STA 104 described above with reference to

[0116] The MLD 1400 includes a receiving component 1410, a communication manager 1420, and a transmitting component 1430. The communication manager 1420 further includes a transition request component 1422, a response component 1424, and a transition component 1426. In some aspects, portions of one or more of the components 1422, 1424, and 1426 may be implemented at least in part in hardware or firmware. In some specific implementations, at least one of the components 1422, 1424, or 1426 is implemented at least in part as software stored in a memory (such as Figure 2 the memory 208, Figure 3A the memory 340, or Figure 3B the memory 345). For example, portions of one or more of the components 1422, 1424, or 1426 may be implemented as instructions or computer-executable code (which may be stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium) executable by a processor (such as Figure 2 the processor 202, Figure 3A the application processor 330, or Figure 3B the application processor 335) to perform the functions or operations of the corresponding component among 1422, 1424, or 1426.

[0117] The receiving component 1410 is configured to receive an RX signal from at least one of an AP, an STA, or an MLD (such as a non-AP MLD or an AP MLD) via a wireless channel. The transmitting component 1430 is configured to transmit a TX signal to at least one of an AP, an STA, or an MLD (such as a non-AP MLD or an AP MLD) via a wireless channel. The communication manager 1420 is configured to control or manage communication with at least one of an AP, an STA, or an MLD (such as a non-AP MLD or an AP MLD).

[0118] In some specific implementations, the transition request component 1422 may receive a request from an STA for a wireless AP to transition from a lower power mode to a higher power mode (where the link associated with the wireless AP is enabled for the wireless STA). The wireless AP is one of a subset of APs of an AP MLD operating in a lower power mode (where the link associated with the wireless AP is disabled for the wireless STA). The response component 1424 may send a response associated with the request after a transition delay period. The transition component 1426 receives data from the wireless STA on the link when enabling the link associated with the wireless AP after the transition delay period.

[0119] In some specific implementations, the transition request component 1422 may receive from a wireless STA a request for the AP MLD to transition the wireless AP from a higher power mode to a lower power mode, and the link is disabled when the wireless AP is in the lower power mode. In some specific implementations, the transition request component 1422 may request an increase in at least one of the following: the duration of the SP on the link when the link associated with the wireless AP is enabled, the bandwidth on the link associated with the wireless AP, or the NSS configured for the link associated with the wireless AP. In some specific implementations, the transition request component 1422 may receive a request on an anchor link associated with another AP of the AP MLD, and the anchor link is enabled when the request is received. When the link is disabled, the wireless AP may be dormant on the link, and when the link is enabled, the wireless AP may be active on the link. Relative to when the link is enabled, when the link is disabled, at least one of the bandwidth available on the link, the NSS configured for the link, or the number of PPDUs on the link may be reduced.

[0120] In some specific implementations, the transition component 1426 may determine whether a request for the wireless AP to transition from operating in a lower power mode to operating in a higher power mode satisfies the functional constraints of the wireless AP in the lower power mode. The functional constraints may include at least one or more of the following: the request for the wireless AP to transition from operating in a lower power mode to operating in a higher power mode is a frame addressed separately in a single spatial stream, the request for the wireless AP to transition from operating in a lower power mode to operating in a higher power mode is received in a non-high throughput (non-HT) PPDU format, operates with a bandwidth of 20 MHz and a mandatory modulation and coding scheme (MCS), or the request for the wireless AP to transition from operating in a lower power mode to operating in a higher power mode is a specific MAC frame. The request for the wireless AP to transition from operating in a lower power mode to operating in a higher power mode may indicate parameters for sending data in the higher power mode, and these parameters include at least one or more of the following: the bandwidth available on the link, the NSS configured for the link, the data rate supported by the link, the MCS of the link, or the duration of the PPDU of the link. The request for the wireless AP to transition from operating in a lower power mode to operating in a higher power mode may correspond to a MAC MPDU addressed separately to the wireless AP.

[0121] In some specific implementations, the transition request component 1422 may receive, from a wireless STA, a request for a wireless AP to remain in a higher power mode after the end of a SP or TXOP, where the request for the wireless AP to stay in the higher power mode indicates the presence of additional data to be transmitted during the SP or TXOP. In some specific implementations, the lower power mode may further include a first mode and a second mode. In the first mode, the AP operates with a reduced receiving function relative to an AP operating in a normal operation mode and does not have a transmitting function. In the second mode, the AP operates with reduced receiving and transmitting functions relative to an AP operating in a normal operation mode.

[0122] Some additional examples

[0123] Aspects described herein additionally include one or more of the following specific implementation examples described in the following numbered clauses.

[0124] 1. A wireless communication device, the wireless communication device comprising:

[0125] at least one processor; and

[0126] a memory coupled to the at least one processor, the memory storing code executable by the at least one processor to cause the wireless communication device to perform the following operations:

[0127] send a request to a wireless AP multi-link device (MLD) having an AP operating in a lower power mode in which a link associated with the AP is disabled for a wireless STA for the AP to transition from operating in the lower power mode to operating in a higher power mode in which the link associated with the AP is enabled for the wireless STA;

[0128] receive a response associated with the request after a transition delay period; and

[0129] after the transition delay period, send data to the AP MLD on the link associated with the AP.

[0130] 2. The wireless communication device according to claim 1, the wireless communication device further comprising:

[0131] send a request to the AP MLD for the AP MLD to transition the AP from the higher power mode to the lower power mode, the link being disabled when the AP is in the lower power mode.

[0132] 3. The wireless communication device according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the request for the AP to transition from operating in the lower power mode to operating in the higher power mode further includes a request to increase at least one of the following: the duration of the service period (SP) on the link when the link associated with the AP is enabled, the bandwidth on the link associated with the AP, or the number of spatial streams (NSS) configured for the link associated with the AP.

[0133] 4. The wireless communication device according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein sending the request for the AP to transition from operating in the lower power mode to operating in the higher power mode in which the link associated with the wireless STA is enabled for the wireless STA includes:

[0134] sending the request on an anchor link associated with another AP of the AP MLD, the anchor link being enabled when the request is sent.

[0135] 5. The wireless communication device according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein when the link is disabled, the AP is dormant on the link, and wherein when the link is enabled, the AP is active on the link.

[0136] 6. The wireless communication device according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein at least one of the bandwidth available on the link, the number of spatial streams (NSS) configured for the link, or the number of physical layer protocol data units (PPDUs) on the link is reduced when the link is disabled as compared to when the link is enabled.

[0137] 7. The wireless communication device according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the transition from operating in the lower power mode to operating in the higher power mode is based on the request for the AP to transition from operating in the lower power mode to operating in the higher power mode satisfying the functional constraints of the AP in the lower power mode, wherein the functional constraints include at least one or more of the following: the request for the AP to transition from operating in the lower power mode to operating in the higher power mode is a frame addressed separately in a single spatial stream, the request for the AP to transition from operating in the lower power mode to operating in the higher power mode is received in a non-high throughput (non-HT) PPDU format operating at a bandwidth of 20 megahertz (MHz) with a mandatory modulation and coding scheme (MCS), or the request for the AP to transition from operating in the lower power mode to operating in the higher power mode is a specific media access control (MAC) frame.

[0138] 8. The wireless communication device according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the request for the AP to transition from operating in the lower power mode to operating in the higher power mode indicates parameters for transmitting data in the higher power mode, the parameters including at least one or more of the following: the bandwidth available on the link associated with the AP, the NSS configured for the link associated with the AP, the data rate supported by the link associated with the AP, the MCS of the link associated with the AP, or the duration of the PPDU of the link associated with the AP.

[0139] 9. The wireless communication device according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the request for the AP to transition from operating in the lower power mode to operating in the higher power mode corresponds to a media access control (MAC) protocol data unit (MPDU) addressed separately to the AP.

[0140] 10. The wireless communication device according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the lower power mode further includes a first mode in which the AP operates with a reduced receiving function relative to the AP operating in the normal operation mode and does not have a transmitting function, and a second mode in which the AP operates with reduced receiving and transmitting functions relative to the AP operating in the normal operation mode.

[0141] 11. The wireless communication device according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein when the AP operates in the first mode, the transition delay period is within a short inter-frame space (SIFS).

[0142] 12. The wireless communication device according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein when the AP operates in the second mode, the transition delay period is greater than SIFS.

[0143] 13. The wireless communication device according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the response associated with the request is received while the AP is still operating in the second mode.

[0144] 14. The wireless communication device according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the response associated with the request includes at least one of the following: bandwidth signaling information for indicating at least one of the maximum bandwidths on the link associated with the AP, the maximum NSS configured for the link associated with the AP, or the MCS for exchanging frames with the AP when the AP operates in the second mode.

[0145] 15. The wireless communication device according to any one of the preceding clauses, the wireless communication device further comprising:

[0146] When the AP operates in the second mode, short data packets with a non-HT PPDU format are sent.

[0147] 16. The wireless communication device according to any one of the preceding clauses, the wireless communication device further comprising:

[0148] Send a request to the AP MLD for the AP to remain in the higher power mode after the end of the SP or transmission opportunity (TXOP), wherein the request for the AP to stay in the higher power mode indicates the presence of additional data to be sent during the SP or TXOP.

[0149] 17. A method for wireless communication at a wireless station (STA), the method comprising:

[0150] Send a request to an AP multi-link device (MLD) of an AP operating in a lower power mode in which a link associated with the wireless communication device is disabled therein for the AP to transition from the lower power mode to a higher power mode in which the link associated with the AP is enabled for the wireless communication device,

[0151] Receive a response associated with the request after a transition delay period, and

[0152] When the link associated with the AP is enabled after the transition delay period, send data on the link to the AP MLD.

[0153] 18. The method according to claim 17, wherein the request for the AP to transition from operating in the lower power mode to operating in the higher power mode further comprises a request to increase at least one of: the duration of a service period (SP) on the link when the link associated with the AP is enabled, the bandwidth on the link associated with the AP, or the number of spatial streams (NSS) configured for the link associated with the AP.

[0154] 19. A wireless access point (AP), the wireless access point (AP) comprising:

[0155] At least one processor; and

[0156] A memory coupled to the at least one processor, the memory storing code executable by the at least one processor to cause the wireless AP to perform the following operations:

[0157] Receive a request from a wireless station (STA) for the wireless AP to transition from a lower power mode in which a link associated with the wireless AP is disabled for the wireless STA to a higher power mode in which the link associated with the wireless AP is enabled for the wireless STA, the wireless AP being one of a subset of APs of an AP multi-link device (MLD) operating in the lower power mode;

[0158] Send a response associated with the request after a transition delay period; and

[0159] When the link is enabled after the transition delay period, receive data from the wireless STA on the link associated with the wireless AP.

[0160] 20. The method according to claim 19, wherein the memory coupled to the at least one processor stores code executable by the at least one processor to further cause the wireless AP to:

[0161] Receive a request from the wireless STA for the AP MLD to transition the wireless AP from the higher power mode to the lower power mode, the link being disabled when the wireless AP is in the lower power mode.

[0162] 21. The wireless AP according to claim 19 or 20, wherein the request for the wireless AP to transition from operating in the lower power mode to operating in the higher power mode further includes a request to increase at least one of: the duration of a service period (SP) on the link when the link associated with the wireless AP is enabled, the bandwidth on the link associated with the wireless AP, or the number of spatial streams (NSS) configured for the link associated with the wireless AP.

[0163] 22. The wireless AP according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein receiving the request for the wireless AP to transition from operating in the lower power mode to operating in the higher power mode in which the link associated with the wireless AP is enabled for the wireless STA includes:

[0164] Receiving the request on an anchor link associated with another AP of the AP MLD, the anchor link being enabled when the request is received.

[0165] 23. The wireless AP according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein when the link is disabled, the wireless AP is dormant on the link, and wherein when the link is enabled, the wireless AP is active on the link.

[0166] 24. The wireless AP according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein when the link is disabled as compared to when the link is enabled, at least one of the bandwidth available on the link, the number of spatial streams (NSS) configured for the link, or the number of physical layer protocol data units (PPDUs) on the link is reduced.

[0167] 25. The wireless AP according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the transition from operating in the lower power mode to operating in the higher power mode is based on the request for the wireless AP to transition from operating in the lower power mode to operating in the higher power mode satisfying the functional constraints of the wireless AP in the lower power mode, where the functional constraints include at least one or more of the following: the request for the wireless AP to transition from operating in the lower power mode to operating in the higher power mode is a frame addressed separately in a single spatial stream, the request for the wireless AP to transition from operating in the lower power mode to operating in the higher power mode is received in a non-high throughput (non-HT) PPDU format operating at a bandwidth of 20 megahertz (MHz) with a mandatory modulation and coding scheme (MCS), or the request for the wireless AP to transition from operating in the lower power mode to operating in the higher power mode is a specific media access control (MAC) frame.

[0168] 26. The wireless AP according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the request for the wireless AP to transition from operating in the lower power mode to operating in the higher power mode indicates parameters for transmitting data in the higher power mode, the parameters including at least one or more of the following: the bandwidth available on the link, the NSS configured for the link, the data rate supported by the link, the MCS of the link, or the duration of the PPDU of the link.

[0169] 27. The wireless AP according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the request for the wireless AP to transition from operating in the lower power mode to operating in the higher power mode corresponds to a media access control (MAC) protocol data unit (MPDU) addressed separately to the wireless AP.

[0170] 28. The wireless AP according to any of the preceding clauses, the wireless AP further comprising:

[0171] Receiving from the wireless STA a request for the wireless AP to remain in the higher power mode after the end of a spatial period (SP) or a transmission opportunity (TXOP), wherein the request for the wireless AP to stay in the higher power mode indicates the presence of additional data to be transmitted during the SP or TXOP.

[0172] 29. The wireless AP according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the lower power mode further includes a first mode in which the AP operates with a reduced receiving function relative to the AP operating in the normal operation mode and does not have a transmitting function, and a second mode in which the AP operates with reduced receiving and transmitting functions relative to the AP operating in the normal operation mode.

[0173] 30. A method for wireless communication at a wireless access point, the method comprising:

[0174] Receiving, from a wireless station (STA), a request for the wireless AP to transition from operating in a lower power mode in which a link associated with the wireless AP is disabled for the wireless STA to operating in a higher power mode in which the link associated with the wireless AP is enabled for the wireless STA;

[0175] Sending a response associated with the request after a transition delay period; and

[0176] Receiving data from the wireless STA on the link associated with the wireless AP when the link is enabled after the transition delay period.

[0177] As used herein, unless otherwise expressly stated, "or" is intended to be interpreted in an inclusive sense. For example, "a or b" may include only a, only b, or a combination of a and b. As used herein, a phrase referring to "at least one" or "one or more" of a list of items means any combination of those items, including a single member. For example, "at least one of a, b, or c" is intended to cover the following possibilities: only a, only b, only c, a combination of a and b, a combination of a and c, a combination of b and c, and a combination of a, b, and c.

[0178] The various illustrative components, logics, logic blocks, modules, circuits, operations, and algorithmic processes described in connection with the aspects disclosed herein may be implemented as electronic hardware, firmware, software, or a combination of hardware, firmware, or software, including the structures disclosed in this specification and their structural equivalents. This interchangeability of hardware, firmware, and software has been described generally in terms of their functionality and illustrated in the various illustrative components, boxes, modules, circuits, and processes described above. Whether such functionality is implemented in hardware, firmware, or software depends upon the particular application and design constraints imposed on the overall system.

[0179] Various modifications to the aspects described in this disclosure may be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure. Thus, the claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein but are to be accorded the broadest scope consistent with the disclosure, the principles disclosed herein, and the novel features.

[0180] In addition, the various features described in the context of separate aspects in this specification can also be implemented in combination in a single aspect. Conversely, the various features described in the context of a single aspect can also be implemented separately or in any suitable sub-combination in multiple aspects. Thus, although the features may be described above as acting in a particular combination and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from the claimed combination may in some cases be deleted from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a sub-combination or a variation of a sub-combination.

[0181] Similarly, although the operations are depicted in the drawings in a particular order, this should not be construed as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in a sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed to achieve the desired result. Additionally, the drawings may schematically depict one or more example processes in the form of a flowchart or a flow diagram. However, other operations not depicted may be incorporated into the example processes schematically illustrated. For example, one or more additional operations may be performed before, after, simultaneously with, or between any of the operations illustrated. In some environments, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Moreover, the separation of the various system components in the aspects described above should not be construed as requiring such separation in all aspects, and it should be understood that the described program components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single software product or packaged into multiple software products.

Claims

1. A wireless communication device, the wireless communication device comprises: at least one memory; and at least one processor communicatively coupled to the at least one memory, the at least one processor being operative to cause the wireless communication device to: send a request to a wireless AP multi-link device (MLD) of the AP that operates in a lower power mode in which a link associated with a wireless station (STA) is disabled therein, for the AP to transition from operating in the lower power mode to operating in a higher power mode in which the link associated with the wireless STA is enabled; receive a response associated with the request after a transition delay period; and after the transition delay period, send data to the AP MLD on the link associated with the AP.

2. The wireless communication device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one processor is further operative to cause the wireless communication device to: send a request to the AP MLD for the AP MLD to transition the AP from operating in the higher power mode to operating in the lower power mode, the link being disabled when the AP is in the lower power mode.

3. The wireless communication device according to claim 1, wherein the request for the AP to transition from operating in the lower power mode to operating in the higher power mode further comprises a request to increase at least one of: a duration of a service period (SP) on the link when the link associated with the AP is enabled, a bandwidth on the link associated with the AP, or a number of spatial streams (NSS) configured for the link associated with the AP.

4. The wireless communication device according to claim 1, wherein sending the request for the AP to transition from operating in the lower power mode to operating in the higher power mode in which the link associated with the wireless STA is enabled comprises: sending the request on an anchor link associated with another AP of the AP MLD, the anchor link being enabled when sending the request.

5. The wireless communication device according to claim 1, wherein when the link is disabled, the AP is dormant on the link, and wherein when the link is enabled, the AP is active on the link.

6. The wireless communication device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of a bandwidth available on the link, a number of spatial streams (NSS) configured for the link, or a number of physical layer protocol data units (PPDUs) on the link is reduced when the link is disabled as compared to when the link is enabled.

7. The wireless communication device according to claim 1, wherein the transition from operating in the lower power mode to operating in the higher power mode is based on the request for the AP to transition from operating in the lower power mode to operating in the higher power mode satisfying the functional constraints of the AP in the lower power mode, where the functional constraints include at least one or more of the following: the request for the AP to transition from operating in the lower power mode to operating in the higher power mode is a frame addressed separately in a single spatial stream, the request for the AP to transition from operating in the lower power mode to operating in the higher power mode is received in a non-high throughput (non-HT) PPDU format operating at a bandwidth of 20 megahertz (MHz) with a mandatory modulation and coding scheme (MCS), or the request for the AP to transition from operating in the lower power mode to operating in the higher power mode is a specific media access control (MAC) frame.

8. The wireless communication device according to claim 7, wherein the request for the AP to transition from operating in the lower power mode to operating in the higher power mode indicates parameters for sending data in the higher power mode, the parameters including at least one or more of the following: the bandwidth available on the link associated with the AP, the NSS configured for the link associated with the AP, the data rate supported by the link associated with the AP, the MCS of the link associated with the AP, or the duration of the PPDU of the link associated with the AP.

9. The wireless communication device according to claim 7, wherein the request for the AP to transition from operating in the lower power mode to operating in the higher power mode corresponds to a media access control (MAC) protocol data unit (MPDU) addressed separately to the AP.

10. The wireless communication device according to claim 7, wherein the lower power mode includes: a first mode in which the AP operates with a reduced receiving function relative to the AP operating in the normal operation mode and does not have a sending function; and a second mode in which the AP operates with reduced receiving and sending functions relative to the AP operating in the normal operation mode.

11. The wireless communication device according to claim 10, wherein when the AP operates in the first mode, the transition delay period is within a short inter-frame space (SIFS).

12. The wireless communication device according to claim 10, wherein when the AP operates in the second mode, the transition delay period is greater than SIFS.

13. The wireless communication device according to claim 10, wherein the response associated with the request is received while the AP is still operating in the second mode.

14. The wireless communication device according to claim 10, wherein the response associated with the request includes at least one of the following: bandwidth signaling information for indicating at least one of the maximum bandwidths on the link associated with the AP, the maximum NSS configured for the link associated with the AP, or the MCS for exchanging frames with the AP when the AP operates in the second mode.

15. The wireless communication device according to claim 10, wherein the at least one processor is further operable to cause the wireless communication device to: When the AP operates in the second mode, send a short data packet having a non-HT PPDU format.

16. The wireless communication device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one processor is further operable to cause the wireless communication device to: Send a request to the AP MLD for the AP to remain operating in the higher power mode after the end of the SP or transmission opportunity (TXOP), wherein the request for the AP to remain operating in the higher power mode indicates the presence of additional data to be transmitted during the SP or TXOP.

17. A method of wireless communication executable at a wireless station (STA), the method comprises: Sending a request to a wireless AP multi-link device (MLD) of the AP, which has a lower power mode of operation in which a link associated with the wireless STA is disabled therein, for the AP to transition from operating in the lower power mode to operating in a higher power mode in which the link associated with the AP is enabled for the wireless STA; Receiving a response associated with the request after a transition delay period; and After the transition delay period, sending data to the AP MLD on the link associated with the AP.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein the request for the AP to transition from operating in the lower power mode to operating in the higher power mode further includes a request to increase at least one of the following: the duration of the service period (SP) on the link when the link associated with the AP is enabled, the bandwidth on the link associated with the AP, or the number of spatial streams (NSS) configured for the link associated with the AP.

19. A wireless access point (AP), the wireless access point (AP) comprises: At least one memory; and At least one processor communicatively coupled to the at least one memory, the at least one processor being operable to cause the wireless AP to: Receive from a wireless station (STA) a request for a wireless AP of an access point (AP) multi-link device (MLD) to transition from operating in a lower power mode in which a link associated with the wireless STA is disabled therein to operating in a higher power mode in which the link associated with the wireless AP is enabled for the wireless STA; Send a response associated with the request after a transition delay period; and When the link is enabled after the transition delay period, data is received from the wireless STA on the link associated with the wireless AP.

20. The wireless AP according to claim 19, wherein the at least one processor is further operable to cause the wireless AP to: Receive a request from the wireless STA for the AP MLD to transition the wireless AP from operating in the higher power mode to operating in the lower power mode, the link being disabled when the wireless AP is in the lower power mode.

21. The wireless AP according to claim 19, wherein the request for the wireless AP to transition from operating in the lower power mode to operating in the higher power mode further includes a request to increase at least one of: the duration of a service period (SP) on the link when the link associated with the wireless AP is enabled, the bandwidth on the link associated with the wireless AP, or the number of spatial streams (NSS) configured for the link associated with the wireless AP.

22. The wireless AP according to claim 19, wherein receiving the request for the wireless AP to transition from operating in the lower power mode to operating in the higher power mode in which the link associated with the wireless AP is enabled for the wireless STA Comprises: Receiving the request on an anchor link associated with another AP of the AP MLD, the anchor link being enabled when the request is received.

23. The wireless AP according to claim 19, wherein when the link is disabled, the wireless AP is dormant on the link, and wherein when the link is enabled, the wireless AP is active on the link.

24. The wireless AP according to claim 19, wherein at least one of the bandwidth available on the link, the number of spatial streams (NSS) configured for the link, or the number of physical layer protocol data units (PPDUs) on the link is reduced when the link is disabled as compared to when the link is enabled.

25. The wireless AP according to claim 19, wherein the transition from operating in the lower power mode to operating in the higher power mode is based on the request for the wireless AP to transition from operating in the lower power mode to operating in the higher power mode satisfying the functional constraints of the wireless AP in the lower power mode, where the functional constraints include at least one or more of the following: the request for the wireless AP to transition from operating in the lower power mode to operating in the higher power mode is a frame addressed separately in a single spatial stream, the request for the wireless AP to transition from operating in the lower power mode to operating in the higher power mode is received in a non-high throughput (non-HT) PPDU format operating at a bandwidth of 20 megahertz (MHz) with a mandatory modulation and coding scheme (MCS), or the request for the wireless AP to transition from operating in the lower power mode to operating in the higher power mode is a specific media access control (MAC) frame.

26. The wireless AP according to claim 25, wherein the request for the wireless AP to transition from operating in the lower power mode to operating in the higher power mode indicates parameters for transmitting data in the higher power mode, the parameters including at least one or more of the following: the bandwidth available on the link, the number of spatial streams (NSS) configured for the link, the data rate supported by the link, the MCS of the link, or the duration of the PPDU of the link.

27. The wireless AP according to claim 25, wherein the request for the wireless AP to transition from operating in the lower power mode to operating in the higher power mode corresponds to a media access control (MAC) protocol data unit (MPDU) addressed separately to the wireless AP.

28. The wireless AP according to claim 25, wherein the at least one processor is further operable to cause the wireless AP to: receive from the wireless STA a request for the wireless AP to remain operating in the higher power mode after the end of a spatial period (SP) or a transmission opportunity (TXOP), where the request for the wireless AP to remain operating in the higher power mode indicates the presence of additional data to be transmitted during the SP or TXOP.

29. The wireless AP according to claim 25, wherein the lower power mode further includes a first mode in which the AP operates with a reduced receive function relative to the AP operating in the normal operation mode and does not have a transmit function, and a second mode in which the AP operates with reduced receive and transmit functions relative to the AP operating in the normal operation mode.

30. A method for wireless communication capable of being performed at a wireless access point, the method comprising: Receive a request from a wireless station (STA) to transition an access point (AP) multi-link device (MLD) wireless AP from operating in a lower power mode in which a link associated with the wireless AP is disabled for the wireless STA to operating in a higher power mode in which the link associated with the wireless AP is enabled for the wireless STA; Send a response associated with the request after a transition delay period; And When the link is enabled after the transition delay period, receive data from the wireless STA on the link associated with the wireless AP.

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