Energy-saving control method, device, equipment and system for access point

Abstract

The invention provides an energy-saving control method, device, equipment and system for an access point, and belongs to the technical field of communication. In the method, a first access point instructs a second access point how to perform an energy-saving operation through the number of spatial streams, turn-off capability or bandwidth of the second access point in an energy-saving control message so as to reduce power consumption of the second access point.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application. The application number of the original application is 202510039105.6, and the filing date of the original application is January 9, 2025. The entire content of the original application is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of communication technologies, and particularly to an energy-saving control method, device, equipment, and system for an access point. Background Art

[0003] Wireless local area networks (WLANs) are becoming increasingly popular. A WLAN includes stations (STAs) and access points (APs). Currently, energy saving focuses on the energy saving of stations to extend the standby time of the stations. For example, the access point periodically broadcasts beacon frames, and the beacon frames include indication information on whether there is downlink data for each station. The station only needs to wake up periodically at the beacon frame time point, receive the beacon frame, and determine whether there is downlink data. If there is, it enters the working state; otherwise, it continues to sleep.

[0004] The number of access points in the WLAN is gradually increasing, and the functions of the access points are also gradually increasing, making the power consumption problem of the access points prominent. Therefore, a solution for reducing the power consumption of the access point is needed. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides an energy-saving control method, device, equipment, and system for an access point, providing a solution for reducing the power consumption of the access point. The technical solutions adopted are as follows:

[0006] In a first aspect, this application provides an energy-saving control method for an access point. The method is applied to a first access point in a fiber to the room (FTTR) network. The first access point is connected to at least one access point in the FTTR network. The method includes: sending an energy-saving control message to a second access point among the at least one access point, so that the second access point performs an energy-saving operation, where the energy-saving control message includes one or more of the number of spatial streams, the shutdown ability, or the bandwidth of the second access point.

[0007] In the solution shown in this application, the first access point instructs the second access point to perform an energy-saving operation, and the energy-saving control message includes one or more of the number of spatial streams, the shutdown ability, or the bandwidth of the second access point. In this way, it is possible to instruct the second access point on how to perform the energy-saving operation and reduce the power consumption.

[0008] Moreover, in the case of limited traffic and the same air interface transmission power, the smaller the number of spatial streams, the lower the power consumption. Bandwidth, also known as frequency width, indicates the bandwidth occupied by the transmitted data. In the case of a certain traffic volume, the smaller the occupied bandwidth, the lower the power consumption. The shutdown ability indicates whether to turn off the energy-saving object of the second access point. In this way, since the power consumption can be reduced after turning off the energy-saving object, energy saving can be achieved by turning off the energy-saving object.

[0009] In an optional manner, the energy-saving control message further includes an indication flag for indicating whether the low-power listening ability is available.

[0010] Among them, the low-power listening ability refers to the ability to perform listening with low power. When the low-power listening ability is available, the power consumption is lower; when the low-power listening ability is not available, the power consumption is higher. Therefore, the power consumption can be reduced by indicating whether the low-power listening ability is available.

[0011] In an optional manner, the energy-saving control message further includes the duration required to switch from the low-power listening mode to the normal working state. In this way, the energy-saving object can be restored to the normal working state in a timely manner, reducing the impact on services.

[0012] In an optional manner, the energy-saving control message further includes the air interface transmission power and / or the modulation and coding scheme. Among them, the air interface transmission power refers to the power when transmitting through the air interface. The smaller the air interface transmission power, the lower the power consumption. In the case of a certain traffic volume, the lower the complexity of the modulation and coding scheme, the lower the power consumption. Therefore, different energy-saving amplitudes can be achieved by adjusting these parameters.

[0013] In an optional manner, the energy-saving control message further includes the energy-saving time and the energy-saving period. Among them, the energy-saving time refers to the duration of each energy-saving, and the energy-saving period refers to how often to enter the energy-saving state. The difference between the two is the duration of exiting the energy-saving state in the middle. In this way, when the energy-saving control message further includes the energy-saving time and the energy-saving period, periodic energy saving can be performed.

[0014] In an optional manner, the energy-saving control message further includes the duration required for the energy-saving object to switch from the off state to the normal working state. In this way, the energy-saving object can be restored to the normal working state in a timely manner, reducing the impact on services.

[0015] In an optional manner, the energy-saving object includes one or more of a frequency band, a basic service set identifier, or a service set identifier. Among them, in the second access point, the radio frequency resources may be divided according to one or more of a frequency band, a basic service set identifier, or a service set identifier. Therefore, energy-saving control can be performed on different radio frequency resources.

[0016] In an alternative manner, the energy-saving control message includes an indication message on whether to use an energy-saving template. In this way, it is possible to instruct the second access point to use the energy-saving template.

[0017] In an alternative manner, in order to make the determined energy-saving operation match the energy-saving capability of the second access point, before sending the energy-saving control message to the second access point, the first access point receives the energy-saving capability message of the second access point, where the energy-saving capability message is used to report the energy-saving capability of the second access point.

[0018] In an alternative manner, the energy-saving capability includes one or more of the number of spatial streams, the turn-off capability, or the bandwidth of the second access point.

[0019] In an alternative manner, the energy-saving capability includes the low-power listening capability of the second access point.

[0020] In an alternative manner, the energy-saving capability includes the duration required to switch from the low-power listening mode to the normal operating state. In this way, when the first access point makes a decision on this duration, it refers to this duration in the energy-saving capability.

[0021] In an alternative manner, the energy-saving capability includes the air interface transmit power and / or the modulation and coding scheme.

[0022] In an alternative manner, the method further includes: the first access point receives a first energy-saving policy message sent by the second access point, where the first energy-saving policy message is used to indicate a request to start energy-saving processing. The first access point sends a second energy-saving policy message to the second access point, and the second energy-saving policy message is used to indicate consent to start energy-saving processing. In this way, the second access point initiates the start of energy-saving processing.

[0023] In an alternative manner, the method further includes: the first access point sends a first energy-saving policy message to the second access point, where the first energy-saving policy message is used to indicate a request to start energy-saving processing. The first access point receives a second energy-saving policy message sent by the second access point, and the second energy-saving policy message is used to indicate consent to start energy-saving processing. In this way, the first access point initiates the start of energy-saving processing.

[0024] Optionally, the first energy-saving policy message and the second energy-saving policy message are the same message, and are also the same message as the energy-saving control message.

[0025] Second aspect, the present application provides an energy-saving control method for an access point, which is applied to a second access point in an FTTR network. The second access point is connected to a first access point in the FTTR network. The method includes: receiving an energy-saving control message sent by the first access point, where the energy-saving control message is used to instruct the second access point to perform an energy-saving operation, and the energy-saving control message includes one or more of the number of spatial streams, shutdown capability, or bandwidth of the second access point; performing the energy-saving operation.

[0026] In the solution shown in the present application, the first access point instructs the second access point on how to perform the energy-saving operation and reduce the power consumption of the second access point through the number of spatial streams, shutdown capability, or bandwidth of the second access point in the energy-saving control message.

[0027] In an optional manner, the energy-saving control message further includes an indication flag for indicating whether it has the low-power listening capability.

[0028] In an optional manner, the energy-saving control message further includes the duration required to switch from the low-power listening mode to the working state.

[0029] In an optional manner, the energy-saving control message further includes the air interface transmit power and / or modulation and coding scheme.

[0030] In an optional manner, the energy-saving control message further includes an energy-saving time and an energy-saving period. The energy-saving time is the time for which the energy-saving operation is valid once, and the energy-saving period is the time interval between two consecutive executions of the energy-saving operation by the second access point.

[0031] In an optional manner, the energy-saving control message further includes the duration required for the energy-saving object to which the shutdown capability belongs to switch from the closed state to the working state.

[0032] In an optional manner, the energy-saving object includes one or more of a frequency band, a basic service set identifier, or a service set identifier.

[0033] In an optional manner, the energy-saving control message includes an indication flag for indicating whether to use an energy-saving template.

[0034] In an optional manner, before receiving the energy-saving control message sent by the first access point, the method further includes: sending an energy-saving capability message to the first access point, where the energy-saving capability message is used to report the energy-saving capability of the second access point.

[0035] In an optional manner, the energy-saving capability includes one or more of the number of spatial streams, shutdown capability, or bandwidth of the second access point.

[0036] In an alternative manner, the energy saving capability includes the low power listening capability of the second access point.

[0037] In an alternative manner, the energy saving capability further includes the duration required to switch from the low power listening mode to the normal operating state.

[0038] In an alternative manner, the energy saving capability includes the air interface transmit power and / or the modulation and coding scheme.

[0039] In an alternative manner, the method further includes: the second access point sends a first energy saving policy message to the first access point, and the first energy saving policy message is used to indicate a request to initiate energy saving processing. The second access point receives a second energy saving policy message sent by the first access point, and the second energy saving policy message is used to indicate consent to initiate energy saving processing. In this way, the second access point initiates the energy saving processing.

[0040] In an alternative manner, the method further includes: the second access point receives a first energy saving policy message sent by the first access point, and the first energy saving policy message is used to indicate a request to initiate energy saving processing. The second access point sends a second energy saving policy message to the first access point, and the second energy saving policy message is used to indicate consent to initiate energy saving processing. In this way, the first access point initiates the energy saving processing.

[0041] Optionally, the first energy saving policy message and the second energy saving policy message are the same message, and are also the same message as the energy saving control message.

[0042] For the beneficial effects achieved by each alternative manner in the second aspect, reference may be made to the beneficial effects achieved by the corresponding alternative manner in the first aspect, which will not be elaborated here.

[0043] In a third aspect, the present application provides an energy saving control device for an access point, and the device has the function of implementing the above-mentioned first aspect or any alternative manner of the first aspect. The device includes at least one module, and the at least one module is used to implement the method provided by the above-mentioned first aspect or any alternative manner of the first aspect.

[0044] In a fourth aspect, the present application provides an energy saving control device for an access point, and the device has the function of implementing the above-mentioned second aspect or any alternative manner of the second aspect. The device includes at least one module, and the at least one module is used to implement the method provided by the above-mentioned second aspect or any alternative manner of the second aspect.

[0045] Fifth aspect, the present application provides an access point, which includes a processor, a memory, and a communication interface. The processor is configured to execute program instructions in the memory to implement the method provided in the first aspect or any optional manner of the first aspect. The communication interface is configured to communicate with other devices (such as other access points and stations).

[0046] Sixth aspect, the present application provides an access point, which includes a processor, a memory, and a communication interface. The processor is configured to execute program instructions in the memory to implement the method provided in the second aspect or any optional manner of the second aspect. The communication interface is configured to communicate with other devices (such as other access points and stations).

[0047] Seventh aspect, the present application provides a communication system, which includes a first access point and a second access point. The first access point is configured to implement the method provided in the first aspect or any optional manner of the first aspect. The second access point is configured to implement the method provided in the second aspect or any optional manner of the second aspect.

[0048] Eighth aspect, the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium, in which at least one program instruction is stored. The program instruction is read by a processor to enable an access point to execute the method provided in the first aspect or any optional manner of the first aspect.

[0049] Ninth aspect, the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium, in which at least one program instruction is stored. The program instruction is read by a processor to enable an access point to execute the method provided in the second aspect or any optional manner of the second aspect.

[0050] Tenth aspect, the present application provides a computer program product, which includes program instructions stored in a computer-readable storage medium. A processor of an access point reads the program instructions from the computer-readable storage medium, and the processor executes the program instructions, so that the access point executes the method provided in the first aspect or any optional manner of the first aspect.

[0051] Eleventh aspect, the present application provides a computer program product, which includes program instructions stored in a computer-readable storage medium. A processor of an access point reads the program instructions from the computer-readable storage medium, and the processor executes the program instructions, so that the access point executes the method provided in the second aspect or any optional manner of the second aspect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0052] Figure 1It is a networking schematic diagram of multiple access points provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0053] Figure 2 It is an architecture schematic diagram of an FTTR system provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0054] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of access point energy-saving message interaction in a WLAN provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0055] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of the process for an access point to periodically report energy-saving statistical information provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0056] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of the process for an access point to actively report energy-saving statistical information provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0057] Figure 6 It is a schematic diagram of the process for a first access point to query the energy-saving statistical information of a second access point provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0058] Figure 7 [[ID=2...]]It is a schematic diagram of the process for a first access point to negotiate with a second access point provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0059] Figure 8 It is a schematic diagram of the process for energy-saving exit provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0060] Figure 9 It is a schematic diagram of the process for energy-saving indication provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0061] Figure 10 It is a schematic diagram of a format of a message carrying energy-saving status provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0062] Figure 11 It is a schematic diagram of another format of a message carrying energy-saving status provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0063] [[ID=...]] Figure 12 It is a schematic diagram of yet another format of a message carrying energy-saving status provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0064] Figure 13 It is a schematic diagram of a first access point controlling the energy saving of other access points provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0065] Figure 14 It is a schematic diagram of access point energy-saving message interaction in a WLAN provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0066] Figure 15Schematic diagram of enabling energy-saving features provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0067] Figure 16 Schematic diagram of disabling energy-saving features provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0068] Figure 17 Schematic diagram of the structure of an energy-saving control device for an access point provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0069] Figure 18 Schematic diagram of the structure of an energy-saving control device for an access point provided by another exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0070] Figure 19 Schematic diagram of the structure of a device provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application. Detailed implementation manners

[0071] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the present application clearer, the following will further describe the embodiments of the present application in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0072] In a WLAN, to provide better network service experiences for users, multiple access points are deployed. The coverage ranges of the multiple access points are not completely the same, and a station can select the access point with the best signal quality to access. Currently in the WLAN, energy saving is mainly targeted at stations, and little attention is paid to the energy saving of access points. As the functions of access points gradually increase, their power consumption problems become prominent. Therefore, how to reduce the power consumption of access points is crucial.

[0073] In the embodiments of the present application, in a WLAN, among the multiple access points, there is a first access point. The first access point is connected to at least one other access point among the multiple access points. The first access point centrally makes decisions on the energy-saving mechanisms of the at least one other access point to reduce the power consumption of the access points in the WLAN and minimize the impact of energy saving on the services of stations.

[0074] The following describes the application scenarios of the embodiments of the present application.

[0075] In a WLAN, there are multiple access points. Each access point is a wireless access point. Among the multiple access points, there is a first access point. The first access point is used to make decisions on the energy-saving mechanisms of the other access points among the multiple access points. The number of the other access points is one or more, which is not limited in the embodiments of the present application. The first access point is the access point designated as the master access point among the multiple access points. The first access point can be designated as the master access point during deployment, or after the multiple access points are deployed and go online, the master access point is selected through negotiation among the multiple access points. The first access point is connected to the other access point. For example, the multiple access points include a first access point, a second access point, and a third access point. As Figure 1As shown in (a), the network composed of multiple access points is an FTTR system. The first access point is the main FTTR device (MFU), and the second and third access points are sub FTTR devices (SFU). The sub FTTR device is also called the FTTR sub-device, the MFU is also called the main optical network unit, and the SFU is also called the sub optical network unit. The first access point is connected to the second and third access points through an optical distribution network (ODN). As Figure 1 shown in (b), the first access point is connected to the second access point through an optical fiber, a network cable, or a power line, and the first access point is connected to the third access point through an optical fiber, a network cable, or a power line. As Figure 1 shown in (c), the first access point is wirelessly connected to the second access point, and the first access point is wirelessly connected to the third access point.

[0076] Optionally, the above Figure 1 (a), the FTTR network can be deployed in a home and considered a home FTTR network, or it can be deployed in an enterprise and considered an enterprise FTTR network.

[0077] Optionally, the first access point can obtain some information of the other access point from the other access point and decide the energy-saving state of each access point based on the obtained information.

[0078] It should be noted that among multiple access points, the connection method between the first access point and other access points is the same, or there are different connection methods when the first access point is connected to other access points. For example, multiple access points include the first access point, the second access point, and the third access point. The first access point is connected to the second access point through an optical fiber, and the first access point is connected to the third access point wirelessly.

[0079] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of the FTTR system. On the one hand, the main device in the FTTR system serves as an optical network terminal (ONT) in the fiber to the home / office (FTTH / O) network and is connected to the optical line terminal through an optical distribution network (ODN). On the other hand, as the upstream device of the slave device, it manages the slave device. The slave device can be deployed in each room of a home or office area to provide signals for user terminals. The slave device has the function of an ONT and can also have the function of a wireless access point.

[0080] In the FTTR system, multiple slave devices can be deployed, and each slave device is connected to the master device via an optical splitter. The master device can uniformly manage and configure all slave devices. The master device can also be referred to as the "master gateway", "master optical network terminal", or "master FTTR device", etc., and the slave device can also be referred to as the "slave gateway", "slave optical network terminal", or "slave FTTR device", etc.

[0081] The execution subject of the embodiments of the present application will be described below.

[0082] The execution subject of the method for power saving of an access point in a WLAN is the device for power saving of an access point in a WLAN. Optionally, the device is a hardware device, such as the access point. Optionally, the device is a software device, such as a set of software programs running on the access point.

[0083] Before describing the method flow of the embodiments of the present application, the states that each access point may involve will be described first.

[0084] 1. Working state. In the case of an energy-saving preparation state, it refers to the normal working state, where the energy-saving mode is not enabled (i.e., exiting the energy-saving mode). In the case of an energy-saving preparation state, the energy-saving mode is enabled (i.e., entering the energy-saving mode). Or, it refers to the normal working state, and the energy-saving mode is also enabled, but has not entered a specific energy-saving state. Or, it refers to the working state with the energy-saving mode turned off.

[0085] 2. Energy-saving preparation state. It refers to the state where the energy-saving mode is enabled, but has not yet entered the energy-saving state. In this energy-saving preparation state, the access point can enter a certain energy-saving state at any time but has not entered yet. Here, the energy-saving preparation state is an optional state, which can directly switch from the working state to a certain energy-saving state, or can switch from a certain energy-saving state to the working state.

[0086] 3. Energy-saving state. It represents a specific energy-saving strategy or a specific energy-saving operation. For a certain access point, when the access point is in different energy-saving states, the power consumption saved by the access point is different, that is, the energy-saving amplitude is different. Different access points may support the same or different energy-saving states.

[0087] Optionally, among multiple access points, for a certain access point, the access point as a whole corresponds to at least one energy-saving state. Different energy-saving states represent different energy-saving levels, and different energy-saving levels correspond to different energy-saving strategies, achieving different energy-saving amplitudes. For example, as shown in Table 1, the access point corresponds to a first energy-saving state and a second energy-saving state. The first energy-saving state represents energy-saving level 1, and energy-saving level 1 corresponds to energy-saving strategy 1. The second energy-saving state represents energy-saving level 2, and energy-saving level 2 corresponds to energy-saving strategy 2.

[0088] Table 1

[0089] Energy-saving state Energy-saving level Energy-saving strategy First energy-saving state Energy-saving level 1 Energy-saving strategy 1 Second energy-saving state Energy-saving level 2 Energy-saving strategy 2

[0090] Optionally, among multiple access points, for a certain access point, the access point can be divided according to an energy-saving granularity to obtain more fine-grained energy-saving objects. The energy-saving granularity is considered from the dimension of radio frequency resources. Different frequency bands use different radio frequency resources. Different BSSIDs in a frequency band may correspond to the same radio frequency resource or different radio frequency resources. Therefore, the energy-saving granularity includes one or more of a frequency band, a BSSID, or an SSID. We can consider energy-saving for all the radio frequency resources of the access point or for some radio frequency resources, and consider using the same energy-saving strategy or different energy-saving strategies for different radio frequency resources. For example, the 5GHz frequency band corresponds to a first BSSID and a second BSSID, and the radio frequency resources corresponding to the first BSSID and the second BSSID are different. Therefore, energy-saving can be performed separately for the first BSSID and the second BSSID.

[0091] After the access point is divided into energy-saving objects, the access point can overall correspond to at least one energy-saving state. For the target energy-saving state among the at least one energy-saving state, the target energy-saving state is any energy-saving state among the at least one energy-saving state. In the target energy-saving state, each energy-saving object of the access point corresponds to an energy-saving level, and different energy-saving levels correspond to different energy-saving strategies to achieve different energy-saving amplitudes.

[0092] For example, in the case where the energy-saving granularity includes a frequency band, the access point includes multiple frequency bands. In the target energy-saving state, energy-saving levels are set for the multiple frequency bands respectively. Specifically, as shown in Table 2, the multiple frequency bands include the 2.4GHz frequency band and the 5GHz frequency band. In the first energy-saving state of the access point, the 2.4GHz frequency band corresponds to energy-saving level 1, and the 5GHz frequency band corresponds to energy-saving level 2. In the second energy-saving state of the access point, the 2.4GHz frequency band corresponds to energy-saving level 2, and the 5GHz frequency band corresponds to energy-saving level 2. Here, the frequency band as the energy-saving object can be all the frequency bands or some frequency bands of the access point.

[0093] Table 2

[0094]

[0095] For another example, when the energy-saving granularity includes BSSID, there are multiple BSSIDs in the access point. In the target energy-saving state, energy-saving levels are set for each of the multiple BSSIDs. Specifically, the access point includes multiple frequency bands, and there is at least one frequency band among the multiple frequency bands. Each frequency band in the at least one frequency band corresponds to multiple BSSIDs. For example, if the access point is a fiber optic modem in a home, the 5GHz frequency band corresponds to multiple BSSIDs. The multiple BSSIDs correspond to different radio frequency resources. One BSSID is private and used by internal personnel, and the other BSSID is used for external personnel, or the 5GHz frequency band corresponds to multiple BSSIDs, and different BSSIDs correspond to different frequency bands in the 5GHz frequency band. The BSSID used as the energy-saving object here can be all or part of the BSSIDs of the access point.

[0096] For another example, when the energy-saving granularity includes SSID, an energy-saving level is set for the SSID. The access point includes multiple frequency bands, and one SSID is set for a part of the multiple frequency bands. In this way, for this part of the frequency bands, one SSID is displayed in the WLAN list of the station. The SSID used as the energy-saving object here can be all or part of the SSIDs of the access point.

[0097] Or, after the access point is divided into energy-saving objects, each energy-saving object of the access point corresponds to at least one energy-saving state. For each energy-saving object, different energy-saving states of the energy-saving object represent different energy-saving levels, and different energy-saving levels correspond to different energy-saving strategies. For example, when the energy-saving granularity includes frequency bands, the access point includes multiple frequency bands, and each frequency band corresponds to an energy-saving state. As shown in Table 3, assume that the multiple frequency bands include the 2.4GHz frequency band and the 5GHz frequency band. The 2.4GHz frequency band corresponds to at least one energy-saving state, and the energy-saving levels of different energy-saving states are different, corresponding to different energy-saving strategies to achieve different energy-saving amplitudes. The 5GHz frequency band corresponds to at least one energy-saving state, and the energy-saving levels of different energy-saving states are different, corresponding to different energy-saving strategies to achieve different energy-saving amplitudes. The frequency bands used as the energy-saving objects here can be all or part of the frequency bands of the access point.

[0098] Table 3

[0099]

[0100] Among them, in Table 3, for the two frequency bands, the energy-saving strategies can be the same or different.

[0101] For another example, when the energy-saving granularity includes BSSID, the access point includes multiple BSSIDs, and each BSSID corresponds to an energy-saving state.

[0102] For another example, when the energy-saving granularity includes the BSSID and the frequency band, the access point includes multiple BSSIDs of the first frequency band and the second frequency band. Each of the multiple BSSIDs of the first frequency band corresponds to at least one energy-saving state, and the second frequency band corresponds to at least one energy-saving state.

[0103] It should be noted that when one frequency band corresponds to one BSSID, the frequency band is equivalent to the BSSID.

[0104] Optionally, each of the energy-saving policies mentioned above includes one or more of the energy-saving policies of the WLAN network, the energy-saving policies of the functional modules, or the energy-saving policies of the peripheral interfaces. For example, for a certain access point, there are a first energy-saving state and a second energy-saving state. Compared with the first energy-saving state, the second energy-saving state corresponds to a further energy-saving policy. In the first energy-saving state, the energy-saving policy includes the energy-saving policy of the WLAN network. In the second energy-saving state, the energy-saving policy includes the energy-saving policy of the WLAN network and the energy-saving policy of the functional modules. Or, in the first energy-saving state, the energy-saving policy includes the first energy-saving policy of the WLAN network. In the second energy-saving state, the energy-saving policy includes the second energy-saving policy of the WLAN network. The energy-saving amplitude of the first energy-saving policy is smaller than that of the second energy-saving policy.

[0105] Among them, the energy-saving policy of the WLAN network includes one or more of the energy-saving policies of the spatial stream, the bandwidth, the air interface transmit power, the modulation and coding scheme (MCS), whether to turn off the specified radio frequency resources, the low-power listening, or the channel closing.

[0106] Energy-saving policy of the spatial stream: This energy-saving policy includes the number of spatial streams, and the number of spatial streams indicates the number of groups of transceiver antennas. For example, when the number of spatial streams is 1, it means 1 group of transceiver antennas. When the number of spatial streams is 2, it means 2 groups of transceiver antennas, and so on. In the case of limited traffic and the same air interface transmit power, the more the number of spatial streams, the higher the power consumption. On the contrary, the fewer the number of spatial streams, the lower the power consumption. By setting different numbers of spatial streams, different energy-saving amplitudes can be achieved. Here, when controlling the number of groups of transceiver antennas of the antenna, the energy-saving policy of the WLAN network includes channels, and the number of channels is related to the number of groups of transceiver antennas. One channel corresponds to one group of transceiver antennas, two channels correspond to two groups of transceiver antennas, and so on. Therefore, in the energy-saving policy of the WLAN network, channels can be used to replace the spatial streams.

[0107] Energy-saving strategy for bandwidth: This energy-saving strategy includes the width of the spectrum for transmitting and receiving data. For example, the bandwidth can be 20 MHz, 40 MHz, 80 MHz, 160 MHz, etc. Under a certain traffic volume, the larger the bandwidth, the higher the power consumption; conversely, the smaller the bandwidth, the lower the power consumption. By setting different bandwidths, different energy-saving levels can be achieved. Bandwidth can also be referred to as frequency width.

[0108] Energy-saving strategy for air interface transmission power: This energy-saving strategy includes the magnitude of the air interface transmission power, which refers to the power used when transmitting signals. The larger the air interface transmission power, the higher the power consumption; conversely, the smaller the air interface transmission power, the lower the power consumption. By setting different air interface transmission powers, different energy-saving levels can be achieved.

[0109] Energy-saving strategy for modulation and coding schemes: This energy-saving strategy includes modulation and coding schemes. Under a certain traffic volume, the more complex the modulation and coding scheme, the lower the power consumption; conversely, the simpler the modulation and coding scheme, the higher the power consumption. By setting different modulation and coding schemes, different energy-saving levels can be achieved.

[0110] Energy-saving strategy for functional modules: This energy-saving strategy includes the energy-saving strategies for one or more of the central processing unit (CPU), Ethernet module, optical module, or modules related to the system on a chip. For example, for the CPU, the number of working cores of the CPU can be adjusted to achieve different energy-saving levels. For the Ethernet module and optical module, different energy-saving levels can be achieved by turning them off or on, or entering a certain power-saving mode. For modules related to the system on a chip, the ways to achieve different energy-saving levels include, but are not limited to: turning on or off sub-service modules, adjusting the processing frequency, turning on or off the clock, having the double data rate (DDR) synchronous dynamic random access memory enter or exit the low-power state, or having the peripheral component interconnect express (PCIE) interface enter or exit the low-power state. Among them, the sub-service modules include modules related to the CPU cores, and adjusting the processing frequency includes, but is not limited to, adjusting the processing frequency of the CPU cores, adjusting the processing frequency of the interface, or adjusting the processing frequency of the bus.

[0111] Energy-saving strategy for peripheral interfaces: This energy-saving strategy includes the energy-saving strategies for the universal serial bus (USB) interface and / or the telephone interface. For example, different energy-saving levels can be achieved by turning off or on the peripheral interface, or entering a certain power-saving mode.

[0112] Energy-saving strategy for turning off specified radio frequency resources: The radio frequency resources can be turned off to save power consumption. For example, the radio frequency resources can be turned off in the early morning.

[0113] Energy-saving strategy for low-power listening: A separate low-power channel can be used to listen for whether there is data to be received. If there is, the normal data transceiver capability is enabled, or when there is data to be sent, the normal data transceiver capability is enabled. It should be noted that there may be a certain switching time when switching from the low-power listening mode to the normal operating state.

[0114] Transceiver strategy for channel closing: The transmitting channel can be separately closed, and only the receiving channel is retained. When it is detected that there is data to be received or there is data to be sent, the transmitting channel is enabled.

[0115] Optionally, when the access point saves energy, it can periodically enter the energy-saving state and wake up in the middle to perform some necessary operations, such as sending beacon frames, etc. In this way, the energy-saving strategy also includes the energy-saving time and the energy-saving cycle. The energy-saving time is the duration of each stay in the energy-saving state, and the energy-saving cycle refers to the cycle of entering the energy-saving state. The difference between the two is the duration of exiting the energy-saving state in the middle. The energy-saving cycle can also be understood as the interval between two adjacent entries into the current energy-saving state, also known as the periodic wake-up time.

[0116] First, the overall process is described. Refer to Figure 3 Steps S11 to S18 in. Assume that there are multiple access points in the WLAN. At least the first access point, the second access point, and the third access point are included in the multiple access points. The second access point and the third access point are any access points other than the first access point among the multiple access points. In Figure 3 An example is given to illustrate the energy-saving mechanism of the second access point determined by the first access point.

[0117] Step S11, the second access point reports its energy-saving ability to the first access point, and the third access point reports its energy-saving ability to the first access point.

[0118] In this embodiment, when the second access point initializes and goes online, it sends an energy-saving ability message to the first access point, and this energy-saving ability message is used to indicate the energy-saving ability of the second access point. And when the third access point initializes and goes online, it sends an energy-saving ability message to the first access point, and this energy-saving ability message is used to indicate the energy-saving ability of the third access point.

[0119] The first access point receives the energy-saving ability of the second access point and also receives the energy-saving ability of the third access point.

[0120] Step S11 belongs to the initialization stage. Step S11 can be an optional step. For example, if the energy-saving abilities of all access points are the same, they are pre-configured in the first access point.

[0121] Optionally, in the initialization phase, the first access point may also configure some parameters for the second access point and instruct the second access point and the third access point to enable the energy-saving function.

[0122] Step S12: The second access point and the third access point report energy-saving statistical information to the first access point.

[0123] In this embodiment, after reporting the energy-saving capability, the second access point reports the energy-saving statistical information to the first access point. And after reporting the energy-saving capability, the third access point reports the energy-saving statistical information to the first access point. There is no sequence requirement for the second access point and the third access point to report the energy-saving statistical information.

[0124] The first access point receives the energy-saving statistical information of the second access point and the energy-saving statistical information of the third access point.

[0125] Optionally, before step S12, after receiving the energy-saving capability, the first access point may send a data reporting request to the second access point and the third access point by unicast, broadcast, or multicast.

[0126] Step S12 belongs to the information reporting phase. The start of step S12 marks the beginning of the Nth round of energy saving, where N is greater than or equal to 1.

[0127] Optionally, there may be other phases, such as a synchronization phase, between step S11 and step S12.

[0128] Step S13: The second access point sends an energy-saving request to the first access point.

[0129] Step S14: The first access point sends an energy-saving indication message to the second access point.

[0130] Step S15: The second access point reports the energy-saving statistical information to the first access point.

[0131] Steps S13 to S14 belong to the energy-saving negotiation phase. Among them, step S14 is an optional step. For example, after the second access point sends an energy-saving request to the first access point and the first access point receives the request, it can directly determine the energy-saving status of the second access point, that is, execute step S16.

[0132] Alternatively, both step S13 and step S14 are optional steps. For example, the first access point determines the energy-saving status of the second access point based on the energy-saving statistical information sent in step S12 and then gives an energy-saving indication, that is, executes step S16.

[0133] Step S15 is also an optional step. For example, if the first access point currently has sufficient information to determine the energy-saving status of the second access point, the second access point may not report the energy-saving statistical information.

[0134] Optionally, before step S15, the first access point may also send a data reporting request to the second access point.

[0135] Optionally, in Figure 3 the negotiation phase is initiated by the second access point. In another implementation, the negotiation phase can also be initiated by the first access point. For example, the first access point sends an energy saving request to the second access point, and the second access point needs to reply with an energy saving indication message, or does not need to reply with an energy saving indication message, and then the second access point sends energy saving statistical information to the first access point (optional processing).

[0136] Step S16, the first access point determines the energy saving state of the second access point and sends an energy saving control message to the second access point.

[0137] Among them, the energy saving control message can be used to instruct the second access point to enter the energy saving state, or can also instruct the second access point to exit the energy saving state. Exiting the energy saving state includes exiting the energy saving mode (i.e., turning off the energy saving mode), or turning on the energy saving mode, but not entering a specific energy saving state.

[0138] Optionally, between step S16 and step S17, during the process that the second access point is in the energy saving state, the second access point can also feedback its own service status information to the first access point, and the first access point decides whether to adjust the energy saving state.

[0139] Step S17, the second access point sends an energy saving exit request to the first access point.

[0140] Among them, the second access point sends an energy saving exit request to the first access point, indicating that it exits the energy saving state, and the first access point modifies the state of the second access point. The first access point can reply or not reply.

[0141] Optionally, the second access point saves energy periodically. In step S17, when the second access point exits the energy saving state periodically, it sends an energy saving exit request to the first access point.

[0142] Optionally, during periodic energy saving, the first access point modifies the state of the second access point according to the energy saving period configured for the second access point.

[0143] Optionally, the second access point can also actively exit the energy saving state after detecting an emergency event.

[0144] Optionally, the energy saving exit request and the energy saving request message in step 13 are the same message, except that the carried identifiers are different, or the energy saving exit request and the energy saving request message in step 13 are different messages.

[0145] Step S18, the second access point feeds back the service status information to the first access point.

[0146] Optionally, during periodic energy saving, after the second access point periodically exits the energy-saving state, the second access point sends service status information to the first access point. The first access point uses this service status information to determine whether to adjust the energy-saving state for the next cycle. If an adjustment is needed, the first access point sends an energy-saving control message to the second access point; otherwise, no energy-saving control message is sent. At the time point when it is time to enter the energy-saving state, the second access point directly enters the energy-saving state of the previous cycle. The reason for periodic energy saving here is that the access point should be periodically awakened to perform some necessary processing.

[0147] Steps S16 to S18 belong to the energy-saving configuration phase.

[0148] After the energy-saving configuration phase ends, it can be that the second access point exits the energy-saving mode, that is, turns off the energy-saving mode and no longer performs periodic energy saving. The first access point can decide to start the (N + 1)-th round of energy saving. When performing the (N + 1)-th round of energy saving, steps S12 to S18 can be re-executed, or steps S16 to S18 can be re-executed. This application embodiment does not make a limitation.

[0149] Or, after the energy-saving configuration phase ends, it can also be that the second access point switches to another energy-saving state, and at this time the energy-saving mode is still enabled.

[0150] Or, after the energy-saving configuration phase ends, it can also be that the second access point exits the energy-saving state and enters the working state or the energy-saving preparation state, but the energy-saving mode is still enabled.

[0151] Optionally, when the energy-saving mode is still enabled, when performing the (N + 1)-th round of energy saving, negotiation may not be required, and the first access point can directly send an energy-saving control message.

[0152] Optionally, the second access point actively requests to exit the energy-saving mode (this exit from the energy-saving mode is different from the periodic energy-saving exit). This request to exit the energy-saving mode generally occurs after an emergency. Or after the first access point decides that the second access point exits the energy-saving mode, it starts the (N + 1)-th round of energy saving, that is, re-executes steps S12 to S18.

[0153] Figure 3 For a detailed description of the shown process, refer to the description in the following text and will not be elaborated here.

[0154] Optionally, in Figure 3The channel for the first access point to interact with other access points in the shown process is the Wi-Fi management and control channel, and the messages used are Wi-Fi management and control interface (WMCI) messages. This is just an example. For instance, in the FTTR scenario, optical network unit management and control interface (OMCI) messages can also be used.

[0155] The following describes the solution according to Figure 3 the message sequence shown, and takes the first access point's decision on the second access point's energy-saving mechanism as an example for illustration.

[0156] 1. Energy-saving capability message, which is used to indicate the energy-saving capability of the access point.

[0157] To enable the first access point to understand the energy-saving capability of the second access point, the second access point sends an energy-saving capability message to the first access point.

[0158] Optionally, during the online initialization phase, the second access point sends an energy-saving capability message to the first access point, which is used to indicate the energy-saving capability of the second access point. The first access point receives this energy-saving capability message and obtains the energy-saving capability of the second access point from this message.

[0159] Optionally, the first access point stores the correspondence between the identifier of the energy-saving capability and the energy-saving capability, and this energy-saving capability message includes the identifier of the energy-saving capability. Or, this energy-saving capability message includes the specific content of the energy-saving capability, and the specific content can be referred to Table IV.

[0160] Table IV

[0161]

[0162]

[0163] Among them, in Table IV, the message number is just an example, and other identifiers can also be used. Information group 1 indicates the energy-saving capability of an object, and the identifier of information group 1 indicates the object to which information group 1 belongs, and the identifiers of different information groups are different. For example, information group 1 corresponds to the 2.4GHz band, and the identifier can be the identifier of the 2.4GHz band. Another example is that information group 1 corresponds to the low-frequency band of the 5GHz band, and the identifier can be the low-frequency band identifier of the 5GHz band.

[0164] The turn-off ability indication can directly turn off the object to which Information 1 belongs. Whether it can be turned off or not is represented by different identifiers, which can be any identifier. For example, the identifier 1 indicates that it can be turned off, and the identifier 0 indicates that it cannot be turned off, or the identifier 0 indicates that it can be turned off, and the identifier 1 indicates that it cannot be turned off.

[0165] The supported bandwidth can be the maximum supported bandwidth or a list of supported bandwidths. For example, the list of supported bandwidths can be sent in the bitmap mode or other modes. When sent in the bitmap mode, bit 0 indicates 20 MHz, bit 1 indicates 40 MHz, bit 2 indicates 80 MHz, bit 3 indicates 160 MHz, and bits 4 to 7 are reserved.

[0166] The number of supported spatial streams can be the maximum number of supported spatial streams or a list of the number of supported spatial streams. For example, the list of the number of supported spatial streams can be sent in the bitmap mode or other modes. When sent in the bitmap mode, bit 0 indicates that the number of spatial streams is 1, bit 1 indicates that the number of spatial streams is 2, bit 2 indicates that the number of spatial streams is 3, bit 3 indicates that the number of spatial streams is 4, and bits 4 to 7 are reserved.

[0167] The supported modulation and coding schemes can be the highest supported modulation and coding schemes or a list of supported modulation and coding schemes.

[0168] The supported air interface transmit power can be the maximum supported air interface transmit power or a range of supported transmit powers.

[0169] Among the indication bits of the supported energy-saving templates, one bit indicates whether the use of the energy-saving template is supported, and the remaining bits can indicate the specific energy-saving template used. For example, it can be indicated in the bitmap mode. Bit 0 indicates that the use of the energy-saving template is not supported, bit 1 indicates that the energy-saving template for the small traffic scenario is supported, bit 2 indicates that the energy-saving template for the night scenario is supported, and bits 3 to 7 are reserved. Among them, the parameters in the energy-saving template are the same as one or more parameters in the information group, but the values are different. The power consumption corresponding to the energy-saving template for the small traffic scenario is higher than the power consumption corresponding to the energy-saving template for the night scenario.

[0170] Information Group 2 indicates the energy-saving ability of another object. For example, Information Group 1 corresponds to the 2.4 GHz band, and Information Group 2 corresponds to the 5 GHz band. For the content of Information Group 2, refer to the format of Information Group 1, which will not be elaborated here.

[0171] Optionally, the identifier of information group 1 can be a BSSID or an SSID, or a radio unique identifier (RUID). For example, when the objects corresponding to information group 1 do not share radio frequency resources, the identifier can be a BSSID or an SSID; when the objects corresponding to information group 1 share radio frequency resources, the identifier is the RUID of the radio frequency resource.

[0172] It should be noted that for each access point, the specific content of the power saving ability of the access point includes at least one information group, and the content in each information group is optional. It can be selected to report part of the content or all of the content. The above is only an optional sending method, and other sending methods can also be adopted. The number of bytes can also be set according to actual needs, which is not limited in the embodiments of the present application. For example, there are multiple power saving abilities of the second access point, and each corresponds to a unique identifier. The second access point can send the identifier of the power saving ability to the first access point, and the first access point uses the identifier to find the specific power saving ability.

[0173] It should also be noted that in Table 4, the identifier of the second access point may not be included, because the identifier of the second access point is carried in the outer encapsulation of the power saving ability message.

[0174] 2. The second access point performs data reporting.

[0175] The first access point obtains power saving statistical information from other access points to assist in determining the power saving status of the second access point.

[0176] In an optional manner, there are multiple ways for the first access point to obtain power saving statistical information from the second access point. Three feasible ways are provided as follows.

[0177] Way 1: The second access point periodically reports power saving statistical information to the first access point. The specific process is shown in steps S21 to S26 in Figure 4 Steps S21 to S26 are as follows.

[0178] Step S21: The first access point sends a data reporting request to the second access point, and the data reporting request instructs the second access point to periodically send power saving statistical information to the first access point.

[0179] In this embodiment, after starting data collection, the first access point sends a data reporting request in a unicast, multicast or broadcast manner. The data reporting request includes a reporting requirement, and the reporting requirement includes the content of the data to be reported periodically. The content includes the number or specified identifier of the data to be reported. When the number or specified identifier of the data to be reported periodically is not included, it means that all data needs to be reported, and the data to be reported can be determined through negotiation between the first access point and the second access point.

[0180] Optionally, the reporting requirement further includes an identifier for full reporting or an identifier for incremental reporting. When including the identifier for full reporting, it instructs the second access point to send all energy-saving statistical information of the previous period. When including the identifier for incremental reporting, it instructs the second access point to send the changed energy-saving statistical information in the energy-saving statistical information of the previous period.

[0181] Optionally, the data reporting request further includes threshold recommended values in the data to be reported, such as the reporting threshold of service traffic and the reporting threshold of temperature. The reporting threshold of service traffic includes two thresholds. One is the high traffic threshold, which indicates that traffic reporting is performed when the traffic is higher than this high traffic threshold. The other is the low traffic threshold, which indicates that traffic reporting is performed when the traffic is lower than this low traffic threshold. The high traffic threshold is greater than the low traffic threshold. The reporting threshold of temperature includes two thresholds. One is the high temperature threshold, which indicates that temperature reporting is performed when the temperature is higher than this high temperature threshold. The other is the low temperature threshold, which indicates that temperature reporting is performed when the temperature is lower than this low temperature threshold. The high temperature threshold is greater than the low temperature threshold. When reporting, it is possible to directly report specific values or report events. Here, the data reporting request may also not include the threshold recommended value, and the second access point can determine the threshold by itself.

[0182] Optionally, the threshold recommended value can be negotiated or specified during the initialization phase.

[0183] Optionally, the data reporting request further includes a cycle value for data reporting, which instructs the second access point to report energy-saving statistical information according to this cycle value. The cycle value can be set according to actual needs. For example, the cycle value is 2 hours or 10 seconds, etc.

[0184] Here, the data reporting request may also not include the cycle value, which is negotiated between the first access point and the second access point during the initialization phase or determined by the second access point itself.

[0185] Optionally, after sending the data reporting request, a data reporting change request can also be sent to the second access point to change the content of the data to be reported and / or change the cycle value. For example, in the case of frequent state switching, the cycle value is decreased, and in the case of infrequent state switching, the cycle value is increased.

[0186] Step S22, the second access point receives the data reporting request.

[0187] In this embodiment, after the second access point receives the data reporting request, it obtains the cycle value and the content of the data to be reported from the data reporting request.

[0188] Step S23, the second access point periodically sends energy-saving statistical information to the first access point.

[0189] In this embodiment, whenever the reporting period arrives, the second access point collects its own energy-saving statistical information according to the data content indicated by the data reporting request, and sends the energy-saving statistical information to the first access point.

[0190] In this way, when the first access point sends a data reporting request once, the second access point can periodically report the energy-saving statistical information.

[0191] Optionally, the energy-saving statistical information includes the statistical data obtained from the operation of the second access point itself and / or some data of the associated sites.

[0192] Step S24: The first access point receives the energy-saving statistical information sent by the second access point.

[0193] Step S25: The first access point sends a suspension message for data reporting to the second access point.

[0194] In this embodiment, in some cases, the first access point does not need to collect the energy-saving statistical information of the second access point, and the first access point sends a suspension message for data reporting to the second access point. For example, when the second access point no longer performs energy-saving processing, the first access point does not need to collect the energy-saving statistical information of the second access point. For example, when the first access point decides that the second access point enters the working state, the first access point determines that the second access point no longer performs energy-saving processing.

[0195] Optionally, the suspension message for data reporting can be sent in a broadcast, multicast or unicast manner.

[0196] Optionally, the data reporting request and the suspension message for data reporting can be implemented by different messages, or can be implemented by the same message. For example, an indication bit is used to indicate whether it is a data reporting request or a suspension message. Or the suspension message can also be implemented by adding a new field to other existing messages.

[0197] Step S26: The second access point receives the suspension message and suspends reporting the energy-saving statistical information.

[0198] In this embodiment, after receiving the suspension message, the second access point no longer periodically reports the energy-saving statistical information.

[0199] For the process of other access points reporting the energy-saving statistical information, refer to the process of the second access point reporting the energy-saving statistical information, which will not be elaborated in this embodiment of the present application.

[0200] It should be noted that Figure 4 In, the case where the first access point sends a data reporting request to the second access point is taken as an example for illustration. In another implementation, the data reporting request may not be sent, and after the second access point goes online, the second access point periodically sends the energy-saving statistical information to the first access point.

[0201] In Figure 4 steps S25 and S26 are optional. For example, if the data reporting request carries the transmission duration, after the transmission duration ends, the second access point automatically stops sending energy-saving statistical information.

[0202] In the second method, the second access point actively reports the energy-saving statistical information to the first access point. For the specific process, see Figure 5 steps S31 to S32 therein.

[0203] Step S31: After a key event occurs at the second access point, the second access point sends the energy-saving statistical information to the first access point.

[0204] In this embodiment, a key event is recorded at the second access point, and the key event refers to an event that affects the status decision. For example, the key event includes one or more of a performance degradation, the cache exceeding a high traffic threshold or being lower than another low traffic threshold, the temperature exceeding a high temperature threshold or being lower than another low temperature threshold, a newly associated station, a new low-latency service added to the station, or a sudden increase in the traffic of the station. After detecting the occurrence of a key event, the second access point sends the energy-saving statistical information related to the key event to the first access point.

[0205] Optionally, the key event can be sent by the first access point to the second access point. For example, the first access point sends a data reporting request to the second access point, and the data reporting request includes the description information of the key event.

[0206] Optionally, the second access point can also send the content of the key event to the first access point, so that the processing performed by the first access point after receiving the energy-saving statistical information corresponds to the key event.

[0207] Optionally, the key event further includes the second access point sending the energy-saving ability to the first access point, or the key event further includes receiving an energy-saving indication message sent by the first access point, or the key event further includes the second access point sending an energy-saving request to the first access point.

[0208] Optionally, Figure 5 the reported energy-saving statistical information is a supplement to the Figure 4 reported energy-saving statistical information. In this way, Figure 5 the reported energy-saving statistical information can be considered as assisting the first access point in making a decision on the status of the second access point.

[0209] Step S32: The first access point receives the energy-saving statistical information.

[0210] In this embodiment, after receiving the energy-saving statistical information, the first access point uses the energy-saving statistical information to determine the status of the second access point or to determine whether the status of the second access point has changed.

[0211] In Figure 5 In the process shown, after a critical event occurs, the second access point actively sends energy-saving statistical information to the first access point. In another implementation, after the second access point goes online, it actively sends energy-saving statistical information to the first access point. For example, after the second access point sends an energy-saving capability message to the first access point, the second access point sends energy-saving statistical information to the first access point.

[0212] Method 3: The first access point actively queries the second access point for some data. The specific process is as shown in Figure 6 Steps S41 to S44.

[0213] Step S41: The first access point sends a data query request to the second access point.

[0214] In this embodiment, when the first access point needs some data of the second access point for auxiliary judgment, it can send a data query request to the second access point. The data query request indicates the data content to be queried. For example, the first access point obtains information such as the received signal strength indication (RSSI) of a site from the second access point. When the RSSI of the site is low, it indicates that the site may have left the second access point, and the second access point can also enter a certain energy-saving state.

[0215] Step S42: The second access point receives the data query request.

[0216] Step S43: The second access point sends the energy-saving statistical information queried by the data query request to the first access point.

[0217] Step S44: The first access point receives the energy-saving statistical information.

[0218] It should be noted that in Method 3, it can be that every time the second access point reports energy-saving statistical information, the first access point sends a data query request to the second access point, or it can be based on the process shown in Figure 4 and / or Figure 5 The first access point temporarily obtains some data helpful for decision-making.

[0219] Optionally, the first access point can start the process of collecting energy-saving statistical information after receiving an energy-saving request sent by the second access point. The process of starting the collection of energy-saving statistical information has no sequence with the step of the first access point sending an energy-saving indication message to the second access point. For example, after the first access point receives an energy-saving request sent by the second access point, it sends a data reporting request to the second access point.

[0220] Figures 4 to 6 The process can occur inFigure 3 In the process shown, for any stage after the initialization stage, the embodiments of the present application do not make any limitations. For example, after the second access point receives the energy-saving indication message sent by the first access point, it reports energy-saving statistical information to the first access point. Another example is that when the second access point is in the energy-saving state, it reports energy-saving statistical information to the first access point. Still another example is that after the second access point exits the energy-saving state, it reports energy-saving statistical information to the first access point.

[0221] Optionally, in the above several methods, the energy-saving statistical information includes one or more of site information, service information, temperature information, or service status information.

[0222] Among them, the site information includes one or more of the association information of the sites on the second access point, the perception information of the second access point for unassociated sites, the frequency band used by the site, the traffic information of the site, or the air interface information of the site. The air interface information of the site is used to obtain the service conditions and status of the sites associated with the second access point. The air interface information includes one or more of the sleep information of the sites associated with at least one access point, link-related information, or supported transceiver parameters. The sleep information includes the power saving mode (PSM) sleep-related statistical information of the site. The link-related information includes the multi-link-related statistical information of the site. The transceiver parameters include one or more of the spatial streams supported by the site, the bandwidth supported by the site, or the modulation and coding methods supported by the site.

[0223] Optionally, the association information of the sites of the second access point and the air interface information of the site can be sent together, as shown in Table Five.

[0224] Table Five

[0225]

[0226]

[0227] Among them, in Table Five, each site information group corresponds to a site, different site information groups correspond to different sites, the number of sites associated with the second access point is the number of site information groups in Table Five, and the frequency band used by the site is identified by the BSSID. Among them, the values of E, F, and G are all different. For example, the values of E, F, and G are integers from 0 to 2, or other values, such as E, F, and G are 0, 1, and 2 respectively. The embodiments of the present application do not make any limitations. In Table Five, only the MAC address of the site or the AID of the site can be sent, or both can be sent.

[0228] The number of spatial streams supported by a station can be obtained in an operating mode indication (OMI) message or a spatial multiplexing power saving (SMPS) message. A first access point can use the number of spatial streams to determine the number of spatial streams used by a second access point, so that the number of spatial streams of the second access point is the same as or close to the number of spatial streams of the station.

[0229] Optionally, when all of the number of spatial streams supported by the station are a specified value, it indicates that the number of spatial streams supported by the station cannot be obtained. For example, the specified value is 1 or 0, etc.

[0230] The average sleep interval, average sleep duration, or sleep duration ratio of a station is used to indicate the dormancy degree of the station, and this dormancy degree is used by a first access point to determine the energy saving degree of a second access point, so that the energy saving degree is as matched as possible with the dormancy degree of the station.

[0231] Optionally, from the TWT scheduling related statistical information, the PSM sleep related statistical information of the station can be obtained.

[0232] The bandwidth and modulation and coding scheme supported by the station can be obtained in the OMI message, and are used by a first access point to determine the bandwidth and modulation and coding scheme adopted by a second access point.

[0233] Optionally, when all of the bandwidth and modulation and coding scheme supported by the station are a specified value, it indicates that this information cannot be obtained. For example, the specified value is 1 or 0, etc.

[0234] In the multi-link related statistical information of the station, the multi-link transmission methods include redundant transmission and aggregation transmission. When using the redundant method for transmission, it means that the same data is sent on multiple links, indicating that the correct transmission of the data is desired to be completed as soon as possible, and the data has high requirements for latency, such as the data of game services. When using the aggregation method for transmission, it means that there is a large amount of data to be sent.

[0235] Optionally, two identifiers are used to indicate whether the multi-link method is used for transmission or not. Two identifiers are used to indicate whether the redundant transmission method or the aggregation transmission method is used. Among them, the two identifiers are different. For example, one identifier is 0, and the other identifier is 1, or one identifier is 1, and the other identifier is 0.

[0236] Optionally, bit x to bit z represent different bits respectively. For example, bit x is bit 7, bit y is bit 6, and bit z is bits 5 to 0. This is only an example here, and the embodiments of the present application do not make any limitations.

[0237] The EDCA queue statistics are used to indicate the priority of uplink data, so that the first access point can determine whether there is high-priority data sent by the station to the first access point.

[0238] It should be noted that the content in Table 5 is only an example. For example, the number of stations may not be sent, but the number of stations may be reflected by the number of station information groups. In addition, the EDCA queue statistics may not be sent. The bit positions and the number of bytes occupied in Table 5 are only a possible example, and the embodiments of the present application do not limit them.

[0239] It should also be noted that the reason for the existence of the associated identifier of the station is that since the MAC address of the station may be a randomly accessed MAC address and may not be unique, there is also an associated identifier for a station. When the MAC address of the station is unique, the associated identifier may not be reported.

[0240] The perception information of the second access point for unassociated stations includes the RSSI strength of the target station and the MAC address of the target station. The target station includes stations detected by the second access point and not associated with the second access point. This perception information can be used to determine whether the station will roam or is ready to access, etc.

[0241] Optionally, the AID of the station or the MAC address of the station can be selected one of two. The AID of the station can be used, or the MAC address of the station can be used.

[0242] Optionally, the station information may further include the primary channel used by the station and / or the device type of the station. The device type of the station includes mobile terminal types and Internet of Things terminal types, etc.

[0243] Optionally, the traffic information of the station is reported in the format of Table 6.

[0244] Table 6

[0245]

[0246] Among them, in Table 6, each station cache group includes the traffic information of a station, and different station cache groups indicate the traffic information of different stations. For the uplink service cache volume, the second access point can obtain the uplink service cache volume from the station. For the indication of high-priority services, the number and type of high-priority services can also be indicated. Optionally, the high-priority services may include delay-sensitive services, etc.

[0247] Optionally, the type of high-priority service can be recognized by the second access point itself or obtained from the station.

[0248] Optionally, the service information includes one or more of the service type of the second access point, the average service traffic, whether there is service traffic with a specified service identifier at the second access point, the downlink service cache amount, the uplink service cache amount, or the magnitude relationship between the service traffic of the second access point and a traffic threshold.

[0249] Among them, the service type refers to the type of service to which the data transmitted by the second access point belongs.

[0250] The average service traffic includes the downlink average traffic and / or the uplink average traffic. The uplink refers to the direction from the second access point to the first access point, and the downlink refers to the direction from the second access point to the station.

[0251] The service traffic with a specified service identifier mainly includes delay-sensitive services, services with a large traffic volume, or services with a small traffic volume. Among them, delay-sensitive services can be considered as low-latency services, and services with a large traffic volume can be called running-flow services.

[0252] The magnitude relationship between the service traffic and the traffic threshold includes one or more of: the downlink traffic exceeds the first traffic threshold, the downlink traffic is lower than the second traffic threshold, the uplink traffic is higher than the third traffic threshold, or the uplink traffic is lower than the fourth traffic threshold. The first traffic threshold is greater than the second traffic threshold, the third traffic threshold is greater than the fourth traffic threshold, the first traffic threshold and the third traffic threshold may or may not be the same, and the second traffic threshold and the fourth traffic threshold may or may not be the same. When the traffic exceeds a certain threshold, it indicates that the traffic is large, and a small amount of energy saving is performed, or no energy saving is performed. When the traffic is lower than a certain threshold, it indicates that the traffic is small, and deep energy saving can be performed.

[0253] Alternatively, the magnitude relationship between the service traffic and the traffic threshold includes: the total traffic exceeds the fifth traffic threshold and / or the total traffic is lower than the sixth traffic threshold, where the total traffic is the sum of the uplink traffic and the downlink traffic, and the fifth traffic threshold is greater than the sixth traffic threshold.

[0254] For the optional sending methods of the service information, refer to Table VII.

[0255] Table VII

[0256]

[0257] In Table VII, the object to which Service Information Group 1 belongs can be the second access point as a whole or the energy-saving object of the second access point. For example, the object to which Service Information Group 1 belongs is the 2.4 GHz band, and the identifier of the object to which Service Information Group 1 belongs is the BSSID of the 2.4 GHz band. Table VII is only an optional sending method, and the embodiments of the present application do not make any limitations. For example, the uplink Tid bitmap is not sent, and only the identifier indicating whether there is a high-priority service is sent.

[0258] Optionally, the interference matrix may also be included in the service information group 1.

[0259] Optionally, the service status information includes one or more of data transmission situation, data reception situation, or service delay information. The data transmission situation includes one or more of the number of successful transmissions, the number of failed transmissions, the retransmission rate, the packet error rate in transmission, or the packet loss rate in transmission. The data reception situation includes the number of successful receptions and / or the packet error rate in reception.

[0260] Optionally, the service status information may also include the transceiver information of the air interface, including one or more of the average air interface transmission duration, the average air interface reception duration, or the air interface interference duty cycle.

[0261] For the optional transmission method of the service status information, refer to the content of Table VIII.

[0262] Table VIII

[0263]

[0264]

[0265] Among them, in Table VIII, the time periods corresponding to various data may be the same or different. When they are the same, they can all be the cycle value of the energy-saving statistical information reporting. In the absence of roaming, the roaming delay does not exist.

[0266] For a PPDU, a PPDU includes at least one MPDU. After the second access point sends a certain PPDU to the station, if the station correctly receives it, it will feedback an acknowledgment message. Therefore, the second access point will wait for a period of time to see if it receives the acknowledgment message sent by the second access point. If not, it will retransmit the PPDU until it has been retransmitted multiple times and the acknowledgment message has not been received, then it will no longer send the PPDU. Although the station receives the PPDU but does not correctly receive a certain MPDU therein, the station will send a request to the second access point to retransmit the MPDU. The second access point retransmits the MPDU until the station correctly receives the MPDU and then feedbacks an acknowledgment message. If the station still does not receive it after retransmitting multiple times, the transmission of the MPDU will end.

[0267] The number of successful transmissions refers to the number of PPDUs that have received acknowledgment messages. The number of failed transmissions refers to the number of PPDUs that have not received acknowledgment messages.

[0268] The retransmission rate may be the retransmission rate of the second access point sending PPDUs to the station. Here, there are various calculation methods for the retransmission rate. For example, the retransmission rate is equal to the ratio of the number of retransmissions to the total number of transmissions, and each retransmission is counted once. Another example is that the retransmission rate is equal to the number of retransmitted PPDUs divided by the total number of transmitted PPDUs.

[0269] Optionally, the retransmission rate may also include the retransmission rate at which a station sends a PPDU to a second access point, and this retransmission rate may be reported by the station to the second access point.

[0270] The packet transmission error rate is equal to the number of MPDUs retransmitted by the second access point divided by the total number of MPDUs sent.

[0271] Optionally, the packet transmission error rate may also include the packet transmission error rate at which a station sends an MPDU to the second access point, and this packet transmission error rate may be reported by the station to the second access point.

[0272] It should be noted that all the optional content in Table VIII may actually only send a part that is more helpful for decision-making during actual transmission. For example, only the retransmission rate, the packet transmission error rate, the packet reception error rate, or the service delay, one or more of them, may be sent.

[0273] Among them, a high retransmission rate indicates poor network quality, and energy saving cannot continue or it is necessary to exit the energy-saving state. A high packet transmission error rate and / or a high packet reception error rate indicate poor network quality, and energy saving cannot continue or it is necessary to exit the energy-saving state, or it is necessary to adjust to another energy-saving state to improve the transmission performance. A high service delay indicates poor network quality, and energy saving cannot continue or it is necessary to exit the energy-saving state, or it is necessary to adjust to another energy-saving state to improve the transmission performance.

[0274] Optionally, the service status information may not belong to the energy-saving statistical information, but is sent separately.

[0275] Optionally, the temperature information includes one or more of the average temperature of the second access point over a period of time, whether the temperature exceeds the high temperature threshold, or whether the temperature is lower than the low temperature threshold, and the high temperature threshold is higher than the low temperature threshold. Among them, the temperature exceeding the high temperature threshold and the temperature being lower than the low temperature threshold are a kind of temperature warnings.

[0276] Among them, the temperature information may be for the second access point as a whole (such as the temperature of the second access point's housing), or for a certain chip in the second access point. Or the temperature information may also be the temperature information sensed by the circuit board in the second access point.

[0277] Optionally, the energy-saving statistical information may also include some non-WLAN related information, such as the status information of one or more of an Ethernet interface, a telephone interface, or a USB interface, and this status information includes the interface occupancy status and / or the traffic size.

[0278] Optionally, this non-WLAN related information also includes whether there are people present or moving near the access point. For example, a sensor is set on the access point, and this sensor can be used for detection. This non-WLAN related information can also be used to assist in making decisions about the energy-saving state.

[0279] 3. Negotiation process.

[0280] The following describes the handshake process between the first access point and the second access point. This handshake process can also be referred to as a negotiation process. Before the first access point decides on the energy saving of the second access point, the first access point and the second access point perform a handshake. After the handshake, the second access point is instructed to save energy. The first access point and the second access point can handshake to enter the energy-saving mode or handshake to exit the energy-saving mode.

[0281] 1) The second access point enters the energy-saving mode.

[0282] In an optional manner, the second access point triggers the handshake process. Refer to Figure 7 Steps S51 to S52 in Figure 7 which describes the process of the second access point applying to enter the energy-saving mode.

[0283] Step S51, the second access point sends an energy-saving request to the first access point, and the first access point receives the energy-saving request sent by the second access point.

[0284] In this embodiment, the second access point determines whether to save energy according to its own status. After determining to save energy, it sends an energy-saving request to the first access point. This energy-saving request indicates an application to enter the energy-saving mode. For example, the second access point determines whether to save energy according to the station information of the currently associated stations. This station information includes one or more of the number of stations, the traffic information of the stations, the sensing information of the unassociated stations, or the energy-saving information of the stations. The following are several examples: Example 1, the second access point determines that the current traffic is less than the first value and sends an energy-saving request to the first access point; Example 2, the second access point determines the number of currently associated stations. If the number is less than the second value, it sends an energy-saving request to the first access point; Example 3, the second access point determines that the current traffic is less than the first value and determines that the number of currently associated stations is less than the second value, and sends an energy-saving request to the first access point; Example 4, the second access point determines that the current traffic is low and there are no high-priority services or delay-sensitive services in the current traffic, and sends an energy-saving request to the first access point. Example 5, the second access point determines that the proportion of the currently associated stations in the energy-saving state exceeds the proportion threshold and the number of currently associated stations is less than the number threshold, and sends an energy-saving request to the first access point.

[0285] Alternatively, the second access point periodically sends an energy-saving request to the first access point. This energy-saving request includes an indication flag indicating whether to enter the energy-saving mode. For example, the second access point periodically determines whether to save energy according to its own status and sends an energy-saving request to the first access point. When determining to save energy, this energy-saving request carries the first flag. When determining not to save energy, this energy-saving request carries the second flag. The first flag is 0, the second flag is 1, or the first flag is 1, the second flag is 0.

[0286] Alternatively, the second access point determines that the traffic volume is low and / or the number of associated sites is small during certain time periods based on historical site access information and / or historical service information. When entering such time periods, the second access point sends an energy-saving request to the first access point, which is used to indicate an application to enter the energy-saving mode. For example, at 23:00 at night, the second access point sends an energy-saving request to the first access point.

[0287] Optionally, Figure 7 the process shown can be sent after sending the energy-saving capability message.

[0288] Optionally, the energy-saving request not only indicates whether to apply to enter the energy-saving mode, but can also indicate the energy-saving state of the second access point.

[0289] Optionally, the energy-saving request for the second access point to apply to enter the energy-saving mode and the energy-saving exit request are the same message. For the content of the energy-saving request, see Table IX.

[0290] Table IX

[0291]

[0292] In Table IX, the identifier of the second access point is optional content. For example, the outer encapsulation of the message has the identifier of the second access point, and there is no need to carry the identifier of the second access point here.

[0293] Identifier A1 and identifier A2 can be any different values. For example, identifier A1 is 0, identifier A2 is 1, or identifier A1 is 1, identifier A2 is 0.

[0294] Identifier B1 and identifier B2 can be any different values. For example, identifier B1 is 0, identifier B2 is 1, or identifier B1 is 1, identifier B2 is 0.

[0295] Table IX is only an example. For example, it can also be that identifier C1 indicates that the second access point exits the energy-saving mode, C2 indicates that the second access point exits the energy-saving mode and exits the energy-saving mode emergently, and identifier C3 indicates that the second access point applies to enter the energy-saving mode.

[0296] Optionally, the energy-saving capability message in the foregoing can also be the same message as the energy-saving request.

[0297] Step S52, the first access point sends an energy-saving indication message to the second access point, and the energy-saving indication message is used to indicate that the second access point enters or exits the energy-saving mode. The second access point receives the energy-saving indication message sent by the first access point.

[0298] In this embodiment, after the first access point receives the energy-saving request sent by the second access point, if it determines that the second access point is energy-saving, it sends an energy-saving indication message to the second access point, and this energy-saving indication message instructs the second access point to enter the energy-saving mode. For example, the energy-saving indication message carries identifier A2, and identifier A2 indicates entering the energy-saving mode. If it determines that the second access point exits the energy-saving mode, it sends an energy-saving indication message to the second access point, and this energy-saving indication message instructs the second access point to exit the energy-saving mode. For example, the energy-saving indication message carries identifier A1, and identifier A1 indicates exiting the energy-saving mode. Also for example, when the second access point is in a certain energy-saving state and hopes to immediately exit the energy-saving mode, it sends an energy-saving request to the first access point to indicate exiting the energy-saving mode. After the first access point agrees, it sends an energy-saving indication message carrying identifier A1 to the second access point.

[0299] Optionally, when the second access point applies to urgently exit the energy-saving mode, the first access point immediately responds.

[0300] Optionally, when the second access point applies to exit the energy-saving mode, after the first access point receives the energy-saving request sent by the second access point, it may also not send an energy-saving indication message to the second access point.

[0301] Optionally, the first access point may determine whether the second access point enters or exits the energy-saving mode according to the energy-saving statistical information of the second access point. For example, when the first access point determines that there is data with a data volume exceeding a third value sent to the second access point, it determines that the second access point is not energy-saving; otherwise, it determines that the second access point enters the energy-saving mode. Also for example, when the first access point determines that a station is about to roam to the second access point, in order to better provide network services for the station, it determines that the second access point exits the energy-saving mode; otherwise, it determines that the second access point enters the energy-saving mode.

[0302] Optionally, when the first access point sends an energy-saving indication message to the second access point, it can use the unicast, multicast or broadcast method, and multicast can also be called multi-cast. For example, when using the multicast or broadcast method, the energy-saving indication message includes the identifier of whether each access point among multiple access points is energy-saving, and the multiple access points include the second access point.

[0303] Optionally, for the content of the energy-saving indication message, refer to Table Ten.

[0304] Table Ten

[0305]

[0306] In Table Ten, the identifier of the second access point is optional content. For example, the outer encapsulation of the message has the identifier of the second access point, and there is no need to carry the identifier of the second access point here.

[0307] The identification A3 and the identification A4 can be any different values. For example, the identification A3 is 0, the identification A4 is 1, or the identification A3 is 1, the identification A4 is 0.

[0308] The identification B3 and the identification B4 can be any different values. For example, the identification B3 is 0, the identification B4 is 1, or the identification B3 is 1, the identification B4 is 0.

[0309] Table X is only an example. For example, it can also be that the identification D1 indicates that the second access point enters the energy-saving mode, D2 indicates that the second access point exits the energy-saving mode, and the identification D3 indicates that the second access point exits the energy-saving mode and urgently exits the energy-saving mode.

[0310] In this embodiment, the second access point receives the energy-saving indication message sent by the first access point. If the identification A4 is parsed from the energy-saving indication message, some energy-saving preparation operations are performed, which is equivalent to entering the energy-saving preparation state. If the identification A3 is parsed from the energy-saving indication message, no processing is performed. Here, if no operation is required before entering the energy-saving state, the second access point does not need to perform any operation after receiving the energy-saving indication message.

[0311] Optionally, after receiving the energy-saving indication message, if the energy-saving indication message indicates that the second access point enters the energy-saving mode, the second access point sends energy-saving statistical information to the first access point. The energy-saving statistical information includes the energy-saving statistical information for a period of time closest to the current time point. The first access point receives the energy-saving statistical information and determines the state of the second access point according to the energy-saving statistical information.

[0312] It should be noted that in Figure 7 , after receiving the energy-saving request, the first access point sends an energy-saving indication message to the second access point to control the second access point to enter or exit the energy-saving mode. In another implementation, after receiving the energy-saving request, the first access point can send an energy-saving indication message (the energy-saving indication message is described later) to the second access point to indicate the second access point to save energy. For example, the first access point sends an energy-saving indication message to the second access point, indicating that the second access point enters the energy-saving mode. If the first access point does not send an energy-saving indication message to the second access point, it indicates that the second access point exits the energy-saving mode.

[0313] In another alternative way, the first access point actively decides that the second access point enters the energy-saving mode, that is, the first access point sends an energy-saving request to the second access point. The second access point sends an energy-saving indication message to the first access point to inform whether it wants to enter the energy-saving mode. If it wants to enter the energy-saving mode, the first access point can send the specific energy-saving state to the second access point.

[0314] Optionally, after sending the energy-saving indication message, the second access point further sends energy-saving statistical information to the first access point, so that the first access point uses the energy-saving statistical information to determine the energy-saving state.

[0315] 2) The second access point exits the energy-saving mode.

[0316] In an optional manner, when the second access point performs periodic energy saving, the second access point may periodically send an energy-saving request to the first access point. The energy-saving request indicates exiting the energy-saving mode and carries identifier A1. The first access point may or may not reply after receiving it.

[0317] Alternatively, when certain emergency events occur in a certain energy-saving state of the second access point and it needs to immediately exit the energy-saving mode, in the energy-saving request sent to the first access point, identifier A1 needs to be filled in, and B2 also needs to be filled in. For example, the events include but are not limited to: new associated stations, newly added delay-sensitive services, or receiving a large amount of data sent by a station.

[0318] Optionally, when the energy-saving request indicates an emergency exit, the second access point immediately exits the energy-saving state and communicates with the first access point, sending the energy-saving request and reporting the reason for the emergency exit.

[0319] In another optional manner, when the first access point decides that the second access point no longer needs to save energy, for the process in which the first access point instructs the second access point to exit energy saving, refer to Figure 8 Steps S101 to S103 therein.

[0320] Step S101, the first access point sends an energy-saving exit request to the second access point.

[0321] In this embodiment, when the first access point determines that the second access point exits the energy-saving mode, it sends an exit energy-saving mode request to the second access point.

[0322] In an optional manner, the first access point determines that the second access point exits the energy-saving mode based on the energy-saving statistical information of the second access point. Or, the first access point determines that the second access point exits the energy-saving mode based on the energy-saving statistical information of the second access point and the energy-saving statistical information of the third access point. Or, the first access point detects a large amount of data sent to the second access point and determines that the second access point exits the energy-saving mode. Or, the first access point detects that a station is about to roam to the second access point and determines that the second access point exits the energy-saving mode.

[0323] The method for determining that the second access point exits the energy-saving mode according to the energy-saving statistical information here is the same as the method for determining the energy-saving state of the second access point according to the energy-saving statistical information in the previous text, and will not be elaborated here.

[0324] Optionally, the energy-saving exit request may be the same message as the energy-saving indication message described above. Refer to Table X.

[0325] Optionally, when the second access point is in the energy-saving state, the first access point detects that the second access point needs to urgently exit the energy-saving mode and fills in the emergency exit field to indicate the emergency exit. For example, this event includes but is not limited to: determining that a station has roamed to the second access point and a large amount of data from the optical line terminal is sent to the second access point.

[0326] Optionally, when the energy-saving exit request indicates an emergency exit, the second access point immediately exits the energy-saving mode and communicates with the first access point to understand the reason for the emergency exit.

[0327] Step S102, the second access point receives the energy-saving exit request.

[0328] Step S103, the second access point exits the energy-saving mode.

[0329] In this embodiment, after receiving the energy-saving exit request, the second access point immediately exits the energy-saving mode.

[0330] Optionally, the emergency exit field of the energy-saving exit request indicates that an emergency exit is required. The second access point immediately exits the energy-saving mode and communicates with the first access point to understand the reason for the emergency exit.

[0331] Optionally, after receiving the energy-saving exit request, the second access point may also send a response message to the first access point to indicate that it has exited the energy-saving mode.

[0332] Optionally, the energy-saving request, the energy-saving indication message, and the request to exit the energy-saving mode are the same message, with different identifiers added for differentiation. Refer to Table XI.

[0333] Table XI

[0334]

[0335] Among them, when the first access point instructs the second access point to exit the energy-saving mode, it may also instruct the second access point to report the energy-saving state after exiting the energy-saving mode.

[0336] The above energy-saving exit request is described by taking exiting the energy-saving mode as an example, or the energy-saving exit request is used to indicate exiting the energy-saving state without exiting the energy-saving mode. In this way, before entering the energy-saving state again next time, there is no need to apply to enter the energy-saving mode.

[0337] Optionally, exiting the energy-saving state includes exiting to the working state, or exiting to another energy-saving state, or exiting to the energy-saving preparation state.

[0338] It should be noted that in the FTTR network, the MFU can directly decide whether the SFU enters / exits a certain energy-saving mode, including emergency exit; the SFU can directly decide to exit the energy-saving mode and notify the MFU; if the SFU applies to exit the energy-saving mode, after the SFU locally exits the energy-saving mode, it notifies the MFU, and the MFU does not need to reply. When there is a conflict in the energy-saving decision between the MFU and the SFU, the SFU shall prevail.

[0339] 4. Energy-saving indication.

[0340] Figure 9 The schematic diagram of the energy-saving indication is provided. Refer to Figure 9 Steps S61 to S63 in

[0341] Step S61: The first access point sends an energy-saving control message to the second access point, where the energy-saving control message includes one or more of the number of spatial streams, turn-off capability, or bandwidth of the second access point.

[0342] In this embodiment, when the first access point determines that the energy-saving state of the second access point is the first energy-saving state, the first access point sends an energy-saving indication message to the second access point. For the convenience of description, this energy-saving indication message is called the first energy-saving indication message.

[0343] In an optional manner, before the first access point sends the first energy-saving indication message to the second access point, the second access point may be in the working state, may be in the energy-saving preparation state, or may be in an energy-saving state different from the first energy-saving state.

[0344] In an optional manner, before step S61, after the first access point obtains the energy-saving statistical information, there are multiple ways to determine the state of the second access point according to the energy-saving statistical information. Two optional ways are provided here:

[0345] Method 1: The first access point determines that the energy-saving state of the second access point is the first energy-saving state according to the energy-saving statistical information of the second access point.

[0346] In this embodiment, the first access point may determine the energy-saving state of the second access point according to all or part of the energy-saving statistical information of the second access point. In the embodiments of the present application, the method of using the energy-saving statistical information to determine the energy-saving state of the second access point is not limited.

[0347] In one implementation, the first access point stores the corresponding relationship between the state and the value range of the energy-saving statistical information. According to the value range of the energy-saving statistical information of the second access point, in this corresponding relationship, it is determined that the energy-saving state of the second access point is the first energy-saving state.

[0348] In another implementation, the first access point performs weighted calculation based on the energy-saving statistical information of the second access point to determine a weighted value and the energy-saving state corresponding to the range to which the weighted value belongs.

[0349] In yet another implementation, the first access point stores a neural network model for determining a state. The energy-saving statistical information of the second access point obtained is preprocessed and then input into the neural network model. The output obtained is the configuration information group corresponding to each energy-saving object. The definition of the configuration information group is shown in Tables 11 to 13. The configuration information group corresponding to multiple energy-saving objects or one energy-saving object is the energy-saving strategy for the first energy-saving state.

[0350] It should be noted that the reason for using the energy-saving statistical information to analyze whether to perform energy saving is as follows:

[0351] When the number of associated stations of the second access point is small and the traffic volume is also small, even if the second access point closes some resources (such as closing certain bandwidths, using fewer spatial streams, etc.) and / or reduces the air interface transmission power, it will not affect the use of the stations. When the number of associated stations of the second access point is relatively small and the RSSI intensities of the perceivable stations are all relatively low, it indicates that the stations are far from the second access point and may not be associated with the second access point. Some resources can be appropriately closed to save energy. When the uplink buffer and downlink buffer of the second access point are both relatively small, it indicates that the transceiver resources are all occupied less. Even if some transceiver resources are closed, it will not affect the use of the stations, such as using fewer spatial streams. By analyzing the service status information and determining that the current service status is stable, some resources can be appropriately closed to save energy. For example, if the retransmission rate and the packet error rate of transmission are both relatively low, some resources can be closed and / or the air interface transmission power can be reduced to save energy. By analyzing the service information and determining that the traffic volume is small and there are no latency-sensitive services, some resources can be appropriately closed to save energy. When the temperature of the second access point is relatively high, it indicates that emergency cooling is required and energy saving should be done, such as closing some resources, reducing the service transceiver or processing capabilities. When the associated stations on the second access point perform periodic energy saving, the second access point can also perform periodic energy saving.

[0352] In addition, at night, the probability of the second access point being used is relatively low, and the night scene template is used to save power consumption.

[0353] In addition, when the traffic volume on the second access point is relatively small and there are no latency-sensitive services, the small traffic volume scene template is used.

[0354] In the second method, the first access point can comprehensively consider the energy-saving statistical information of multiple access points to determine the access points for energy saving and the energy-saving status. For example, the first access point determines that the energy-saving status of the second access point is the first energy-saving status based on the energy-saving statistical information of the second access point and the third access point. The third access point is an access point among other access points connected to the first access point or the first access point itself. In this way, due to the comprehensive energy saving of the access points in the WLAN, a better network service can be provided to the stations during energy saving, and the impact of energy saving on the stations can be reduced.

[0355] Optionally, when a station roams, it may preferentially roam among adjacent stations. Therefore, when considering the energy-saving status of an access point, the energy-saving statistical information of adjacent access points can be referred to. Then the third access point belongs to the access points among other access points whose coverage overlaps with that of the second access point.

[0356] In this embodiment, there are multiple ways for the first access point to determine the energy-saving status of the second access point based on the energy-saving statistical information of the second access point and the third access point. Three feasible methods are provided as follows.

[0357] In the first method, among multiple access points, the first access point determines a third access point whose coverage overlaps with that of the second access point. The first access point uses the energy-saving statistical information of the second access point and the third access point to determine that the number of associated stations on the second access point is less than a first threshold, and the total number of associated stations of the second access point and the third access point is less than a second threshold, indicating that the number of stations that the second access point may associate with next is also relatively small. Then, using the correspondence between the energy-saving statistical information and the status, the energy-saving status of the second access point is determined to be the first energy-saving status.

[0358] Optionally, when the conditions in the first method are met, it can also be determined whether there are delay-sensitive services among the associated stations of the second access point. If not, it is determined that the second access point can enter the energy-saving state; otherwise, it does not enter the energy-saving state.

[0359] In the second method, the first access point uses the energy-saving statistical information of the second access point and the third access point to determine that the service type of the second access point has no delay-sensitive services, and the associated stations also perform energy saving periodically, and the third access point has not entered the energy-saving state, indicating that the second access point can enter the energy-saving state. The first access point weights the energy-saving statistical information of the second access point and the third access point, and uses the weighted value to determine the corresponding status as the first energy-saving status.

[0360] In the embodiments of the present application, there are multiple schemes for determining the status of the second access point according to the energy-saving statistical information, and it is impossible to list them all.

[0361] In Method 3, the first access point stores a neural network model for determining the state. The energy-saving statistical information of the second access point and the third access point obtained is preprocessed and then input into the neural network model. The output obtained is the configuration information group corresponding to each energy-saving object. The definition of the configuration information group is shown in Tables 11 to 13. The configuration information group corresponding to multiple energy-saving objects or one energy-saving object is the energy-saving strategy for the first energy-saving state.

[0362] In an optional method, when the second access point saves energy according to the energy-saving object, when each access point reports the energy-saving statistical information, the energy-saving statistical information is associated with the energy-saving object. In this way, for each energy-saving object of the second access point, the first access point can use the energy-saving statistical information of this energy-saving object to analyze the energy-saving level of this energy-saving object. The analysis process can be referred to the description in the previous text and will not be elaborated here.

[0363] Step S62: The second access point receives the energy-saving control message sent by the first access point.

[0364] Step S63: Execute the operation to enter the first energy-saving state.

[0365] In an optional method, the second access point sends service status information to the first access point. The first access point determines whether the state of the second access point needs to be updated according to the service status information.

[0366] Among them, the content of the service status information is shown in Table 8.

[0367] In this embodiment, after the first access point receives the service status information sent by the second access point, if it determines that the service status meets the requirements according to any one or more items in the service status information, it will not perform any processing. If it determines that the service status does not meet the requirements, it is necessary to switch the state and send a status indication message to the second access point.

[0368] Optionally, the principle of determining whether the state of the second access point needs to be updated according to the service status information is as follows:

[0369] If the retransmission rate, the sending error packet rate, and the receiving error packet rate all exceed the corresponding thresholds and the service delay is high, it indicates that the network quality is poor, energy saving cannot be performed, or it is necessary to return to an energy-saving state with a smaller energy-saving amplitude.

[0370] In one implementation, the first access point preprocesses the content in the service status information (such as dividing the number of sending failures by the number of sending successes to calculate the failure ratio), then performs weighting to obtain a weighted value, and judges the size relationship between the weighted value and the energy-saving threshold. If the weighted value exceeds the energy-saving threshold, it is necessary to exit the energy-saving state or switch to an energy-saving state with a lower energy-saving amplitude.

[0371] In another implementation, the first access point may look up the correspondence between the values of the service status information and the status, and determine whether the status needs to be updated.

[0372] Optionally, when determining the status here, only the service status information may be used, or the energy-saving statistical information may be used. In this case, the energy-saving statistical information does not include the service status information.

[0373] Optionally, when periodically exiting the energy-saving state, each time the second access point sends an energy-saving exit request to the first access point, the second access point sends the service status information to the first access point. In this way, the first access point can determine whether the status in the next period needs to change. If it needs to change, the first access point sends an energy-saving control message to the second access point to instruct the second access point to switch the status. Therefore, the energy-saving state can be dynamically adjusted to adapt to the service.

[0374] Optionally, the second access point may periodically send the service status information to the first access point.

[0375] Optionally, the first access point may also send a reporting request to the second access point, and the reporting request is used to instruct the second access point to report the service status information. In an optional manner, the first energy-saving state is for the second access point as a whole. The second access point only has the first energy-saving state. The first energy-saving control message only needs to indicate whether to perform energy saving, or indicate a specific energy-saving strategy. For example, the first energy-saving control message includes a first identifier, and the first identifier indicates energy saving. The value of the first identifier can be set according to actual needs. To reduce the data transmission volume, the first identifier is 0 or 1. After receiving the first energy-saving control message, the second access point determines that the identifier indicates energy saving, and performs the operation of entering the first energy-saving state.

[0376] In an optional manner, the first energy-saving state is for the second access point as a whole. The second access point only has the first energy-saving state. The first energy-saving control message only needs to indicate whether to perform energy saving, or indicate a specific energy-saving strategy. For example, the first energy-saving control message includes a first identifier, and the first identifier indicates energy saving. The value of the first identifier can be set according to actual needs. To reduce the data transmission volume, the first identifier is 0 or 1. After receiving the first energy-saving control message, the second access point determines that the identifier indicates energy saving, and performs the operation of entering the first energy-saving state.

[0377] In another optional manner, the first energy-saving state is for the second access point as a whole. The second access point has multiple energy-saving states, and the first energy-saving state is one of the multiple energy-saving states. The first energy-saving control message includes energy-saving level information, and the energy-saving level information indicates that the energy-saving state is the first energy-saving state.

[0378] Optionally, the energy-saving level information includes an identifier of the energy-saving level, and the identifiers of the energy-saving levels are different under different energy-saving states. The second access point stores the correspondence between the identifier of the energy-saving level and the energy-saving policy, which can also be understood as that the second access point stores an energy-saving template, and an energy-saving template can be found by using the identifier of a certain energy-saving level. The second access point obtains the energy-saving policy corresponding to the identifier of the energy-saving level, or the second access point obtains the energy-saving policy corresponding to the identifier of the energy-saving level from the connected storage device. The second access point performs energy-saving processing according to the energy-saving policy.

[0379] Optionally, the energy-saving level information includes the energy-saving policy corresponding to the first energy-saving state. For example, the energy-saving level information includes one or more of the energy-saving policies of the WLAN network, the energy-saving policies of the functional modules, or the energy-saving policies of the peripheral interfaces. The second access point performs energy-saving processing according to the received energy-saving policy.

[0380] In another optional manner, the second access point performs energy saving according to the energy-saving object, and the energy-saving object includes one or more of the frequency band, BSSID, or SSID, and each energy-saving object corresponds to only one energy-saving policy. The first energy-saving control message includes one or more of the frequency band, BSSID, and SSID of the second access point. The first energy-saving control message may specifically include the identifier of the energy-saving object for which energy saving is to be performed, or include the identifier of the energy-saving object and the identifier of whether to perform energy-saving processing on the energy-saving object.

[0381] Among them, when the first energy-saving control message includes the frequency band of the second access point, it means that energy saving is performed at least for the frequency band, and the frequency band is all or part of the frequency band of the second access point. The second access point obtains the energy-saving policy corresponding to each frequency band and performs energy-saving processing according to the energy-saving policy. For example, the second access point stores the energy-saving policy corresponding to the frequency band, the second access point obtains the stored energy-saving policy, and performs energy-saving processing according to the energy-saving policy.

[0382] When the first energy-saving control message includes the BSSID of the second access point, it means that energy saving is performed at least for the BSSID, and the BSSID is all or part of the BSSID of the second access point. The second access point obtains the energy-saving policy corresponding to each BSSID and performs energy-saving processing according to the energy-saving policy.

[0383] When the first energy-saving control message includes the SSID of the second access point, it means that energy saving is performed at least for the SSID, and the SSID is all or part of the SSID of the second access point. The second access point obtains the energy-saving policy corresponding to each SSID and performs energy-saving processing according to the energy-saving policy.

[0384] In yet another alternative manner, corresponding to the situation in Table 2 described above, the first energy-saving state corresponds to multiple energy-saving objects of the second access point. The first energy-saving control message includes one or more of the frequency band, BSSID, or SSID of the second access point and energy-saving level information, and the energy-saving level information corresponds to the multiple energy-saving objects. For example, the first energy-saving control message includes the 2.4G frequency band and the 5G frequency band of the second access point, and the energy-saving level information includes the energy-saving level information corresponding to the 2.4GHz frequency band and the 5GHz frequency band. The second access point performs energy-saving processing using the energy-saving level information corresponding to the 2.4GHz frequency band and performs energy-saving processing using the energy-saving level information corresponding to the 5GHz frequency band. For another example, the first energy-saving control message includes the 2.4GHz frequency band of the second access point and BSSID1, where BSSID1 is one of the BSSIDs of the 5GHz frequency band. The energy-saving level information includes the energy-saving level information corresponding to the 2.4GHz frequency band and BSSID1. The second access point performs energy-saving processing using the energy-saving level information corresponding to the 2.4GHz frequency band and performs energy-saving processing using the energy-saving level information corresponding to BSSID1. For the content of the energy-saving level information here, refer to the description above and will not be elaborated further.

[0385] In yet another alternative manner, corresponding to the situation in Table 3 above, the first energy-saving state corresponds to one energy-saving object of the second access point. For each energy-saving object, the first access point sends an energy-saving control message of the energy-saving object to the second access point to indicate the energy-saving state of the energy-saving object. Then, the first energy-saving control message indicates to perform a state switch on one energy-saving object. For example, the energy-saving objects include frequency band 1 and frequency band 2. The first access point sends an energy-saving control message 1 to the second access point, and the energy-saving control message 1 indicates the energy-saving state of frequency band 1. The first access point sends an energy-saving control message 2 to the second access point, and the energy-saving control message 2 indicates the energy-saving state of frequency band 2.

[0386] Here, the energy-saving states of multiple frequency bands can also be indicated in the first energy-saving control message. For example, the first energy-saving control message can not only at least indicate that frequency band 1 of the second access point enters the first energy-saving state, but also indicate that frequency band 2 of the second access point enters the second energy-saving state.

[0387] Optionally, the first indication message includes the identifier of the energy-saving object and the energy-saving level information. For the content of the energy-saving level information here, refer to the description above and will not be elaborated further.

[0388] Optionally, when the first energy-saving control message includes an energy-saving policy, refer to Table 12, where the energy-saving object is taken as an example of the frequency band for illustration.

[0389] Table 12

[0390]

[0391]

[0392] Among them, in Table XII, the identifier of the energy-saving object can be a unique identifier such as BSSID, SSID, or RUID that identifies the energy-saving object. It should be noted that although logically one frequency band corresponds to two BSSIDs, in fact, a set of radio frequency resources is used. Therefore, the energy-saving object should take the radio frequency resources as the smallest unit. The energy-saving strategy described in Table XII is mainly for the energy-saving strategy of the WLAN network. The energy-saving time is the duration after each entry into the energy-saving state, and the energy-saving period refers to the period of entering the energy-saving state. The difference between the two is the duration of exiting the energy-saving state in the middle. The energy-saving period can also be understood as the interval time between two adjacent entries into the current energy-saving state, also known as the periodic wake-up time. For example, the energy-saving time is 3 minutes, and it exits for listening every 8 minutes and then enters the energy-saving state again. This 8 minutes is the energy-saving period.

[0393] Optionally, when the first energy-saving control message includes the identifier of the energy-saving level, see Table XIII for details. Table XIII takes the frequency band as the energy-saving object as an example for illustration.

[0394] Table XIII

[0395]

[0396] Among them, in Table XIII, the identifier of the energy-saving object can be a unique identifier such as SSID, BSSID, or RUID that identifies the energy-saving object.

[0397] Optionally, in Table XII and Table XIII, the energy-saving time and the energy-saving period can be optional, or the first access point and the second access point can negotiate in advance, or the first access point can configure in advance, or the second access point can always be in the energy-saving state until the second access point requests to exit the energy-saving state, or the first access point instructs the second access point to exit the energy-saving state.

[0398] Optionally, to facilitate the first access point to send the energy-saving control message, the contents of Table XI and Table XII can be integrated. See Table XIV.

[0399] Table XIV

[0400]

[0401]

[0402] Among them, in Table XIV, A7, A8, and A9 are any three different values. For example, A7, A8, and A9 belong to integers from 0 to 2. The off state indicated by A9 means that the radio frequency resources indicated by RUID are in the off state. A10 and A11 are any two different values. For example, A10 is 1, A11 is 0, or A10 is 0, A11 is 1.

[0403] Energy-saving template 1 can be a night scene template, and energy-saving template 2 can be a low-traffic scene template. The bit positions of the energy-saving templates are only examples, and the embodiments of the present application do not make limitations. For example, bit position 0 indicates the use of energy-saving template 1, bit position 1 indicates the non-use of the energy-saving template, and bit position 2 indicates the use of energy-saving template 2.

[0404] The bit positions of the same bandwidth and the size of the bandwidth are only examples, and the embodiments of the present application do not make limitations. For example, the values of the bandwidth include but are not limited to 5 MHz, 10 MHz, 20 MHz, 40 MHz, 80 MHz, 80 + 80 MHz, 160 MHz, 320 MHz. Bit position 0 indicates 10 MHz, bit position 1 indicates 20 MHz, bit position 2 indicates 40 MHz, and bit position 3 indicates 80 MHz.

[0405] The number of spatial streams that can be supported can be the maximum number of spatial streams or a list of the supported numbers of spatial streams. In the case of a number list, it can be sent in the form of a bitmap. For example, bit position 0 indicates that the number of spatial streams is 1, bit position 1 indicates that the number of spatial streams is 2, bit position 2 indicates that the number of spatial streams is 3, bit position 3 indicates that the number of spatial streams is 4, and bit positions 4 to 7 are reserved bit positions.

[0406] The energy-saving period can be the switching period of the current energy-saving state or the switching period of the energy-saving template.

[0407] It should be noted that the energy-saving control message and the initialization energy-saving configuration message can reuse one message, except that the filled content is different.

[0408] Optionally, the first energy-saving control message includes one or more of the frequency band, BSSID, or SSID of the second access point and energy-saving level information. There are various filling forms for the first energy-saving control message, and three feasible methods are provided below. Here, an example is given with the first energy-saving control message including the frequency band of the second access point.

[0409] In Mode 1 and Mode 2, the first energy-saving control message includes a message identification field, a field length, an identification field for the frequency band, and an identification field for the energy-saving level. The content filled in the message identification field is used to indicate that the message is an energy-saving interaction message. The content filled in the field length is used to indicate the length of the energy-saving control message, and the field length is optional. For example, the first access point and the second access point can negotiate in advance or statically configure the length of the energy-saving control message, and the field length may not be carried when sending the energy-saving control message. The content filled in the identification field for the frequency band is used to indicate the specific frequency band. The identification field for the energy-saving level is used to indicate the specific energy-saving level.

[0410] In Mode 1, as Figure 10 shown, for a frequency band, the identification field for the frequency band is adjacent to the identification field for the energy-saving level corresponding to that frequency band.

[0411] Among them, different frequency bands are identified by different values. For example, 0 identifies all frequency bands, which is equivalent to all frequency bands adopting the same energy-saving level. 1 identifies the 2.4 GHz frequency band, 2 identifies the low-frequency band in the 5 GHz frequency band, 3 identifies the high-frequency band in the 5 GHz frequency band. The low-frequency band is the frequency band less than the target value, and the high-frequency band is the frequency band greater than or equal to the target value. 4 corresponds to the 6 GHz frequency band. For another example, even when the same energy-saving level is adopted for all frequency bands, the energy-saving level can be indicated separately for all frequency bands.

[0412] Different energy-saving levels are identified by different values. For example, 0 identifies exiting the energy-saving state, 1 identifies energy-saving level 1, and 2 identifies energy-saving level 2.

[0413] Or, different frequency bands are identified by different values. For example, 0 is an invalid value, and all frequency bands correspond to energy-saving level 0. 1 identifies the 2.4 GHz frequency band, 2 identifies the low-frequency band in the 5 GHz frequency band, 3 identifies the high-frequency band in the 5 GHz frequency band, and 4 corresponds to the 6 GHz frequency band.

[0414] Different energy-saving levels are identified by different values. For example, 0 identifies all frequency bands exiting the energy-saving state, 1 identifies energy-saving level 1, and 2 identifies energy-saving level 2.

[0415] In Mode 2, as Figure 11 shown, the identification field for the frequency band is filled in the form of a bitmap, and the identification field for the energy-saving level is adjacent to the identification field for the frequency band.

[0416] For example, from right to left, bit 0 (the least significant bit) identifies the 2.4 GHz band, bit 1 identifies the 5 GHz band, and bit 2 identifies the 6 GHz band. Here, the bit order starts from the least significant bit. In another implementation, the bit order can also start from the most significant bit. There are N bits in the identification field of the band, followed by the identification of N energy-saving levels, which are filled in the order of the identification of the band.

[0417] Different energy-saving levels are identified by different values. For example, 0 identifies exiting the energy-saving state, 1 identifies energy-saving level 1, and 2 identifies energy-saving level 2.

[0418] In Method 1 and Method 2, as described above, the energy-saving level information can be the identification of the energy-saving level or the specific energy-saving strategy. The energy-saving strategy can be all the energy-saving strategies or part of the energy-saving strategies, and this part of the energy-saving strategies is the part that is different from the current state of the second access point. Among them, the energy-saving strategy can be in the form of number plus value, or in a fixed order with the number omitted, or in the form of bitmap plus value.

[0419] In Method 3, as Figure 12 shown, the first energy-saving control message includes a message identification field, a field length, and an energy-saving indication identification field.

[0420] Among them, the energy-saving level and the band are identified together and filled in the energy-saving indication identification field. For example, 0 identifies that all bands exit the energy-saving state, 1 identifies that the energy-saving level of the first band is energy-saving level 1, and 2 identifies that the energy-saving level of the second band is energy-saving level 2.

[0421] Optionally, in the first energy-saving control message, a separate field can also be used to identify exiting or entering the energy-saving state. For example, in the first energy-saving control message, if the field is 0, it identifies exiting the energy-saving state, then the specific energy-saving strategy of the band does not need to be filled in later. If the field is 1, it identifies entering the energy-saving state, then the specific energy-saving strategy of the band is filled in later.

[0422] It should be noted that Figures 10 to 12 only shows two bands, and actually it can include one or more.

[0423] Here, the energy-saving object is taken as an example of the band for illustration. When the energy-saving object includes BSSID and SSID, it is similar, and details are not repeated here.

[0424] In an optional manner, after the second access point enters the first energy-saving state, it can also send a first response message to the first access point to inform the first access point that it agrees to enter the first energy-saving state.

[0425] In addition, after the second access point receives the first energy-saving control message, it may not agree to enter the first energy-saving state and may also send a second response message to the first access point to inform the first access point of the refusal to enter the first energy-saving state. For example, after the second access point receives the first energy-saving control message, if there is a new station accessing and the first energy-saving state is more energy-saving than the current state, the second access point sends a second response message to the first access point to inform the first access point of the refusal to enter the first energy-saving state.

[0426] Optionally, the first response message and the second response message can be the same response message. When indicating agreement to enter the first energy-saving state, it includes identifier 1, and when indicating refusal to enter the first energy-saving state, it carries identifier 2. For example, identifier 1 is 1, identifier 2 is 0, or identifier 1 is 0, identifier 2 is 1. Or the first response message and the second response message are different messages.

[0427] To better understand the first access point's control of the second access point and the third access point for energy saving, the following Figure 13 shown example is provided. Refer to steps S801 to S816.

[0428] Step S801, the second access point sends an energy-saving request to the first access point.

[0429] Step S802, the first access point receives the energy-saving request and enables the energy-saving mode of the second access point.

[0430] Step S803, the first access point sends an energy-saving indication message to the second access point, and the second access point receives the energy-saving indication message.

[0431] Optionally, after the second access point receives the energy-saving indication message, if the energy-saving indication message indicates entering energy saving, the second access point sends energy-saving statistical information to the first access point.

[0432] Step S804, the first access point sends a first energy-saving control message to the second access point, and the first energy-saving control message is used to indicate that the 2.4 GHz band enters the first energy-saving state.

[0433] Step S805, the second access point receives the first energy-saving control message and enters the first energy-saving state in the 2.4 GHz band.

[0434] Step S806, the first access point sends a second energy-saving control message to the second access point, and the second energy-saving control message is used to indicate that the 5 GHz band enters the second energy-saving state.

[0435] Step S807, the second access point receives the second energy-saving control message and enters the second energy-saving state in the 5 GHz band.

[0436] Step S808: The third access point sends an energy-saving request to the first access point.

[0437] Step S809: The first access point receives the energy-saving request and enables the energy-saving mode of the third access point.

[0438] Step S810: The first access point sends an energy-saving indication message to the third access point, and the third access point receives the energy-saving indication message.

[0439] Step S811: The first access point sends a third energy-saving control message to the third access point. The third energy-saving control message is used to indicate that the 5 GHz band enters the third energy-saving state.

[0440] Step S812: The third access point receives the third energy-saving control message and enters the third energy-saving state in the 5 GHz band.

[0441] Step S813: The first access point determines that the 5 GHz band of the third access point exits energy saving, and sends an energy-saving exit request to the third access point. The energy-saving exit request includes the identifier of the 5 GHz band.

[0442] Step S814: The third access point receives the energy-saving exit request and exits the third energy-saving state in the 5 GHz band.

[0443] Step S815: The first access point determines that the 2.4 GHz band and the 5 GHz band of the second access point exit energy saving, and sends an energy-saving exit request to the second access point. The energy-saving exit indication request includes the identifiers of the 2.4 GHz band and the 5 GHz band.

[0444] Step S816: The second access point receives the energy-saving exit request, exits the first energy-saving state in the 2.4 GHz band, and exits the second energy-saving state in the 5 GHz band.

[0445] In Figure 13 In the process shown, after the first access point receives the energy-saving request sent by the second access point, it sends an energy-saving indication message to the second access point to indicate that the second access point enters the energy-saving preparation state.

[0446] It should be noted that without performing the handshake process, when the first access point determines that the second access point can save energy, before sending the energy-saving control message to the second access point, it sends an energy-saving preparation indication message to the second access point. The energy-saving preparation indication message is used to indicate entering the energy-saving preparation state, and some operations required before formally entering the energy-saving state are performed in the energy-saving preparation state. The second access point receives the energy-saving preparation indication message and performs the operations for entering the energy-saving preparation state.

[0447] When the second access point can directly enter the power-saving state from the working state, the first access point may not send a power-saving preparation indication message to the second access point, or may send a power-saving preparation indication message to the second access point, but the second access point may not perform any operation. When the second access point cannot directly enter the power-saving state from the working state, the first access point sends a power-saving preparation indication message to the second access point, so that the second access point first enters the power-saving preparation state.

[0448] In the embodiments of the present application, the first access point and the second access point cooperate in power saving. In order to ensure the global optimality of the entire network's power saving, in the WLAN, the first access point, as the control center, maintains the power-saving state machines of all other access points, simply referred to as state machines, and maintains a set of state machines for each set of radio frequency resources, so as to independently maintain the power-saving states of each set of radio frequency resources and support the expansion of more radio frequency resources.

[0449] Before describing the method flow of the embodiments of the present application, the states that each access point may involve are first described.

[0450] 1. Working state (also referred to as the working state), which refers to the normal working state. The power-saving feature (or the power-saving function) is enabled, and it has not been decided to start power saving. That is to say, the first access point and the second access point have not completed the power-saving handshake and have not started the power-saving process. Here, starting the power-saving process corresponds to enabling the power-saving mode in the previous text.

[0451] 2. Power-saving preparation state (also referred to as the power-saving preparation state), which refers to the state where the power-saving process is started, but has not yet entered a certain power-saving state. Here, the power-saving preparation state is an optional state, which can be directly switched from the working state to a certain power-saving state, or directly switched from a certain power-saving state to the working state.

[0452] 3. Power-saving state (also referred to as the power-saving state, or the sleep level power-saving state), which indicates the state of the access point when a specific power-saving strategy (this power-saving strategy corresponds to the power-saving mode) has been adopted or a specific power-saving operation has been performed. It can also be understood as: a predefined power-saving mode, or a set of specific working parameters, such as bandwidth, the number of spatial streams, and modulation and coding methods, etc. For a certain access point, when the access point is in different power-saving states, the power consumption saved by the access point is different, that is, the power-saving amplitude (or power-saving depth) is different. Different access points may support the same or different power-saving states. When the access point saves power according to the power-saving object, the power-saving states of different power-saving objects may be different.

[0453] For easy understanding, the states involved by each access point can also be understood as Table XV.

[0454] Table XV

[0455]

[0456] In an alternative manner, the condition for switching from the working state to the energy-saving standby state is that the first access point and the second access point complete the energy-saving handshake.

[0457] Optionally, in order to prevent frequent state switching, before switching from the working state to the energy-saving standby state, it is also necessary that the first access point and the second access point handshake and agree to start the energy-saving process, and after the timer 1 expires, can it be switched to the energy-saving standby state. It should be noted that when initially entering the energy-saving standby state, if the conditions for entering the energy-saving standby state are met, it can be immediately switched to the energy-saving standby state. After switching back to the working state from other states, only when the timer 1 expires and the first access point and the second access point handshake and agree to start the energy-saving process, can it be switched from the working state to the energy-saving standby state.

[0458] In an alternative manner, the condition for switching from one energy-saving state to another energy-saving state is that the first access point decides to enter another energy-saving state.

[0459] Optionally, in order to prevent frequent state switching, a timer 2 is set between two energy-saving states. After switching to a certain energy-saving state, the timer 2 starts timing. Even if the conditions for switching to another energy-saving state are met, it is also necessary to wait until the timer 2 expires before it can be switched from this energy-saving state to another energy-saving state.

[0460] In an alternative manner, the condition for switching from the energy-saving standby state to the energy-saving state is that the first access point decides that the second access point enters a certain energy-saving state.

[0461] Optionally, in order to prevent frequent state switching, when switching from the energy-saving standby state to the energy-saving state, it is necessary to meet the conditions for switching the energy-saving state and the timer 3 expires before it can be switched from the energy-saving standby state to the energy-saving state.

[0462] Among them, the timer 1 to the timer 3 are maintained by the first access point or by the second access point.

[0463] In an alternative manner, the condition for switching from the energy-saving standby state to the working state is that the first access point decides to turn off the energy-saving process, or the second access point decides to turn off the energy-saving process, or the timer 4 expires.

[0464] In an alternative manner, to prevent the second access point from staying in the energy-saving state for too long, a timer 4 is also set. After entering a certain energy-saving state, the timer 4 starts timing. If the energy-saving state is not exited before the timer 4 expires (excluding the energy-saving state exit during periodic energy-saving processing), then when the timer 4 expires, the access point enters the energy-saving preparation state or the working state and sends a message requesting to exit the energy-saving state to the first access point.

[0465] Among them, the timer 4 is sent by the first access point to the second access point and is maintained by the second access point itself.

[0466] In another alternative manner, the first access point also maintains a timer 4. When the first access point sends the timer 4 to the second access point, the first access point can send a message indicating the energy-saving exit state to the second access point after the timer 4 expires, so as to instruct the second access point to exit the energy-saving state to the working state. If the second access point does not receive the message indicating the energy-saving exit state within a certain period of time after detecting that the timer 4 has expired, the second access point sends a message indicating to exit the energy-saving state to the first access point. In this way, it can be ensured that the second access point exits from the energy-saving state to the working state.

[0467] Here, starting the energy-saving process is equivalent to enabling the energy-saving mode in the previous text, and closing the energy-saving process is equivalent to disabling the energy-saving mode in the previous text. Starting the energy-saving process corresponds to the SFU energy-saving opinion field in the subsequent text indicating on, and also corresponds to the MFU energy-saving opinion field in the subsequent text indicating on. Closing the energy-saving process corresponds to the SFU energy-saving opinion field in the subsequent text indicating off, and also corresponds to the MFU energy-saving opinion field in the subsequent text indicating off.

[0468] Next, an energy-saving process will be described. Assume that there are multiple access points in the WLAN, and at least the first access point and the second access point are included among the multiple access points. Here, taking the first access point initiating energy-saving negotiation as an example for description, refer to Figure 14 Steps S110 to S130 in

[0469] Step S110, the first access point sends a first energy-saving policy message to the second access point.

[0470] In this embodiment, the first access point determines that the second access point can perform energy-saving processing according to the energy-saving statistical information of the second access point, and sends a first energy-saving policy message to the second access point. This first energy-saving policy message is used to indicate a request to start the energy-saving process. This first energy-saving policy message includes the MFU energy-saving opinion field in Table XVII, and this field indicates on.

[0471] Step S120, the second access point sends a second energy-saving policy message to the first access point.

[0472] In this embodiment, the second access point receives the first energy-saving policy message, determines whether it is suitable for energy-saving processing based on its own status. If it is suitable for energy-saving processing, it sends a second energy-saving policy message to the first access point to initiate energy-saving processing. If it is not suitable for energy-saving processing, it sends a second energy-saving policy message to the first access point, and this second energy-saving policy message indicates the rejection of initiating energy-saving processing. For example, if there are low-latency services at the second access point currently, the second access point determines that it is not suitable for energy-saving processing. This second energy-saving policy message includes the SFU energy-saving opinion field in Table XVII, which indicates "on" when initiating energy-saving processing and "off" when not initiating energy-saving processing.

[0473] Step S130: The first access point sends an energy-saving policy message to the second access point.

[0474] In this embodiment, the first access point receives the second energy-saving policy message. If this second energy-saving policy message indicates initiating energy-saving processing, it generates a third energy-saving policy message based on the energy-saving statistical message of the second access point. This third energy-saving policy message can indicate the identifier of a specific energy-saving mode or the specific content of an energy-saving policy. After receiving the energy-saving policy message, the second access point can perform corresponding energy-saving operations according to the energy-saving policy message to enter a specific energy-saving state. Among them, for the third energy-saving policy message, reference can be made to the content that needs to be filled in when the SFU energy-saving opinion field is "on" and the MFU energy-saving opinion field is "on" in Table XVII.

[0475] Optionally, the messages in steps S110 to S130 can be different messages or messages with different contents filled in the same message.

[0476] Next, another energy-saving processing process is described. Refer to Figure 16 Steps S210 to S230 therein.

[0477] Step S210: The second access point sends a first energy-saving policy message to the first access point.

[0478] In this embodiment, the second access point determines, according to its own status, that it is suitable for energy-saving processing and sends a first energy-saving policy message to the first access point. This first energy-saving policy message is used to indicate a request to initiate energy-saving processing. This first energy-saving policy message includes the SFU energy-saving opinion field in Table XVII, indicating "on".

[0479] Step S220: The first access point sends a second energy-saving policy message to the second access point.

[0480] In this embodiment, the first access point receives the first energy-saving policy message, and based on the energy-saving statistical information of the second access point, determines whether the second access point is suitable for energy-saving processing. If it is suitable for energy-saving processing, the first access point sends a second energy-saving policy message to the second access point to indicate the start of energy-saving processing. If it is not suitable for energy-saving processing, the first access point sends a second energy-saving policy message to the second access point to indicate the rejection of starting energy-saving processing. For example, if the second access point is currently receiving a large amount of data from the first access point, the first access point determines that the second access point is not suitable for energy-saving processing. The second energy-saving policy message is the MFU energy-saving opinion field in Table XVII, which indicates on when starting energy-saving processing and off when not starting energy-saving processing.

[0481] Step S230: The first access point sends an energy-saving policy message to the second access point.

[0482] In this embodiment, if the second energy-saving policy message indicates the start of energy-saving processing, the first access point generates a third energy-saving policy message based on the energy-saving statistical message of the second access point. The third energy-saving policy message can indicate the identifier of a specific energy-saving mode or the content of a specific energy-saving policy. After receiving the energy-saving policy message, the second access point can perform corresponding energy-saving operations according to the energy-saving policy message to enter a specific energy-saving state.

[0483] Optionally, the messages in steps S210 to S230 can be different messages or messages with different contents filled in the same message.

[0484] It should be noted that when the first access point determines that the second access point is suitable for energy-saving processing, it can also directly execute step S230 without executing step S220.

[0485] Next, a process of closing energy-saving processing is described. Refer to Figure 14 steps S310 to S320 therein.

[0486] Step S310: The first access point sends a first energy-saving policy message to the second access point.

[0487] In this embodiment, the first access point determines that the second access point is no longer suitable for energy-saving processing and sends a first energy-saving policy message to the second access point. The first energy-saving policy message is used to indicate the closing of energy-saving processing. For example, the first access point determines that a large amount of data is to be sent to the second access point, or the first access point determines that the service status of the second access point is poor, etc., and determines that the second access point is no longer suitable for energy-saving processing. The first energy-saving policy message includes the MFU energy-saving opinion field in Table XVII, indicating off.

[0488] Step S320: The second access point sends a service status report to the first access point.

[0489] In this embodiment, after receiving the first energy-saving policy message, the second access point immediately exits the energy-saving state and enters the working state. And the second access point sends a service status report to the first access point, and the service status report is the same as the service status information in the foregoing text.

[0490] After indicating that the second access point exits the energy-saving state, and after the first access point receives the service status report, the first access point immediately preferentially allocates communication opportunities or communication resources to the second access point to help the second access point quickly resume services.

[0491] Step S320 is an optional step.

[0492] Next, another process of exiting the energy-saving process is described. Refer to Figure 14 Steps S410 to S420 in

[0493] Step S410, the second access point sends a first energy-saving policy message to the first access point.

[0494] In this embodiment, after being awakened by a local emergency event, the second access point immediately exits the energy-saving state, enters the working state, and sends a first energy-saving policy message to the first access point. The first energy-saving policy message is used to indicate the shutdown of the energy-saving process. For example, there is one or more low-latency services at the second access point, or the service status is poor, and it is determined to exit the energy-saving state. The first energy-saving policy message includes the SFU energy-saving opinion field in Table XVII, indicating off.

[0495] Optionally, the second access point sends relevant information about the emergency event to the first access point.

[0496] Step S420, the second access point sends a service status report to the first access point.

[0497] In this embodiment, after receiving the first energy-saving policy message indicating the shutdown of the energy-saving process, the first access point immediately preferentially allocates communication opportunities or communication resources to the second access point to help the second access point quickly resume services. The service status report can be used as a reference for the first access point to allocate communication resources to the second access point.

[0498] Both the above-mentioned first energy-saving policy message and the second energy-saving policy message can be understood as a power-saving request (PS request). When starting the energy-saving process, the energy-saving opinion field carried therein indicates on, and when shutting down the energy-saving process, the energy-saving opinion field carried therein indicates off. For the energy-saving opinion, refer to Table XVII.

[0499] In Figure 14In the process shown, the processes of starting and closing the energy-saving process can be combined arbitrarily, and the embodiments of the present application do not make any limitations.

[0500] Optionally, in Figure 14 the channel for the first access point to interact with other access points in the process shown is a wireless management control channel, and the message used is a WMCI message. This is only an example. For example, in the FTTR scenario, an OMCI message can also be used.

[0501] Optionally, in Figure 14 the process shown, the second access point can also report its energy-saving capabilities to the first access point. The process of reporting the energy-saving capabilities can occur at any stage before steps S110 and S210, such as the initialization stage. This initialization stage can be the initialization stage when the second access point goes online. The first access point obtains the basic capability information of the second access point through this initialization stage and completes the configuration of the basic working parameters of the second access point. The second access point can actively report its own energy-saving capabilities through an energy-saving capability message, or the first access point can also send a reporting request for the energy-saving capabilities to the second access point, and the second access point sends an energy-saving capability message to the first access point.

[0502] In an optional manner, in the WMCI initialization stage, the second access point sends an energy-saving capability message to the first access point.

[0503] In another optional manner, in the energy-saving initialization stage, the second access point sends an energy-saving capability message to the first access point.

[0504] In an optional manner, the energy-saving object is Wi-Fi radio frequency resources, and the identifier is RUID.

[0505] In an optional manner, the energy-saving capabilities of all energy-saving objects of the second access point can be reported through one energy-saving capability message.

[0506] In an optional manner, the first access point stores the correspondence between the identifier of the energy-saving capability and the energy-saving capability. The energy-saving capability message includes the identifier of the energy-saving mode, and / or the energy-saving capability message includes the specific content of the energy-saving operation content. For the content of the energy-saving capability message, see Table XVI.

[0507] Table XVI

[0508]

[0509]

[0510]

[0511] For the explanations of the same content in Table XVI as in Table IV, please refer to Table IV. For Table XVI, any content with a numerical identifier can be replaced by other numbers. For example, the transmit power can be divided into 4 levels, and each level is divided by 25%. Another example is that for content distinguished by bit positions, the content represented by each bit position is exchanged.

[0512] Optionally, the content of the energy-saving capability message can also be the content obtained by combining Table IV and Table XVI.

[0513] It should be noted that when sending the energy-saving capability message, part of the content in Table XVI can be sent, or all of the content in Table XVI can be sent. For example, only send the supported energy-saving modes, or only send the supported frequency bands, MACs, or the number of spatial streams, etc.

[0514] In addition, after the access point enables the energy-saving feature (which can be understood as enabling the energy-saving function), the handshake to start the energy-saving process can begin. For the enabling process of the energy-saving feature, please refer to Figure 15 Steps S510 to S530 therein.

[0515] Step S510, the second access point sends a request to enable the energy-saving feature to the first access point.

[0516] In this embodiment, the second access point has the energy-saving function and sends a request to enable the energy-saving feature to the first access point. This enabling request is used to indicate enabling the energy-saving feature.

[0517] Step S520, the first access point sends a control message for the energy-saving feature to the second access point.

[0518] In this embodiment, after receiving this enabling request, the first access point sends a control message for the energy-saving feature to the second access point. This control message is used to indicate enabling the energy-saving feature.

[0519] Step S530, the second access point sends a report on enabling the energy-saving feature to the first access point.

[0520] In this embodiment, after receiving this control message, the second access point performs parameter configuration to enable the energy-saving feature and sends a report on enabling the energy-saving feature to the first access point. This enabling report is used to indicate that the energy-saving feature has been enabled.

[0521] For the disabling process of the energy-saving feature, please refer to Figure 16 Steps S610 to S630 therein.

[0522] Step S610, the second access point sends a request to disable the energy-saving feature to the first access point.

[0523] In this embodiment, the second access point no longer performs energy-saving processing and sends a request to the first access point to turn off the energy-saving feature, where the request is used to indicate turning off the energy-saving feature.

[0524] Step S620: The first access point sends a control message for the energy-saving feature to the second access point.

[0525] In this embodiment, after receiving the request, the first access point sends a control message for the energy-saving feature to the second access point, where the control message is used to indicate turning off the energy-saving feature.

[0526] Step S630: The second access point sends a report on turning off the energy-saving feature to the first access point.

[0527] In this embodiment, after receiving the control message, the second access point performs parameter configuration to turn off the energy-saving feature and sends a report on turning off the energy-saving feature to the first access point, where the report is used to indicate that the energy-saving feature has been turned off.

[0528] Optionally, steps S510 and S610 are optional steps. The above control message is a WMCI control message, which includes WMCI feature parameters. The WMCI feature parameters indicate whether to enable the energy-saving feature. The second access point can determine whether to start the energy-saving feature according to the filled value of the energy-saving field in the WMCI feature parameter control.

[0529] Optionally, for the content of the energy-saving control message (also known as the energy-saving policy message, English: PS strategy (configure)), see Table XVII, which is illustrated by taking the radio frequency resource as the energy-saving object in Table XVII. The energy-saving policy message is used to indicate the energy-saving opinion of the SFU, or the energy-saving policy message is used to indicate the energy-saving opinion of the MFU, or the energy-saving policy message is used to indicate the energy-saving mode, or the energy-saving policy message is used to indicate the content of the energy-saving operation, that is, the operation that the SFU needs to perform, or the energy-saving policy message is used to indicate multiple contents in Table XVII.

[0530] Table XVII

[0531]

[0532]

[0533]

[0534] Among them, in Table XVII, the message for negotiating energy saving, the energy-saving mode, and the message for sending the energy-saving policy are integrated into one message, that is, this one message realizes the energy-saving handshake between the MFU and the SFU and is used for controlling the energy-saving behavior of the air interface, mainly involving frequency band, number of streams, and transmit power, etc. The energy-saving mode is the same as the energy-saving template in the previous text.

[0535] In addition, there can be other indication methods for the identification of message types. For example, 0: This message is used for the MFU to send the identification of the energy-saving mode or the energy-saving strategy to the SFU; 1: This message is used for energy-saving negotiation, which can also be understood as an energy-saving handshake; 2 to 127: Reserved. Similarly, there can be other ways for the SFU energy-saving opinion and the MFU energy-saving opinion. For example, bit 1 is used as an indication of the SFU energy-saving opinion, and bit 2 is used as an indication of the MFU energy-saving opinion. Similarly, there can be other ways for the RUID status. For example, 0 indicates the energy-saving status, and 1 indicates the working status. The indication methods for other contents can also be extended based on the principles described here.

[0536] In addition, during the energy-saving cycle of the current energy-saving state, the SFU can automatically exit the current energy-saving state, perform service processing, and then return to the current energy-saving state without notifying the MFU during this process.

[0537] In the embodiments of the present application, in the FTTR network, the MFU can directly decide whether the SFU enters / exits a certain energy-saving state, including emergency exit; the SFU can directly decide to exit the energy-saving state and notify the MFU; if the SFU applies to exit the energy-saving state, the SFU notifies the MFU after locally exiting the energy-saving state, and the MFU does not need to reply. When there is a conflict between the energy-saving decisions of the MFU and the SFU, the SFU shall prevail.

[0538] In an alternative manner, when the first access point obtains the status of the second access point from the second access point, it can simultaneously obtain some other parameter information. The second access point sends an energy-saving parameter message to the first access point. The energy-saving parameter message can indicate the energy-saving state, or the energy-saving parameter message can indicate the energy-saving state and the SFU alarm indication, or the energy-saving parameter message can indicate the energy-saving state and the device temperature information. The device temperature information includes the average temperature, the maximum temperature, or the minimum temperature of the second access point within a short period of time. The condition for triggering the sending of the energy-saving parameter message is the same as the condition for triggering the second access point to report the status, which will not be elaborated here. For the content of the energy-saving parameter message, please refer to Table XVIII.

[0539] Table XVIII

[0540]

[0541]

[0542]

[0543] It should be noted that in the embodiments of the present application, there are two ways for the SFU to exit the energy-saving state: One is that the SFU can be awakened according to the agreed time (energy-saving cycle) configured by the energy-saving strategy and interact with the MFU for service information. Or awakened by an emergency event local to the SFU, the SFU should immediately exit the energy-saving state and notify the MFU of the relevant event and the change in the energy-saving state. The other is that the SFU receives an instruction from the MFU to exit the energy-saving message and returns to the working state, and immediately processes the service information brought by the MFU. The MFU should preferentially allocate communication opportunities or communication resources to the SFU that exits the energy-saving state to help the SFU quickly resume services. During the periodic energy-saving process, after the SFU is awakened, it does not need to send a message requesting to exit the energy-saving state to the MFU. Only after the periodic energy-saving ends or an emergency event occurs, will it request to exit the energy-saving state.

[0544] In addition, the SFU can send a service status report during the energy-saving process or after being awakened from energy-saving to the MFU to help the MFU / SFU optimize the energy-saving strategy.

[0545] The process of the first access point collecting energy-saving statistical messages described above can occur at any stage. As long as the first access point needs to collect the energy-saving statistical information of the second access point, it can also execute the data reporting process, which is not limited in the embodiments of the present application. The second access point can actively report the energy-saving statistical messages, and the first access point can also request the energy-saving statistical messages.

[0546] In addition, for Table 5 in the foregoing text, regarding the description of the association status type, 0 indicates user association, 1 indicates user disassociation, and 2 to 127 are reserved. Regarding the description of the spatial streams indicated by the station, all 0s indicate that the station has not reported, and the number of spatial streams in Table 17 can also be used for indication. Regarding the frequency bandwidth supported by the station, all 0s indicate that the station has not reported, and the indication method of the frequency band in Table 17 can also be used for indication. Regarding the description of the modulation and coding methods supported by the station, all 0s indicate that the station has not reported. In the description of the multi-link related statistical information of the station, indicating the multi-link related statistical information of the STA is represented in the form of a Bitmap: Bit 0 indicates whether multi-link is currently in use, a value of 1 indicates the use of multi-link, a value of 0 indicates no use of multi-link, Bit 1 indicates whether it is redundant transmission or aggregation transmission, a value of 1 indicates redundant transmission, a value of 0 indicates aggregation transmission, and Bits 2 to 7 are reserved. See Table 19.

[0547] Table 19

[0548]

[0549] In each of the above tables, the content of each field can be indicated by bit positions or by numerical values. For example, for the field content of the above energy-saving mode, it can be indicated by 2 bytes or more bytes. Among them, the energy-saving mode is represented by 2 bytes, where 0: the energy-saving mode is not used, 1: Sleep_level 1 (maximum bandwidth and 2×2 MIMO), 2: Sleep_level 2 (maximum bandwidth and 1×1 SISO), 3: Sleep_level 3 (20M bandwidth and 1×1 SISO), 4: Sleep_level 4 (20M bandwidth and 1×1 SISO MCS < 7), ~127: reserved, and other cases are similar and will not be listed one by one.

[0550] In the foregoing, the status of other access points is determined by the first access point. The first access point can also determine its own status, control itself to enter the energy-saving state, or switch from the energy-saving state to the working state or the energy-saving preparation state. For the specific method of determining the status of the first access point, refer to the method of determining the status of the second access point, which will not be elaborated here.

[0551] In the embodiments of the present application, in the FTTR network, the first access point centrally determines the status of each access point. Since the first access point is connected to other access points, it can obtain the energy-saving statistical information of other access points, and comprehensively consider the status of each access point. When saving energy, it reduces or avoids affecting the data transceiver of the site.

[0552] In addition, the identifier in the embodiments of the present application can be any value, not limited to the examples in the text. Any identifier that can be used for indication can be applied to the embodiments of the present application.

[0553] The solutions in the embodiments of the present application can be arbitrarily combined without violating logic.

[0554] Figure 17 It is a structural diagram of an energy-saving control device for an access point provided by an embodiment of the present application. Figure 17 The shown device 1400 can be implemented as part or all of the device through software, hardware, or a combination of both. The device 1400 is applied to the first access point in the fiber-to-the-room FTTR network, and the first access point is connected to at least one access point in the FTTR network. The device 1400 is used to implement the method flow executed by the first access point in the embodiments of the present application. The device 1400 includes:

[0555] A sending module 1410, configured to send an energy-saving control message to a second access point among the at least one access point, so that the second access point performs an energy-saving operation, where the energy-saving control message includes one or more of the number of spatial streams, the turn-off capability, or the bandwidth of the second access point.

[0556] In an alternative manner, the energy-saving control message further includes an indication flag for indicating whether the low-power listening capability is available.

[0557] In an alternative manner, the energy-saving control message further includes the duration required to switch from the low-power listening mode to the working state.

[0558] In an alternative manner, the energy-saving control message further includes the air interface transmission power and / or the modulation and coding scheme.

[0559] In an alternative manner, the energy-saving control message further includes the energy-saving time and the energy-saving period. The energy-saving time is the time during which the energy-saving operation is valid for a single time, and the energy-saving period is the time interval between two consecutive executions of the energy-saving operation by the second access point.

[0560] In an alternative manner, the energy-saving control message further includes the duration required for the energy-saving object to which the shutdown capability belongs to switch from the closed state to the working state.

[0561] In an alternative manner, the energy-saving object includes one or more of a frequency band, a basic service set identifier, or a service set identifier.

[0562] In an alternative manner, the energy-saving control message further includes an indication flag for indicating whether an energy-saving template is used.

[0563] In an alternative manner, the apparatus 1400 further includes:

[0564] A receiving module 1420, configured to receive the energy-saving capability message of the second access point, where the energy-saving capability message is used to report the energy-saving capability of the second access point.

[0565] In an alternative manner, the energy-saving capability includes one or more of the number of spatial streams of the second access point, the shutdown capability, or the bandwidth.

[0566] In an alternative manner, the energy-saving capability includes the low-power listening capability of the second access point.

[0567] In an alternative manner, the energy-saving capability includes the duration required to switch from the low-power listening mode to the normal working state.

[0568] In an alternative manner, the energy-saving capability includes the air interface transmission power and / or the modulation and coding scheme.

[0569] Figure 18 It is a structural diagram of an energy-saving control device for an access point provided by an embodiment of the present application. Figure 18The illustrated apparatus 1500 can be implemented as part or all of the apparatus through software, hardware, or a combination of both. The apparatus 1500 is applied to the second access point in a Fiber to the Room (FTTR) network, and the second access point is connected to the first access point in the FTTR network. The apparatus 1500 is used to implement the method flow executed by the second access point in the embodiments of the present application. As Figure 18 shown, the apparatus 1500 includes:

[0570] A receiving module 1510, configured to receive an energy-saving control message sent by the first access point, where the energy-saving control message is used to instruct the second access point to perform an energy-saving operation, and the energy-saving control message includes one or more of the number of spatial streams, the shutdown capability, or the bandwidth of the second access point;

[0571] An execution module 1520, configured to perform the energy-saving operation.

[0572] In an alternative manner, the energy-saving control message further includes an indication flag for indicating whether the low-power listening capability is available.

[0573] In an alternative manner, the energy-saving control message further includes the duration required to switch from the low-power listening mode to the working state.

[0574] In an alternative manner, the energy-saving control message further includes the air interface transmit power and / or the modulation and coding scheme.

[0575] In an alternative manner, the energy-saving control message further includes the energy-saving time and the energy-saving period. The energy-saving time is the time for which the energy-saving operation is valid for a single time, and the energy-saving period is the time interval between two consecutive executions of the energy-saving operation by the second access point.

[0576] In an alternative manner, the energy-saving control message further includes the duration required for the energy-saving object to which the shutdown capability belongs to switch from the closed state to the working state.

[0577] In an alternative manner, the energy-saving object includes one or more of a frequency band, a basic service set identifier, or a service set identifier. In an alternative manner, the energy-saving control message includes an indication flag for indicating whether an energy-saving template is used.

[0578] In an alternative manner, the apparatus 1500 further includes:

[0579] A sending module, configured to send an energy-saving capability message to the first access point, where the energy-saving capability message is used to report the energy-saving capability of the second access point.

[0580] In an alternative manner, the energy saving capability includes one or more of the number of spatial streams of the second access point, the shutdown capability, or the bandwidth.

[0581] In an alternative manner, the energy saving capability includes the low power listening capability of the second access point.

[0582] In an alternative manner, the energy saving capability further includes the duration required to switch from the low power listening mode to the normal operating state.

[0583] In an alternative manner, the energy saving capability includes the air interface transmit power and / or the modulation and coding scheme.

[0584] Figure 17 For the detailed process of energy saving control of the illustrated device 1400 and Figure 18 the illustrated device 1500, please refer to the descriptions in the foregoing embodiments and will not be repeated here. Device 1400 may be the first access point in the foregoing text, and device 1500 may be the second access point in the foregoing text.

[0585] This application also provides a device 100. As Figure 19 shown, device 100 includes: a bus 102, a processor 104, a memory 106, and a communication interface 108. The processor 104, the memory 106, and the communication interface 108 communicate with each other through the bus 102. Device 100 is the access point in the foregoing text. It should be understood that this application does not limit the number of processors and memories in device 100.

[0586] The bus 102 may be a peripheral component interconnect (PCI) bus or an extended industry standard architecture (EISA) bus, etc. The bus may be divided into an address bus, a data bus, a control bus, etc. For the sake of simplicity of representation, Figure 19 only one line is shown herein, but it does not mean that there is only one bus or one type of bus. The bus 102 may include a path for transmitting information between various components of device 100 (for example, the memory 106, the processor 104, the communication interface 108).

[0587] The processor 104 may include any one or more of a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a microprocessor (MP), or a digital signal processor (DSP), etc.

[0588] The memory 106 may include a volatile memory, such as a random access memory (RAM). The memory 106 may also include a non-volatile memory, such as a read-only memory (ROM), a flash memory, a hard disk drive (HDD), or a solid state drive (SSD).

[0589] The executable program code is stored in the memory 106, and the processor 104 executes the executable program code for the energy-saving control method of any of the above access points. That is, program instructions for executing the energy-saving control method of any of the above access points are stored on the memory 106.

[0590] The communication interface 108 is an optical module to implement communication between the device 100 and other devices or communication networks.

[0591] An embodiment of the present application also provides a computer program product, which includes program instructions stored in a computer-readable storage medium. The processor of the access point reads the program instructions from the computer-readable storage medium, and the processor executes the program instructions, so that the access point executes the energy-saving control method flow performed by the first access point in the foregoing.

[0592] An embodiment of the present application also provides a computer program product, which includes program instructions stored in a computer-readable storage medium. The processor of the access point reads the program instructions from the computer-readable storage medium, and the processor executes the program instructions, so that the access point executes the energy-saving control method flow performed by the second access point in the foregoing.

[0593] An embodiment of the present application also provides a communication system, which includes the first access point and the second access point mentioned in the foregoing.

[0594] Those of ordinary skill in the art can realize that, in combination with the method steps and units described in the embodiments disclosed in the present application, they can be implemented by electronic hardware, computer software, or a combination of the two. To clearly illustrate the interchangeability of hardware and software, the steps and components of each embodiment have been generally described according to functions in the above description. Whether these functions are executed in a hardware or software manner depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those of ordinary skill in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered to exceed the scope of the present application.

[0595] In several embodiments provided by the present application, it should be understood that the disclosed system architectures, devices, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For example, the division of the modules is only a logical function division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple modules or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. Additionally, the displayed or discussed couplings or direct couplings or communication connections to each other can be indirect couplings or communication connections through some interfaces, devices, or modules, and can also be electrical, mechanical, or other forms of connection.

[0596] The modules described as separate components may or may not be physically separated. The components shown as modules may or may not be physical modules, that is, they can be located in one place or distributed to multiple network modules. Some or all of the modules can be selected according to actual needs to achieve the objectives of the solution of the embodiments of the present application.

[0597] Furthermore, in each embodiment of the present application, the modules can be integrated into one processing module, or each module can exist physically alone, or two or more modules can be integrated into one module. The above-mentioned integrated modules can be implemented in the form of hardware or in the form of software modules.

[0598] If the integrated module is implemented in the form of a software functional module and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the present application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or all or part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. The computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to enable a computer device (which can be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods in each embodiment of the present application. And the aforementioned storage medium includes: USB flash drives, mobile hard disks, ROM, RAM, magnetic disks, or optical discs, etc., which can store program codes.

[0599] In this application, terms such as "first" and "second" are used to distinguish between identical or similar items with basically the same functions and effects. It should be understood that there is no logical or chronological dependence between "first" and "second", nor are the quantity and execution order limited. It should also be understood that although the following description uses terms such as "first" and "second" to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by the terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, without departing from the scope of various examples, the first access point may be referred to as the second access point, and similarly, the second access point may be referred to as the first access point. Both the first access point and the second access point can be access points, and in some cases, they can be separate and different access points.

[0600] The above description is only an exemplary embodiment of this application, but the protection scope of this application is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art in the technical field disclosed by this application can easily think of various equivalent modifications or replacements within the technical scope disclosed by this application, and these modifications or replacements should all be covered within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this application should be subject to the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An energy-saving control method for an access point, characterized in that, The method includes: The first access point sends a first energy-saving request start message to at least one second access point; The first access point receives a second energy-saving request start message sent by the second access point; The first access point sends an energy-saving policy message to the second access point to enable the second access point to perform an energy-saving operation.

2. An energy-saving control method for an access point, characterized in that, The method includes: The second access point receives the first energy-saving request start message sent by the first access point; The second access point sends a second energy-saving request start message to the first access point; The second access point receives the energy-saving policy message sent by the first access point and performs an energy-saving operation.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Before the first access point sends a first energy-saving request start message to at least one second access point, it further includes: The first access point receives energy-saving statistical information sent by the second access point, and the energy-saving statistical information includes one or more of station information and service status information.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein The method further includes: The first access point determines that the second access point can perform energy-saving processing according to the energy-saving statistical information of the second access point, and sends the first energy-saving request start message to the second access point.

5. The method according to claim 2, wherein Before the second access point receives the first energy-saving request start message sent by the first access point, it further includes: The second access point collects energy-saving statistical information, and the energy-saving statistical information includes one or more of station information and service status information; The second access point sends the energy-saving statistical information to the first access point.

6. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The energy-saving policy message includes a Wi-Fi radio frequency unique identifier (RUID).

7. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The energy-saving policy message includes the turn-off ability of the Wi-Fi radio frequency.

8. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The energy-saving policy message includes the transition time for the Wi-Fi radio frequency to recover from the turned-off state.

9. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The energy-saving policy message includes an alarm indication of the second access point.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein The alarm indication includes a high-temperature alarm and / or a low-temperature alarm.

11. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The energy-saving policy message includes at least one of the average temperature, low temperature threshold, and high temperature threshold of the second access point.

12. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The energy-saving policy message includes the uplink traffic and / or downlink traffic of the Wi-Fi radio frequency.

13. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The energy-saving policy message includes the interval time between two consecutive energy-saving states.

14. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The energy-saving policy message includes the effective energy-saving time of a single energy-saving cycle.

15. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The energy-saving policy message further includes the energy-saving state of the Wi-Fi radio frequency.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, The Wi-Fi radio frequency is divided according to one or more of frequency band, basic service set identifier, or service set identifier.

17. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The energy-saving policy message includes the maximum residence time in the energy-saving state.

18. A communication system, characterized in that, The communication system includes a first access point and a second access point; The first access point is used to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 or 3 to 17; The second access point is used to execute the method according to any one of claims 2 to 17.

19. An access point, characterized in that, The access point is used to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 - 17.

20. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, It includes program instructions, and when the program instructions are executed by the access point, the access point executes the method according to any one of claims 1 to 17.

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