Access point energy saving method and device, access point and system

Abstract

The invention provides an access point energy saving method and device, an access point and a system, and belongs to the technical field of communication. The method is applied to a first access point in an FTTR network, and the first access point is connected with at least one other access point in the FTTR network. The first access point receives energy-saving statistical information sent by at least one access point, and the energy-saving statistical information comprises station information and / or service information. And the first access point makes an energy-saving decision on other access points according to the energy-saving statistical information. According to the invention, the power consumption of the access point can be reduced.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application. The application number of the original application is 202411566742.0, and the original application date is November 4, 2024. The entire content of the original application is incorporated into this application by reference. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a method, device, access point, and system for energy saving at an access point. Background Art

[0003] Wireless local area networks (WLANs) are becoming increasingly popular. WLANs include stations (STAs) and access points (APs). Currently, energy conservation efforts focus on stations to extend their standby time.

[0004] As the number of access points in WLANs increases and their functions increase, the power consumption of access points becomes a prominent issue. Therefore, it is necessary to reduce the power consumption of access points. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a method, device, access point, and system for energy saving at an access point, which can reduce the power consumption of the access point. The technical solution adopted is as follows:

[0006] In a first aspect, a method for energy saving of an access point is provided, which is applied to a first access point in an FTTR network, where the first access point is connected to at least one other access point in the FTTR network. The method includes: the first access point receiving energy saving statistical information sent by at least one access point, where the energy saving statistical information includes site information and / or service information, and the first access point can make an energy saving decision based on the energy saving status of the at least one access point.

[0007] In the solution described in this application, a first access point obtains energy-saving statistical information from at least one other access point to which it is connected. This energy-saving statistical information is used to determine the energy-saving state of at least one other access point (e.g., a second access point). The first access point then instructs the second access point to perform energy-saving operations based on the energy-saving state of the second access point. This not only reduces the power consumption of the second access point, but also, because the energy-saving state is determined based on the energy-saving statistical information of the second access point, it matches the energy-saving state of the second access point, thereby minimizing the impact on services.

[0008] In an optional manner, the site information includes one or more of association information of a site on at least one access point, perception information of at least one access point to an unassociated site, or traffic information of the site.

[0009] Association information can reflect information such as the number and frequency bands of sites associated with an access point. Generally, the greater the number of sites, the more resources required, so this information can be used as a reference for energy-saving decisions. The at least one access point's awareness of sites not associated with the access point can help determine whether there are any unassociated access points nearby. If there are unassociated sites, the site may roam to the at least one access point, thus avoiding deep energy conservation when making energy-saving decisions. Site traffic information can reflect the amount of data a site needs to transmit. Generally, the greater the data volume, the more resources required, so this information can be used as a reference for energy-saving decisions. Therefore, using site information to determine the energy-saving state can help determine the appropriate energy-saving state and minimize the impact on the site.

[0010] In one optional approach, the site information includes the site's air interface information. Since the site and at least one access point transmit data over the air interface, air interface information can also affect the determination of the energy-saving state. Therefore, air interface information can be used as a reference for energy-saving decisions to reduce the impact on the site.

[0011] In an optional manner, the air interface information includes one or more of sleep information, link-related information, or supported transceiver parameters of a station on at least one access point.

[0012] A station only transmits large amounts of data when it is not in sleep mode. Therefore, it is possible to synchronize access point energy conservation with station sleep mode to reduce the impact on the station. The link used by the station to transmit data may indirectly reflect the service type of the data transmitted by the station. Therefore, it is also possible to consider using link-related information as a reference for energy conservation judgment to reduce the impact on the station. The transceiver parameters supported by the station determine which parameters the station uses for transmission and reception. Since the objects to which the station transmits and receives data are all access points, it is also possible to consider using the transceiver parameters supported by the station as a reference for energy conservation judgment to reduce the impact on the station. It can be seen that the content of the air interface information is directly related to the energy conservation state. Therefore, using air interface information to determine the energy conservation state can determine the appropriate energy conservation state and reduce the impact on the station.

[0013] In an optional manner, the service information includes statistical information of service traffic of at least one access point and / or an indication identifier of whether service traffic with a specified service identifier exists at at least one access point.

[0014] The volume of service traffic directly determines the transmission and processing resources of the at least one access point. Therefore, statistical information about service traffic can be used as a reference for energy-saving decisions to minimize the impact on service transmission. Different service types have different network requirements. Therefore, the presence of service traffic with a specified service identifier can also be used as a reference for energy-saving decisions. Therefore, the content of service information is directly related to the energy-saving state. Therefore, using service information to determine the energy-saving state can determine the appropriate energy-saving state and minimize the impact on the site.

[0015] In an optional manner, the energy-saving statistical information further includes the energy-saving state of at least one access point. In this way, the current energy-saving state of at least one access point can also be referenced.

[0016] In one optional embodiment, the energy-saving statistical information also includes temperature information of at least one access point. The temperature can reflect the load of the second access point, so the temperature can be used to determine the appropriate energy-saving state for the second access point. For example, if the temperature is too high and exceeds a high temperature threshold, emergency cooling is required, and energy-saving measures must be implemented (which may affect normal operation, such as speed limiting, reducing the load by roaming off the connected site, or shutting down some modules). Once the temperature falls below a low temperature threshold again, energy-saving measures can be stopped and normal operation can be restored.

[0017] In one optional embodiment, the method further includes: the first access point sending a data reporting request to at least one access point, wherein the data reporting request is used to instruct the at least one access point to send energy-saving statistical information. In this way, after receiving the data reporting request, the at least one access point can send the energy-saving statistical information to the first access point, thereby improving the flexibility of data reporting.

[0018] In one optional embodiment, the first access point receiving energy-saving statistical information sent by at least one access point includes: the first access point receiving energy-saving statistical information periodically sent by at least one access point; and / or the first access point receiving energy-saving statistical information sent by at least one access point after a critical event occurs. This improves the flexibility of data reporting by the at least one access point.

[0019] In an optional manner, before receiving the energy-saving statistical information sent by at least one access point, the method further includes: the first access point performs a handshake with the at least one access point.

[0020] In an optional manner, the first access point performs a handshake with at least one access point, including: the first access point receives a power-saving request sent by the at least one access point, wherein the power-saving request is used to instruct the at least one access point to apply for entering power-saving mode; and the first access point sends a power-saving indication to the at least one access point, wherein the power-saving indication is used to instruct the at least one access point to enter power-saving mode.

[0021] In one optional embodiment, in some cases, the first access point may not require at least one access point to report energy-saving statistics. Therefore, the first access point sends a data reporting suspension message to the at least one access point, instructing the at least one access point to suspend sending energy-saving statistics to conserve network transmission resources. For example, after the first access point determines that the second access point should exit energy-saving, the first access point sends the data reporting suspension message to the second access point.

[0022] In a second aspect, a method for energy saving at an access point is provided. The method is applied to a second access point in a fiber-to-the-room (FTTR) network, where the second access point is connected to a first access point in the FTTR network. The method includes: the second access point sending energy saving statistics to the first access point, where the energy saving statistics include site information and / or service information; the second access point receiving an energy saving control message sent by the first access point, where the energy saving control message instructs the second access point to perform a target energy saving operation; and the second access point performing the target energy saving operation.

[0023] In the solution described in this application, a second access point reports energy-saving statistics to a first access point. This energy-saving statistics includes site information and / or service information, which can be used to determine the energy-saving state of the second access point. The first access point can then determine a target energy-saving operation for the second access point based on the energy-saving statistics. The second access point can then execute the target energy-saving operation under the guidance of the first access point. This not only reduces the power consumption of the second access point, but also, because the target energy-saving operation is determined based on the energy-saving statistics of the second access point, it matches the target energy-saving operation with the second access point, minimizing the impact on services.

[0024] In an optional manner, the site information includes one or more of association information of the site on the second access point, perception information of the second access point to an unassociated site, or traffic information of the site.

[0025] Association information can reflect information such as the number and frequency bands of sites associated with an access point. Generally, the greater the number of sites, the more resources required, so this information can be used as a reference for energy-saving decisions. The second access point's perception of unassociated sites can help determine whether there are any unassociated access points nearby. If there are unassociated sites, the site may roam to the second access point, thus potentially avoiding deep energy conservation when making energy-saving decisions. Site traffic information can reflect the amount of data a site needs to transmit. Generally, the greater the data volume, the more resources required, so this information can be used as a reference for energy-saving decisions. Therefore, using site information to determine the energy-saving state can help determine the appropriate energy-saving state and minimize the impact on the site.

[0026] In an optional manner, the site information includes the site's air interface information. Since the site and the second access point transmit data via the air interface, the air interface information will also affect the determination of the energy-saving state. Therefore, the air interface information can be used as a reference condition for energy-saving decisions to reduce the impact on the site.

[0027] In an optional manner, the air interface information includes one or more of sleep information, link-related information, or supported transceiver parameters of a station associated with the second access point.

[0028] A station only transmits large amounts of data when it is not in sleep mode. Therefore, it is possible to synchronize access point energy conservation with station sleep mode to reduce the impact on the station. The link used by the station to transmit data may indirectly reflect the service type of the data transmitted by the station. Therefore, it is also possible to consider using link-related information as a reference for energy conservation judgment to reduce the impact on the station. The transceiver parameters supported by the station determine which parameters the station uses for transmission and reception. Since the objects to which the station transmits and receives data are all access points, it is also possible to consider using the transceiver parameters supported by the station as a reference for energy conservation judgment to reduce the impact on the station. It can be seen that the content of the air interface information is directly related to the energy conservation state. Therefore, using air interface information to determine the energy conservation state can determine the appropriate energy conservation state and reduce the impact on the station.

[0029] In an optional manner, the service information includes statistical information of service traffic of the second access point and / or an indication identifier of whether the second access point has service traffic with a specified service identifier.

[0030] The volume of service traffic directly determines the transmission and processing resources of the second access point. Therefore, considering service traffic statistics as a reference for energy-saving decisions can reduce the impact on service transmission. Different service types have different network requirements. Therefore, considering the presence of service traffic with a specific service identifier can also be considered as a reference for energy-saving decisions. Therefore, using service information to determine the energy-saving state can help determine the appropriate energy-saving state and minimize the impact on the site.

[0031] In an optional manner, the energy-saving statistical information further includes the energy-saving state of the second access point.

[0032] In one optional approach, the energy-saving statistics also include temperature information. Temperature can reflect the load on the access point, so using temperature can determine the appropriate energy-saving state for the access point. For example, if the temperature is too high, energy saving is not appropriate.

[0033] In one optional embodiment, before sending the energy-saving statistical information to the first access point, the method further includes: receiving a data reporting request sent by the first access point, wherein the data reporting request is used to instruct the second access point to send the energy-saving statistical information. In this way, the second access point can send the energy-saving statistical information to the first access point after receiving the data reporting request, thereby improving the flexibility of data reporting.

[0034] In one optional embodiment, sending the energy-saving statistical information to the first access point includes: the second access point periodically sending the energy-saving statistical information to the first access point; and / or the second access point sending the energy-saving statistical information to the first access point after detecting a critical event. This improves the flexibility of the second access point in data reporting.

[0035] In an optional manner, before sending the energy-saving statistical information to the first access point, the method further includes: the second access point performing a handshake with the first access point.

[0036] In an optional manner, the second access point performs a handshake with the first access point, including: sending a power saving request to the first access point, wherein the power saving request is used to instruct the first access point to apply for entering power saving mode; and receiving a power saving indication sent by the first access point, wherein the power saving indication is used to instruct the second access point to enter power saving mode.

[0037] In an optional manner, the method further includes: the second access point receiving a data reporting suspension message sent by the first access point. After receiving the data reporting suspension message, the second access point may stop sending energy-saving statistical information, thereby saving network transmission resources.

[0038] In a third aspect, the present application provides an access point energy saving device, which has the function of implementing the first aspect or any optional method 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 first aspect or any optional method of the first aspect.

[0039] In a fourth aspect, the present application provides an access point energy saving device, which has the function of implementing the above-mentioned second aspect or any optional method 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 optional method of the second aspect.

[0040] In a fifth aspect, the present application provides a communication system, comprising a first access point and a second access point, wherein the first access point is used to implement the method provided in the first aspect or any optional manner of the first aspect, and the second access point is used to implement the method provided in the second aspect or any optional manner of the second aspect.

[0041] In a sixth aspect, the present application provides an access point, comprising a processor, a memory, and a communication interface, wherein the communication interface is used to communicate with other devices, and the processor is used to execute program instructions in the memory to implement the method provided in the first aspect or any optional manner of the first aspect, or to implement the method provided in the second aspect or any optional manner of the second aspect.

[0042] In a seventh aspect, the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing at least one program instruction. When the program instruction is executed by an access point, the access point executes the method provided by the above-mentioned first aspect or any optional manner of the first aspect, or executes the method provided by the above-mentioned second aspect or any optional manner of the second aspect.

[0043] In an eighth aspect, the present application provides a computer program product, comprising 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 executes the program instructions, causing the access point to perform the method provided in the first aspect or any optional embodiment of the first aspect, or the method provided in the second aspect or any optional embodiment of the second aspect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0044] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a network of multiple access points provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0045] Figure 2This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of an FTTR system provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0046] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of access point energy-saving message interaction in a WLAN provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0047] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of an access point periodically reporting energy-saving statistical information provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0048] Figure 5 This is a flow chart of an access point proactively reporting energy-saving statistical information provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0049] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a process of a first access point querying energy-saving statistical information of a second access point provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0050] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a negotiation process between a first access point and a second access point provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0051] Figure 8 This is a flowchart of energy-saving exit provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0052] Figure 9 is a flowchart of an energy-saving indication provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0053] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of a format of a message carrying an energy-saving status provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0054] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of another format of a message carrying an energy-saving status provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0055] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of another format of a message carrying an energy-saving status provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0056] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of a first access point controlling other access points to save energy, provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0057] Figure 14 This is a flowchart of a first access point querying the status of a second access point provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0058] Figure 15 This is a structural diagram of an access point energy saving device provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0059] Figure 16 is a structural diagram of an access point energy saving device provided by another exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0060] Figure 17 It is a structural diagram of a device provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0061] In order to make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of this application clearer, the implementation methods of this application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0062] In WLANs, multiple access points are deployed to provide users with a better network experience. Since the coverage of these access points varies, sites can choose the access point with the best signal quality. Currently, energy conservation in WLANs primarily focuses on sites, while less attention has been paid to energy conservation at access points. However, as access points gain more functionality, their power consumption becomes a significant issue. Therefore, reducing access point power consumption is crucial.

[0063] In an embodiment of the present application, in a WLAN, multiple access points include a first access point, the first access point is connected to at least one other access point among the multiple access points, and the first access point centrally decides on an energy-saving mechanism for the at least one other access point to reduce power consumption of the access points in the WLAN and minimize the impact of energy saving on the services of the site.

[0064] The following describes the application scenarios of the embodiments of the present application.

[0065] In a WLAN, multiple access points are included, each of which is a wireless access point. The multiple access points include a first access point, which is used to decide the energy-saving mechanism of other access points in the multiple access points. The number of other access points is one or more, and the embodiment of the present application is not limited. The first access point is the access point designated as the main access point among the multiple access points. The first access point can be designated as the main access point during deployment, or after the multiple access points are deployed and put online, the multiple access points select the main access point through negotiation. The first access point is connected to the other access points. For example, the multiple access points include a first access point, a second access point, and a third access point, such as Figure 1As shown in (a), a network consisting of multiple access points is an FTTR system. The first access point is the main FTTR unit (MFU), the second access point and the third access point are the sub FTTR units (SFU), the sub FTTR units are also called FTTR sub-devices, the MFU is also called the main optical network unit (main fiber unit), and the SFU is also called the sub optical network unit (sub fiber unit). The first access point is connected to the second access point and the third access point through an optical distribution network (ODN). Figure 1 As shown in (b), the first access point is connected to the second access point via an optical fiber, a network cable or a power line, and the first access point is connected to the third access point via an optical fiber, a network cable or a power line. Figure 1 As shown in (c), the first access point is connected to the second access point via wireless communication, and the first access point is connected to the third access point via wireless communication.

[0066] Optionally, the above Figure 1 In (a), the FTTR network can be deployed in a home, which is considered a home FTTR network, or it can be deployed in an enterprise, which is considered an enterprise FTTR network.

[0067] Optionally, the first access point may obtain some information of other access points from the other access points, and decide the energy-saving state of each access point based on the obtained information.

[0068] It should be noted that, among the multiple access points, the first access point and the other access points may be connected in the same manner, or the first access point and the other access points may be connected in different manners. For example, the multiple access points include a first access point, a second access point, and a third access point, the first access point and the second access point are connected via an optical fiber, and the first access point and the second access point are connected via a wireless connection.

[0069] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the FTTR system architecture. The master device in an FTTR system serves as an optical network terminal (ONT) in a fiber-to-the-home or fiber-to-the-office (FTTH / O) network, connecting to optical line terminals via an optical distribution network (ODN). It also serves as an upstream device for slave devices, managing them. Slave devices can be deployed in various rooms in a home or office to provide signals to user terminals. Slave devices have both ONT functionality and can also function as wireless access points.

[0070] In an FTTR system, multiple slave devices can be deployed, each connected to a master device via an optical splitter. The master device centrally manages and configures all slave devices. The master device can also be referred to as the "master gateway," "master optical modem," or "master FTTR device," while the slave devices can also be referred to as "slave gateway," "slave optical modem," or "slave FTTR device."

[0071] The following describes the execution subject of the embodiment of the present application.

[0072] The method for energy saving an access point in a WLAN is performed by a device for energy saving an access point in the WLAN. Optionally, the device is a hardware device, such as an access point. Optionally, the device is a software device, such as a software program running on the access point.

[0073] Before describing the method flow of the embodiment of the present application, the possible states of each access point are first described.

[0074] 1. Working state: refers to normal working state with energy-saving mode not enabled (i.e., exiting energy-saving mode) when in energy-saving preparation state. Alternatively, it refers to normal working state with energy-saving mode enabled but not in a specific energy-saving state. Alternatively, it refers to turning off energy-saving mode while in working state.

[0075] 2. Energy Saving Ready State: Energy saving mode is enabled but not yet in a power saving state. In this energy saving ready state, the access point can enter a power saving state at any time but has not yet entered it. Energy Saving Ready State is an optional state; it can switch directly from the operating state to a power saving state, or from a power saving state to the operating state.

[0076] 3. Energy-saving state: This indicates a specific energy-saving strategy or operation. For an access point, different energy-saving states result in different power savings, meaning different energy savings. Different access points can support the same or different energy-saving states.

[0077] Optionally, among multiple access points, for a particular access point, the access point as a whole corresponds to at least one energy-saving state, where different energy-saving states represent different energy-saving levels, and different energy-saving levels correspond to different energy-saving strategies, thereby achieving different energy-saving magnitudes. For example, as shown in Table 1, the access point corresponds to a first energy-saving state and a second energy-saving state, where the first energy-saving state represents energy-saving level 1, which corresponds to energy-saving strategy 1, and the second energy-saving state represents energy-saving level 2, which corresponds to energy-saving strategy 2.

[0078] Table 1

[0079] Energy saving state Energy saving level Energy-saving strategies First energy-saving state Energy saving level 1 Energy saving strategy 1 Second energy-saving state Energy saving level 2 Energy Saving Strategy 2

[0080] Optionally, among multiple access points, for a certain access point, the access point can be divided according to the energy-saving granularity to obtain a finer-grained energy-saving object. 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 resources or different radio frequency resources. Therefore, the energy-saving granularity includes one or more of the frequency band, BSSID or SSID. We can consider energy saving for all radio frequency resources of the access point, or for part of the 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 the first BSSID and the second BSSID. 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.

[0081] After the access point is divided into energy-saving objects, the access point as a whole may correspond to at least one energy-saving state. For a target energy-saving state in the at least one energy-saving state, the target energy-saving state is any energy-saving state in 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. Different energy-saving levels correspond to different energy-saving strategies, thereby achieving different energy-saving ranges.

[0082] For example, when the energy-saving granularity includes frequency bands, 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 a 2.4 GHz frequency band and a 5 GHz frequency band. In the first energy-saving state of the access point, the 2.4 GHz frequency band corresponds to energy-saving level 1, and the 5 GHz frequency band corresponds to energy-saving level 2. In the second energy-saving state of the access point, the 2.4 GHz frequency band corresponds to energy-saving level 2, and the 5 GHz frequency band corresponds to energy-saving level 2. The frequency bands used as energy-saving targets here can be all frequency bands or part of the frequency bands of the access point.

[0083] Table 2

[0084]

[0085] For another example, when the energy-saving granularity includes BSSID, the access point has multiple BSSIDs. 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 an optical modem in a home, the 5GHz frequency band corresponds to multiple BSSIDs, and the multiple BSSIDs correspond to different radio frequency resources. One BSSID is private and used by internal personnel, and another BSSID is used by outsiders. Alternatively, the 5GHz frequency band corresponds to multiple BSSIDs, and different BSSIDs correspond to different frequency bands in the 5GHz frequency band. The BSSIDs used as energy-saving targets here can be all or part of the BSSIDs of the access point.

[0086] 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 an SSID is set for a portion of the multiple frequency bands. Thus, for the portion of the frequency band, an SSID is displayed in the WLAN list of the site. The SSID targeted for energy saving can be the entire SSID of the access point or a portion of the SSID.

[0087] Alternatively, 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, each of which corresponds to an energy-saving state. As shown in Table 3, assuming that the multiple frequency bands include the 2.4 GHz band and the 5 GHz band, the 2.4 GHz band corresponds to at least one energy-saving state, and different energy-saving states have different energy-saving levels, corresponding to different energy-saving strategies, and achieving different energy-saving ranges. The 5 GHz band corresponds to at least one energy-saving state, and different energy-saving states have different energy-saving levels, corresponding to different energy-saving strategies, and achieving different energy-saving ranges. The frequency bands used as energy-saving objects here can be all or part of the frequency bands of the access point.

[0088] Table 3

[0089]

[0090] In Table 3, for two frequency bands, the energy-saving strategies may be the same or different.

[0091] 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.

[0092] For another example, when the energy saving granularity includes BSSID and frequency band, the access point includes multiple BSSIDs of the first frequency band and a second frequency band, the multiple BSSIDs of the first frequency band respectively correspond to at least one energy saving state, and the second frequency band corresponds to at least one energy saving state.

[0093] It should be noted that, when one frequency band corresponds to one BSSID, the frequency band is equivalent to the BSSID.

[0094] Optionally, each of the energy-saving policies mentioned above includes one or more of an energy-saving policy for a WLAN network, an energy-saving policy for a functional module, or an energy-saving policy for a peripheral interface. For example, for a certain access point, the access point has a first energy-saving state and a second energy-saving state. Compared to the first energy-saving state, the second energy-saving state corresponds to a more advanced energy-saving policy. In the first energy-saving state, the energy-saving policy includes the energy-saving policy for the WLAN network, and in the second energy-saving state, the energy-saving policy includes the energy-saving policy for the WLAN network and the energy-saving policy for the functional module. Alternatively, in the first energy-saving state, the energy-saving policy includes the first energy-saving policy for the WLAN network, and in the second energy-saving state, the energy-saving policy includes the second energy-saving policy for the WLAN network, and the energy-saving range of the first energy-saving policy is smaller than that of the second energy-saving policy.

[0095] The energy-saving strategies of the WLAN network include one or more energy-saving strategies such as spatial stream, bandwidth, air interface transmit power, modulation and coding scheme (MCS), whether to shut down specified radio frequency resources, low-power listening or channel closing.

[0096] Spatial stream energy-saving strategy: This energy-saving strategy includes the number of spatial streams, which indicates the number of transmit and receive antenna groups. For example, a spatial stream of 1 indicates one transmit and receive antenna group, while a spatial stream of 2 indicates two transmit and receive antenna groups. Under limited traffic conditions and with the same air interface transmit power, a greater number of spatial streams results in higher power consumption, while a smaller number of spatial streams results in lower power consumption. By setting different numbers of spatial streams, different energy-saving measures can be achieved. Here, when controlling the number of transmit and receive antenna groups, the WLAN network energy-saving strategy includes channels. The number of channels is related to the number of transmit and receive antenna groups: a single channel corresponds to one transmit and receive antenna group, dual channels correspond to two transmit and receive antenna groups, and so on. Therefore, channels can be used instead of spatial streams in the WLAN network energy-saving strategy.

[0097] Bandwidth energy-saving strategy: This strategy includes the bandwidth of the spectrum used for transmitting and receiving data. For example, bandwidths can be 20 MHz, 40 MHz, 80 MHz, or 160 MHz. Given a certain traffic volume, a larger bandwidth results in higher power consumption, while a smaller bandwidth results in lower power consumption. Different bandwidth settings can achieve different energy savings. Bandwidth is also called frequency bandwidth.

[0098] Air interface transmit power energy saving strategy: This energy saving strategy includes the air interface transmit power level. Air interface transmit power refers to the power used when sending signals. A higher air interface transmit power level results in higher power consumption, while a lower air interface transmit power level results in lower power consumption. By setting different air interface transmit power levels, you can achieve different energy savings.

[0099] Energy-saving strategies based on modulation and coding methods: This energy-saving strategy includes modulation and coding methods. Given a given traffic volume, more complex modulation and coding methods result in lower power consumption, while simpler modulation and coding methods result in lower power consumption. Different modulation and coding methods can be used to achieve different energy savings.

[0100] Energy-saving strategy for functional modules: The energy-saving strategy includes one or more energy-saving strategies for 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 ranges. For the Ethernet module and the optical module, different energy-saving ranges can be achieved by turning them off, on, or entering a certain power-saving mode. For modules related to the system on a chip, the methods for achieving different energy-saving ranges include but are not limited to: turning on or off the sub-service module, adjusting the processing frequency, turning the clock on or off, entering or exiting low power consumption of the double data rate (DDR) synchronous dynamic random access memory, or entering or exiting low power consumption of the high-speed serial computer expansion bus standard (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express, PCIE) interface. Among them, the sub-service module includes a service module related to the CPU core, and adjusting the processing frequency includes but is not limited to adjusting the processing frequency of the CPU core, adjusting the processing frequency of the interface, or adjusting the processing frequency of the bus.

[0101] Peripheral interface power saving strategy: This includes the power saving strategy for the Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface and / or the phone interface. For example, different power saving levels can be achieved by turning the peripheral interface off or on or entering a certain power saving mode.

[0102] Energy-saving policy for shutting down specified radio resources: You can shut down radio resources to save power. For example, you can shut down radio resources in the early morning.

[0103] Low-power listening energy-saving strategy: A separate low-power channel can be used to listen for data to be received. If so, normal data transmission and reception capabilities are enabled. It is important to note that switching from low-power listening mode to normal operation may require a certain transition time.

[0104] Channel-closed transmission and reception strategy: You can close the transmission channel separately and keep only the receiving channel. When you detect that there is data to be received or sent, you can open the transmission channel.

[0105] Optionally, when an access point is saving energy, it can periodically enter a power-saving state, waking up in between to perform necessary operations, such as sending beacon frames. Thus, the power-saving strategy also includes the power-saving time and the power-saving period. The power-saving time is the duration of each entry into the power-saving state, and the power-saving period is the period between entering the power-saving state. The difference between the two is the duration of exiting the power-saving state. The power-saving period can also be understood as the interval between two consecutive entries into the current power-saving state, also known as the periodic wake-up time.

[0106] First, the overall process is described, see Figure 3 In steps S11 to S18, it is assumed that the WLAN includes multiple access points, the multiple access points include at least a first access point, a second access point, and a third access point, the second access point and the third access point are any access points in the multiple access points except the first access point, Figure 3 The energy saving mechanism in which the first access point decides the second access point is used as an example for explanation.

[0107] Step S11: The second access point reports the energy-saving capability to the first access point, and the third access point reports the energy-saving capability to the first access point.

[0108] In this embodiment, when the second access point is initially online, it sends an energy-saving capability message to the first access point. The energy-saving capability message indicates the energy-saving capability of the second access point. Furthermore, when the third access point is initially online, it sends an energy-saving capability message to the first access point. The energy-saving capability message indicates the energy-saving capability of the third access point.

[0109] The first access point receives the energy saving capabilities of the second access point and receives the energy saving capabilities of the third access point.

[0110] Step S11 belongs to the initialization phase and may be an optional step, for example, if the energy-saving capabilities of all access points are the same and are pre-configured in the first access point.

[0111] Optionally, during the initialization phase, the first access point may further configure some parameters for the second access point, and instruct the second access point and the third access point to enable energy saving functions.

[0112] Step S12: The second access point and the third access point report energy-saving statistical information to the first access point.

[0113] In this embodiment, after reporting its energy-saving capability, the second access point reports energy-saving statistics to the first access point. Furthermore, after reporting its energy-saving capability, the third access point reports energy-saving statistics to the first access point. There is no order in which the second and third access points report energy-saving statistics.

[0114] 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.

[0115] 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 in a unicast, broadcast or multicast manner.

[0116] Step S12 belongs to the information reporting stage. Step S12 begins at the beginning of the Nth round of energy saving, where N is greater than or equal to 1.

[0117] Optionally, there may be other stages between step S11 and step S12, such as a synchronization stage.

[0118] Step S13: The second access point sends an energy saving request to the first access point.

[0119] Step S14: The first access point sends an energy saving indication message to the second access point.

[0120] Step S15: The second access point reports energy-saving statistical information to the first access point.

[0121] Steps S13 to S14 belong to the energy-saving negotiation phase. Step S14 is optional. For example, after the second access point sends an energy-saving request to the first access point, the first access point can directly determine the energy-saving state of the second access point upon receiving the energy-saving request, i.e., execute step S16.

[0122] Alternatively, both step S13 and step S14 are optional steps. For example, the first access point determines the energy-saving state of the second access point based on the energy-saving statistical information sent in step S12, and then issues an energy-saving instruction, ie, executes step S16.

[0123] Step S15 is also an optional step. For example, if the first access point currently has sufficient information to determine the energy-saving state of the second access point, the second access point may not report the energy-saving statistical information.

[0124] Optionally, before step S15, the first access point may also send a data reporting request to the second access point.

[0125] 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. The second access point may respond with an energy-saving indication message or may not respond with an energy-saving indication message. The second access point then sends energy-saving statistics to the first access point (optional processing).

[0126] 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.

[0127] The energy-saving control message may be used to instruct the second access point to enter an energy-saving state, or may be used to instruct the second access point to exit an energy-saving state. Exiting an energy-saving state includes exiting an energy-saving mode (i.e., turning off an energy-saving mode) or turning on an energy-saving mode but not entering a specific energy-saving state.

[0128] Optionally, between step S16 and step S17, while the second access point is in the energy-saving state, the second access point may also feed back its service state information to the first access point, and the first access point decides whether to adjust the energy-saving state.

[0129] Step S17: The second access point sends an energy saving exit request to the first access point.

[0130] The second access point sends an energy-saving exit request to the first access point, instructing itself to exit the energy-saving state, and the first access point modifies the state of the second access point. The first access point may respond or not respond.

[0131] Optionally, the second access point performs energy saving periodically. In step S17, when the second access point periodically exits the energy saving state, the second access point sends an energy saving exit request to the first access point.

[0132] 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.

[0133] Optionally, the second access point may also actively exit the energy-saving state after detecting an emergency event.

[0134] Optionally, the energy-saving exit request and the energy-saving request message in step 13 are the same message, except that they carry different identifiers, or the energy-saving exit request and the energy-saving request message in step 13 are different messages.

[0135] Step S18: The second access point feeds back service status information to the first access point.

[0136] 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 the service status information to determine whether to adjust the energy saving state for the next period. If so, the first access point sends an energy saving control message to the second access point. Otherwise, the first access point does not send an energy saving control message. When the energy saving state entry time point arrives, the second access point directly enters the energy saving state of the previous period. The reason for periodic energy saving here is that the access point should periodically wake up and perform necessary processing.

[0137] Steps S16 to S18 belong to the energy-saving configuration stage.

[0138] After the energy-saving configuration phase ends, the second access point may exit the energy-saving mode, i.e., turn off the energy-saving mode and no longer perform periodic energy saving. The first access point may decide to start the N+1 round of energy saving. During the N+1 round of energy saving, steps S12 to S18 may be re-executed, or steps S16 to S18 may be re-executed. This is not limited in the present embodiment.

[0139] Alternatively, after the energy-saving configuration phase ends, the second access point may switch to another energy-saving state, and the energy-saving mode is still enabled at this time.

[0140] Alternatively, after the energy-saving configuration phase ends, the second access point may exit the energy-saving state and enter the working state or energy-saving preparation state, but the energy-saving mode is still enabled.

[0141] Optionally, when the energy-saving mode is still enabled, during the N+1th round of energy-saving, negotiation may not be performed, and the first access point may directly send an energy-saving control message.

[0142] Optionally, the second access point proactively requests to exit energy-saving mode (this exit from energy-saving mode is different from periodic energy-saving exit). This request to exit energy-saving mode is generally to exit energy-saving mode after an emergency occurs. Alternatively, after the first access point determines that the second access point exits energy-saving mode, the N+1th energy-saving round begins, i.e., steps S12 to S18 are re-executed.

[0143] Figure 3 The detailed description of the process shown is given in the following text and will not be repeated here.

[0144] Optionally, in Figure 3In the illustrated process, the channel through which the first access point interacts with other access points is the wireless management and control channel (Wi-Fi management and control channel), and the messages used are wireless management and control interface (WMCI) messages. This is merely an example; in an FTTR scenario, optical network unit management and control interface (OMCI) messages may also be used.

[0145] Follow the steps below Figure 3 The message sequence shown is used to describe the scheme, and the energy saving mechanism in which the first access point decides the second access point is used as an example for explanation.

[0146] 1. Energy saving capability message: This energy saving capability message is used to indicate the energy saving capability of the access point.

[0147] In order for the first access point to learn about the energy-saving capability of the second access point, the second access point sends an energy-saving capability message to the first access point.

[0148] Optionally, during the online initialization phase, the second access point sends an energy-saving capability message to the first access point, where the energy-saving capability message indicates the energy-saving capability of the second access point. The first access point receives the energy-saving capability message and obtains the energy-saving capability of the second access point from the energy-saving capability message.

[0149] Optionally, the first access point stores a correspondence between an energy-saving capability identifier and the energy-saving capability, and the energy-saving capability message includes the energy-saving capability identifier. Alternatively, the energy-saving capability message includes specific content of the energy-saving capability, which can be found in Table 4.

[0150] Table 4

[0151]

[0152]

[0153] In Table 4, the message numbers are merely examples; other identifiers may also be used. Information Group 1 indicates the energy-saving capabilities of an object. The identifier of Information Group 1 indicates the object to which Information Group 1 belongs. The identifiers for different Information Groups are different. For example, if Information Group 1 corresponds to the 2.4 GHz frequency band, the identifier may be the identifier of the 2.4 GHz frequency band. For another example, if Information Group 1 corresponds to the low-band of the 5 GHz frequency band, the identifier may be the low-band identifier of the 5 GHz frequency band.

[0154] The shutdown capability indicates that the object to which information 1 belongs can be directly shut down. The ability to shut down and the inability to shut down are represented by different identifiers, which can be any identifier, for example, the ability to shut down is represented by 1 and the inability to shut down is represented by 0, or the ability to shut down is represented by 0 and the inability to shut down is represented by 1.

[0155] The supported bandwidth may be the maximum supported bandwidth or a list of supported bandwidths. For example, the supported bandwidth list may be sent in a bitmap format or other format. When sent in a bitmap format, 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 indicate reserved.

[0156] The number of supported spatial streams may be the maximum number of supported spatial streams or a list of supported spatial streams. For example, the list of supported spatial streams may be sent in a bitmap format or in another format. When sent in a bitmap format, 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.

[0157] The supported modulation and coding mode may be the highest supported modulation and coding mode, or a list of supported modulation and coding modes.

[0158] The supportable air interface transmit power may be a maximum supported air interface transmit power or a range of supportable transmit powers.

[0159] Among the supported energy-saving template indicator bits, one bit indicates whether the energy-saving template is supported, and the remaining bits can indicate the specific energy-saving template to be used. For example, a bitmap can be used to indicate that bit 0 indicates that the energy-saving template is not supported, bit 1 indicates that the low-traffic scenario energy-saving template is supported, bit 2 indicates that the night-time scenario energy-saving template is supported, and bits 3 to 7 are reserved. The parameters in the energy-saving template are the same as one or more parameters in the information group, except that the values ​​are different. The power consumption corresponding to the low-traffic scenario energy-saving template is higher than the power consumption corresponding to the night-time scenario energy-saving template.

[0160] Information Group 2 indicates the energy-saving capability of another object. For example, Information Group 1 corresponds to the 2.4 GHz frequency band, and Information Group 2 corresponds to the 5 GHz frequency band. The content of Information Group 2 refers to the format of Information Group 1 and will not be repeated here.

[0161] Optionally, the identifier of information group 1 may be a BSSID or SSID, or a radio unique identifier (RUID). For example, when the objects corresponding to information group 1 do not share radio resources, the identifier may be a BSSID or SSID; when the objects corresponding to information group 1 share radio resources, the identifier may be the RUID of the radio resources.

[0162] It should be noted that for each access point, the specific content of the energy-saving capabilities of the access point includes at least one information group. The content of each information group is optional, and can be reported partially or completely. The above is only an optional transmission method; other transmission methods can also be used. The number of bytes can also be set according to actual needs and is not limited in the embodiments of the present application. For example, a second access point has multiple energy-saving capabilities, each corresponding to a unique identifier. The second access point can send the energy-saving capability identifier to the first access point, and the first access point uses the identifier to locate the specific energy-saving capability.

[0163] It should also be noted that in Table 4, the identifier of the second access point may not be included. This is because the outer encapsulation of the energy-saving capability message carries the identifier of the second access point.

[0164] 2. The second access point reports data.

[0165] The first access point obtains energy-saving statistical information from other access points to assist in determining the energy-saving state of the second access point.

[0166] In an optional manner, there are multiple ways for the first access point to obtain energy-saving statistical information from the second access point. Three feasible ways are provided below.

[0167] Method 1: The second access point periodically reports energy-saving statistics to the first access point. For details, see Figure 4 Steps S21 to S26.

[0168] In step S21 , the first access point sends a data reporting request to the second access point. The data reporting request instructs the second access point to periodically send energy-saving statistical information to the first access point.

[0169] In this embodiment, after initiating data collection, the first access point sends a data reporting request via unicast, multicast, or broadcast. The data reporting request includes a reporting requirement, which includes the content of the required periodic data reporting. The content includes the number or designated identifier of the required periodic data reporting. The designated identifier is used to indicate the specified data to be reported. If the number or designated identifier of the required periodic data reporting is not included, it indicates that all data needs to be reported. The data to be reported can be determined by negotiation between the first access point and the second access point.

[0170] Optionally, the reporting requirement also includes a full reporting identifier or an incremental reporting identifier. When the full reporting identifier is included, the second access point is instructed to send all energy-saving statistical information of the previous period. When the incremental reporting identifier is included, the second access point is instructed to send energy-saving statistical information that has changed in the energy-saving statistical information of the previous period.

[0171] Optionally, the data reporting request also includes recommended threshold values ​​for the data to be reported, such as the reporting threshold for business traffic and the reporting threshold for temperature. The reporting threshold for business traffic includes two thresholds: a high traffic threshold, indicating that traffic reporting is performed when the traffic is above the high traffic threshold; and a low traffic threshold, indicating that traffic reporting is performed when the traffic is below the low traffic threshold, where the high traffic threshold is greater than the low traffic threshold. The reporting threshold for temperature includes two thresholds: a high temperature threshold, indicating that temperature reporting is performed when the temperature is above the high temperature threshold; and a low temperature threshold, indicating that temperature reporting is performed when the temperature is below the low temperature threshold, where the high temperature threshold is greater than the low temperature threshold. When reporting, you can choose to directly report a specific numerical value or to report an event. Here, the data reporting request may also not include recommended threshold values, and the second access point may determine the threshold on its own.

[0172] Optionally, the threshold recommendation value may be negotiated or specified during the initialization phase.

[0173] Optionally, the data reporting request further includes a data reporting period value, instructing the second access point to report the energy-saving statistical information according to the period value. The period value can be set according to actual needs, for example, 2 hours or 10 seconds.

[0174] Here, the data reporting request may not include a period 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.

[0175] Optionally, after sending the data reporting request, a data reporting change request may be sent to the second access point to change the content of the data to be reported and / or change the period value. For example, if state switching is frequent, the period value may be reduced, and if state switching is infrequent, the period value may be increased.

[0176] Step S22: The second access point receives the data reporting request.

[0177] In this embodiment, after receiving the data reporting request, the second access point obtains the period value and the content of the data to be reported from the data reporting request.

[0178] Step S23: The second access point periodically sends energy-saving statistical information to the first access point.

[0179] In this embodiment, whenever a reporting period is reached, 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.

[0180] In this way, the first access point sends a data reporting request once, and the second access point can periodically report energy-saving statistical information.

[0181] Optionally, the energy-saving statistical information includes statistical data obtained by the second access point itself and / or some data of associated sites.

[0182] Step S24: The first access point receives the energy-saving statistical information sent by the second access point.

[0183] Step S25: The first access point sends a data reporting suspension message to the second access point.

[0184] In this embodiment, in some cases, the first access point does not need to collect energy-saving statistics from the second access point, and the first access point sends a data reporting suspension message to the second access point. For example, if the second access point no longer performs energy-saving processing, the first access point does not need to collect energy-saving statistics from the second access point. For example, if the first access point determines that the second access point enters an operating state, the first access point determines that the second access point no longer performs energy-saving processing.

[0185] Optionally, the data reporting pause message may be sent in a broadcast, multicast or unicast manner.

[0186] Optionally, the data report request and the data report pause message can be implemented using different messages, or they can be implemented using the same message, such as using an indicator bit to indicate whether it is a data report request or a pause message. Alternatively, the pause message can be implemented by adding a field to other existing messages.

[0187] Step S26: The second access point receives the pause message and suspends reporting energy-saving statistical information.

[0188] In this embodiment, after receiving the pause message, the second access point no longer periodically reports energy-saving statistical information.

[0189] The process of other access points reporting energy-saving statistical information refers to the process of the second access point reporting energy-saving statistical information, which will not be described in detail in this embodiment of the present application.

[0190] It should be noted that in Figure 4 In the example, the first access point sends a data reporting request to the second access point. In another implementation, the data reporting request may not be sent. After the second access point comes online, the second access point periodically sends energy-saving statistics to the first access point.

[0191] exist Figure 4 Steps S25 and S26 are optional. For example, the data reporting request carries a sending duration, and after the sending duration ends, the second access point automatically stops sending the energy-saving statistical information.

[0192] Method 2: The second access point actively reports energy-saving statistics to the first access point. For the specific process, see Figure 5 Step S31 to step S32.

[0193] Step S31: After a critical event occurs, the second access point sends energy-saving statistical information to the first access point.

[0194] In this embodiment, the second access point records critical events, which are events that affect state decisions. For example, critical events include one or more of: performance degradation, cache exceeding a high traffic threshold or falling below another low traffic threshold, temperature exceeding a high temperature threshold or falling below another low temperature threshold, newly associated sites, newly added low-latency services at sites, or a sudden increase in service traffic at sites. Upon detecting a critical event, the second access point transmits energy-saving statistics related to the critical event to the first access point.

[0195] Optionally, the critical event may be sent from 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, where the data reporting request includes description information of the critical event.

[0196] Optionally, the second access point may further send 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.

[0197] Optionally, the key event further includes the second access point sending an energy-saving capability 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.

[0198] Optionally, Figure 5 The energy saving statistics reported in Figure 4 In this way, Figure 5 The reported energy-saving statistical information may be considered to assist the first access point in determining the status of the second access point.

[0199] Step S32: The first access point receives the energy-saving statistical information.

[0200] 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.

[0201] exist Figure 5 In the illustrated process, after a critical event occurs, the second access point proactively sends energy-saving statistics to the first access point. In another implementation, the second access point proactively sends energy-saving statistics to the first access point after coming online. For example, after the second access point sends an energy-saving capability message to the first access point, the second access point sends the energy-saving statistics to the first access point.

[0202] Method 3: The first access point actively queries the second access point for certain data. For the specific process, see Figure 6 Steps S41 to S44.

[0203] Step S41: The first access point sends a data query request to the second access point.

[0204] In this embodiment, when the first access point needs certain data from the second access point to assist in its decision-making, it can send a data query request to the second access point. The data query request indicates the data to be queried. For example, the first access point obtains information such as the received signal strength indicator (RSSI) of a station from the second access point. If the RSSI of a station is low, it indicates that the station may have moved away from the second access point, and the second access point may enter a power-saving state.

[0205] Step S42: The second access point receives the data query request.

[0206] Step S43: The second access point sends the energy-saving statistical information requested by the data query request to the first access point.

[0207] Step S44: The first access point receives the energy-saving statistical information.

[0208] It should be noted that in the third method, each 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 Figure 4 and / or Figure 5 Based on the process shown, the first access point temporarily obtains some data that is helpful for decision-making.

[0209] Optionally, the first access point may initiate a process for collecting energy-saving statistics after receiving the energy-saving request sent by the second access point. There is no particular order for initiating the process for collecting energy-saving statistics and the step of the first access point sending the energy-saving indication message to the second access point. For example, after receiving the energy-saving request sent by the second access point, the first access point sends a data reporting request to the second access point.

[0210] Figures 4 to 6 The process can occur in Figure 3 In the illustrated process, any phase after the initialization phase is not limited in this embodiment of the present application. For example, after receiving the energy-saving indication message sent by the first access point, the second access point reports energy-saving statistics to the first access point. In another example, when the second access point is in an energy-saving state, the energy-saving statistics are reported to the first access point. In another example, after the second access point exits the energy-saving state, the energy-saving statistics are reported to the first access point.

[0211] Optionally, in the above-mentioned manners, the energy-saving statistical information includes one or more of site information, service information, temperature information or service status information.

[0212] The site information includes one or more of the association information of the site on the second access point, the perception information of the second access point on the unassociated site, 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 status and state of each site associated with the second access point. The air interface information includes one or more of the sleep information, link-related information, or supported transceiver parameters of the site associated with at least one access point. The sleep information includes power saving mode (PSM) sleep-related statistics of the site. The link-related information includes multi-link related statistics 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.

[0213] Optionally, the site association information and the air interface information of the second access point may be sent together, see Table 5.

[0214] Table 5

[0215]

[0216]

[0217] In Table 5, each site information group corresponds to a site, and 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 5, and the frequency band used by the site is identified by the BSSID. The values ​​of E, F, and G are all different. For example, the values ​​of E, F, and G are integers ranging from 0 to 2, or other values, such as E, F, and G being 0, 1, and 2, respectively, are not limited in this embodiment of the present application.

[0218] In Table 5, only the MAC address of the station or the AID of the station is sent, or both can be sent.

[0219] The number of spatial streams supported by the station may be obtained in an operating mode indication (OMI) message or a spatial multiplexing power saving (SMPS) message. The first access point may use the number of spatial streams to determine the number of spatial streams used by the second access point, such that the number of spatial streams used by the second access point is the same as or similar to the number of spatial streams used by the station.

[0220] Optionally, when the number of spatial streams supported by the site is all a specified value, it indicates that the number of spatial streams supported by the site has not been acquired. For example, the specified value is 1 or 0.

[0221] The average sleep interval, average sleep duration, or sleep duration ratio of the station is used to indicate the sleep degree of the station. The sleep degree is used by the first access point to determine the energy saving degree of the second access point so that the energy saving degree matches the sleep degree of the station as much as possible.

[0222] Optionally, the PSM sleep-related statistical information of the site can be obtained from the TWT scheduling-related statistical information.

[0223] The bandwidth and modulation and coding mode supported by the station can be obtained in the OMI message, and used by the first access point to determine the bandwidth and modulation and coding mode used by the second access point.

[0224] Optionally, when the bandwidth and modulation and coding modes supported by the station are all specified values, it indicates that the information has not been obtained. For example, the specified value is 1 or 0.

[0225] In the site's multi-link statistics, multi-link transmission includes redundant transmission and aggregated transmission. Redundant transmission indicates that multiple links are sending the same data, indicating the need for rapid and accurate data transmission. Data with high latency requirements, such as gaming data, is sent in aggregated mode when large amounts of data are being transmitted.

[0226] Optionally, two identifiers are used to indicate whether to send using a multilink mode or not. Two identifiers are used to indicate whether to send using a redundant mode or not. 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.

[0227] Optionally, bit x to bit z represent different bits, for example, bit x is bit 7, bit y is bit 6, and bit z is bit 5 to bit 0. This is merely an example and is not limited in the present embodiment.

[0228] The EDCA queue statistical information is used to indicate the priority of uplink data, so that the first access point can determine whether the station has high-priority data to send to the first access point.

[0229] It should be noted that the content in Table 5 is merely an example. For example, the number of sites may not be sent, and the number of sites may be reflected by the number of site information groups. EDCA queue statistics may also not be sent. The bit positions and number of bytes occupied in Table 5 are merely possible examples and are not limited in the present embodiment.

[0230] It should also be noted that the reason for the presence of a site association identifier is that the site's MAC address may be a randomly accessed MAC address and may not be unique. Therefore, a site association identifier is also present. If the site's MAC address is unique, the association identifier may not be reported.

[0231] The second access point's perception information of unassociated sites includes the RSSI strength and MAC address of the target site, which includes sites detected by the second access point and not connected to the second access point. This perception information can be used to determine whether the site is roaming or preparing to connect.

[0232] Optionally, the AID of the site or the MAC address of the site may be selected from either one, and either the AID of the site or the MAC address of the site may be used.

[0233] Optionally, the site information may also include the primary channel used by the site and / or the device type of the site. The device type of the site includes mobile terminal type and Internet of Things terminal type, etc.

[0234] Optionally, the traffic information of the site is reported in the format of Table 6.

[0235] Table 6

[0236]

[0237] In Table 6, each site cache group includes traffic information for a site, and different site cache groups indicate traffic information for different sites. The second access point can obtain the uplink service cache capacity from the site. The high-priority service indication may also indicate the number and type of high-priority services. Optionally, high-priority services may include latency-sensitive services.

[0238] Optionally, the type of the high-priority service may be identified by the second access point itself or acquired from a site.

[0239] Optionally, the service information includes one or more of a service type of the second access point, an average service flow, whether the second access point has service flow with a specified service identifier, a downlink service buffer amount, an uplink service buffer amount, or a relationship between the service flow of the second access point and a flow threshold.

[0240] The service type refers to the type of service to which the data transmitted by the second access point belongs.

[0241] The average service traffic includes average downlink traffic and / or average uplink traffic, where uplink refers to a direction of transmission from the second access point to the first access point, and downlink refers to a direction of transmission from the second access point to the station.

[0242] The service traffic with a designated service identifier mainly includes delay-sensitive services, high-traffic services, or low-traffic services. Among them, delay-sensitive services can be considered low-latency services, and high-traffic services can be called intermittent services.

[0243] The relationship between the service traffic and the traffic threshold includes: one or more of the following: downlink traffic exceeds the first traffic threshold, downlink traffic is lower than the second traffic threshold, uplink traffic is higher than the third traffic threshold, or 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 is the same as or different from the third traffic threshold, and the second and fourth traffic thresholds are the same as or different from each other. 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.

[0244] Alternatively, the relationship between the business 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.

[0245] For optional methods of sending business information, see Table 7.

[0246] Table 7

[0247]

[0248]

[0249] In Table 7, the object to which service information group 1 belongs can be the entire second access point or an energy-saving object of the second access point. For example, if service information group 1 belongs to the 2.4 GHz frequency band, the identifier of the object to which service information group 1 belongs is the BSSID of the 2.4 GHz frequency band. Table 7 is merely an optional transmission method and is not limited in this embodiment of the present application. For example, the uplink Tid bitmap is not transmitted, and only an indicator indicating whether a high-priority service exists is transmitted.

[0250] Optionally, the service information group 1 may further include an interference matrix.

[0251] Optionally, the service status information includes one or more of data transmission status, data reception status, or service delay information. The data transmission status includes one or more of the number of successful transmissions, the number of failed transmissions, the retransmission rate, the packet error rate, or the packet loss rate. The data reception status includes the number of successful receptions and / or the packet error rate.

[0252] Optionally, the service status information may further include air interface transmission and reception information, including one or more of average air interface transmission duration, average air interface reception duration, or air interface interference duty cycle.

[0253] For optional sending methods of service status information, please refer to Table 8.

[0254] Table 8

[0255]

[0256] In Table 8, the time periods corresponding to various data may be the same or different. If they are the same, they may be the periodic values ​​for reporting energy-saving statistical information. In the absence of roaming, roaming delay does not exist.

[0257] A PPDU includes at least one MPDU. After a second access point sends a PPDU to a station, the station will send back an acknowledgment message if it correctly receives it. Therefore, the second access point will wait for a period of time to see if it has received the acknowledgment message from the second access point. If it has not, it will resend the PPDU. If it still does not receive an acknowledgment message after multiple retransmissions, it will no longer send the PPDU. If the station receives the PPDU but does not correctly receive a particular MPDU, it will send a request to the second access point to retransmit the MPDU. The second access point will retransmit the MPDU until the station correctly receives it and then send back an acknowledgment message. If the station still does not receive the MPDU after multiple retransmissions, it will terminate transmission of the MPDU.

[0258] The number of successful transmissions refers to the number of PPDUs for which confirmation messages have been received. The number of failed transmissions refers to the number of PPDUs for which no confirmation messages have been received.

[0259] The retransmission rate may be a retransmission rate of the PPDU sent by the second access point to the station. The retransmission rate can be calculated in various ways. For example, the retransmission rate is equal to the number of retransmissions divided by the total number of transmissions, with each retransmission being counted as one. Another example is the retransmission rate is equal to the number of PPDU retransmissions divided by the total number of PPDU transmissions.

[0260] Optionally, the retransmission rate may further include a retransmission rate of the PPDU sent by the station to the second access point. The retransmission rate may be reported by the station to the second access point.

[0261] The transmission packet error rate is equal to the number of MPDUs retransmitted by the second access point divided by the total number of MPDUs sent.

[0262] Optionally, the sending packet error rate may further include a sending packet error rate of an MPDU sent by the station to the second access point. The sending packet error rate may be reported by the station to the second access point.

[0263] It should be noted that all the contents in Table 8 can be selected. In actual transmission, only a portion of the contents that are more helpful for decision-making can be sent. For example, only one or more of the retransmission rate, the transmission packet error rate, the reception packet error rate, or the service delay can be sent.

[0264] Among them, a high retransmission rate indicates poor network quality, and energy saving cannot be continued or the energy saving state needs to be exited. A high sending packet error rate and / or receiving packet error rate indicate poor network quality, and energy saving cannot be continued or the energy saving state needs to be exited, or the network needs to be adjusted to another energy saving state to improve transmission performance. A high service delay indicates poor network quality, and energy saving cannot be continued or the energy saving state needs to be exited, or the network needs to be adjusted to another energy saving state to improve transmission performance.

[0265] Optionally, the service status information may not belong to the energy-saving statistical information, but may be sent separately.

[0266] Optionally, the temperature information includes one or more of an average temperature of the second access point over a period of time, whether the temperature exceeds a high temperature threshold, or whether the temperature is below a low temperature threshold, where the high temperature threshold is higher than the low temperature threshold. The temperature exceeding the high temperature threshold or falling below the low temperature threshold is a temperature warning.

[0267] The temperature information may be for the second access point as a whole (such as the temperature of the second access point housing), or for a certain chip in the second access point, or the temperature information may be the temperature information sensed by a circuit board in the second access point.

[0268] Optionally, the energy-saving statistical information may further include some non-WLAN related information, such as status information of one or more of an Ethernet interface, a telephone interface, or a USB interface, where the status information includes interface occupancy status and / or traffic volume.

[0269] Optionally, the non-WLAN related information also includes whether a person is present or moving near the access point. For example, a sensor is provided on the access point, and the sensor can be used for detection. The non-WLAN related information can also be used to assist in determining the energy-saving state.

[0270] 3. Negotiation process.

[0271] Next, the handshake process between the first access point and the second access point is described. This handshake process can also be called a negotiation process. Before the first access point decides to power-save the second access point, the first access point and the second access point are instructed to power-save. After the handshake, the first access point and the second access point can handshake to enter or exit power-save mode.

[0272] 1) The second access point enters energy saving mode.

[0273] In an optional manner, the second access point triggers the handshake process, see Figure 7 Step S51 to step S52. Figure 7 The process of the second access point applying to enter the energy-saving mode is described in.

[0274] Step S51: The second access point sends a power saving request to the first access point, and the first access point receives the power saving request sent by the second access point.

[0275] In this embodiment, the second access point determines whether to save energy based on its own status. After determining to save energy, it sends a power-saving request to the first access point, indicating a request to enter power-saving mode. For example, the second access point determines whether to save energy based on site information of currently associated sites. This site information includes one or more of the number of sites, site traffic information, awareness information of unassociated sites, or site power-saving information. The following are several examples: Example 1: The second access point determines that current service traffic is less than a first value and sends a power-saving request to the first access point. Example 2: The second access point determines the number of currently associated sites, and if this number is less than a second value, sends a power-saving request to the first access point. Example 3: The second access point determines that current service traffic is less than a first value and that the number of currently associated sites is less than a second value and sends a power-saving request to the first access point. Example 4: The second access point determines that current service traffic is low and that there are no high-priority or delay-sensitive services and sends a power-saving request to the first access point. Example 5: The second access point determines that the proportion of currently associated sites in the energy-saving state exceeds a proportion threshold and the number of currently associated sites is less than a number threshold, and sends an energy-saving request to the first access point.

[0276] Alternatively, the second access point periodically sends a power-saving request to the first access point, where the power-saving request includes an indicator indicating whether to enter power-saving mode. For example, the second access point periodically determines whether to save energy based on its own state and sends the power-saving request to the first access point. When the second access point determines to save energy, the power-saving request carries a first indicator, and when the second access point determines not to save energy, the power-saving request carries a second indicator, where the first indicator is 0 and the second indicator is 1, or alternatively, the first indicator is 1 and the second indicator is 0.

[0277] Alternatively, the second access point determines, based on historical site access information and / or historical service information, that certain time periods have low service traffic and / or a small number of associated sites. Upon entering such time periods, the second access point sends a power-saving request to the first access point, requesting entry into power-saving mode. For example, at 11:00 PM, the second access point sends a power-saving request to the first access point.

[0278] Optionally, Figure 7 The process shown may be sent after sending the energy saving capability message.

[0279] Optionally, the energy-saving request not only indicates whether to apply to enter the energy-saving mode, but also may indicate the energy-saving state of the second access point.

[0280] Optionally, the energy saving request for entering the energy saving mode and the energy saving exit request sent by the second access point are the same message. For the content of the energy saving request, see Table 9.

[0281] Table 9

[0282]

[0283] In Table 9, the identifier of the second access point is optional content. For example, the outer layer of the message encapsulates the identifier of the second access point, and the identifier of the second access point does not need to be carried here.

[0284] The identifier A1 and the identifier A2 can be any different values, for example, the identifier A1 is 0 and the identifier A2 is 1, or the identifier A1 is 1 and the identifier A2 is 0.

[0285] The identifier B1 and the identifier B2 can be any different values, for example, the identifier B1 is 0 and the identifier B2 is 1, or the identifier B1 is 1 and the identifier B2 is 0.

[0286] Table 9 is only an example. For example, the identifier C1 may instruct the second access point to exit the energy-saving mode, C2 may instruct the second access point to exit the energy-saving mode and exit the energy-saving mode urgently, and the identifier C3 may instruct the second access point to apply to enter the energy-saving mode.

[0287] Optionally, the energy-saving capability message mentioned above may be the same message as the energy-saving request.

[0288] Step S52: The first access point sends a power saving instruction message to the second access point, where the power saving instruction message is used to instruct the second access point to enter or exit the power saving mode. The second access point receives the power saving instruction message sent by the first access point.

[0289] In this embodiment, after receiving a power-saving request from a second access point, if the first access point determines that the second access point is power-saving, the first access point sends a power-saving indication message to the second access point, instructing the second access point to enter power-saving mode. For example, the power-saving indication message carries an identifier A2, indicating entry into power-saving mode. If the first access point determines that the second access point is exiting power-saving mode, the first access point sends a power-saving indication message to the second access point, instructing the second access point to exit power-saving mode. For example, the power-saving indication message carries an identifier A1, indicating exit from power-saving mode. For another example, if the second access point is in a power-saving state and wishes to immediately exit power-saving mode, it sends a power-saving request to the first access point, instructing it to exit power-saving mode. If the first access point agrees, it sends a power-saving indication message carrying identifier A1 to the second access point.

[0290] Optionally, when the second access point applies for emergency exit from the energy-saving mode, the first access point responds immediately.

[0291] Optionally, when the second access point applies to exit the energy-saving mode, the first access point may not send the energy-saving indication message to the second access point after receiving the energy-saving request sent by the second access point.

[0292] Optionally, the first access point may determine whether the second access point enters or exits energy-saving mode based on energy-saving statistical information of the second access point. For example, if the first access point determines that data exceeding a third value is being sent to the second access point, the second access point is determined not to save energy; otherwise, the second access point is determined to enter energy-saving mode. For another example, if the first access point determines that a site is about to roam to the second access point, the second access point is determined to exit energy-saving mode to better provide network services for the site; otherwise, the second access point is determined to enter energy-saving mode.

[0293] Optionally, when the first access point sends the energy-saving indication message to the second access point, it may use unicast, multicast, or broadcast. Multicast may also be called multicast. For example, when using multicast or broadcast, the energy-saving indication message includes an identifier indicating whether each access point in the plurality of access points is energy-saving, and the plurality of access points includes the second access point.

[0294] Optionally, the content of the energy-saving indication message is shown in Table 10.

[0295] Table 10

[0296]

[0297]

[0298] In Table 10, the identifier of the second access point is optional content. For example, the outer layer of the message encapsulates the identifier of the second access point, and the identifier of the second access point does not need to be carried here.

[0299] The identifier A3 and the identifier A4 can be any different values, for example, the identifier A3 is 0 and the identifier A4 is 1, or the identifier A3 is 1 and the identifier A4 is 0.

[0300] The identifier B3 and the identifier B4 can be any different values, for example, the identifier B3 is 0 and the identifier B4 is 1, or the identifier B3 is 1 and the identifier B4 is 0.

[0301] Table 10 is only an example. For example, the flag D1 may instruct the second access point to enter the energy-saving mode, D2 may instruct the second access point to exit the energy-saving mode, and the flag D3 may instruct the second access point to exit the energy-saving mode and to exit the energy-saving mode urgently.

[0302] In this embodiment, the second access point receives an energy-saving indication message sent by the first access point. If the second access point parses the energy-saving indication message and finds identifier A4, it performs some energy-saving preparation operations, equivalent to entering the energy-saving preparation state. If the second access point parses the energy-saving indication message and finds identifier A3, 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.

[0303] Optionally, after receiving the energy-saving indication message, if the energy-saving indication message instructs the second access point to enter energy-saving mode, the second access point sends energy-saving statistical information to the first access point, where the energy-saving statistical information includes 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 a status of the second access point based on the energy-saving statistical information.

[0304] It should be noted that in Figure 7 In this embodiment, 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 energy-saving mode. In another implementation, after receiving the energy-saving request, the first access point may instruct the second access point to save energy by sending an energy-saving indication message to the second access point (the energy-saving indication message is described below). For example, if the first access point sends the energy-saving indication message to the second access point, it indicates that the second access point is instructed to enter energy-saving mode, while if the first access point does not send the energy-saving indication message to the second access point, it indicates that the second access point is instructed to exit energy-saving mode.

[0305] In another optional manner, the first access point proactively determines that the second access point enters energy-saving mode. Specifically, the first access point sends an energy-saving request to the second access point. The second access point then sends an energy-saving indication message to the first access point to inform it whether to enter energy-saving mode. If energy-saving mode is to be entered, the first access point may notify the second access point of a specific energy-saving state.

[0306] 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.

[0307] 2) The second access point exits the energy-saving mode.

[0308] In an optional manner, when the second access point periodically saves energy, the second access point may periodically send a power saving request to the first access point, the power saving request indicating exiting the power saving mode and carrying an identifier A1. The first access point may or may not respond after receiving the request.

[0309] Alternatively, if the second access point is in a power-saving state and an emergency event occurs, requiring it to immediately exit power-saving mode, it must include identifier A1 and B2 in the power-saving request sent to the first access point. For example, such events include, but are not limited to, newly associated sites, the addition of latency-sensitive services, or the receipt of a large amount of data from a site.

[0310] Optionally, in the case that 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, sends the energy-saving request and reports the emergency exit reason.

[0311] In another optional manner, the first access point decides that the second access point no longer saves energy, and the first access point instructs the second access point to exit energy saving. Figure 8 Steps S101 to S103.

[0312] Step S101: A first access point sends an energy saving exit request to a second access point.

[0313] In this embodiment, the first access point determines that the second access point exits the energy-saving mode, and sends an energy-saving mode exit request to the second access point.

[0314] In one 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 a third access point, or the first access point determines that the second access point exits the energy-saving mode when it detects that a large amount of data is being sent to the second access point, or the first access point determines that the second access point exits the energy-saving mode when it detects that a site is about to roam to the second access point.

[0315] The manner of determining the second access point to exit the energy-saving mode according to the energy-saving statistical information is the same as the manner of determining the energy-saving state of the second access point according to the energy-saving statistical information described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0316] Optionally, the energy-saving exit request may be the same message as the energy-saving indication message mentioned above, see Table 10.

[0317] 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, the event includes but is not limited to: determining that a site has roamed to the second access point, and a large amount of data from the optical line terminal is being sent to the second access point.

[0318] 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 learn the reason for the emergency exit.

[0319] Step S102: The second access point receives the energy saving exit request.

[0320] Step S103: The second access point exits the energy-saving mode.

[0321] In this embodiment, after receiving the energy-saving exit request, the second access point immediately exits the energy-saving mode.

[0322] Optionally, the emergency exit field of the energy-saving exit request indicates that emergency exit is required, and the second access point immediately exits the energy-saving mode and communicates with the first access point to learn the reason for the emergency exit.

[0323] Optionally, after receiving the energy-saving exit request, the second access point may further send a response message to the first access point to instruct itself to exit the energy-saving mode.

[0324] Optionally, the energy-saving request, energy-saving indication message and energy-saving mode exit request are the same message, with different identifiers added therein for distinction, see Table 11.

[0325] Table 11

[0326]

[0327] When the first access point instructs the second access point to exit the energy-saving mode, the first access point may also instruct the second access point to report the energy-saving state after exiting the energy-saving mode.

[0328] The above energy-saving exit request is explained by taking exiting the energy-saving mode as an example, or the energy-saving exit request is used to instruct exiting the energy-saving state without exiting the energy-saving mode. In this way, there is no need to apply to enter the energy-saving mode before entering the energy-saving state next time.

[0329] Optionally, exiting the energy-saving state includes exiting to a working state, or exiting to another energy-saving state, or exiting to an energy-saving ready state.

[0330] It should be noted that in FTTR networks, the MFU can directly decide whether the SFU enters or exits a certain energy-saving mode, including emergency exit. The SFU can directly decide to exit energy-saving mode and notify the MFU. If the SFU requests to exit energy-saving mode, the SFU will locally exit energy-saving mode and notify the MFU, and the MFU does not need to respond. In the event of conflicting energy-saving decisions between the MFU and SFU, the SFU will prevail. 4. Energy-saving Indication

[0331] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the energy saving indicator is provided, see Figure 9 Steps S61 to S64.

[0332] Step S61: The first access point receives energy-saving statistical information sent by the at least one access point, wherein the energy-saving statistical information includes site information and / or service information, and the energy-saving statistical information is used to make energy-saving decisions.

[0333] In this embodiment, the second access point may report the energy-saving statistical information in any of the above-mentioned ways. The first access point uses the latest first energy-saving statistical information to determine the status of the second access point.

[0334] In an optional manner, after obtaining the energy-saving statistical information, the first access point can determine the status of the second access point according to the energy-saving statistical information. There are multiple ways, two of which are provided here:

[0335] In a first approach, the first access point determines that the energy-saving state of the second access point is the first energy-saving state according to the first energy-saving statistical information.

[0336] In this embodiment, the first access point may determine the energy saving state of the second access point based on all or part of the energy saving statistical information of the second access point. In this embodiment of the application, the method of using the energy saving statistical information to determine the energy saving state of the second access point is not limited.

[0337] In one implementation, the first access point stores a correspondence between states and value ranges of energy-saving statistical information. Based on the value range of the first energy-saving statistical information, the energy-saving state of the second access point is determined to be the first energy-saving state in the correspondence.

[0338] In another implementation, the first access point performs weighted calculation based on the first energy-saving statistical information to determine a weighted value, and determines an energy-saving state corresponding to a range to which the weighted value belongs.

[0339] In another implementation, the first access point stores a neural network model for determining the state, and the obtained first energy-saving statistical information is input into the neural network model after preprocessing. 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 of the first energy-saving state.

[0340] It should be noted that the reasons for using energy-saving statistics to analyze whether to save energy are:

[0341] If the second access point is associated with a small number of sites and traffic volume is low, disabling some resources (such as disabling certain bandwidths, using fewer spatial streams, etc.) and / or reducing air interface transmit power will not affect site usage. If the second access point is associated with a small number of sites and the RSSI strengths of the perceived sites are all low, this indicates that the site is far from the second access point and may not be connected to the second access point. Therefore, disabling some resources can be appropriate to save energy. If both the uplink and downlink buffer capacities of the second access point are relatively small, both transceiver resources are relatively low, and disabling some transceiver resources will not affect site usage, such as using fewer spatial streams. By analyzing traffic status information to determine that the current service state is stable, disabling some resources can be appropriate to save energy. For example, if the retransmission rate and packet error rate are both low, disabling some resources and / or reducing air interface transmit power can be appropriate to save energy. By analyzing service information to determine that the service volume is low and there are no latency-sensitive services, disabling some resources can be appropriate to save energy. If the temperature of the second access point is high, it indicates that urgent cooling is needed. Energy conservation measures are required, such as shutting down some resources or reducing service transmission and reception or processing capabilities. If the associated station on the second access point is periodically energy-saving, the second access point can also periodically save energy.

[0342] In addition, at night, the probability of the second access point being used is relatively low, so the night scene template is used to save power consumption.

[0343] In addition, when the service traffic on the second access point is relatively small and there is no delay-sensitive service, use the low-traffic scenario template.

[0344] In a second approach, the first access point can comprehensively consider the energy-saving statistics of multiple access points to determine the access point to be energy-saving and its energy-saving state. For example, based on the first and second energy-saving statistics, the first access point can determine that the energy-saving state of the second access point is the first energy-saving state, and the third access point is an access point among other access points connected to the first access point or the first access point. This allows for comprehensive energy-saving measures across the WLAN access points, thereby providing better network service to sites during energy-saving, minimizing the impact of energy-saving measures on sites.

[0345] Optionally, when a site roams, it may be performed preferentially in an adjacent site. Therefore, when considering the energy-saving status of a certain access point, the energy-saving statistical information of the adjacent access points may be referred to. Then, the third access point belongs to the access points whose coverage overlaps with the second access point among the other access points.

[0346] In this embodiment, there are multiple ways for the first access point to determine the energy-saving state of the second access point based on the first energy-saving statistical information and the second energy-saving statistical information. Two feasible ways are provided below.

[0347] In a first approach, among multiple access points, a first access point determines a third access point whose coverage overlaps with a second access point. The first access point uses the second access point and second energy-saving statistical information to determine that the number of sites associated with the second access point is less than a first threshold, and the total number of sites associated with the second access point and the third access point is less than a second threshold, indicating that the number of sites that the second access point is likely to associate with in the future is also relatively small. Then, using the correspondence between the energy-saving statistical information and the state, the first access point determines that the energy-saving state of the second access point is the first energy-saving state.

[0348] Optionally, when the conditions in the first method are met, it may be determined whether the site associated with the second access point has any delay-sensitive services. 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.

[0349] In method 2, the first access point uses the second access point and the second energy-saving statistical information to determine that the second access point's service type does not include latency-sensitive services, that the associated site also periodically performs energy saving, and that 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 second access point and the second energy-saving statistical information and uses the weighted value to determine that the corresponding state is the first energy-saving state.

[0350] In the embodiment of the present application, there are multiple solutions for determining the status of the second access point based on the energy-saving statistical information, and it is impossible to list them all.

[0351] Method three: The first access point stores a neural network model for determining the state. The obtained second access point and second energy-saving statistical information are input into the neural network model after preprocessing. 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 of the first energy-saving state.

[0352] In an optional manner, when the second access point performs energy saving according to the energy saving object, when each access point reports 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 the energy saving object to analyze the energy saving level of the energy saving object. The analysis process is described above and is not repeated here.

[0353] Step S62: The first access point makes an energy-saving decision.

[0354] In this embodiment, the first access point determines that the energy-saving state of the second access point is the first energy-saving state, and the first access point sends an energy-saving control message to the second access point. For convenience of description, the energy-saving control message is referred to as a first energy-saving control message.

[0355] In an optional manner, before the first access point sends the first energy-saving control message to the second access point, the second access point may be in a working state, an energy-saving preparation state, or an energy-saving state different from the first energy-saving state.

[0356] Step S63: The second access point receives the first energy-saving control message sent by the first access point.

[0357] Step S64: executing the operation of entering the first energy-saving state.

[0358] In one optional embodiment, the first energy-saving state applies to the second access point as a whole. The second access point only exists in 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 policy. For example, the first energy-saving control message includes a first flag, and the first flag indicates energy saving. The value of the first flag can be set according to actual needs. To reduce data transmission volume, the first flag is 0 or 1. After receiving the first energy-saving control message, the second access point determines that the flag indicating energy saving is included and executes an operation to enter the first energy-saving state.

[0359] 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.

[0360] Optionally, the energy-saving level information includes an energy-saving level identifier, and the energy-saving level identifier is different in different energy-saving states. The second access point stores a correspondence between the energy-saving level identifier and the energy-saving policy. This can also be understood as the second access point storing an energy-saving template, and using a certain energy-saving level identifier to find an energy-saving template. The second access point obtains the energy-saving policy corresponding to the energy-saving level identifier, or obtains the energy-saving policy corresponding to the energy-saving level identifier from a connected storage device. The second access point performs energy-saving processing according to the energy-saving policy.

[0361] Optionally, the energy-saving level information includes an energy-saving policy corresponding to the first energy-saving state, for example, the energy-saving level information includes one or more of an energy-saving policy of a WLAN network, an energy-saving policy of a functional module, or an energy-saving policy of a peripheral interface. The second access point performs energy-saving processing according to the received energy-saving policy.

[0362] In another optional embodiment, the second access point performs energy saving according to an energy saving target, where the energy saving target includes one or more of a frequency band, a BSSID, or an SSID, and each energy saving target corresponds to only one energy saving policy. The first energy saving control message includes one or more of the frequency band, the BSSID, and the SSID of the second access point. The first energy saving control message may specifically include an identifier of the energy saving target to be energy-saving, or include the identifier of the energy saving target and an identifier of whether energy saving processing is to be performed on the energy saving target.

[0363] When the first energy-saving control message includes the frequency band of the second access point, it indicates that energy saving is being performed on at least the frequency band, which may be 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 according to the energy-saving policy. For example, the second access point stores the energy-saving policy corresponding to the frequency band, obtains the stored energy-saving policy, and performs energy saving according to the energy-saving policy.

[0364] When the first energy saving control message includes the BSSID of the second access point, it indicates that energy saving is performed at least for the BSSID, which 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 according to the energy saving policy.

[0365] When the first energy-saving control message includes the SSID of the second access point, it indicates that energy saving is performed at least for the SSID, which 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.

[0366] In another optional embodiment, corresponding to the situation in Table 2 above, the first energy-saving state corresponds to multiple energy-saving targets of the second access point, and 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 targets. For example, the first energy-saving control message includes the 2.4 GHz frequency band and the 5 GHz frequency band of the second access point, and the energy-saving level information includes energy-saving level information corresponding to the 2.4 GHz frequency band and the 5 GHz frequency band. The second access point uses the energy-saving level information corresponding to the 2.4 GHz frequency band for energy-saving processing, and uses the energy-saving level information corresponding to the 5 GHz frequency band for energy-saving processing. For another example, the first energy-saving control message includes the 2.4 GHz frequency band and BSSID1 of the second access point, where BSSID1 is one of the BSSIDs of the 5 GHz frequency band. The energy-saving level information includes energy-saving level information corresponding to the 2.4 GHz frequency band and BSSID1. The second access point uses the energy-saving level information corresponding to the 2.4 GHz frequency band for energy-saving processing, and uses the energy-saving level information corresponding to BSSID1 for energy-saving processing. The content of the energy-saving level information here is described above and is not repeated here.

[0367] In yet another optional embodiment, corresponding to the scenario in Table 3 above, the first energy-saving state corresponds to an energy-saving object of the second access point. For each energy-saving object, the first access point sends an energy-saving control message for the energy-saving object to the second access point, indicating the energy-saving state of the energy-saving object. The first energy-saving control message then instructs the execution of a state switch for the energy-saving object. For example, the energy-saving objects include frequency band 1 and frequency band 2. The first access point sends energy-saving control message 1 to the second access point, indicating the energy-saving state of frequency band 1. The first access point then sends energy-saving control message 2 to the second access point, indicating the energy-saving state of frequency band 2.

[0368] Here, the energy-saving states of multiple frequency bands may also be indicated in the first energy-saving control message. For example, the first energy-saving control message may not only instruct at least frequency band 1 of the second access point to enter the first energy-saving state, but may also instruct frequency band 2 of the second access point to enter the second energy-saving state.

[0369] Optionally, the first indication message includes the identifier of the energy-saving object and energy-saving level information. The content of the energy-saving level information here is described in the above text and will not be repeated here.

[0370] Optionally, when the first energy-saving control message includes an energy-saving policy, the content is shown in Table 12, in which the energy-saving object is a frequency band as an example for description.

[0371] Table 12

[0372]

[0373] Among them, in Table 12, the identifier of the energy-saving object can be an identifier that uniquely identifies the energy-saving object, such as BSSID, SSID or RUID. It is worth noting that although a frequency band may logically correspond to two BSSIDs, it actually uses a set of radio frequency resources. Therefore, the energy-saving object should use radio frequency resources as the smallest unit. The energy-saving strategy described in Table 12 is mainly an energy-saving strategy for WLAN networks. The energy-saving time is the duration of each entry into the energy-saving state, and the energy-saving cycle 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 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. For example, the energy-saving time is 3 minutes, and the energy-saving is exited every 8 minutes to listen, and then enter energy-saving again. The 8 minutes is the energy-saving cycle.

[0374] Optionally, when the first energy-saving indication message includes an identifier of an energy-saving level, the content is shown in Table 13, in which the energy-saving object is a frequency band as an example for description.

[0375] Table 13

[0376]

[0377] In Table 13, the identifier of the energy-saving object may be an identifier that uniquely identifies the energy-saving object, such as SSID, BSSID, or RUID.

[0378] Optionally, in Table 12 and Table 13, the energy-saving time and energy-saving period may be optional, or may be negotiated in advance by the first access point and the second access point, or configured in advance by the first access point, or the second access point may remain 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.

[0379] Optionally, in order to facilitate the first access point to send the energy-saving control message, the contents of Table 11 and Table 12 may be integrated together. See Table 14.

[0380] Table 14

[0381]

[0382]

[0383] In Table 14, A7, A8, and A9 are any three different values. For example, A7, A8, and A9 are integers between 0 and 2. The shutdown state indicated by A9 is that the radio resource indicated by the RUID is in the shutdown state. A10 and A11 are any two different values. For example, A10 is 1 and A11 is 0, or A10 is 0 and A11 is 1.

[0384] Energy-saving template 1 can be a nighttime scenario template, and energy-saving template 2 can be a low-traffic scenario template. The bit positions of the energy-saving template are merely examples and are not limited in the present embodiment. For example, bit 0 may indicate the use of energy-saving template 1, bit 1 indicates the non-use of the energy-saving template, and bit 2 indicates the use of energy-saving template 2.

[0385] Similarly, the bit positions and bandwidth sizes of the bandwidth are merely examples and are not limited in the present application. For example, the bandwidth values ​​include, but are not limited to, 5 MHz, 10 MHz, 20 MHz, 40 MHz, 80 MHz, 80+80 MHz, 160 MHz, and 320 MHz, with bit 0 indicating 10 MHz, bit 1 indicating 20 MHz, bit 2 indicating 40 MHz, and bit 3 indicating 80 MHz.

[0386] Similarly, the number of supported spatial streams can be the maximum number of spatial streams or a list of supported spatial streams. In the case of a list of numbers, it can be sent in the form of a bitmap. For example, 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 bits.

[0387] The energy-saving cycle can be the on / off cycle of the current energy-saving state or the on / off cycle of the energy-saving template.

[0388] It should be noted that the energy-saving control message and the initialization energy-saving configuration message can be reused in one message, but the content filled therein is different.

[0389] 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 multiple ways to fill in the first energy-saving control message, and three feasible methods are provided below. This example uses the case where the first energy-saving control message includes the frequency band of the second access point as an example for illustration.

[0390] In both Mode 1 and Mode 2, the first energy-saving control message includes a message identification field, a field length, a frequency band identification field, and an energy-saving level identification field. The message identification field is populated with content indicating that the message is an energy-saving interaction message. The length field is populated with content indicating the length of the energy-saving control message; the length field is optional. For example, the first access point and the second access point can negotiate the length of the energy-saving control message in advance, or statically configure the length of the energy-saving control message. The length field can be omitted when sending the energy-saving control message. The frequency band identification field is populated with content indicating a specific frequency band. The energy-saving level identification field is used to indicate a specific energy-saving level.

[0391] In method one, if Figure 10As shown, for a frequency band, the identification field of the frequency band is adjacent to the identification field of the energy-saving level corresponding to the frequency band.

[0392] Different frequency bands are identified by different values. For example, 0 identifies all frequency bands, which is equivalent to all frequency bands using the same energy conservation level. 1 identifies the 2.4 GHz band. 2 identifies the low frequency band within the 5 GHz band. 3 identifies the high frequency band within the 5 GHz band. The low frequency band is the frequency band that is less than the target value, and the high frequency band is the frequency band that is greater than or equal to the target value. 4 corresponds to the 6 GHz band. For another example, even if all frequency bands use the same energy conservation level, the energy conservation level can be indicated separately for all frequency bands.

[0393] Different energy-saving levels are identified by different values. For example, 0 indicates exiting the energy-saving state, 1 indicates energy-saving level 1, and 2 indicates energy-saving level 2.

[0394] Alternatively, different frequency bands are identified using 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 band, 2 identifies the low frequency band in the 5 GHz band, 3 identifies the high frequency band in the 5 GHz band, and 4 corresponds to the 6 GHz band.

[0395] Different energy-saving levels are identified by different values. For example, 0 indicates that all frequency bands have exited the energy-saving state, 1 indicates energy-saving level 1, and 2 indicates energy-saving level 2.

[0396] In the second method, if Figure 11 As shown, the frequency band identification field is filled in a bitmap format, and the energy saving level identification field is adjacent to the frequency band identification field.

[0397] For example, from right to left, bit 0 (least significant bit) identifies the 2.4 GHz band, bit 1 identifies the 5 GHz band, and bit 2 identifies the 6 GHz band. The order of the bits here is calculated starting from the least significant bit; in another implementation, the order of the bits can also be calculated starting from the most significant bit. The frequency band identification field contains N bits, followed by N energy-saving level identifiers, which are populated in the order of the frequency band identifiers.

[0398] Different energy-saving levels are identified by different values. For example, 0 indicates exiting the energy-saving state, 1 indicates energy-saving level 1, and 2 indicates energy-saving level 2.

[0399] In Methods 1 and 2, as described above, the energy-saving level information can be an energy-saving level identifier or a specific energy-saving policy. The energy-saving policy can be the entire energy-saving policy or a portion of the energy-saving policy that is different from the current state of the second access point. The energy-saving policies can be numbered and valued, in a fixed order with no numbering, or in a bitmapped and valued format.

[0400] In method three, if Figure 12 As shown, the first energy-saving control message includes a message identification field, a field length, and an energy-saving indication identification field.

[0401] The energy-saving level and frequency band are identified together and filled in the energy-saving indication field. For example, 0 indicates that all frequency bands have exited the energy-saving state, 1 indicates that the energy-saving level of the first frequency band is energy-saving level 1, and 2 indicates that the energy-saving level of the second frequency band is energy-saving level 2.

[0402] Optionally, a separate field may be used in the first energy-saving control message to indicate exiting or entering the energy-saving state. For example, if the field in the first energy-saving control message is 0, indicating exiting the energy-saving state, then the frequency band-specific energy-saving strategy may not be filled in. If the field is 1, indicating entry into the energy-saving state, then the frequency band-specific energy-saving strategy may be filled in.

[0403] It should be noted that Figures 10 to 12 In the figure, only two frequency bands are shown, but one or more frequency bands may be included in practice.

[0404] Here, the energy-saving object is a frequency band as an example for description. The energy-saving object includes BSSID and SSID, which are similar and are not repeated here.

[0405] In an optional manner, after entering the first energy-saving state, the second access point may further send a first response message to the first access point to inform the first access point of its agreement to enter the first energy-saving state.

[0406] Furthermore, after receiving the first energy-saving control message, the second access point may not agree to enter the first energy-saving state and may send a second response message to the first access point to inform the first access point of its refusal to enter the first energy-saving state. For example, after the second access point receives the first energy-saving control message, a new station accesses the first energy-saving state, and the first energy-saving state is a more energy-efficient state than the current state. To better serve the station, the second access point sends the second response message to the first access point to inform the first access point of its refusal to enter the first energy-saving state.

[0407] Optionally, the first response message and the second response message may be the same response message, including identifier 1 when indicating consent to enter the first energy-saving state, and identifier 2 when indicating refusal to enter the first energy-saving state. For example, identifier 1 is 1 and identifier 2 is 0, or identifier 1 is 0 and identifier 2 is 1. Alternatively, the first response message and the second response message may be different messages.

[0408] In order to better understand the first access point controlling the second access point and the third access point to save energy, it is provided Figure 13 For the example shown, see steps S801 to S816.

[0409] Step S801: The second access point sends an energy saving request to the first access point.

[0410] Step S802: The first access point receives the energy-saving request and turns on the energy-saving mode of the second access point.

[0411] Step S803: The first access point sends a power-saving indication message to the second access point, and the second access point receives the power-saving indication message.

[0412] Optionally, after the second access point receives the energy-saving indication message, if the energy-saving indication message indicates to enter energy-saving mode, the second access point sends energy-saving statistical information to the first access point.

[0413] Step S804: The first access point sends a first energy-saving control message to the second access point. The first energy-saving control message is used to instruct the 2.4 GHz frequency band to enter a first energy-saving state.

[0414] Step S805: The second access point receives the first energy-saving control message and enters a first energy-saving state in the 2.4 GHz frequency band.

[0415] Step S806: The first access point sends a second energy-saving control message to the second access point, where the second energy-saving control message is used to instruct the 5 GHz frequency band to enter a second energy-saving state.

[0416] Step S807: The second access point receives the second energy-saving control message and enters a second energy-saving state in the 5 GHz frequency band.

[0417] Step S808: The third access point sends a power saving request to the first access point.

[0418] Step S809: The first access point receives the energy-saving request and turns on the energy-saving mode of the third access point.

[0419] 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.

[0420] Step S811: The first access point sends a third energy-saving control message to the third access point, where the third energy-saving control message is used to instruct the 5 GHz frequency band to enter a third energy-saving state.

[0421] Step S812: The third access point receives the third energy-saving control message and enters a third energy-saving state in the 5 GHz frequency band.

[0422] Step S813: The first access point determines that the 5 GHz frequency band of the third access point is to be exited from energy saving, and sends an energy saving exit request to the third access point. The energy saving exit request includes an identifier of the 5 GHz frequency band.

[0423] Step S814: The third access point receives the energy-saving exit request and exits the third energy-saving state in the 5 GHz frequency band.

[0424] Step S815: The first access point determines that the 2.4 GHz frequency band and the 5 GHz frequency band of the second access point are to be exited from energy saving, and sends an energy saving exit request to the second access point. The energy saving exit instruction request includes identifiers of the 2.4 GHz frequency band and the 5 GHz frequency band.

[0425] 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.

[0426] exist Figure 13 In the process shown, after receiving the energy-saving request sent by the second access point, the first access point sends an energy-saving instruction message to the second access point, instructing the second access point to enter the energy-saving preparation state.

[0427] It should be noted that, without performing a handshake process, the first access point determines that the second access point can perform energy saving. Before sending the energy saving control message to the second access point, the first access point sends an energy saving preparation indication message to the second access point. The energy saving preparation indication message is used to indicate that the second access point enters an energy saving preparation state, and performs certain operations required before officially entering the energy saving state in the energy saving preparation state. The second access point receives the energy saving preparation indication message and performs operations to enter the energy saving preparation state.

[0428] If the second access point can directly enter the energy-saving state from the working state, the first access point may not send the energy-saving preparation indication message to the second access point, or may send the energy-saving preparation indication message to the second access point, but the second access point may not perform any operation. If the second access point cannot directly enter the energy-saving state from the working state, the first access point sends the energy-saving preparation indication message to the second access point, causing the second access point to enter the energy-saving preparation state first.

[0429] 5. A process in which the first access point obtains the status of the second access point from the second access point.

[0430] In one optional embodiment, the second access point sends its state to the first access point. This state may be the same as or different from the first energy-saving state. For example, when the second access point is in a certain energy-saving state, a new station suddenly connects, causing the second access point to enter the second energy-saving state from the first energy-saving state, or to enter the working state, where the energy saving of the first energy-saving state is greater than that of the second energy-saving state. The second access point then sends the changed state to the first access point. For another example, the second access point periodically sends its own state to the first access point. For another example, after disconnecting from the first access point, the second access point reconnects to the first access point and sends its own state to the first access point. This is equivalent to the second access point going offline and then back online, sending its own state to the first access point. For another example, after the first access point sends the first energy-saving control message to the second access point, the second access point may disagree with entering the first energy-saving state, and the second access point then sends its own state to the first access point.

[0431] In another optional manner, in some cases, the first access point may lose the status of the second access point, or be unsure of the current status of the second access point, and the first access point queries the second access point for its status. For example, after the second access point disconnects from the first access point, it reconnects to the first access point. The first access point determines that the second access point is back online. The first access point is unsure whether the second access point is in the default state or a state it has entered before. The first access point queries the second access point for its status. For another example, after the first access point sends a first energy-saving control message to the second access point, the second access point may not agree to enter the first energy-saving state. The second access point sends a second response message to the first access point, indicating a refusal to enter the first energy-saving state. The first access point queries the second access point for its status. For the process of the first access point querying the status of the second access point, see Figure 14 Steps S91 to S94.

[0432] Step S91: The first access point sends a status query request to the second access point.

[0433] In this embodiment, the first access point generates a status query request. If the second access point is in an energy-saving state as a whole, the identifier of the energy-saving object is the identifier of the second access point. If the second access point is energy-saving according to the energy-saving object, the status query request includes the identifier of each energy-saving object to be queried. For example, if the energy-saving object is a frequency band, the status query request includes the identifier of the frequency band whose status is to be queried. 0 indicates that all frequency bands are being queried, indicating that the status of all frequency bands is being queried; 1 indicates that the 2.4 GHz frequency band is being queried, indicating that the status of the 2.4 GHz frequency band is being queried; 2 indicates that the status of the 5 GHz low frequency band is being queried; 3 indicates that the status of the 5 GHz high frequency band is being queried; and 4 indicates that the status of the 6 GHz frequency band is being queried.

[0434] Step S92: The second access point receives the status query request.

[0435] Step S93: The second access point sends the target status to the first access point.

[0436] In this embodiment, the second access point obtains the state corresponding to the energy-saving object identifier according to the energy-saving object identifier indicated in the state query request, which is referred to as the target state for convenience of description, and sends the target state to the second access point.

[0437] Optionally, the second access point sends a status report message to the first access point, where the status report message is used to report the target status of the second access point. For example, the status report message includes an identifier of an energy saving level, or a specific energy saving strategy.

[0438] When sending the target state, the second access point may send it in the format of the energy-saving control message.

[0439] Step S94: The first access point receives the target state.

[0440] In this embodiment, after the first access point receives the status, if the target status is different from the status recorded by the first access point, the status of the second access point is updated to the target status.

[0441] Optionally, the content of the status report message corresponds to the content of the energy-saving control message. In one implementation, the content of the status report message can be found in Table 15.

[0442] Table 15

[0443]

[0444]

[0445] In Table 15, the energy-saving template, bandwidth, number of spatial streams, and modulation and coding scheme can all be sent in the form of a bitmap, which is not limited in the present embodiment. For example, for the number of spatial streams, the identifier of the number of spatial streams can be directly sent.

[0446] Figure 14 The illustrated process can occur at any stage after the second access point comes online, and this embodiment of the present application is not limited thereto. For example, as described above, the second access point reports after exiting the energy-saving state. While the first access point previously determined the status of other access points, the first access point can also determine its own status, control itself to enter an energy-saving state, or switch from an energy-saving state to an operating state or energy-saving standby state. The specific method for determining the status of the first access point is similar to the method for determining the status of the second access point, and will not be further described here.

[0447] In an embodiment of the present application, in a WLAN, a 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 energy-saving statistical information of other access points. By comprehensively considering the status of each access point, the impact on data transmission and reception of the site is reduced or avoided when saving energy.

[0448] In addition, the identifiers in the embodiments of the present application can be any values ​​and are 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.

[0449] Figure 15 This is a structural diagram of an access point energy saving device provided in an embodiment of the present application. The device can be implemented as part or all of a device through software, hardware, or a combination of both. The device is applied to a first access point, which is connected to at least one other access point in an FTTR network. The device provided in an embodiment of the present application can implement the process executed by the first access point in an embodiment of the present application. The device includes: an interaction module 1510 and an energy saving decision module 1520, wherein:

[0450] The interaction module 1510 is used to receive energy-saving statistical information sent by the at least one access point, wherein the energy-saving statistical information includes site information and / or service information, which can be used to perform Figure 9 The interactive functions in and the implicit steps they contain.

[0451] The energy-saving decision module 1520 is used to make energy-saving decisions, specifically to execute Figure 9 The energy-saving decision-making function in , and the implicit steps it contains.

[0452] In an optional manner, the site information includes one or more of association information of a site on the at least one access point, perception information of the at least one access point to an unassociated site, or traffic information of the site.

[0453] In an optional manner, the site information includes air interface information of the site.

[0454] In an optional manner, the air interface information includes one or more of sleep information, link-related information, or supported transceiver parameters of a station on the at least one access point.

[0455] In an optional manner, the service information includes statistical information of service traffic of the at least one access point and / or an indication identifier of whether the at least one access point has service traffic with a specified service identifier.

[0456] In an optional manner, the energy-saving statistical information further includes the energy-saving state of the at least one access point.

[0457] In an optional manner, the energy-saving statistical information further includes temperature information of the at least one access point.

[0458] In an optional manner, the interaction module 1510 is further configured to: send a data reporting request to the at least one access point, wherein the data reporting request is used to instruct the at least one access point to send the energy-saving statistical information.

[0459] In an optional manner, the interaction module 1510 is configured to: receive the energy-saving statistical information periodically sent by the at least one access point; and / or receive the energy-saving statistical information sent by the at least one access point after a critical event occurs.

[0460] In an optional manner, the interaction module 1510 is further configured to: perform a handshake with the at least one access point.

[0461] In an optional manner, the interaction module 1510 is used to: receive an energy-saving request sent by the at least one access point, wherein the energy-saving request is used to instruct the at least one access point to apply for entering energy-saving; and send an energy-saving indication to the at least one access point, wherein the energy-saving indication is used to instruct the at least one access point to enter energy-saving.

[0462] In an optional manner, the interaction module 1510 is further configured to: send a data reporting suspension message to the at least one access point.

[0463] Figure 16 This is a structural diagram of an access point energy saving device provided in an embodiment of the present application. The device can be implemented as part or all of a device through software, hardware, or a combination of both. The device is applied to a second access point, which is connected to a first access point. The device provided in an embodiment of the present application can implement the process executed by the second access point in an embodiment of the present application. The device includes: an interaction module 1610 and an energy saving configuration module 1620, wherein:

[0464] The interaction module 1610 is used to send energy-saving statistical information to the first access point, wherein the energy-saving statistical information includes site information and / or service information, and receive an energy-saving control message sent by the first access point, wherein the energy-saving control message is used to instruct the second access point to perform an energy-saving operation, which can be specifically used to perform Figure 9 The interactive functions in , and the implicit steps it contains;

[0465] The energy-saving configuration module 1620 is used to perform the energy-saving operation, specifically to perform Figure 9 The energy-saving configuration function in and the implicit steps it contains.

[0466] In an optional manner, the site information includes one or more of association information of sites on the second access point, perception information of the second access point to unassociated sites, or traffic information of sites.

[0467] In an optional manner, the site information includes air interface information of the site.

[0468] In an optional manner, the air interface information includes one or more of sleep information, link-related information, or supported transceiver parameters of a station associated with the second access point.

[0469] In an optional manner, the service information includes statistical information of service traffic of the second access point and / or an indication identifier of whether the second access point has service traffic with a specified service identifier.

[0470] In an optional manner, the energy-saving statistical information further includes an energy-saving state of the second access point.

[0471] In an optional manner, the energy-saving statistical information also includes temperature information.

[0472] In an optional manner, the interaction module 1610 is further configured to: receive a data reporting request sent by the first access point, wherein the data reporting request is used to instruct the second access point to send the energy-saving statistical information.

[0473] In an optional manner, the interaction module 1610 is configured to: periodically send the energy-saving statistical information to the first access point; and / or send the energy-saving statistical information to the first access point after detecting that a critical event occurs.

[0474] In an optional manner, the interaction module 1610 is further configured to: perform a handshake with the first access point.

[0475] In an optional manner, the interaction module 1610 is configured to: send an energy-saving request to the first access point, wherein the energy-saving request is used to instruct the first access point to apply for entering energy-saving mode; and receive an energy-saving indication sent by the first access point, wherein the energy-saving indication is used to instruct the second access point to enter energy-saving mode.

[0476] In an optional manner, the interaction module 1610 is further configured to: receive a data reporting suspension message sent by the first access point.

[0477] Figure 15 and Figure 16For the detailed process of the access point energy saving device shown in FIG. 1 in performing access point energy saving in a WLAN, please refer to the descriptions in the previous embodiments, which will not be repeated here. Figure 15 The access point energy saving device shown may be the first access point mentioned above, Figure 16 The access point energy saving device shown may be the second access point mentioned above.

[0478] This application also provides a device 100. Figure 17 As shown, device 100 includes a bus 102, a processor 104, a memory 106, and a communication interface 108. Processor 104, memory 106, and communication interface 108 communicate with each other via bus 102. Device 100 is the access point mentioned above. It should be understood that this application does not limit the number of processors and memories in device 100.

[0479] The bus 102 may be a peripheral component interconnect (PCI) bus or an extended industry standard architecture (EISA) bus. The bus may be divided into an address bus, a data bus, a control bus, etc. For ease of representation, Figure 17 The fact that only one line is used in the figure does not mean that there is only one bus or only one type of bus. Bus 102 may include a path for transmitting information between various components of device 100 (eg, memory 106, processor 104, communication interface 108).

[0480] The processor 104 may include any one or more processors such as a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a microprocessor (MP), or a digital signal processor (DSP).

[0481] The memory 106 may include volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM). The memory 106 may also include non-volatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, hard disk drive (HDD), or solid state drive (SSD).

[0482] The memory 106 stores executable program codes, and the processor 104 executes the executable program codes to implement the method for energy saving of access points in a WLAN. That is, the memory 106 stores program instructions for executing the method for energy saving of access points in a WLAN.

[0483] The communication interface 108 is an optical module, which is used to implement communication between the device 100 and other devices or communication networks.

[0484] Embodiments of the present application also provide a computer program product, including program instructions stored in a computer-readable storage medium. A processor of a first access point reads the program instructions from the computer-readable storage medium and executes the program instructions, causing the first access point to execute the process executed by the first access point described above.

[0485] Embodiments of the present application also provide a computer program product, including program instructions stored in a computer-readable storage medium. A processor of a second access point reads the program instructions from the computer-readable storage medium and executes the program instructions, causing the second access point to execute the process executed by the second access point described above.

[0486] An embodiment of the present application further provides a communication system, which includes the first access point and the second access point mentioned above.

[0487] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the various method steps and units described in the embodiments disclosed in this application can be implemented in electronic hardware, computer software, or a combination of the two. In order to clearly illustrate the interchangeability of hardware and software, the steps and components of each embodiment have been generally described in terms of function in the above description. Whether these functions are performed in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art may use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered to be beyond the scope of this application.

[0488] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed system architecture, device and method can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiment described above is only schematic. For example, the division of the module is only a logical function division. There may be other division methods in actual implementation, such as multiple modules or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. In addition, the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed can be an indirect coupling or communication connection through some interfaces, devices or modules, or it can be an electrical, mechanical or other form of connection.

[0489] The modules described as separate components may or may not be physically separate, and the components shown as modules may or may not be physical modules, that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network modules. Some or all of the modules may be selected according to actual needs to achieve the purpose of the embodiments of the present application.

[0490] In addition, each module in each embodiment of the present application can be integrated into a processing module, each module can exist physically separately, or two or more modules can be integrated into a module. The above-mentioned integrated modules can be implemented in the form of hardware or software modules.

[0491] 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 is essentially 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, and the computer software product is stored in a storage medium, including a number of instructions for enabling a computer device (which can be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the method in each embodiment of the present application. The aforementioned storage medium includes: various media that can store program codes, such as a USB flash drive, a mobile hard disk, a ROM, a RAM, a magnetic disk, or an optical disk.

[0492] In this application, the terms "first" and "second" are used to distinguish between identical or similar items that have substantially the same role and function. It should be understood that there is no logical or temporal dependency between the "first" and "second" elements, nor does it limit the quantity or execution order. It should also be understood that although the following description uses the terms "first" and "second" to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by the terms. These terms are simply used to distinguish one element from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the various examples, a first access point can be referred to as a second access point, and similarly, a second access point can be referred to as a first access point. The first access point and the second access point can both be access points, and in some cases, can be separate and distinct access points.

[0493] The above description is merely an exemplary embodiment of the present application, but the scope of protection of the present application is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can easily conceive of various equivalent modifications or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in this application, and such modifications or substitutions should be included in the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A method for energy saving at an access point, characterized in that: The method comprises: The first access point receives energy-saving statistical information sent by at least one second access point in the network, wherein the energy-saving statistical information includes site information, and the energy-saving statistical information is used to make energy-saving decisions; The first access point makes an energy-saving decision.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The site information includes association information of a site on the at least one second access point.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The site information includes air interface information of the site.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that The air interface information includes one or more of sleep information of a station on the at least one second access point, link-related information, or supported transceiver parameters.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that The sleep information of the site includes one or more of an average sleep interval of the site, an average sleep duration of the site, and a sleep duration ratio of the site.

6. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that The association information of the site includes the association status type of the site, and the association status type includes association and disassociation.

7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The site information includes the MAC address of the site.

8. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The site information includes an identifier of a basic service set associated with the site.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that The method further comprises: Sending a data reporting request to the at least one access point, wherein the data reporting request is used to instruct the at least one second access point to send the energy-saving statistical information.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that The receiving the energy-saving statistical information sent by the at least one second access point includes: receiving the energy-saving statistical information periodically sent by the at least one second access point; and / or, The energy-saving statistical information is received after a critical event occurs, which is sent by the at least one second access point.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that The method further comprises: The first access point sends an energy-saving control message to the at least one second access point, where the energy-saving control message is used to instruct the at least one second access point to perform an energy-saving operation.

12. A method for energy saving at an access point, characterized in that: The method comprises: The second access point collects energy-saving statistical information, where the energy-saving statistical information includes site information, and the energy-saving statistical information is used to make energy-saving decisions; The second access point sends the energy-saving statistical information to the first access point.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that The site information includes association information of the site on the second access point.

14. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that The site information includes air interface information of the site.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that The air interface information includes one or more of sleep information of a station on the second access point, link-related information, or supported transceiver parameters.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that The sleep information of the site includes one or more of an average sleep interval of the site, an average sleep duration of the site, and a sleep duration ratio of the site.

17. The method according to claim 13, wherein The association information of the site includes the association status type of the site, and the association status type includes association and disassociation.

18. The method according to claim 12, wherein: The site information includes the MAC address of the site.

19. The method according to claim 12, wherein: The site information includes an identifier of a basic service set associated with the site.

20. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 19, characterized in that The second access point periodically sends the energy-saving statistical information to the first access point; and / or, The second access point sends the energy-saving statistical information to the first access point after a critical event occurs.

21. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 19, characterized in that The method further comprises: The second access point receives the energy-saving control message sent by the first access point, wherein the energy-saving control message is used to instruct the second access point to perform an energy-saving operation; The second access point performs the energy saving operation.

22. 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 perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 11; The second access point is configured to perform the method according to any one of claims 12 to 21.

23. An access point, characterized in that: The access point includes a communication interface, a processor and a memory; The communication interface is used to communicate with other devices; The processor is configured to execute program instructions in the memory to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 11 or any one of claims 12 to 21.

24. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that The method comprises program instructions, and when the program instructions are executed by an access point, the access point performs the method according to any one of claims 1 to 11 or any one of claims 12 to 21.

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