Dynamic power saving for uhr mobile aps

Abstract

Embodiments herein provide mechanisms by which a mobile access point (mobile AP) can communicate information related to dynamic power save (DPS) operation to non-AP stations (STAs). The mobile AP can generate a frame including DPS operation parameters and transmit the frame to one or more non-AP STAs. The mobile AP and the STAs can use the DPS operation parameters for DPS operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates in general to wireless communication systems, including signaling non-access point stations to information related to dynamic power saving. Background Technology

[0002] Wireless communication technologies use various standards and protocols to transmit data between access points and wireless communication devices. For example, wireless communication system standards and protocols may include, for instance, 3GPP Long Term Evolution (LTE) (e.g., 4G), 3GPP New Radio (NR) (e.g., 5G), and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standard for Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs) (often referred to as Wi-Fi within the industry organization). ® ).

[0003] In the 802.11 standard for WLAN, an access point (AP) is used to create a wireless local area network (WLAN) or Wi-Fi. ® A network device. An access point (AP) can connect to a wired network (such as Ethernet) and provide wireless access to that network for other devices. A station is a device that can wirelessly connect to an AP to join a WLAN network. A station can be a laptop, smartphone, tablet, or any other device with a WLAN adapter.

[0004] APs and stations use Wi-Fi ® The protocols communicate with each other. Various protocols have been established to improve security on wireless communication networks. For example, simultaneous authentication by peer entities is the core authentication protocol of WPA3-Personal, and is used by all Wi-Fi networks. ® All Alliance Certified devices (including both access points (APs) and non-AP stations (STAs) must support this protocol. Attached Figure Description

[0005] To facilitate the identification of any particular element or action in the discussion, one or more of the most significant digits in the figure reference numerals refer to the figure number in which the element was first introduced.

[0006] Figure 1 Example transmission timelines for non-AP STAs and mobile APs using Dynamic Power Saving (DPS) Lower Capability (LC) mode and DPS Higher Capability (HC) mode according to some implementation schemes are illustrated.

[0007] Figure 2 Example capability information fields that can be included in broadcast frames according to some implementation schemes are illustrated.

[0008] Figure 3 Example UHR operation elements are illustrated according to some implementation schemes.

[0009] Figure 4 Example DPS operations on IE are illustrated according to some implementation schemes.

[0010] Figure 5 Example beacon transmission timelines are shown based on some implementation schemes.

[0011] Figure 6 An example transmission timeline for unicast signaling of DPS attributes performed by a mobile AP is illustrated according to some implementation schemes.

[0012] Figure 7 A method for a mobile AP according to the implementation scheme of this document is illustrated.

[0013] Figure 8 An example of a method for non-AP STA according to the implementation scheme of this document is illustrated.

[0014] Figure 9 Examples of systems for performing signaling between wireless devices and network devices according to embodiments disclosed herein are illustrated. Detailed Implementation

[0015] Wireless communication technologies use various standards and protocols to send data between access points and wireless communication devices. One standard used for wireless communication is the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standard for Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs) (commonly referred to as Wi-Fi within the industry organization). ® Wi-Fi ® This provides a convenient way to establish a network between devices. Devices (e.g., stations) can connect to Wi-Fi. ® The access point joins the network and connects wirelessly to the Internet.

[0016] An access point (AP) is used to create a wireless local area network (WLAN) or Wi-Fi. ® Network devices. A station (STA) is a device that can wirelessly connect to an access point (AP) to join the network. A mobile AP is a device that can be used as a portable access point to provide internet access to nearby STAs. For example, a mobile AP could be a cellular phone with hotspot mode enabled.

[0017] Various implementations are described regarding STAs and APs. However, references to STAs and APs are provided for illustrative purposes only. The example implementations can be used with any electronic components capable of establishing a connection to a network and configured with hardware, software, and / or firmware for exchanging information and data with the network. Therefore, STAs and APs as described herein are used to represent any suitable electronic components.

[0018] Wi-Fi ®One of the goals is to minimize the device's power consumption. This is due to the limitations of Wi-Fi. ® The power requirements associated with operating devices (especially mobile access points) are demanding, thus making this Wi-Fi... ® Minimizing power consumption in devices is crucial. Acting as an access point (AP) can involve continuous data transmission, signal processing, and frequent communication with multiple devices, all of which consume significant power. For mobile APs (which are typically battery-powered), this increased power usage significantly reduces battery life and device uptime. Effective power management, including dynamic power-saving operations, can extend battery life. By reducing power consumption, mobile APs can remain active for longer periods without frequent recharging, thus supporting their role as convenient portable network hubs. The implementations described herein relate to DPS operation for mobile APs. Specifically, some implementations describe how a mobile AP can communicate DPS-related information to non-AP STAs.

[0019] In some wireless systems, dynamic power-saving operation may include a power-saving mode and a non-power-saving mode. The power-saving mode can be used to enable power-saving operation. The power-saving mode can reduce the power consumption of battery-powered mobile access points (APs) because it helps save energy by allowing the mobile AP to enter a low-power state during idle periods or when minimal data transmission is required. In some implementations, the power-saving mode may be referred to as a lower-capacity mode, and the non-power-saving mode may be referred to as a higher-capacity mode.

[0020] Power-saving modes can be defined for STAs that function as Ultra-High Reliability (UHR) mobile APs or UHR non-AP STAs. In some implementations, a STA (e.g., a mobile AP or a non-AP STA) can transition from a lower capability mode to a higher capability mode upon receiving an Initial Control Frame (ICF). Power management techniques that allow devices to dynamically adjust between lower and higher capability modes are referred to as DPS operation.

[0021] For example, Figure 1 Example transmission timelines 102 for a non-AP STA 104 and a mobile AP 106, according to some implementation schemes, employing Dynamic Power Saving (DPS) Lower Capability (LC) mode and DPS Higher Capability (HC) mode. The mobile AP 106 can utilize Dynamic Power Saving operation to reduce power consumption.

[0022] For example, when idle during off-peak hours or when performing minimal data transmission, the mobile AP 106 can use LC mode 108. LC mode 108 can be characterized by reduced capabilities relative to HC mode 110. For example, LC mode 108 may have reduced capabilities in one or more of the following aspects: operating channel bandwidth, the number of supported spatial streams, the maximum data rate that the device can receive when operating in this mode, and the various physical layer protocol data units (PPDUs) that the device can receive in this mode. For example, in some embodiments, when the mobile AP 106 operates in LC mode 108, the mobile AP 106 may support an operating channel bandwidth of 20 MHz, one spatial stream, a limited data rate, and a non-HT (repeated) PPDU format. Due to the reduced capabilities, the mobile AP 106 can use less power when in LC mode 108 than when in HC mode 110.

[0023] When a non-AP STA 104 or a peer device wants to initiate frame exchange with a mobile AP 106 operating in LC mode 108, the non-AP STA 104 may transmit an ICF 112 with sufficient padding. In some implementations, the ICF 112 may be a Multiple User Request Transmission (MU-RTS) or a Buffer Status Report Poll (BSRP). The ICF 112 may instruct the mobile AP 106 to transition from LC mode 108 to HC mode 110.

[0024] Mobile AP 106 can switch to HC mode 110 to participate in subsequent frame exchanges with the initiating device (e.g., non-AP STA 104). Non-AP STA 104 can transmit PPDU 114, and mobile AP 106 can receive PPDU 114 in HC mode 110. Once frame exchange is complete, mobile AP 106 is free to switch back to LC mode and continue listening to the medium using lower capabilities to obtain another ICF.

[0025] This document describes how a mobile AP can communicate DPS-related information to non-AP STAs. The DPS-related information communicated to non-AP STAs may include the mobile AP's current DPS status (e.g., enabled / disabled). If DPS is currently enabled, the mobile AP 106 may also communicate DPS fill latency and DPS transition latency. The DPS-related information communicated to non-AP STAs may include information about planned future DPS mode changes (if any). If DPS is to be enabled, the DPS-related information communicated to non-AP STAs may include updates (if any) to DPS fill duration and DPS transition latency (e.g., the delay between HC mode and LC mode).

[0026] There are two variations in the signaling transmission of DPS information from a mobile AP to non-AP STAs. Some implementations use broadcast signaling to transmit DPS information to all STAs at once. For example, broadcast signaling can be included in beacon, (unsolicited or requested) probe response, or Fast Initial Link Establishment (FILS) discovery frames. Some implementations use unicast signaling to transmit DPS information to each STA individually. For example, unicast signaling can be included in associated response frames or new action frames. Some implementations use both broadcast and unicast signaling.

[0027] Broadcast signaling of DPS attributes by a mobile AP allows the mobile AP to transmit information to multiple STAs at once. A UHR mobile AP can indicate the current DPS status and mode changes (if planned) in beacon, probe response, or FILS discovery frames. The UHR mobile AP can specify various DPS-related information in the broadcast signaling (e.g., current DPS status, planned DPS mode changes, DPS fill duration, DPS transition delay, etc.).

[0028] To indicate whether the current DPS status is enabled or disabled, the mobile AP can use the DPS enable bit in a new UHR element (e.g., a UHR operation element). If DPS is currently enabled, the mobile AP can specify the DPS fill duration and DPS transition delay in the new UHR element (e.g., a UHR operation element). These attributes describe the current DPS operation of the mobile AP. In some implementations, the mobile AP can indicate future DPS mode changes by including a new element called a DPS operation information element (IE) in the broadcast signaling.

[0029] To save power, non-AP STAs may not always receive and process the complete broadcast frame. Instead, they may only inspect a portion of the broadcast frame and terminate reception prematurely if certain conditions are met. To prevent STAs from prematurely terminating broadcast frame reception when it includes DPS information, the mobile AP may include a critical update flag in the broadcast frame. The critical update flag notifies non-AP STAs that a critical information segment is being carried in the broadcast frame.

[0030] In some implementations, the following events can be classified as critical updates. In some implementations, a new flag, referred to as the UHR critical update flag, can be defined. The UHR critical update flag identifies DPS updates as UHR critical updates because such updates are irrelevant to pre-UHR STAs. New UHR-specific flags can be defined to indicate DPS-specific updates from the mobile AP to UHR non-AP STAs. For pre-UHR non-AP STAs, such updates are irrelevant, and there is no need to force them to receive this information. The UHR critical update flag can be set to 1, and the Beacon Preamble Counter Control (BPCC) can be incremented for updates. In some implementations, modifications to UHR operation elements can be UHR critical updates. In some implementations, including a DPS operation IE in a beacon or probe response frame can be a UHR critical update. Therefore, the mobile AP can use the UHR critical update field to indicate to the STA that it will receive the remainder of the broadcast frame if an update to the DPS attribute exists.

[0031] Figure 2 Example capability information and status indication field format 202, which may be included in a broadcast frame (e.g., a beacon, probe, or FILS discovery frame) according to some embodiments, is illustrated. Capability information and status indication field format 202 may include a UHR critical update flag. In some embodiments, the mobile AP may set the UHR critical update flag to one to indicate to the STA that a modification to a UHR operating element exists in the broadcast frame, or that the broadcast frame includes a DPS operating element (IE). It may be desirable to explicitly identify DPS updates as UHR critical updates, as such updates are irrelevant to pre-UHR STAs. In some embodiments, a reserved bit (e.g., B2 208, B3 210, B14 212, or B15 214) in the capability information and status indication field may be used to indicate a UHR critical update.

[0032] Figure 3 An example UHR operation element 318 according to some implementation schemes is illustrated. As shown, UHR operation element 318 may include element ID 302, length field 304, element ID extension 306, DPS enable field 308, parameter update control field 310, DPS fill duration field 312, DPS transition delay field 314, and reservation 316. Element ID 302 can identify an element as a UHR operation element. Length field 304 can specify the number of bytes used in UHR operation element 318. Element ID extension 306 can be used to extend the range of element ID 302.

[0033] The DPS Enable field 308 indicates whether DPS is currently enabled. In some implementations, the DPS Enable field 308 is set to one if DPS is currently enabled, and otherwise set to zero. The mobile AP can use the DPS Enable field 308 to signal the DPS enabled status to the STA.

[0034] The DPS padding duration field 312 indicates the duration for which the STA should pad for the ICF application. This padding provides sufficient time for the mobile AP to transition from LC mode to HC mode. In some implementations, the ICF can be transmitted in a non-HT repeating format with a maximum data rate of 24 Mbps. As shown, the STA can transmit an ICF with padding 320. The DPS padding duration field 312 indicates the duration of padding 320. In some implementations, the DPS padding duration field 312 can be zero-bit or four-bit. In some implementations, the DPS padding duration field 312 exists only if the DPS enable field 308 is set to one.

[0035] The DPS transition delay field 314 indicates the time delay of the transition 322 between DPS modes. The DPS transition delay in the DPS transition delay field 314 can refer to the time delay the STA waits before initiating the next frame exchange with the mobile AP, as this time is used for transitioning from HC mode to LC mode. In some implementations, the DPS transition delay field 314 exists only if the DPS enable field 308 is set to one.

[0036] Figure 4 Example DPS operation IE 402 is illustrated according to some implementation schemes. The DPS Enable field 406 can indicate a change in the planned DPS mode. In some implementations, the DPS Enable field 406 is set to one if DPS will be enabled, and set to zero to indicate that DPS will be disabled.

[0037] The parameter update control field 408 can indicate whether DPS operating parameters (e.g., DPS fill duration and DPS transition delay) will be changed as part of the next activation. In some implementations, the mobile AP can set the parameter update control field 408 to one to indicate to the STA that there will be a change as part of the next activation of at least one of DPS fill duration 410 and DPS transition delay 412.

[0038] DPS fill duration 410 and DPS transition delay 412 indicate the updated DPS operating parameters that will take effect upon the upcoming DPS activation. Mode switch count 414 indicates the number of beacon intervals after which a DPS mode change will take effect. This mode switch count 414 provides timing information for state changes (e.g., when DPS is enabled), as the mobile AP can freely enable or disable DPS in the future. Mode switch count 414 allows the mobile AP to communicate this timing information to non-AP STAs with sufficient notification, enabling the non-AP STAs to prepare accordingly for the change.

[0039] Figure 5 An example beacon transmission timeline 510 is illustrated according to some implementation schemes. In the illustrated implementation, the mobile AP has initially disabled its DPS mode (e.g., DPS disabled 512). At some point, the mobile AP may want to enable DPS (e.g., DPS enabled 514). To enable DPS, the mobile AP may include a DPS operation IE (e.g., ...) in the first beacon 516. Figure 3 (UHR operation element 318). DPS operation IE may include mode switch count 502, which specifies the number of beacon intervals after which DPS will be enabled.

[0040] In the illustrated example, in the first beacon 516, the mode switch count 502 is set to three, meaning that DPS will be enabled after three beacon intervals. In the second beacon 518, the mode switch count 502 with DPS operation IE is decremented from three to two. The third beacon 520 with mode switch count 502 again decrements the mode switch count 502 from two to one, and in the fourth beacon 522, the mode switch count 502 reaches zero. When the mode switch count 502 reaches zero, starting from that beacon, a DPS mode change (e.g., DPS enable bit 504) takes effect.

[0041] Additionally, the beacon including the DPS Operation IE may include a UHR critical update flag 508. The UHR critical update flag 508 may indicate that the broadcast frame includes the DPS Operation IE. As shown, at the first beacon 516, the UHR critical update flag 508 may be set to one. The UHR critical update flag 508 may remain one until the DPS IE is not included in the beacon.

[0042] Within the UHR operation element, when DPS is disabled, the DPS enable bit 504 is set to zero, indicating that the mobile AP has not yet enabled DPS. When DPS is enabled, the mobile AP sets the DPS enable bit 504 to one. This bit may remain one until DPS is disabled. In the illustrated implementation, the DPS enable bit 504 refers to the bit in the UHR operation element, not the DPS enable bit in the DPS operation IE. The DPS enable bit 504 in the UHR operation element and the DPS enable bit in the DPS operation IE represent two different things. The DPS operation IE provides information for planning DPS modes for the future, while the DPS in the UHR operation element describes the operation currently in progress. This is why the DPS enable bit 504 is zero when DPS is disabled by the mobile AP and is set to one when DPS is enabled by the mobile AP.

[0043] In some implementations, the mobile AP can use unicast signaling to transmit DPS attributes to non-AP STAs. Two variations of unicast signaling are possible. The first variation can be signaling in an association response frame. The second variation can be signaling in an action frame (e.g., a new protected action frame) after association.

[0044] The mobile access point (AP) can indicate DPS parameters to unassociated UHR STAs in the association response frame. Therefore, the mobile AP can indicate various DPS attributes to unassociated STAs during association. For example, if the mobile AP has already enabled DPS and a new unassociated UHR STA attempts to associate with the mobile AP, it may be helpful for the mobile AP to communicate that DPS is currently enabled and various attributes such as transition delay and DPS padding.

[0045] The associated response can indicate the current DPS status (e.g., enabled or disabled). For example, the associated response can signal the current DPS status using a DPS enable bit in a new UHR element (e.g., a UHR operation element). This allows the STA to be fully aware of the mobile AP's current DPS operation mode. The STA can use this DPS information to decide whether to join the mobile AP. If DPS is currently enabled, the associated response can specify DPS parameters (e.g., DPS fill duration, DPS transition delay, etc.) in a new UHR element (e.g., a UHR operation element). In some implementations, the associated response can indicate future DPS mode changes by including a DPS operation IE.

[0046] In some implementations, if a mobile AP wishes to change its DPS mode in the future (after association) and only a few (e.g., one or two) STAs are associated with it, the mobile AP can use unicast signaling to indicate the DPS mode change to each STA. The benefits of unicast signaling include potentially faster mode changes at the mobile AP, rather than waiting for a beacon period, which can result in power savings. Unicast signaling can also be more reliable than broadcast signaling. In broadcast signaling, there is no ACK response as found in unicast signaling. Therefore, when using broadcast signaling, the mobile AP may not be able to determine whether all STAs have received the DPS information. In some implementations, both unicast and broadcast are allowed. This provides flexibility when signaling DPS information.

[0047] Figure 6 An example transmission timeline 602 for unicast signaling of DPS attributes performed by a mobile AP 604, according to some implementation schemes, is illustrated. The mobile AP 604 may have DPS disabled. As shown, the mobile AP 604 may transmit a unicast protected action frame (with ACK) called a DPS notification frame 608 to notify non-AP STA 606 of a DPS mode change (e.g., from DPS disabled to DPS enabled).

[0048] Mobile AP 604 may include a DPS Operation IE in the DPS Notification Frame 608. Mobile AP 604 may use the DPS Notification Frame 608 and the DPS Operation IE, via the Mode Switching Count field in the DPS Operation IE, to specify the Target Beacon Transmission Time (TBTT) at which a DPS state change will take effect. For example, Mobile AP 604 may indicate that it is switching to DPS Enable at Beacon 612.

[0049] Non-AP STA 606 can respond to DPS notification frame 608 using ACK 610. When mobile AP 604 receives ACK 610, mobile AP 604 knows that non-AP STA 606 is aware of the upcoming DPS mode change. Mobile AP 604 can enable DPS at beacon 612 indicated in DPS notification frame 608.

[0050] The implementation described herein provides a mechanism that a UHR mobile AP can use to communicate information related to dynamic power saving operation to UHR non-AP STAs. The mobile AP can use one or both of broadcast and unicast signaling to transmit STA DPS attributes. Broadcast signaling from the mobile AP can use beacon frames, probe response frames, and / or FILS discovery frames. Unicast signaling from the mobile AP to each STA can use associated response frames and / or new protected action frames referred to as DPS notification frames.

[0051] Figure 7 A method 700 for a mobile access point (AP) according to an embodiment of this document is illustrated. The illustrated method 700 includes generating (702) a frame including DPS operation parameters. The method 700 also includes transmitting (704) the frame to one or more non-AP STAs. The method 700 further includes enabling (706) DPS operation based on the DPS operation parameters in the frame.

[0052] In some embodiments of method 700, the frame includes a DPS operation IE, which includes a DPS enable field indicating whether DPS will be enabled, and a mode switch count TBTT indicating that a DPS state change will take effect.

[0053] In some implementations of method 700, the DPS operating parameters include DPS fill duration and DPS transition delay.

[0054] In some embodiments of method 700, the frame having the DPS operation parameters is transmitted using broadcast signaling. In some such embodiments, the broadcast signaling includes a beacon frame, a probe response frame, or a FILS discovery frame. Some other such embodiments further include setting a UHR critical update flag in the capability information field of the broadcast signaling when there is a modification to the DPS operation parameters or when the broadcast signaling includes a DPS operation IE.

[0055] In some embodiments of method 700, the frame having the DPS operating parameters is transmitted using unicast signaling. In some such embodiments, the unicast signaling includes an associated response frame or a DPS notification frame.

[0056] The embodiments contemplated herein include an apparatus comprising components for performing one or more elements of method 700. This apparatus may be, for example, an AP (such as AP 918, as described herein).

[0057] The embodiments contemplated herein include one or more non-transitory computer-readable media, the one or more non-transitory computer-readable media including instructions for causing the electronic device to perform one or more elements of method 700 when executed by one or more processors of the electronic device. The non-transitory computer-readable medium may be, for example, the memory of an AP (such as memory 922 of AP 918, as described herein).

[0058] The embodiments contemplated herein include an apparatus comprising logic components, modules, or circuitry for performing one or more elements of method 700. This apparatus may be, for example, an AP (such as AP 918, as described herein).

[0059] The embodiments contemplated herein include an apparatus comprising: one or more processors and one or more computer-readable media including instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform one or more elements of method 700. The apparatus may be, for example, an AP (such as AP 918, as described herein).

[0060] The implementation scheme envisioned herein includes a signal as described in or associated with one or more elements of method 700.

[0061] The embodiments contemplated herein include a computer program or computer program product comprising instructions, wherein execution of the program by a processing element will cause the processing element to perform one or more elements of method 700. The processor may be the processor of an AP (such as processor 920 of AP 918, as described herein). These instructions may, for example, reside in the processor and / or in the memory of the AP (such as memory 922 of AP 918, as described herein).

[0062] Figure 8 A method 800 for a non-AP STA according to an embodiment herein is illustrated. The illustrated method 800 includes receiving (802) a frame including DPS operation parameters, wherein the DPS operation parameters include a DPS fill duration. Method 800 further includes transmitting (804) an ICF having a fill length based on the DPS fill duration to the mobile AP to request the mobile AP to transition from a lower capability mode to a higher capability mode. Method 800 further includes transmitting (806) a PPDU to the mobile AP while the mobile AP is in the higher capability mode.

[0063] In some implementations of method 800, the frame includes a DPS operation IE, which includes a DPS enable field indicating whether DPS will be enabled, and a mode switch count TBTT indicating that a DPS state change will take effect.

[0064] In some implementations of method 800, the DPS operating parameter also includes DPS transition delay.

[0065] In some embodiments of method 800, the frame having the DPS operating parameters is received in broadcast signaling. In some such embodiments, the broadcast signaling includes a beacon frame, a probe response frame, or a FILS discovery frame. Some other such embodiments further include detecting a UHR key update flag in the capability information field of the broadcast signaling, the UHR key update flag indicating that there is a modification to the DPS operating parameters or that the broadcast signaling includes a DPS operating IE.

[0066] In some embodiments of method 800, the frame having the DPS operating parameters is received in unicast signaling. In some such embodiments, the unicast signaling includes an associated response frame or a DPS notification frame.

[0067] The embodiments contemplated herein include an apparatus comprising components for performing one or more elements of method 800. This apparatus may be, for example, an STA (such as STA 902, as described herein).

[0068] The embodiments contemplated herein include one or more non-transitory computer-readable media, the one or more non-transitory computer-readable media including instructions for causing the electronic device to perform one or more elements of method 800 when executed by one or more processors of the electronic device. The non-transitory computer-readable medium may be, for example, a memory of an STA (such as memory 906 of STA 902, as described herein).

[0069] The embodiments contemplated herein include an apparatus comprising logic components, modules, or circuitry for performing one or more elements of method 800. This apparatus may be, for example, an STA (such as STA 902, as described herein).

[0070] The embodiments contemplated herein include an apparatus comprising: one or more processors and one or more computer-readable media including instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform one or more elements of method 800. The apparatus may be, for example, an STA (such as STA 902, as described herein).

[0071] The implementation scheme envisioned herein includes a signal as described in or associated with one or more elements of method 800.

[0072] The embodiments contemplated herein include a computer program or computer program product comprising instructions, wherein execution of the program by a processor will cause the processor to perform one or more elements of method 800. The processor may be a processor of an STA (such as processor 904 of STA 902, as described herein). These instructions may, for example, reside in the processor and / or in the memory of the STA (such as memory 906 of STA 902, as described herein).

[0073] Figure 9A system 900 for executing signaling 934 between STA 902 and AP 918 according to an embodiment disclosed herein is illustrated. System 900 may be part of a wireless communication system as described herein. STA 902 may be, for example, a UE of a wireless communication system. AP 918 may be, for example, an access point of a wireless communication system.

[0074] STA 902 may include one or more processors 904. Processor 904 may execute instructions to cause various operations of STA 902 to be performed as described herein. Processor 904 may include one or more baseband processors, which may be implemented using, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), digital signal processor (DSP), application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), controller, field-programmable gate array (FPGA) device, another hardware device, firmware device, or any combination thereof configured to perform the operations described herein.

[0075] STA 902 may include memory 906. Memory 906 may be a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium that stores instructions 908, which may include, for example, instructions executed by processor 904. Instructions 908 may also be referred to as program code or a computer program. Memory 906 may also store data used by processor 904 and results calculated by the processor.

[0076] STA 902 may include one or more transceivers 910, which may include radio frequency (RF) transmitter circuitry and / or receiver circuitry that uses antenna 912 of STA 902 to facilitate signaling (e.g., signaling 934) to and / or from STA 902 and other devices (e.g., AP 918).

[0077] STA 902 may include one or more antennas 912 (e.g., one, two, four, or more antennas). In embodiments with multiple antennas 912, STA 902 can fully utilize the spatial diversity of such multiple antennas 912 to transmit and / or receive multiple different data streams on the same time-frequency resource. This behavior can be referred to as, for example, multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) behavior (referring to multiple antennas used at each of the transmitting and receiving devices to implement this aspect). MIMO transmission by STA 902 can be achieved according to pre-decoding (or digital beamforming) applied at STA 902, whereby the STA multiplexes data streams across antennas 912 based on known or assumed channel characteristics, such that each data stream is received with appropriate signal strength relative to the others at a desired location in the spatial domain (e.g., the location of the receiver associated with that data stream). Some implementations may use a single-user MIMO (SU-MIMO) approach (where all data streams are directed to a single receiver) and / or a multi-user MIMO (MU-MIMO) approach (where individual data streams may be directed to individual (different) receivers at different locations in the airspace).

[0078] In some implementations with multiple antennas, STA 902 can implement analog beamforming technology, whereby the phase of the signal transmitted by antenna 912 is relatively adjusted, enabling (joint) transmission of the directional antenna 912 (this is sometimes referred to as beam control).

[0079] STA 902 may include one or more interfaces 914. Interfaces 914 can be used to provide input to or output from the AP. For example, STA 902 as a UE may include interfaces 914, such as microphones, speakers, touchscreens, and buttons, to allow users of the UE to input to and / or output to the UE. Other interfaces of such UEs may consist of transmitters, receivers, and other circuitry that allow communication between the UE and other devices (e.g., in addition to the transceiver 910 / antenna 912 described), and may be configured according to known protocols (e.g., Wi-Fi). ® ,Bluetooth ® (etc.) to perform the operation.

[0080] STA 902 may include a DPS module 916. The DPS module 916 may be implemented via hardware, software, or a combination thereof. For example, the DPS module 916 may be implemented as a processor, circuitry, and / or instructions 908 stored in memory 906 and executed by processor 904. In some examples, the DPS module 916 may be integrated within processor 904 and / or transceiver 910. For example, the DPS module 916 may be implemented via a combination of software components (e.g., software components executed by a DSP or general-purpose processor) and hardware components (e.g., logic gates and circuitry) within processor 904 or transceiver 910.

[0081] The DPS module 916 can be used in various aspects of this disclosure, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 and / or Figure 8 In all aspects. The DPS module 916 is configured to determine DPS operating parameters based on signaling from the AP 918. AP 918 may include one or more processors 920. Processor 920 may execute instructions to cause various operations of AP 918 to be performed as described herein. Processor 920 may include one or more baseband processors, which may be implemented using, for example, a CPU, DSP, ASIC, controller, FPGA device, another hardware device, firmware device, or any combination thereof configured to perform the operations described herein.

[0082] AP 918 may include memory 922. Memory 922 may be a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium that stores instructions 924, which may include, for example, instructions executed by processor 920. Instructions 924 may also be referred to as program code or a computer program. Memory 922 may also store data used by processor 920 and results calculated by the processor.

[0083] AP 918 may include one or more transceivers 926, which may include RF transmitter circuitry and / or receiver circuitry that uses the antenna 928 of AP 918 to facilitate signaling (e.g., signaling 934) to and / or from AP 918 to other devices (e.g., STA 902).

[0084] AP 918 may include one or more antennas 928 (e.g., one, two, three, four or more antennas). In embodiments with multiple antennas 928, AP 918 may perform MIMO, digital beamforming, analog beamforming, beam control, etc., as already described.

[0085] AP 918 may include one or more interfaces 930. Interface 930 can be used to provide input to or from AP 918. For example, AP 918 as a base station may include interface 930 consisting of transmitters, receivers and other circuitry (e.g., in addition to transceiver 926 / antenna 928 already described), which enables the base station to communicate with other equipment in the core network and / or enables the base station to communicate with external networks, computers, databases, etc., for the purpose of operating, managing and maintaining the base station or other equipment operable to the base station.

[0086] AP 918 may include DPS module 932. DPS module 932 may be implemented via hardware, software, or a combination thereof. For example, DPS module 932 may be implemented as a processor, circuitry, and / or instructions 924 stored in memory 922 and executed by processor 920. In some examples, DPS module 932 may be integrated within processor 920 and / or transceiver 926. For example, DPS module 932 may be implemented via a combination of software components (e.g., software components executed by a DSP or general-purpose processor) and hardware components (e.g., logic gates and circuitry) within processor 920 or transceiver 926.

[0087] The DPS module 932 can be used in various aspects of this disclosure, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 and / or Figure 8 In all aspects. The DPS module 932 is configured to provide DPS operating parameters to the STA 902.

[0088] For one or more embodiments, at least one of the components set forth in one or more of the foregoing figures may be configured to perform one or more operations, techniques, processes, and / or methods as set forth herein. For example, a processor described herein in conjunction with one or more of the foregoing figures may be configured to operate according to one or more of the examples set forth herein. Similarly, circuitry associated with a STA or AP described above in conjunction with one or more of the foregoing figures may be configured to operate according to one or more of the examples shown herein.

[0089] Unless otherwise expressly stated, any of the above embodiments may be combined with any other embodiment (or combination of embodiments). The foregoing description of one or more specific embodiments provides illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the scope of the embodiments to the precise form disclosed. In view of the teachings above, modifications and variations are possible, or modifications and variations may be derived from practice of various embodiments.

[0090] Implementations and specific embodiments of the systems and methods described herein may include various operations embodied in machine-executable instructions to be executed by a computer system. The computer system may include one or more general-purpose or special-purpose computers (or other electronic devices). The computer system may include hardware components, including specific logical parts for performing the operations; or may include a combination of hardware, software, and / or firmware.

[0091] It should be recognized that the systems described herein include descriptions of specific implementations. These implementations may be combined into a single system, partially integrated into other systems, divided into multiple systems, or otherwise partitioned or combined. Furthermore, it is contemplated that parameters, attributes, aspects, etc., of one implementation may be used in one implementation. For clarity, these parameters, attributes, aspects, etc., are described only in one or more implementations, and it should be recognized that, unless expressly stated herein, these parameters, attributes, aspects, etc., may be combined with or substituted for parameters, attributes, aspects, etc., of another implementation.

[0092] As is widely recognized, the use of personally identifiable information should comply with privacy policies and practices that are generally accepted to meet or exceed industry or governmental requirements for protecting user privacy. Specifically, personally identifiable information data should be managed and processed to minimize the risk of unintentional or unauthorized access or use, and the nature of authorized use should be clearly explained to users.

[0093] Although the foregoing has been described in considerable detail for clarity, it will be apparent that certain changes and modifications can be made without departing from the principles of the invention. It should be noted that many alternative ways exist to implement both the processes and apparatus described herein. Therefore, embodiments of the invention should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive, and this specification is not limited to the details given herein, but can be modified within the scope and equivalents of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for a mobile access point (mobile AP), the method comprising: Generate frames that include Dynamic Power Saving (DPS) operating parameters; The frame is transmitted to one or more non-AP stations (STAs). as well as DPS operation is enabled based on the DPS operation parameters in the frame.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the frame includes a DPS Operation Information Element (IE), the DPS Operation Information Element (IE) including a DPS Enable field indicating whether DPS will be enabled, and a Mode Switch Count Target Beacon Transmission Time (TBTT) indicating when a DPS state change will take effect.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the DPS operation parameters include DPS fill duration and DPS transition delay.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the frame having the DPS operation parameters is transmitted using broadcast signaling.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the broadcast signaling includes a beacon frame, a probe response frame, or a Fast Initial Link Establishment (FILS) discovery frame.

6. The method according to claim 4, further comprising: When there is a modification to the DPS operation parameters or when the broadcast signaling includes the DPS operation IE, the UHR critical update flag is set in the capability information field of the broadcast signaling.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the frame having the DPS operating parameters is transmitted using unicast signaling.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the unicast signaling includes an associated response frame or a DPS notification frame.

9. A method for a non-access point station (non-AP STA), the method comprising: Receive a frame that includes Dynamic Power Saving (DPS) operation parameters, wherein the DPS operation parameters include DPS fill duration; Send an ICF with a length based on the DPS fill duration to the mobile AP to request the mobile AP to switch from a lower capability mode to a higher capability mode; as well as When the mobile AP is in the higher capability mode, Physical Layer Protocol Data Units (PPDUs) are transmitted to the mobile AP.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the frame includes a DPS Operation Information Element (IE), the DPS Operation Information Element (IE) including a DPS Enable field indicating whether DPS will be enabled, and a Mode Switch Count Target Beacon Transmission Time (TBTT) indicating when a DPS state change will take effect.

11. The method of claim 9, wherein the DPS operating parameters further include DPS transition delay.

12. The method of claim 9, wherein the frame having the DPS operating parameters is received in broadcast signaling.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the broadcast signaling includes a beacon frame, a probe response frame, or a Fast Initial Link Establishment (FILS) discovery frame.

14. The method according to claim 12, further comprising: The UHR key update flag in the capability information field of the broadcast signaling is detected. The UHR key update flag indicates that there is a modification to the DPS operation parameters or that the broadcast signaling includes a DPS operation IE.

15. The method of claim 9, wherein the frame having the DPS operating parameters is received in unicast signaling.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the unicast signaling includes an associated response frame or a DPS notification frame.

17. A computing device for a mobile access point (mobile AP), the computing device comprising: processor; and The memory stores instructions that, when executed by the processor, configure the device to: Generate frames that include Dynamic Power Saving (DPS) operating parameters; Transmit the frame to one or more non-AP stations (STAs); and DPS operation is enabled based on the DPS operation parameters in the frame.

18. The computing device of claim 17, wherein the frame includes a DPS Operation Information Element (IE), the DPS Operation Information Element (IE) including a DPS Enable field indicating whether DPS will be enabled, and a Mode Switch Count Target Beacon Transmission Time (TBTT) indicating when a DPS state change will take effect.

19. The computing device of claim 17, wherein the DPS operating parameters include DPS fill duration and DPS transition delay.

20. The computing device of claim 17, wherein the frame having the DPS operating parameters is transmitted using broadcast signaling.

21. An apparatus comprising components for performing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

22. A computer-readable medium comprising instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of an electronic device, cause the electronic device to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

23. An apparatus comprising a logic component, module, or circuit for performing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

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