Energy-saving method for device, electronic device, and storage medium

Abstract

Embodiments of the present application provide an energy-saving method for a device, an electronic device, and a storage medium. The method comprises: announcing access point energy-saving information; performing energy saving on the basis of the access point energy-saving information; and exiting the energy-saving function. According to the embodiments of the present application, energy saving of an access point is controlled by means of access point energy-saving information; thus, the working energy consumption of access point devices can be reduced, and the communication standby time of devices can be increased.

Description

Device energy-saving method, electronic device, and storage medium Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of wireless communication technology, and in particular to a device energy-saving method, electronic device, and storage medium. Background Art

[0002] The IEEE 802.11be (Wi-Fi 7) standard introduces Multilink Device (MLD) technology, enabling a single device to simultaneously transmit across multiple links, further optimizing throughput and latency. However, this inevitably leads to an exponential increase in power consumption. Currently, traditional Wi-Fi technology focuses on battery-powered mobile devices, but there are no energy-saving mechanisms for access points (APs). APs typically remain in active mode, so achieving energy-saving APs has become a major industry focus.

[0003] Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present application aims to provide a device energy-saving method, electronic device and storage medium to achieve energy saving of access point devices and reduce energy consumption during wireless communication.

[0005] This embodiment of the present application provides a device energy saving method, which is applied to an access point. The method includes:

[0006] Announcing access point energy-saving information; performing energy saving according to the energy-saving time point of the access point energy-saving information; and exiting the energy-saving function.

[0007] An embodiment of the present application further provides an electronic device, wherein the electronic device includes:

[0008] at least one processor;

[0009] a memory for storing at least one program;

[0010] When the at least one program is executed by the at least one processor, the at least one processor implements the device energy saving method as described in any one of the embodiments of the present application.

[0011] An embodiment of the present application further provides a computer-readable storage medium, wherein the computer-readable storage medium stores at least one program, and the at least one program is executed by at least one processor to implement the device energy saving method as described in any one of the embodiments of the present application.

[0012] It should be understood that the content described in this section is not intended to identify the key or important features of the embodiments of the present application, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the present application. Other features of the present application will become easily understood through the following description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the description of the embodiments. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without any creative work.

[0014] FIG1 is a diagram illustrating an operation example with a broadcast target wake-up time according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0015] FIG2 is a flow chart of a device energy-saving method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0016] FIG3 is a flow chart of another device energy-saving method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0017] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a broadcast target wake-up frame provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0018] FIG5 is a schematic diagram of a structure of filling energy-saving information of an access point provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0019] FIG6 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a broadcast target wakeup response frame provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0020] FIG7 is an example diagram of the meaning of the identification bit of a broadcast target wake-up frame provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0021] FIG8 is an example diagram of a device energy-saving method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0022] FIG9 is a schematic structural diagram of an energy-saving device for equipment provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0023] FIG10 is a schematic structural diagram of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] It should be understood that the specific implementations described herein are only used to explain the present application and are not used to limit the present application.

[0025] In the subsequent description, suffixes such as "module", "component" or "unit" used to represent elements are only used to facilitate the description of this application and have no specific meaning. Therefore, "module", "component" or "unit" can be used interchangeably.

[0026] Currently in the Sub-1G IoT scenario, the energy management technology on the AP side is similar to that on the workstation (STA) side, which performs periodic wake-up and sleep in units of beacon intervals. The above periodic wake-up and sleep are implemented by the target wake-up time (TWT). After the STA completes the negotiation with the AP, the STA wakes up periodically and communicates with the AP during the specified service cycle. Outside the service cycle, the STA is in a sleep state. In addition, a separate (Individual) TWT technology is introduced in IEEE802.11ax. See Figure 1. The AP broadcasts a notice applicable to the periodic energy-saving mechanism of the STA. The STA joins the energy-saving group through a unicast management frame, thereby waking up within a specific service cycle and guiding multi-user transmission by the AP, and sleeping outside the service cycle to reduce power consumption. The IEEE 802.11v standard introduced Base Station Subsystem Transition Management (BTM) technology, enhancing handover capabilities between different bulletin board systems (BBSs). BTM query, request, and response management frames are exchanged between the AP and STA to facilitate STA roaming. Specifically, for STAs that support BTM, the AP can also disconnect the STA from its current AP through BTM request messages. The Multi-Link Operation (MLO) technology introduced in the IEEE 802.11be standard includes multi-link reconfiguration, enabling the addition and removal of links on the AP side, as well as the addition and removal of links associated with non-AP MLDs. Currently, fiber-to-the-room (FTTR) technology uses optical fiber to connect wireless routers (APs) in different rooms or locations in homes, small and medium-sized enterprises, providing high-bandwidth, highly reliable connections between multiple APs. A point-to-multipoint optical distribution network can be used to connect a master AP and slave APs.

[0027] FIG2 is a flowchart of a device energy-saving method provided in an embodiment of the present application. The embodiment of the present application is applicable to energy-saving situations of access point devices. The method can be executed by a device energy-saving device. The device can be implemented by software and / or hardware and is generally integrated into the access point device. Referring to FIG2 , the method provided in the embodiment of the present application specifically includes the following steps:

[0028] Step 110: Announce access point energy saving information.

[0029] In an embodiment of the present application, an access point device may announce access point energy saving information to other nodes. The access point energy saving information may include relevant parameters for energy saving of the current access point device.

[0030] Step 120: Perform energy saving according to the access point energy saving information.

[0031] In an embodiment of the present application, the current access point device can save energy according to the access point energy saving information. For example, it can operate according to the access point wake-up duration in the access point energy saving information, or it can wake up according to the next wake-up time point in the access point energy saving information.

[0032] Step 130: Exit the energy saving function.

[0033] In the embodiment of the present application, the current access point device may also exit the energy saving function according to service requirements or high-level instructions.

[0034] In the embodiment of the present application, energy saving of the access point device is achieved by announcing access point energy saving information and performing energy saving according to the access point energy saving information until the energy saving function is exited, thereby reducing the energy consumption of the access point during wireless communication.

[0035] In some application embodiments, performing energy saving according to the access point energy saving information includes: enabling an energy saving function according to an enabling time point of the access point energy saving information.

[0036] The enabling time point may be the time point at which the access point device triggers energy saving, and the access point energy saving information may include parameters such as the enabling time point for triggering the energy saving function and the energy saving period used to implement the energy saving function.

[0037] In the embodiment of the present application, the access point device may enable the energy saving function according to the enabling time in the access point energy saving information, so that the current access point device can save energy.

[0038] In some application embodiments, the access point energy saving information is determined based on a periodic traffic pattern of an associated workstation on a current link or a target wake-up time of a broadcast group to which the associated workstation joins.

[0039] Specifically, the access point energy saving information may be determined by the periodic traffic pattern of the associated workstations on the current link of the current access point device, or the access point energy saving information may be determined by the target wake-up time of the broadcast group to which the workstations associated with the current access point device join.

[0040] In some other application embodiments, the enabling time of the access point energy saving function of the access point energy saving information is determined according to the delivery transmission indication pattern count.

[0041] In an embodiment of the present application, the access point energy-saving information includes an enabling time point, which may be a time point that triggers the access point device to perform an energy-saving function. The enabling time point may be determined by a delivery transmission indication map count, wherein the delivery transmission indication map count may be a field within a Beacon frame. The length of the field may be one byte, representing the number of Beacon frames to be sent before the next delivery transmission indication map frame is sent.

[0042] In some other application embodiments, effective link information of the access point energy saving information is determined based on links in a multi-link device that use the same access energy saving information.

[0043] FIG3 is a flow chart of another device energy-saving method provided in an embodiment of the present application. The embodiment of the present application is a specific embodiment based on the above-mentioned embodiment. Referring to FIG3 , the method provided in the embodiment of the present application specifically includes the following steps:

[0044] Step 210: Announce access point energy saving information via unicast or multicast.

[0045] In the embodiment of the present application, the access point device may announce the access point energy saving information in a multicast or unicast manner.

[0046] Step 220: Enable the energy saving function according to the enabling time point of the access point energy saving information.

[0047] Step 230: Switch to the awake state at a first time point, and exchange frames with the workstation within the awake duration, wherein the first time point includes the access point awakening time point in the access point energy saving information announced by the current access point.

[0048] The awake state may be a state in which the access point is working, and in the awake state the access point may exchange frames with an associated workstation; the first time point may be an access point awakening time point in the access point energy-saving information announced by the current access point, and the access point may be awakened according to the access point awakening time point, thereby switching from the sleep state to the working state.

[0049] In an embodiment of the present application, when the first time point, that is, the access point wake-up time point, is reached, the access point can wake up and enter the wake-up state. During the wake-up duration, the access point can exchange frames with the workstation, thereby realizing data transmission between the access point and the workstation.

[0050] Step 240: Switch to the sleep state or the non-awakened state at a second time point, where the second time point includes at least one of the following: an end time point of the frame exchange between the current access point and the workstation, and an end time point of the awakening duration of the current access point.

[0051] The second time point may be an end time point at which the current access point and the workstation end frame exchange, that is, the current access point ends frame exchange with the workstation when reaching the second time point, or the second access point may be an end time point of the wake-up duration of the current access point, that is, the current access point ends the wake-up duration when reaching the second time point, and the current access point may enter a sleep state.

[0052] In the implementation of the present application, the access point device may switch to a sleep state or a non-awakening state when reaching the second time point. In the sleep state or the non-awakening state, the access point device may end the frame exchange with the workstation, or end the wake-up duration.

[0053] Step 250: Exit the energy saving function.

[0054] In some application embodiments, the access point energy saving information includes at least one of the following: the access point next wake-up time point, the access point wake-up duration, the access point wake-up time interval, the link information at which the access point energy saving information takes effect, and the access point energy saving function enabling time point.

[0055] In an embodiment of the present application, the access point energy-saving information announced by the access point device may include at least one of the access point next wake-up time point, the access point wake-up duration, the access point wake-up time interval, the link information at which the access point energy-saving information takes effect, and the access point energy-saving function enabling time point.

[0056] Based on the above application embodiment, it also includes: performing restrictive frame exchange or no frame interaction with the workstation in the sleep state or non-awakening state, wherein the restrictive frame exchange includes exchanging an initial control frame and a response frame corresponding to the control frame.

[0057] In an embodiment of the present application, at the second time point, the current access point switches to a sleep state or a non-awakened state. In the sleep state or the non-awakened state, the current access point performs a restrictive frame exchange or does not perform a frame exchange with the workstation. It can be understood that the restrictive frame exchange process includes an initial control frame and a response frame corresponding to the initial control frame.

[0058] In some application embodiments, the workstation does not have an energy-saving function, and before enabling the energy-saving function, the workstation further includes at least one of the following:

[0059] Disconnecting from the workstation; guiding the workstation to perform roaming operations according to the response mode of the basic service set transition management; and guiding link switching through multi-link configuration for non-access point multi-link devices that support extremely high throughput multi-link operation functions.

[0060] In an embodiment of the present application, when a workstation associated with a current access point does not have an energy-saving function, the current access point may disconnect from the workstation before enabling the energy-saving function. Alternatively, the current access point may guide the workstation to perform a roaming operation according to a response method of a basic service set transition management. Alternatively, the current access point may guide link switching through multi-link configuration for a non-access point multi-link device that supports an extremely high throughput multi-link operation function.

[0061] In some application embodiments, exiting the energy-saving function includes at least one of the following: actively exiting the energy-saving function; and exiting the energy-saving function in response to a specific frame interaction of the workstation.

[0062] In the embodiment of the present application, the access point may actively exit the energy-saving function, or the current access point may exchange specific frames with the workstation, thereby causing the current access point to exit the energy-saving function.

[0063] In other application embodiments, the effective link information of the access point energy saving information includes at least one of the following: a link set where the access point energy saving is effective; a link mapping where the access point energy saving is effective; and indicator bit information where the access point energy saving is effective indicating that different links have the same access point energy saving information.

[0064] In an embodiment of the present application, the effective link information included in the access point energy saving information may include at least one of a link set for which the access point energy saving is effective; a link mapping for which the access point energy saving is effective; and indication bit information indicating that different links have the same access point energy saving information.

[0065] In some application embodiments, the access point energy saving information is the same as the access point energy saving information of at least one other access point, and the access point energy saving information includes link information identifiers corresponding to the other access points.

[0066] In an embodiment of the present application, a multi-link device may include multiple sub-access points, the current access point may be at least one of the sub-access points, and at least one other sub-access point in the multi-link device has the same access point energy saving information as the current access point. The access point energy saving information may include link identification information, and the link identification information identifies the other sub-access points in the multi-link device. That is, the access point energy saving information of the current access point may include the link identification information corresponding to the other sub-access points in the multi-link device.

[0067] In some application embodiments, the energy-saving function enabling time corresponding to the access point energy-saving information at least satisfies that all workstations receive the access point energy-saving information at least once before the access point energy-saving function is enabled.

[0068] The function enabling time may be a time period during which the energy-saving function is enabled.

[0069] In this embodiment of the present application, the time period corresponding to the energy-saving function enablement time in the access point energy-saving information can satisfy the requirement that all stations associated with the access point receive the access point energy-saving information once before the access point energy-saving function is enabled. That is, the access point needs to set the access point energy-saving function enablement time to be sufficiently long to ensure that all stations receive the access point energy-saving information announced by the access point at least once before the energy-saving function is enabled. For example, the AP sets the energy-saving function enablement time point after the arrival of the next Delivery Traffic Indication Map beacon (DTIM beacon) to ensure that each subsequent beacon (including the next DTIM beacon) carries the AP energy-saving information.

[0070] In some application embodiments, the access point energy saving information is carried by the access point target wakeup field of the broadcast target wakeup frame, wherein the access point energy saving information carried by the access point target wakeup field includes at least the access point target wakeup enablement time and the access point target wakeup enablement link set.

[0071] In an embodiment of the present application, the access point energy saving information may be transmitted through a broadcast target wakeup frame, and the access point energy saving information may be filled into the access point wakeup field of the broadcast target wakeup frame. The access point energy saving information filled into the access point wakeup field may include at least the access point target wakeup enablement time and the access point target wakeup enablement link set.

[0072] In an exemplary embodiment, a device energy saving method for AP energy saving may include the following steps:

[0073] Step 1: The AP or its sub-AP in the AP MLD determines the AP energy-saving information based on the following information:

[0074] (1) Determine at least one of the following energy-saving information of the AP based on the periodic traffic map of the associated STAs on the current link or the energy-saving information of the broadcast TWT joined by the associated STAs: the next wake-up time point of the AP, the wake-up duration of the AP, and the wake-up interval of the AP;

[0075] (2) Determine the time point for enabling the AP energy-saving function based on the DTIM count. The enabling time can be such that the AP carries the AP energy-saving information until the next DTIM beacon, ensuring that all managed STAs can obtain the AP energy-saving information.

[0076] (3) Determine the link information where the AP energy saving information takes effect based on the links that use the same AP energy saving information in the AP MLD.

[0077] Step 2: The AP or MLD sub-AP announces the AP energy-saving information through broadcast or unicast. The AP energy-saving information includes one or more of the following information: the AP's next wake-up time, the AP's wake-up duration, the AP's wake-up interval, the link information on which the AP energy-saving information takes effect, and the time point when the AP energy-saving function is enabled.

[0078] Step 3: The AP switches to the awake state at a first time point and exchanges frames with the STA during the awake duration. The AP switches to the sleep state or non-awakened state at a second time point, and the STA cannot exchange frames with the AP or can only exchange frames with it in a restricted manner. The first time point is the awake time point announced by the AP, and the second time point is the end time point of the frame exchange between the AP and the STA or the end time point of the AP awake duration.

[0079] A STA supporting the energy-saving function can exchange frames with the AP during the AP wake-up duration. However, outside the wake-up period, the STA cannot exchange frames with the AP or can only exchange frames with the AP in a restricted manner. The restricted frame exchange includes the exchange of initialization frames and the exchange of response frames corresponding to the initialization frames.

[0080] For STAs that do not support the energy-saving function, the AP can perform one of the following operations on the STA before enabling the energy-saving function:

[0081] (1) The AP actively associates with the STA port;

[0082] (2) The AP guides the STA to perform roaming operations through the BTM request method;

[0083] (3) EHT non-AP MLD that supports the Extremely High Throughput (EHT) MLO function. AP MLD can guide link switching through multilink reconfiguration (ML reconfiguration).

[0084] Step 4: The AP can actively exit the energy-saving function, or the STA can communicate with the AP through a specific frame to make the AP exit the energy-saving function; the AP exits the energy-saving function, and the beacon no longer carries the AP energy-saving information or indicates in the beacon that the AP energy-saving function is turned off.

[0085] Based on the above-mentioned application embodiments, the broadcast target wake-up time parameter set field format (Broadcast TWT Parameter Set field format) can be expanded, and energy-saving information can be transmitted through the Broadcast TWT protocol, see Figure 4, and an access point target wake-up time information (AP TWT Info) field can be newly added in the Broadcast TWT frame structure to describe the AP energy-saving information, see Figure 5. The AP energy-saving information may include the access point target wake-up enablement time and the access point target wake-up enablement link set. In the AP TWT Info field, the AP TWT enablement time (enablement time) indicates the maximum target beacon transmission time (Target Beacon Transmission Time, TBTT) from the time the AP turns on the AP TWT function; the AP TWT enabled link set indicates the link set or link mapping for which the AP energy-saving function is enabled.

[0086] 6 and 7 , a code of 5 may be added to the Broadcast TWT Recommendation, and when the code is 5, it indicates that the Broadcast TWT is an AP TWT.

[0087] In another exemplary embodiment, referring to FIG8 , an energy saving process of a single sub-AP in an AP or an MLD is taken as an example:

[0088] 1. The AP determines the following energy-saving information of the AP based on the periodic traffic map of the currently associated STAs, including: the next wake-up time of the AP, the wake-up duration of the AP, and the wake-up time interval of the AP. For example, if STA1 has frame interaction with the AP 50ms-60ms after the current TBTT, with a period of 200ms; and STA2 has frame interaction with the AP 40ms-50ms after the current TBTT, with a period of 400ms. Based on the periodic traffic map information of the above STAs, the AP determines: the next wake-up time of the AP is 40ms after the TBTT, the wake-up duration of the AP is 20ms, and the wake-up time interval of the AP is 200ms.

[0089] 2. The AP carries the AP TWT information element (IE) in the beacon to inform the AP in advance that it will enter the energy-saving mode, and enables the AP TWT function at the DTIM beacon specified by the AP TWT enablement time.

[0090] 3. The AP enters the sleep state before the next wake-up time arrives. When the next wake-up time arrives, it enters the wake-up state and exchanges frames with the STA. When the frame exchange between the AP and the STA is completed or the AP wake-up duration expires, the AP enters the sleep state again.

[0091] 4. The AP remains in sleep mode until the next wake-up cycle arrives, when it wakes up and sends beacons to start a new round of energy-saving scheduling.

[0092] 5. At a certain point in time, the AP senses changes in the downlink data cache information and actively exits the energy-saving function: the AP remains in the active state and the AP does not carry AP energy-saving information in the beacon.

[0093] In another exemplary embodiment, the device energy saving process may include the following steps:

[0094] 1. The AP determines the following energy-saving information of the AP based on the broadcast TWT parameter information added by the currently associated STAs, including: the next wake-up time of the AP, the wake-up duration of the AP, and the wake-up time interval of the AP; if STA1 joins broadcast TWT 1 (target wake time = 20ms, duration = 30ms, wake interval = 200ms); STA2 joins broadcast TWT 2 (target wake time = 10ms, duration = 20ms, wake interval = 300ms); then the AP determines based on the broadcast TWT information added by the above STAs: the next wake-up time of the AP is 10ms after TBTT, the wake-up duration of the AP is 40ms, and the wake-up time interval of the AP is 100ms.

[0095] 2. The AP carries the AP TWT IE in the beacon to inform the AP in advance that it will enter the energy-saving mode. The AP enables the AP TWT function at the DTIM beacon specified by the AP TWT enablement time.

[0096] 3. The AP enters the sleep state before the next wake-up time arrives. When the next wake-up time arrives, it enters the wake-up state and exchanges frames with the STA. When the frame exchange between the AP and the STA is completed or the AP wake-up duration expires, the AP enters the sleep state again.

[0097] 4. The AP remains in sleep mode until the next wake-up cycle arrives, when it wakes up and sends beacons to start a new round of energy-saving scheduling.

[0098] 5. At a certain point in time, the AP senses changes in the downlink data cache information and actively exits the energy-saving function: the AP remains in the active state and the AP does not carry AP energy-saving information in the beacon.

[0099] In another exemplary embodiment, the device energy-saving process may include the following steps: 1. The AP determines the following energy-saving information of the AP based on the periodic traffic map of the currently associated STAs, including: the next wake-up time point of the AP, the wake-up duration of the AP, and the wake-up time interval of the AP; for example, STA1 has frame interaction with the AP 50ms-60ms after the current TBTT, with a period of 200ms; STA2 has frame interaction with the AP 40ms-50ms after the current TBTT, with a period of 400ms; then the AP determines based on the periodic traffic map information of the above-mentioned STAs: the next wake-up time point of the AP is 40ms after TBTT, the wake-up duration of the AP is 20ms, and the wake-up time interval of the AP is 200ms.

[0100] 2. The AP carries the AP TWT IE in the beacon to inform the AP in advance that it will enter the energy-saving mode. The AP enables the AP TWT function at the DTIM beacon specified by the AP TWT enablement time.

[0101] 3. The AP enters the sleep state before the next wake-up time arrives. When the next wake-up time arrives, it enters the wake-up state and exchanges frames with the STA. When the frame exchange between the AP and the STA is completed or the AP wake-up duration expires, the AP enters the sleep state again.

[0102] 4. The AP remains in sleep mode until the next wake-up cycle arrives, when it wakes up and sends beacons to start a new round of energy-saving scheduling.

[0103] 5. At a certain point in time, the STA senses the change in uplink buffer information and causes the AP to exit the energy-saving function through restrictive frame interaction during the AP's non-awake period. The AP remains in the active state and indicates in the beacon that the AP energy-saving function is disabled.

[0104] FIG9 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a device energy-saving device provided in an embodiment of the present application. The device can execute the device energy-saving method provided in any embodiment of the present application and has the corresponding functional modules and beneficial effects of the execution method. The device can be implemented by software and / or hardware. As shown in FIG9, the device provided in an embodiment of the present application specifically includes:

[0105] The information announcement module 301 is configured to announce access point energy-saving information.

[0106] The energy saving execution module 302 is configured to perform energy saving according to the time point of the energy saving information of the access point.

[0107] The energy-saving exit module 303 is used to exit the energy-saving function.

[0108] Based on the above application embodiment, the energy-saving execution module 302 includes: an energy-saving enabling unit, configured to enable the energy-saving function according to the enabling time point of the access point energy-saving information.

[0109] Based on the above application embodiment, the energy saving information of the access point in the device is determined according to the periodic traffic pattern of the associated workstation on the current link or the target wake-up time of the broadcast group to which the associated workstation joins.

[0110] Based on the above application embodiment, the enabling time point of the access point energy saving function of the access point energy saving information in the device is determined according to the delivery transmission indication pattern count.

[0111] Based on the above application embodiment, the effective link information of the access point energy saving information in the device is determined according to the links using the same access point energy saving information in the multi-link device.

[0112] Based on the above application embodiment, the information announcement module 301 is specifically configured to announce the access point energy saving information via unicast or multicast.

[0113] Based on the above application embodiment, the access point energy saving information in the device includes at least one of the following:

[0114] The next wake-up time of the access point, the duration of the access point wake-up, the interval between the access point wake-up, the link information on which the energy-saving information of the access point takes effect, and the time when the energy-saving function of the access point is enabled.

[0115] Based on the above-mentioned application embodiment, the energy-saving execution module 302 in the device includes at least one of the following:

[0116] The first processing unit is configured to switch to an awake state at a first time point and exchange frames with a workstation within an awake duration, wherein the first time point includes an access point awakening time point in the access point energy saving information announced by a current access point.

[0117] The second processing unit is configured to switch to a sleep state or a non-awakening state at a second time point, wherein the second time point includes at least one of the following: an end time point at which the current access point ends frame exchange with the workstation, and an end time point at which the current access point wakes up for a certain period of time.

[0118] Based on the above-mentioned application embodiment, the second processing unit also includes a device for: performing restrictive frame exchange or no frame interaction with the workstation in the sleep state or non-awakening state, wherein the restrictive frame exchange includes an initial control frame and a response frame exchange corresponding to the initial control frame.

[0119] Based on the above application embodiment, the device does not have an energy-saving function at the workstation, and further includes an association switching unit, which is used to at least one of the following: disconnect the association with the workstation;

[0120] guiding the workstation to perform a roaming operation according to a response mode of the basic service set transition management;

[0121] For non-access point multi-link devices that support very high throughput multi-link operation, link switching is guided by multi-link configuration.

[0122] Based on some application embodiments, the energy-saving exit module 303 includes at least one of the following:

[0123] An active exit unit is used to actively exit the energy-saving function.

[0124] The interactive exit unit is used to interactively exit the energy-saving function in response to a specific frame of the workstation.

[0125] Based on the above-mentioned application embodiment, the effective link information of the access point energy saving information in the device includes at least one of the following: a link set where the access point energy saving is effective; a link mapping where the access point energy saving is effective; and indicator bit information where the access point energy saving is effective indicating that different links have the same access point energy saving information.

[0126] Based on the above application embodiment, the access point energy saving information in the device is the same as the access point energy saving information of at least one other access point, and the access point energy saving information includes a link information identifier corresponding to the other access point.

[0127] Based on the above application embodiment, the energy-saving function enabling time corresponding to the access point energy-saving information in the device at least satisfies that all workstations receive the access point energy-saving information at least once before the access point energy-saving function is enabled.

[0128] Based on the above-mentioned application embodiment, the access point energy saving information within the device is carried by the access point target wakeup field of the broadcast target wakeup frame, wherein the access point energy saving information carried by the access point target wakeup field includes at least the access point target wakeup enablement time and the access point target wakeup enablement link set.

[0129] Figure 10 is a structural diagram of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application, which includes a processor 10, a memory 11, an input device 12 and an output device 13; the number of processors 10 in the electronic device can be one or more, and Figure 10 takes one processor 10 as an example; the processor 10, memory 11, input device 12 and output device 13 in the electronic device can be connected via a bus or other means, and Figure 10 takes connection via a bus as an example.

[0130] The memory 11, as a computer-readable storage medium, can be used to store software programs, computer executable programs, and modules, such as the modules corresponding to the device in the embodiment of the present application (information announcement module 301, energy saving execution module 302, and energy saving exit module 303). The processor 10 executes the various functional applications and data processing of the electronic device by running the software programs, instructions, and modules stored in the memory 11, thereby implementing the above-mentioned device energy saving method.

[0131] The memory 11 may mainly include a program storage area and a data storage area, wherein the program storage area may store an operating system and at least one application required for a function; the data storage area may store data created based on the use of the electronic device, etc. In addition, the memory 11 may include a high-speed random access memory and may also include a non-volatile memory, such as at least one disk storage device, a flash memory device, or other non-volatile solid-state storage device. In some instances, the memory 11 may further include a memory remotely located relative to the processor 10, and these remote memories may be connected to the electronic device via a network. Examples of the above-mentioned network include, but are not limited to, the Internet, an intranet, a local area network, a mobile communication network, and combinations thereof.

[0132] The input device 12 may be used to receive input digital or character information and generate key signal input related to user settings and function control of the electronic device. The output device 13 may include a display device such as a display screen.

[0133] An embodiment of the present application further provides a storage medium containing computer-executable instructions. When the computer-executable instructions are executed by a computer processor, the computer-executable instructions are used to perform a device energy saving method, the method comprising:

[0134] Announce access point energy saving information;

[0135] Performing energy saving according to the time point of the access point energy saving information;

[0136] Exit the energy saving function.

[0137] Through the above description of the implementation methods, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that the present application can be implemented with the help of software and necessary general-purpose hardware, and of course it can also be implemented by hardware, but in many cases the former is a better implementation method. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the present application, or the part that contributes to the prior art, can be embodied in the form of a software product, which can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, such as a computer's floppy disk, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), flash memory (FLASH), hard disk or optical disk, etc., including a number of instructions for enabling a computer device (which can be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute the device energy-saving method described in each embodiment of the present application.

[0138] It is worth noting that in the embodiments of the above-mentioned device, the various units and modules included are only divided according to functional logic, but are not limited to the above-mentioned division, as long as the corresponding functions can be achieved; in addition, the specific names of the functional units are only for the convenience of distinguishing each other, and are not used to limit the scope of protection of this application.

[0139] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that all or some of the steps, devices, and functional modules / units in the methods disclosed above may be implemented as software, firmware, hardware, or appropriate combinations thereof.

[0140] In a hardware implementation, the division between the functional modules / units mentioned in the above description does not necessarily correspond to the division of physical components; for example, a physical component may have multiple functions, or a function or step may be performed by several physical components in cooperation. Some or all of the physical components may be implemented as software executed by a processor, such as a central processing unit, a digital signal processor, or a microprocessor, or implemented as hardware, or implemented as an integrated circuit, such as an application-specific integrated circuit. The corresponding software may be distributed on a computer-readable medium, which may include computer storage media (or non-transitory media) and communication media (or temporary media). As is well known to those skilled in the art, the term computer storage media includes volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storing information (such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data). Computer storage media includes, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, electrically erasable, programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or other memory technology, portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), digital versatile disc (DVD) or other optical disc storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to store the desired information and can be accessed by a computer. In addition, it is well known to those skilled in the art that communication media generally contain computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in a modulated data signal such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism, and may include any information delivery media.

[0141] The above content illustrates the optional embodiments of the present application with reference to the accompanying drawings, and does not limit the scope of the present application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and essence of the present application should be within the scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A device energy saving method, applied to an access point, the method comprising: Announce access point energy saving information; Performing energy saving according to the access point energy saving information; Exit the energy saving function.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The performing energy saving according to the access point energy saving information comprises: enabling the energy saving function according to the enabling time point of the access point energy saving information; 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The access point energy saving information is determined according to a periodic flow map of an associated workstation on a current link or a target wake-up time of a broadcast group to which the associated workstation joins.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The enabling time point of the access point energy saving function of the access point energy saving information is determined according to the delivery transmission indication diagram count.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The effective link information of the access point energy saving information is determined according to the links in the multi-link device that use the same access point energy saving information.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The declaring the access point energy saving information includes: The access point energy saving information is announced through unicast or multicast.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The access point energy saving information includes at least one of the following: The next wake-up time of the access point, the duration of the access point wake-up, the time interval of the access point wake-up, the link information for which the energy-saving information of the access point takes effect, and the time point when the energy-saving function of the access point is enabled.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The performing energy saving according to the access point energy saving information includes at least one of the following: Switching to an awake state at a first time point, and exchanging frames with the workstation within the awake duration, wherein the first time point includes an access point awakening time point in the access point energy saving information announced by the current access point; Switch to a sleep state or a non-awakening state at a second time point, wherein the second time point includes at least one of the following: an end time point when the current access point ends frame exchange with the workstation, and an end time point when the current access point wakes up.

9. The method according to claim 8, further comprising: In the sleep state or the non-awakening state, restrictive frame exchange or no frame interaction is performed with the workstation, wherein the restrictive frame exchange includes an initial control frame and a response frame exchange corresponding to the initial control frame.

10. The method according to claim 8, wherein: The workstation does not have an energy-saving function, and before the energy-saving function is enabled, the workstation further includes at least one of the following: disconnecting from said workstation; guiding the workstation to perform a roaming operation according to a response mode of the basic service set transition management; For non-AP multi-link devices that support very high throughput multi-link operation, link switching is guided by multi-link configuration.

11. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The exiting the energy saving function includes at least one of the following: Actively exit the energy saving function; The energy saving function is exited in response to a specific frame interaction of the workstation.

12. The method according to claim 5, wherein: The effective link information of the access point energy saving information includes at least one of the following: a link set where the access point energy saving is effective; a link mapping where the access point energy saving is effective; and indication bit information where different links have the same access point energy saving information.

13. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The access point energy saving information is the same as the access point energy saving information of at least one other access point, and the access point energy saving information includes a link information identifier corresponding to the other access point.

14. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The energy-saving function enabling time corresponding to the access point energy-saving information at least satisfies that all workstations receive the access point energy-saving information at least once before the access point energy-saving function is enabled.

15. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The access point energy saving information is carried by an access point target wakeup field of a broadcast target wakeup frame, wherein the access point energy saving information carried by the access point target wakeup field includes at least an access point target wakeup enabling time and an access point target wakeup enabling link set.

16. An electronic device, comprising: at least one processor; A memory for storing at least one program; When the at least one program is executed by the at least one processor, the at least one processor implements the device energy saving method as described in any one of claims 1-15.

17. A computer-readable storage medium storing at least one program, wherein the at least one program is executed by at least one processor to implement the device energy saving method according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

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