Device power-saving methods, communication devices and communication system

Abstract

The embodiments of the present disclosure relate to device power-saving methods, communication devices and a communication system. A device power-saving method comprises: on the basis of at least one of a data reception status for at least one first data frame, whether the remaining duration of a first time period is greater than a second time period, and reception acknowledgement information, a first device determining a communication capability mode of the first device, wherein the first data frame comprises a data frame sent by a second device to the first device within the first time period, a first duration comprises a duration required for the first device to perform a reception acknowledgement operation on the at least one first data frame, and the reception acknowledgement information comprises whether a first acknowledgement frame for the at least one first data frame is the last acknowledgement frame within the first time period. The method can further enhance power-saving mechanisms.

Description

Power saving methods for equipment, communication equipment and communication systems Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a power-saving method for a device, a communication device, and a communication system. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, research on Wi-Fi technology includes topics such as Ultra High Reliability (UHR), with the vision of improving the reliability of Wireless Local Area Networks (WLAN) connections, reducing latency, improving manageability, increasing throughput at different signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) levels, and reducing device-level power consumption.

[0003] In UHR, the power-saving mechanism will be further enhanced to simultaneously reduce device energy consumption, ensure device communication service quality, and improve transmission efficiency.

[0004] Summary of the Invention

[0005] This disclosure provides a device power-saving method, a communication device, and a communication system to provide further enhanced power-saving mechanisms.

[0006] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a device power-saving method, executed by a first device, the method comprising:

[0007] The communication capability mode of the first device is determined based on at least one of the following: the data reception status for at least one first data frame, whether the remaining duration of the first time period is greater than that of the second time period, and the reception confirmation information.

[0008] The first data frame includes: a data frame sent by the second device to the first device within a first time period; the first duration includes: the duration required for the first device to perform a reception confirmation operation on the at least one first data frame; the reception confirmation information includes: whether the first confirmation frame for the at least one first data frame is the last confirmation frame within the first time period.

[0009] Secondly, this disclosure also provides a device power-saving method, executed by a second device, the method comprising:

[0010] The communication method for communicating with the first device is determined based on at least one of the following: the data reception status for at least one first data frame, whether the remaining duration of the first time period is greater than the first duration, and the reception confirmation information.

[0011] The first data frame includes: a data frame sent by the second device to the first device within a first time period; the first duration includes: the duration required for the first device to perform a reception confirmation operation on the at least one first data frame; the reception confirmation information includes: whether the first confirmation frame for the at least one first data frame is the last confirmation frame within the first time period.

[0012] Thirdly, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a communication device, which includes a first device, the first device comprising:

[0013] The first determining module is used to determine the communication capability mode of the first device based on at least one of the following: data reception status for at least one first data frame, whether the remaining duration of the first time period is greater than that of the second time period, and reception confirmation information.

[0014] The first data frame includes: a data frame sent by the second device to the first device within a first time period; the first duration includes: the duration required for the first device to perform a reception confirmation operation on the at least one first data frame; the reception confirmation information includes: whether the first confirmation frame for the at least one first data frame is the last confirmation frame within the first time period.

[0015] Fourthly, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a second device included in the aforementioned communication device, the second device comprising:

[0016] The second determining module is used to determine the communication method for communicating with the first device based on at least one of the following: the data reception status for at least one first data frame, whether the remaining duration of the first time period is greater than the first duration, and the reception confirmation information.

[0017] The first data frame includes: a data frame sent by the second device to the first device within the first time period; the first duration includes: the duration required for the first device to perform a reception confirmation operation on the at least one first data frame; the reception confirmation information includes: whether the first confirmation frame for the at least one first data frame is the last confirmation frame within the first time period.

[0018] Fifthly, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a communication device, the communication device including a first device, the first device comprising:

[0019] One or more processors;

[0020] The first device is used to execute the device power-saving method described in the first aspect of the present disclosure.

[0021] Sixthly, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a communication device, the communication device including a second device, the second device including:

[0022] One or more processors;

[0023] The second device is used to execute the device power-saving method described in the second aspect of the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0024] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a communication system, including a first device and a second device;

[0025] The first device is configured to determine the communication capability mode of the first device based on at least one of the following: data reception status for at least one first data frame, whether the remaining duration of the first time period is greater than that of the second time period, and reception confirmation information.

[0026] The second device is used to determine the communication method for communicating with the first device based on at least one of the following: the data reception status of the first device for at least one first data frame, whether the remaining duration of the first time period is greater than the first duration, and the reception confirmation information.

[0027] The first data frame includes: a data frame sent by the second device to the first device within a first time period; the first duration includes: the duration required for the first device to perform a reception confirmation operation on the at least one first data frame; the reception confirmation information includes: whether the first confirmation frame for the at least one first data frame is the last confirmation frame within the first time period.

[0028] Eighthly, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the device power-saving method as described in the first aspect of this disclosure, or to perform the device power-saving method as described in the second aspect of this disclosure.

[0029] In this embodiment, the first device can assess the quality of service (QoS) between the first and second devices by determining the reception status of at least one first data frame sent by the second device to the first device within a first time period. By determining whether the remaining duration of the first time period is greater than the first duration, it can be determined whether there is sufficient time remaining in the first time period for the first device to perform a reception confirmation operation on at least one first data frame. By determining whether the first confirmation frame generated by the first device in performing the reception confirmation operation on at least one data frame is the last confirmation frame in the first time period, it can be determined whether there is sufficient time remaining in the first time period for the first and second devices to continue transmitting new data, thereby further improving transmission efficiency. Furthermore, by determining the communication capability mode of the first device based on at least one of the data reception status of at least one first data frame, whether the remaining duration of the first time period is greater than the first duration, and the reception confirmation information, the communication capability mode of the first device can be determined under the premise of considering the QoS and transmission efficiency between the first and second devices, thereby further reducing device energy consumption and achieving the purpose of device power saving. This realizes the power saving mechanism provided by this embodiment, while simultaneously reducing device energy consumption, ensuring device communication service quality, and improving transmission efficiency.

[0030] Additional aspects and advantages of embodiments of this disclosure will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and will become apparent from the description or may be learned by practice of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0031] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure, the accompanying drawings required for the description of the embodiments are introduced below. The following drawings are only some embodiments of this disclosure and do not impose specific limitations on the protection scope of this disclosure.

[0032] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of the communication system provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0033] Figure 2 is one of the interactive schematic diagrams of the device power-saving method provided in the embodiments of this disclosure;

[0034] Figure 3 is a second interactive schematic diagram of the device power-saving method provided in the embodiments of this disclosure;

[0035] Figure 4a is the third interactive schematic diagram of the device power-saving method provided in the embodiments of this disclosure;

[0036] Figure 4b is a fourth interactive schematic diagram of the device power-saving method provided in the embodiments of this disclosure;

[0037] Figure 4c is the fifth interactive schematic diagram of the device power-saving method provided in the embodiments of this disclosure;

[0038] Figure 4d is the sixth interactive schematic diagram of the device power-saving method provided in the embodiments of this disclosure;

[0039] Figure 4e is the seventh interactive schematic diagram of the device power-saving method provided in the embodiments of this disclosure;

[0040] Figure 5 is a schematic flowchart of one of the device power-saving methods provided in the embodiments of this disclosure;

[0041] Figure 6 is a second schematic flowchart of the device power-saving method provided in the embodiments of this disclosure;

[0042] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first device proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0043] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second device proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0044] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the terminal proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0045] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the chip structure proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0046] This disclosure presents a device power-saving method, a communication device, and a communication system.

[0047] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a device power-saving method, executed by a first device, the method comprising:

[0048] The communication capability mode of the first device is determined based on at least one of the following: the data reception status for at least one first data frame, whether the remaining duration of the first time period is greater than that of the second time period, and the reception confirmation information.

[0049] Wherein, the first data frame includes: a data frame sent by the second device to the first device within the first time period; the first duration includes: the duration required for the first device to perform a reception confirmation operation on the at least one first data frame; the reception confirmation information includes: whether the first confirmation frame for the at least one first data frame is the last confirmation frame within the first time period.

[0050] In the above embodiments, the communication capability mode of the first device is determined based on at least one of the following: the data reception status for at least one first data frame, whether the remaining duration of the first time period is greater than the first duration, and the reception confirmation information. In this way, the communication capability mode of the first device can be determined under the premise of considering the communication service quality and transmission efficiency between the first device and the second device, thereby further reducing device energy consumption and achieving the purpose of device power saving. This realizes the power saving mechanism provided by the embodiments of this disclosure, while taking into account reducing device energy consumption, ensuring device communication service quality, and improving transmission efficiency.

[0051] Secondly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a device power-saving method, executed by a second device, the method comprising:

[0052] The communication method for communicating with the first device is determined based on at least one of the following: the data reception status for at least one first data frame, whether the remaining duration of the first time period is greater than the first duration, and the reception confirmation information.

[0053] Wherein, the first data frame includes: a data frame sent by the second device to the first device within the first time period; the first duration includes: the duration required for the first device to perform a reception confirmation operation on the at least one first data frame; the reception confirmation information includes: whether the first confirmation frame for the at least one first data frame is the last confirmation frame within the first time period.

[0054] In the above embodiments, the second device determines the communication method for communicating with the first device based on at least one of the following: the data reception status for at least one first data frame, whether the remaining duration of the first time period is greater than the first duration, and the reception confirmation information. In this way, communication with the first device can be carried out while taking into account the communication service quality, transmission efficiency, and reduced device power consumption between the first and second devices. This realizes the power saving mechanism provided by the embodiments of this disclosure, while taking into account reducing device power consumption, ensuring device communication service quality, and improving transmission efficiency.

[0055] Thirdly, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a communication device, which includes a first device, and the first device includes at least one of a first determining module; wherein the first device is used to execute an optional implementation of the first aspect.

[0056] Fourthly, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a communication device, which includes a second device, the second device including: a second determining module; wherein the second device is used to execute an optional implementation of the second aspect.

[0057] Fifthly, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a communication device, which includes a first device, the first device comprising:

[0058] One or more processors;

[0059] The first device is used to execute an optional implementation of the first aspect.

[0060] Sixthly, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a communication device, which includes a second device, the second device comprising:

[0061] One or more processors;

[0062] The second device is used to execute an optional implementation of the second aspect.

[0063] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a communication system, including a first device and a second device; wherein the first device is configured to perform the optional implementation as described in the first aspect, and the second device is configured to perform the optional implementation as described in the second aspect.

[0064] Eighthly, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the optional implementation described in the first or second aspect.

[0065] Ninthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a program product that, when executed by a communication device, causes the communication device to perform the method as described in the optional implementation of the first or second aspect.

[0066] In a tenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the methods described in an optional implementation of the first or second aspect.

[0067] Eleventhly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a chip or chip system. The chip or chip system includes processing circuitry configured to perform the methods described in the optional implementations of the first or second aspect above.

[0068] It is understood that the aforementioned communication devices, communication systems, storage media, program products, computer programs, chips, or chip systems are all used to execute the methods proposed in the embodiments of this disclosure. Therefore, the beneficial effects they can achieve can be referred to the beneficial effects in the corresponding methods, and will not be repeated here.

[0069] This disclosure provides a device power-saving method, a communication device, and a communication system. In some embodiments, the terms "device power-saving method" and "signal transmission method," "wireless frame transmission method," etc., can be used interchangeably, as can the terms "information processing system," "communication system," etc.

[0070] This disclosure is not exhaustive, but merely illustrative of some embodiments, and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this disclosure. Unless otherwise specified, each step in a particular embodiment can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the steps can be arbitrarily combined. For example, a solution after removing some steps in a particular embodiment can also be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the order of the steps in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily interchanged. Furthermore, the optional implementation methods in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined; moreover, the embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, for example, some or all steps of different embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, and a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementation methods of other embodiments.

[0071] In each of the disclosed embodiments, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terminology and / or descriptions of the embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. Technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments based on their inherent logical relationships.

[0072] The terminology used in the embodiments of this disclosure is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0073] In the embodiments disclosed herein, "multiple" refers to two or more.

[0074] In some embodiments, the terms “at least one of”, “one or more”, “a plurality of”, “multiple”, etc., may be used interchangeably.

[0075] In some embodiments, the notation "at least one of A and B", "A and / or B", "A in one case, B in another", "in response to one case A, in response to another case B", etc., may include the following technical solutions depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (execute A regardless of B); in some embodiments, B (execute B regardless of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed); in some embodiments, A and B (both A and B are executed). The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0076] In some embodiments, the notation "A or B" may include the following technical solutions, depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (execution of A regardless of B); in some embodiments, B (execution of B regardless of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed). The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0077] The prefixes "first," "second," etc., used in the embodiments of this disclosure are merely for distinguishing different descriptive objects and do not impose restrictions on the position, order, priority, quantity, or content of the descriptive objects. The description of the descriptive objects is found in the claims or the context of the embodiments, and the use of prefixes should not constitute unnecessary restrictions. For example, if the descriptive object is a "field," the ordinal numbers preceding "field" in "first field" and "second field" do not restrict the position or order of the "fields." "First" and "second" do not restrict whether the "fields" they modify are in the same message, nor do they restrict the order of "first field" and "second field." Similarly, if the descriptive object is a "level," the ordinal numbers preceding "level" in "first level" and "second level" do not restrict the priority between "levels." Furthermore, the number of descriptive objects is not limited by ordinal numbers and can be one or more. For example, in "first device," the number of "devices" can be one or more. Furthermore, the objects modified by different prefixes can be the same or different. For example, if the object being described is "device", then "first device" and "second device" can be the same device or different devices, and their types can be the same or different. Similarly, if the object being described is "information", then "first information" and "second information" can be the same information or different information, and their content can be the same or different.

[0078] In some embodiments, “including A,” “containing A,” “for indicating A,” and “carrying A” can be interpreted as directly carrying A or indirectly indicating A.

[0079] In some embodiments, the terms “in response to…”, “in response to determining…”, “in the case of…”, “when…”, “if…”, “if…”, etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0080] In some embodiments, the terms “greater than”, “greater than or equal to”, “not less than”, “more than”, “more than or equal to”, “not less than”, “higher than”, “higher than or equal to”, “not lower than”, and “above” can be used interchangeably, as can the terms “less than”, “less than or equal to”, “not greater than”, “less than”, “less than or equal to”, “not more than”, “lower than”, “lower than or equal to”, “not higher than”, and “below”.

[0081] In some embodiments, the apparatus and device may be interpreted as physical or virtual, and their names are not limited to the names recorded in the embodiments. In some cases, they may also be understood as "equipment", "device", "circuit", "network element", "node", "function", "unit", "section", "system", "network", "chip", "chip system", "entity", "body", etc.

[0082] In some embodiments, "network" can be interpreted as devices included in the network, such as access network devices, core network devices, etc.

[0083] In some embodiments, the acquisition of data, information, etc., may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the location is situated.

[0084] In some embodiments, data, information, etc., may be obtained with the user's consent.

[0085] Furthermore, each element, each row, or each column in the table of this disclosure can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and any combination of any element, any row, or any column can also be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0086] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0087] As shown in Figure 1, the communication system 100 includes a first device 101 and a second device 102.

[0088] Optionally, the first device 101 can be a station (STA) or an access point (AP). The second device 102 can also be a STA or an AP.

[0089] Optionally, in some embodiments, the first device 101 can be a STA and the second device 102 can be an AP; in other embodiments, the first device 101 can be an AP and the second device 102 can be a STA.

[0090] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, AP and STA can be devices that support multiple links. For example, they can be represented as Access Point Multi-Link Device (AP MLD) and Non-Access Point Multi-Link Device (Non-AP MLD), respectively. AP MLD can represent an access point that supports multiple link communication functions, and non-AP MLD can represent a site that supports multiple link communication functions.

[0091] In some embodiments, the first device 101 can be a non-AP MLD and the second device 102 can be an AP MLD; in other embodiments, the first device 101 can be an AP MLD and the second device 102 can be a non-AP MLD.

[0092] In some embodiments, an AP can be an access point for mobile terminals to access a wired network. An AP acts as a bridge connecting wired and wireless networks, its main function being to connect various wireless network clients together and then connect the wireless network to an Ethernet network. Specifically, an AP can be a terminal device or network device equipped with a Wi-Fi chip. Optionally, the AP can support various WLAN standards such as 802.11ax, 802.11be, 802.11ac, 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11bf, and 802.11bn, as well as the next-generation 802.11 protocol, but is not limited to these.

[0093] In some embodiments, the STA includes, for example, a wireless communication chip, a wireless sensor, or a wireless communication terminal that supports Wi-Fi communication. Optionally, the wireless communication terminal may be at least one of, but is not limited to, a mobile phone, a wearable device, an IoT device that supports Wi-Fi communication, a car with Wi-Fi communication capabilities, a smart car, a tablet computer, a computer with wireless transceiver capabilities, a virtual reality (VR) terminal device, an augmented reality (AR) terminal device, a wireless terminal device in industrial control, a wireless terminal device in self-driving, a wireless terminal device in remote medical surgery, a wireless terminal device in a smart grid, a wireless terminal device in transportation safety, a wireless terminal device in a smart city, and a wireless terminal device in a smart home.

[0094] Specifically, the STA can be a terminal device or network device with a Wi-Fi chip. Optionally, the STA can support various WLAN standards such as 802.11ax, 802.11be, 802.11ac, 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11bf, and 802.11bn, as well as the next-generation 802.11 protocol, but is not limited to these.

[0095] It is understood that the communication system described in this disclosure is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of this disclosure, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions proposed in this disclosure. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of system architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions proposed in this disclosure are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0096] The following embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to the communication system 100 shown in FIG1, or to some of the main bodies, but are not limited thereto. The main bodies shown in FIG1 are illustrative. The communication system may include all or some of the main bodies in FIG1, or may include other main bodies outside of FIG1. ​​The number and form of each main body are arbitrary. Each main body may be physical or virtual. The connection relationship between the main bodies is illustrative. The main bodies may not be connected or may be connected. The connection can be in any way, it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection, it can be a wired connection or a wireless connection.

[0097] The embodiments disclosed herein can be applied to Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs), such as LANs using the 802.11 series of protocols. In a WLAN, a Basic Service Set (BSS) is a fundamental component. An BSS network consists of site devices with some association within a specific coverage area. One type of association is where sites communicate directly with each other in a self-organizing network; this is called an Independent Basic Service Set (IBSS). Another more common scenario is that in a BSS network, there is only one central site dedicated to managing the BSS, called an Access Point (AP) device, while other sites in the BSS network that are not APs are called terminals, also known as non-AP STAs. APs and non-AP STAs are collectively referred to as STAs. When describing STAs, it is not necessary to distinguish between APs and non-AP STAs. Within the same BSS network, due to distance, transmission power, etc., a STA cannot detect other STAs that are far away; they are each other's hidden nodes.

[0098] Figure 2 is an interactive schematic diagram of a device power-saving method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 2, the method includes:

[0099] Step 201: The first device 101 determines the communication capability mode of the first device 101 based on at least one of the following: the data reception status for at least one first data frame, whether the remaining duration of the first time period is greater than the second time period, and the reception confirmation information.

[0100] The first data frame includes: a data frame sent by the second device 102 to the first device 101 within a first time period; the first duration includes: the duration required for the first device 101 to perform a reception confirmation operation on at least one first data frame; the reception confirmation information includes: whether the first confirmation frame for at least one first data frame is the last confirmation frame within the first time period.

[0101] The next-generation Wi-Fi technology, Ultra High Reliability (UHR) 802.11bn, aims to improve the reliability of wireless LAN connections, reduce latency, and lower device-level power consumption. Since most UHR devices support multi-link communication, meaning they can be classified as MLD-level devices, further enhancements to power-saving mechanisms are needed when UHR APs and UHR STAs use multiple connections for data transmission.

[0102] Optionally, in a power management method applied to a UHR, the wireless access point (site) device can operate in a lower capability mode. In this lower capability mode, the wireless access point (site) can receive specific wireless frames, such as an initial control frame. That is, when the wireless access point (site) device operates in a lower capability mode, its associated wireless site (access point) device can send an initial control frame to the wireless access point (site) device, causing it to switch to a higher capability mode upon receiving the initial control frame, thus enabling frame exchange with the wireless site (access point) device that sent the initial control frame. Optionally, when the wireless device operates in a lower capability mode, it can operate with a 20MHz bandwidth and perform transmit and receive operations using a single spatial stream and a low-rate MCS (Modulation and Coding Scheme).

[0103] In some embodiments based on the above method, when the third wireless device is in a low-capability mode, after receiving the initial control frame sent by its associated fourth wireless device, it can switch to a higher-capability mode to receive data sent by the fourth wireless device; if the third wireless device successfully receives the data sent by the fourth wireless device, after the current data exchange process ends, the third wireless device can switch to a lower-capability mode to reduce the energy consumption of the third wireless device.

[0104] However, while the above methods can effectively reduce the energy consumption of wireless access point (site) equipment and ensure timely and effective transmission of wireless data to a certain extent, they still have some drawbacks. Referring to the example above, on the one hand, if the third wireless device fails to successfully receive all the data sent by the first wireless device, and if the third wireless device switches to a low-capacity mode, it cannot enter the frame exchange state, resulting in data packet loss. On the other hand, if the fourth wireless device retransmits the unsuccessfully transmitted data, it needs to re-trigger / wake up the third wireless device to switch from a lower capacity mode to a higher capacity mode. This not only affects system transmission efficiency but also incurs additional signaling overhead and is not conducive to energy saving on the third wireless device side.

[0105] Therefore, in this embodiment of the disclosure, in order to simultaneously reduce device energy consumption, ensure device communication service quality, and improve transmission efficiency, the above power management method has been further improved, and a new power-saving mechanism has been proposed.

[0106] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, the first device 101 can be a standalone device (e.g., STA or AP) or a device that supports multi-link communication (e.g., non-AP MLD or AP MLD). Similarly, the second device 102 can be a standalone device (e.g., AP or STA) or a device that supports multi-link communication (e.g., AP MLD or non-AP MLD).

[0107] As an example, the first device 101 can be a STA (Stationary Access Point) and the second device 102 can be an AP (Access Point); as another example, the first device 101 can be an AP and the second device 102 can be a STA; as yet another example, the first device 101 can be a non-AP MLD (Mobile Access Point), and the second device 102 can be an AP MLD; as yet another example, the first device 101 can be an AP MLD and the second device 102 can be a non-AP MLD; as yet another example, the first device 101 can be a STA and the second device 102 can be a Mobile AP. This disclosure does not limit the scope of the embodiments described herein.

[0108] Optionally, taking the first device 101 as an example of a STA, the first device 101 can be a UHR non-AP STA that supports the UHR (Ultra High Reliability) protocol; or it can be an EHT non-AP STA that supports the EHT (Extreme High Throughput) protocol. This disclosure does not limit the specific implementation of the embodiments.

[0109] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, the first time period can be the duration during which the second device 102 successfully competes for the channel and transmits pending data (data to be sent), requiring the channel to be occupied. The first time period can also be the transmission opportunity (TXOP) obtained by the second device 102 through EDCA (enhanced distributed channel access). After the second device 102 obtains the TXOP through EDCA, the device that obtains the TXOP is called the TXOP Holder. The TXOP Holder can inform the receiver (TXOP Responder) of the duration of the obtained TXOP through the Duration field in the radio frame.

[0110] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, the number of first data frames can be one or more. Optionally, when the number of first data frames includes multiple, "at least two consecutive first data frames" can also be referred to as "first data block," "first data packet," etc., and this embodiment of the disclosure does not limit the name. Optionally, the first data frame can be a PPDU.

[0111] Optionally, the reception confirmation operation for the first data frame may include, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: confirming the data reception status of the first data frame, reporting the data reception status of the first data frame to the second device 102, and reporting a first confirmation frame for the first data frame to the second device 102. Optionally, the reception status of the first data frame may be carried in the first confirmation frame for the first data frame.

[0112] Optionally, when the first device 101 performs a reception confirmation operation on at least one first data frame, it may perform the reception confirmation operation on the first data frame one by one, or it may perform the reception confirmation operation on the continuously received first data frames. This embodiment of the present disclosure does not limit this.

[0113] Optionally, when the first device 101 receives the first data frame frame by frame, the first acknowledgment frame can be an ACK (Acknowledgment) frame. When the first device 101 performs a reception acknowledgment operation on the continuously received first data frames, the first acknowledgment frame can be a Block Ack (Block Acknowledgment) frame (also simply referred to as a BA frame). In this embodiment of the disclosure, the example of the first device 101 performing a reception acknowledgment operation on the continuously received first data frames will be used for explanation.

[0114] Optionally, the first duration may include the duration required for the first device 101 to perform an acknowledgment operation on all the first data frames.

[0115] In this embodiment of the disclosure, it can be determined whether there is still sufficient time remaining within the first time period, allowing the first device 101 to perform a reception confirmation operation on at least one first data frame, based on whether the remaining duration of the first time period is greater than or equal to the first duration. Specifically, if the remaining duration of the first time period is greater than or equal to the first duration, it can be determined that there is still sufficient time remaining within the first time period, allowing the first device 101 to perform a reception confirmation operation on at least one first data frame. If the remaining duration of the first time period is less than the first duration, it can be determined that there is not sufficient time remaining within the first time period, allowing the first device 101 to perform a reception confirmation operation on at least one first data frame.

[0116] Optionally, the data reception status of the first data frame may include: the data carried in the first data frame was successfully received (i.e., the first device 101 successfully received all the data carried in the first data frame), or the data carried in the first data frame was not successfully received (i.e., the first device 101 did not successfully receive all the data carried in the first data frame).

[0117] Optionally, the first device 101 may carry the data reception status of the first device 101 for at least one first data frame in the first acknowledgment frame. As an example, the first acknowledgment frame may include a Block Ack Bitmap subfield, which includes at least one bit, each bit corresponding to the data reception status of a data frame. Specifically, for each bit, when the bit is set to "1", it indicates that the data carried in the data frame corresponding to the bit has been successfully received; when the bit is set to "0", it indicates that the data carried in the data frame corresponding to the bit has failed to be received. Similarly, in the first acknowledgment frame, if all bits of the Block Ack Bitmap subfield are set to "1", it indicates that the data carried by the first data block corresponding to the first acknowledgment frame has been completely and successfully received; if all bits of the Block Ack Bitmap subfield are set to "0", it indicates that the data carried by the first data block corresponding to the first acknowledgment frame has not been successfully received; if some bits of the Block Ack Bitmap subfield are set to "0", it indicates that the data carried by the first data block corresponding to the first acknowledgment frame has not been completely and successfully received, that is, at least one first data frame has not been successfully received (for example, at least one MPDU (MAC Protocol Data Unit; MAC stands for Medium Access Control) in at least one data frame has not been successfully received).

[0118] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the quality of service (QoS) between the first device 101 and the second device 102 can be evaluated by determining the reception status of the first device 101 for the first data frame. Specifically, if all first data frames are successfully received, it can be determined that the first device 101 can successfully receive all the data sent by the second device 102, and the QoS between the first device 101 and the second device 102 is good. If at least one first data frame is not fully received, it can be determined that the first device 101 cannot successfully receive all the data sent by the second device 102, and the QoS between the first device 101 and the second device 102 is poor.

[0119] Optionally, in order to ensure the quality of communication service during the communication process between the first device 101 and the second device 102, the second device 102 may retransmit the unreceived data if it determines that at least one first data frame has not been successfully received.

[0120] Optionally, after receiving the first acknowledgment frame sent by the first device 101, the second device 102 can determine whether a data retransmission operation is needed based on the data reception status of the first data frame carried in the first acknowledgment frame. For example, if there are bits set to "0" in the Block Ack Bitmap subfield of the first acknowledgment frame, it is determined that a data retransmission operation is needed; if all bits in the Block Ack Bitmap subfield of the first acknowledgment frame are set to "1", it can be determined that a data retransmission operation is not needed.

[0121] Optionally, the first confirmation frame may be the last confirmation frame within the first time period, i.e., whether the first device 101 sends a BA frame to the second device 102 for the last time within the first time period.

[0122] Optionally, if the first confirmation frame is not the last confirmation frame in the first time period, it can be indicated that the first device 101 can still perform a reception confirmation operation for new data during the remaining duration of the first time period, that is, the first device 101 and the second device 102 can continue to communicate during the remaining duration of the first time period.

[0123] In this embodiment of the disclosure, by determining whether the first confirmation frame is the last confirmation frame in the first time period, it can be determined whether there is still enough time in the first time period so that the first device 101 and the second device 102 can continue to transmit new data, thereby further improving the transmission efficiency.

[0124] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the communication capability mode of the first device 101 is determined based on at least one of the following: the data reception status for at least one first data frame, whether the remaining duration of the first time period is greater than the first duration, and the reception confirmation information. In this way, the communication capability mode of the first device 101 can be determined under the premise of considering the communication service quality and transmission efficiency between the first device 101 and the second device 102, thereby further reducing device energy consumption and achieving the purpose of saving power. This realizes the power saving mechanism provided by this embodiment of the disclosure, while taking into account reducing device energy consumption, ensuring device communication service quality, and improving transmission efficiency.

[0125] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, the communication capability mode includes a first capability mode or a second capability mode; wherein, for all communication parameters in at least one communication parameter, the parameter value in the first capability mode is less than the parameter value in the second capability mode.

[0126] Optionally, the first capability mode may also be referred to as a first capability communication mode, a first power mode, a low-energy communication mode, a low-capability communication mode, a low-power communication mode, a listening mode, a lower capability mode, or a low-power communication phase, etc., and this disclosure does not limit the name. The second capability mode may also be referred to as a second capability communication mode, a second power mode, a high-energy communication mode, a high-capability communication mode, a high-power communication mode, a higher capability mode, or a high-power communication phase, etc., and this disclosure does not limit the name.

[0127] Optionally, the communication parameters corresponding to the first capability mode or the second capability mode may include, but are not limited to, bandwidth (BW), supported MCS (Modulation and Coding Scheme) methods (e.g., MCS index value), NSS (number of Spatial Streams), etc.

[0128] Optionally, in the first capability mode, the device supports an operating bandwidth of 20MHz (Mega Hertz) (i.e., BW = 20MHz), the number of SSs is 1 (i.e., NSS = 1, single spatial stream), and the maximum value of the MCS index is 6, meaning the MCS index value can be any value from 0 to 6, for example, an MCS index value of 5, etc. In the second capability mode, the device supports a bandwidth greater than or equal to 20MHz, for example, any one or more of 40MHz, 80MHz, 160MHz, or 320MHz, the number of SSs can be greater than or equal to 2, the MCS index can be greater than or equal to 6, etc.

[0129] Optionally, in one communication mode, the MCS information supported by the device is associated with multiple communication parameters. For example, the communication parameters associated with the MCS information may include, but are not limited to: NSS, the modulation scheme supported by each spatial stream, coding rate, BW, device transmission resource type [e.g., Resource Unit RU, Multiple Resource Unit (MRU), Distributed Resource Unit (dRU), UEQM, etc.], whether the device supports BW punctured channel pattern, and at least one of the punctured channel density supported by the device.

[0130] For example, regarding each communication parameter, does the device support its specific parameter values? For instance, for NSS, the maximum NSS supported by the device could be 4, 8, or 16. Taking modulation schemes as an example, the modulation schemes supported by a spatial stream supported by the device could be at least one of Binary Phase Shift Keying (BPSK), Quadrature Phase Shift Keying (QPSK), Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM), 64-QAM, 256-QAM, 1024-QAM, and 4096-QAM. Taking coding rate as an example, the coding rate supported by a spatial stream supported by the device could be 1 / 2, 2 / 3, 3 / 4, or 5 / 6. Taking BW as an example, the BW supported by the device could be at least one of 20MHz, 40MHz, 80MHz, 160MHz, and 320MHz. When the device supports BW punch channel mode, the punch channel density supported by the device may be at least one of 20MHz, 40MHz, 80MHz, 160MHz, and 320MHz.

[0131] For a given device, the MCS information it supports can be found in Table 1.

[0132] Table 1

[0133] As shown in Table 1, n, n+1, n+2, n+3, n+4, etc., are merely examples used to distinguish the differences between each row. Specific values ​​need to be adjusted according to the actual situation. In each row, the NSS, modulation, coding rate, transmission resource type, BW, whether puncturing is supported, and puncturing channel density corresponding to the device can be arbitrarily combined, and the corresponding MCS index value will differ under different combinations. For example, in the first row, the MCS index values ​​corresponding to different combinations can be t, t+1, t+2, ..., etc.

[0134] Referring to Figure 3, in another example provided in this embodiment of the disclosure, before step 201, i.e. before the first device 101 determines the communication capability mode of the first device 101, the method further includes:

[0135] In step 301, the second device 102 sends a second radio frame to the first device 101; wherein the second radio frame is used to instruct the first device 101 to switch from a first capability mode to a second capability mode. Accordingly, the first device 101 receives the second radio frame sent by the second device 102.

[0136] Optionally, the second radio frame may include, but is not limited to, an initial control frame (ICF).

[0137] Optionally, if the first device 101 is a UHR non-AP STA, the first device 101 may be in a first capability mode before receiving the second radio frame sent by the second device 102; if the first device 101 is an EHT non-AP STA, the first device 101 may be in a power saving mode before receiving the second radio frame sent by the second device 102.

[0138] Alternatively, in other embodiments, the second wireless frame may be used as a trigger frame to instruct the first device 101 to switch from the current communication mode to the second capability mode.

[0139] In step 302, the first device 101 switches from the first capability mode to the second capability mode and sends a third radio frame to the second device 102; wherein the third radio frame is used to identify that the first device 101 has switched from the first capability mode to the second capability mode. Accordingly, the second device 102 receives the third radio frame sent by the first device 101.

[0140] Continuing with the previous example, if the second radio frame is used as a trigger frame to instruct the first device 101 to switch from the current communication mode to the second capability mode, then if the first device 101 is a UHR non-AP STA, it can switch from the first capability mode to the second capability mode after receiving the second radio frame; if the first device 101 is an EHT non-AP STA, it can switch from the power saving mode to the second capability mode after receiving the second radio frame.

[0141] Optionally, the third radio frame may also be referred to as a response frame in response to the second radio frame, for example, it may include, but is not limited to, an initial control response (ICR).

[0142] In this embodiment of the disclosure, by steps 301 and 302, the first device 101 can be switched to the second capability mode, that is, enter the frame exchange state, so as to exchange frames with the second device 102.

[0143] In step 303, after receiving the third wireless frame, the second device 102 sends at least one first data frame and at least one first wireless frame to the first device 101; wherein the first wireless frame is used to request the first device 101 to acknowledge receipt of at least one first data frame. Correspondingly, the first device 102 receives at least one first data frame and at least one first wireless frame sent by the second device 102.

[0144] Optionally, the number of first radio frames may be the same as or less than the number of first data frames. That is, the first device 101 may be requested to perform a reception confirmation operation for one or more first data frames (i.e., first data blocks) through the first radio frames. Correspondingly, the first device 101 may carry the transmission status for one or more first data frames in the first confirmation frame.

[0145] Optionally, the first radio frame may include, but is not limited to, a BACKReq frame (Block Acknowledgment Request) or a MU-BAR (Multi-User Block Acknowledgment Request) trigger frame.

[0146] The following describes how the communication capability mode of the first device 101 is determined based on different combinations of "data reception status for at least one first data frame", "whether the remaining duration of the first time period is greater than the first duration", and "receive confirmation information":

[0147] Scenario 1: Referring to Figure 4a, step 201 above (i.e., determining the communication capability mode of the first device 101) may include:

[0148] Step 401a: If the first device 101 fails to receive at least one first data frame, and the first acknowledgment frame is the last acknowledgment frame in the first time period, and the remaining duration of the first time period is greater than or equal to the first duration, the first device 101 maintains the second capability mode in the second time period, and switches to the first capability mode when the end time of the second time period arrives; wherein, the second time period includes: the time period in which the second device 102 performs retransmission operations based on a preset duration or a preset number of retransmissions.

[0149] Optionally, a preset duration or a preset number of retransmissions can be set according to actual communication needs, and this embodiment does not limit this.

[0150] Optionally, the second time period can be understood as the time period during which the first device 101 waits for the second device 102 to perform a retransmission operation. As an example, after the first time period ends, a preset duration can be added to the end time of the first time period (hereinafter referred to as the "first end time") to obtain the end time of the second device 102 completing the retransmission operation based on the preset duration (hereinafter referred to as the "second end time"). The time period between the first end time and the second end time is then defined as the second time period. Alternatively, after the first time period ends, the duration required for the second device 102 to perform a retransmission operation based on a preset number of retransmissions can be added to the first end time to obtain the end time of the second device 102 completing the retransmission operation (hereinafter referred to as the "third end time"). The time period between the first end time and the third end time is then defined as the second time period.

[0151] In the above embodiments, the first device 101 can wait for the second device 102 to perform a retransmission operation in the second capability mode during the second time period. When the second device 102 performs a retransmission operation during this time period, it is not necessary to re-trigger / wake up the first device 101 to enter the second capability mode, so that communication with the first device 101 can continue. This achieves the goal of improving the communication service quality and communication efficiency between the first device 101 and the second device 102, while avoiding the additional signaling overhead caused by re-triggering / wake up the first device 101 to enter the second capability mode. After the second time period ends, switching to the first capability mode can further reduce device energy consumption and achieve the purpose of device power saving.

[0152] Referring to Figure 4a, during the execution of step 401a, or after the completion of step 401a, the device power-saving method provided in this embodiment may further include:

[0153] In step 402a, the second device 102 determines the communication method for communicating with the first device 101 by performing any of the following operations (step 4021a or step 4021b):

[0154] In step 4021a, the second device 102 successfully competes for the channel during the second time period and sends a second data frame to the first device 101; or, receives an acknowledgment frame from the first device 101 for the data frame received by the first device 101. Accordingly, before the end time of the second time period arrives, the first device 101 receives the second data frame sent by the second device 102; and / or sends an acknowledgment frame to the second device 102 for the received data frame.

[0155] The data carried in the second data frame includes: at least one data carried in the first data frame that the first device 101 failed to receive.

[0156] Optionally, the frame format of the second data frame can refer to the frame format of the first data frame, or it can be PPDU.

[0157] Optionally, referring to other related parts in the embodiment involved in step 401a, if the remaining duration of the first time period is greater than or equal to the first duration, then the first device 101 may send a first confirmation frame to the second device 102 within the first time period.

[0158] Optionally, the acknowledgment frame sent by the first device 101 and received by the second device 102 for the data frame received by the first device 101 may include, but is not limited to, the first acknowledgment frame and the acknowledgment frame of the first device 101 for the second data frame.

[0159] Optionally, referring to the above, if the first device 101 fails to receive at least one first data frame, the second device 102 needs to perform a data retransmission operation on the data that the first device 101 failed to receive in order to ensure communication quality and avoid data loss. Also, referring to other related parts in the embodiment involved in step 401a, the first device 101 is in the second capability mode during the second time period. Therefore, the second device 102 competes for the channel during the second time period, and after successfully competing for the channel, it can directly send the second data frame to the first device 101 through the successfully competed channel.

[0160] Optionally, after the first device 101 has successfully received the data carried in the first data frame (i.e., the second device 102 determines that no data retransmission operation is needed), if the second device 102 still holds the TXOP corresponding to the successful contention of the channel, the second device 102 can continue to send new data to be sent to the first device 101 to further improve communication efficiency.

[0161] In step 4022a, after the end time of the second time period arrives, the second device 102 successfully elects a channel and sends a fourth radio frame to the first device 101; wherein the fourth radio frame is used to instruct the first device 101 to switch from the first capability mode to the second capability mode. Accordingly, the first device 101 receives the fourth radio frame sent by the second device 102.

[0162] Optionally, as described above, after the end time of the second time period arrives, the first device 101 will switch to the first capability mode. Therefore, if the second device 102 successfully competes for the channel after the end time of the second time period arrives, it is necessary to re-trigger / wake up the first device 101 to enter the second capability mode through the fourth radio frame.

[0163] Optionally, the second device 102 may refer to other related parts in the embodiment involved in step 301, and re-trigger / wake up the first device 101 to enter the second capability mode through the fourth wireless frame; and after the first device 101 enters the second capability mode, it performs corresponding operations based on other related parts in the embodiment involved in step 201, which will not be elaborated here.

[0164] Optionally, referring to other related parts in the embodiment involved in step 2021a, after the second device 102 successfully competes for the channel after the end time of the second time period arrives, it can directly send the second data frame to the first device 101 through the successfully competed channel; and after the first device 101 completely and successfully receives the data carried in the first data frame, if the second device 102 still holds the TXOP corresponding to the successfully competed channel, the second device 102 can continue to send new data to be sent to the first device 101 to further improve communication efficiency.

[0165] Scenario 2: Referring to Figure 4b, step 201 above (i.e., determining the communication capability mode of the first device 101) includes:

[0166] Step 401b: If the first device 101 fails to receive at least one first data frame, and the first acknowledgment frame is not the last acknowledgment frame in the first time period, and the remaining duration of the first time period is greater than or equal to the first duration, the first device 101 maintains the second capability mode and switches to the first capability mode when the first time arrives; wherein, the first time is the later of the end time of the first time period and the end time of the second time period.

[0167] Optionally, referring to the above, if the first acknowledgment frame is not the last acknowledgment frame within the first time period, it indicates that the first device 101 and the second device 102 can continue to communicate for the remaining duration of the first time period. Therefore, if the second device 102 determines that the first device 101 has not successfully received at least one first data frame, and the first acknowledgment frame is not the last acknowledgment frame within the first time period, the second device 102 can perform a retransmission operation before the first time period arrives, retransmitting the data that the first device 101 failed to receive.

[0168] In the above embodiment, before the first time arrives, the first device 101 waits for the second device 102 to perform a retransmission operation in the second capability mode. In this way, when the second device 102 performs a retransmission operation during the time period, it is not necessary to re-trigger / wake up the first device 101 to enter the second capability mode, so that communication with the first device 101 can continue. This achieves the goal of improving the communication service quality and communication efficiency between the first device 101 and the second device 102, while avoiding the additional signaling overhead caused by re-triggering / wake up the first device 101 to enter the second capability mode. After the first time ends, switching to the first capability mode can further reduce device energy consumption and achieve the purpose of device power saving.

[0169] Referring to Figure 4b, during the execution of step 401b, or after the completion of step 401b, the device power-saving method provided in this embodiment may further include:

[0170] In step 402b, the second device 102 determines the communication method for communicating with the first device 101 by performing any of the following operations (step 4021b, step 4022b, or step 4023b):

[0171] Step 4021b: Before the end time of the first time period arrives, send a third data frame to the first device 101; and / or receive an acknowledgment frame sent by the first device 101 for the data frame received by the first device 101. The data carried in the third data frame includes data carried in at least one first data frame that the first device 101 failed to receive.

[0172] Referring to other related parts in the embodiments involved in step 4021a, the data carried in the third data frame can be determined based on the content carried in the second data frame. The third data frame can also be a PPDU.

[0173] Optionally, referring to other related parts in the embodiment involved in step 401b, if the remaining duration of the first time period is greater than or equal to the first duration, then the first device 101 may send a first confirmation frame to the second device 102 within the first time period.

[0174] Optionally, the acknowledgment frame sent by the first device 101 and received by the second device 102 for the data frame received by the first device 101 may include, but is not limited to, the first acknowledgment frame and the acknowledgment frame of the first device 101 for the third data frame.

[0175] In step 4021b, since the first device 101 and the second device 102 can continue to communicate for the remaining duration of the first time period, the second device 102 can retransmit the data that the first device 101 failed to receive before the end time of the first time period arrives.

[0176] Step 4022b: After the end time of the first time period arrives and the channel is successfully contested during the second time period, a third data frame is sent to the first device 101; and / or, an acknowledgment frame sent by the first device 101 for the data frame received by the first device 101 is received.

[0177] Optionally, the execution content of step 4022b can be specifically referred to in other related parts of the embodiment involved in step 4021a, and will not be repeated here. In short, after successfully competing for the channel at the end of the second time period, the second device 102 can directly send the third data frame to the first device 101 through the successfully competed channel; and after the first device 101 has completely and successfully received the data carried in the first data frame, if the second device 102 still holds the TXOP corresponding to the successfully competed channel, the second device 102 can continue to send new data to be sent to the first device 101 to further improve communication efficiency.

[0178] In steps 4011b and 4012b, correspondingly, before the first device 101 arrives at the first time, it receives the third data frame sent by the second device 102; and / or sends an acknowledgment frame to the second device 102 for the received data frame.

[0179] Step 4023b: After the end time of the first time period arrives and after the end time of the second time period arrives, the device successfully competes for the channel and sends a fifth radio frame to the first device 101; wherein the fifth radio frame is used to instruct the first device 101 to switch from the first capability mode to the second capability mode. Accordingly, the first device 101 receives the fifth radio frame sent by the second device 102.

[0180] Optionally, the execution content of step 4023b can be specifically referred to in other related parts of the embodiment involved in step 4022a, and will not be repeated here.

[0181] Optionally, after the end time of the second time period arrives, the first device 101 will switch to the first capability mode. Therefore, if the second device 102 successfully competes for the channel after the end time of the second time period arrives, it is necessary to re-trigger / wake up the first device 101 to enter the second capability mode through the fifth radio frame.

[0182] Optionally, the second device 102 may refer to other related parts in the embodiment involved in step 301, and re-trigger / wake up the first device 101 to enter the second capability mode through the fifth wireless frame; and after the first device 101 enters the second capability mode, it performs corresponding operations based on other related parts in the embodiment involved in step 201, which will not be elaborated here.

[0183] Optionally, after the second device 102 successfully competes for the channel after the end of the second time period, it can directly send the third data frame to the first device 101 through the successfully competed channel; and after the first device 101 has completely and successfully received the data carried in the first data frame, if the second device 102 still holds the TXOP corresponding to the successfully competed channel, the second device 102 can continue to send new data to be sent to the first device 101 to further improve communication efficiency.

[0184] Scenario 3: Referring to Figure 4c, step 201 above (i.e., determining the communication capability mode of the first device 101) includes:

[0185] Step 401c: If the first device 101 successfully receives the first data frame, and the first confirmation frame is the last confirmation frame in the first time period, and the remaining duration of the first time period is greater than or equal to the first duration, the first device 101 switches to the first capability mode when the end time of the first time period arrives.

[0186] Optionally, since the remaining duration of the first time period is greater than or equal to the first duration, the first device 101 may send a first confirmation frame to the second device 102 within the first time period.

[0187] In the above embodiment, since the first device 101 has successfully received the first data frame sent by the second device 102, when the end time of the first time period arrives, the first device 101 switches to the first capability mode. In this way, while taking into account the communication service quality and communication efficiency between the first device 101 and the second device 102, the device energy consumption can be further reduced, thereby achieving the purpose of saving power.

[0188] Referring to Figure 4c, during or after the execution of step 401c, the device power-saving method provided in this embodiment may further include:

[0189] Step 402c, the second device 102 determines the communication method for communicating with the first device 101 by performing the following operations:

[0190] After the end of the first time period, the second device 102 successfully competes for the channel and sends a sixth radio frame to the first device 101; wherein the sixth radio frame is used to instruct the first device 101 to switch from the first capability mode to the second capability mode. Accordingly, the first device 101 receives the sixth radio frame sent by the second device 102.

[0191] Optionally, after the end of the first time period arrives, the second device 102 can still obtain a new time period for communicating with the first device 101 by re-entering the channel contention operation, and re-trigger / wake up the first device 101 to enter the second capability mode, and communicate with the first device 101 during the re-acquired time period.

[0192] Optionally, the second device 102 may refer to other related parts in the embodiment involved in step 301, and re-trigger / wake up the first device 101 to enter the second capability mode through the sixth wireless frame; and after the first device 101 enters the second capability mode, it performs corresponding operations based on other related parts in the embodiment involved in step 201, which will not be elaborated here.

[0193] Scenario 4: Referring to Figure 4d, step 201 above (i.e., determining the communication capability mode of the first device 101) includes:

[0194] In step 401d, if the first device 101 successfully receives the first data frame and the first confirmation frame is not the last confirmation frame in the first time period, and the remaining duration of the first time period is greater than or equal to the first duration, the first device 101 maintains the second capability mode and continues to communicate with the second device 102 in the first time period.

[0195] Optionally, as described above, if the first confirmation frame is not the last confirmation frame within the first time period, it indicates that the first device 101 and the second device 102 can continue to communicate for the remaining duration of the first time period.

[0196] Optionally, if the first device 101 successfully receives the first data frame and the remaining duration of the first time period is greater than or equal to the first duration, the first device 101 may continue to communicate with the second device 102 in the second capability mode for the remaining duration of the first time period after sending the first confirmation frame to the second device 102.

[0197] Case 5: Referring to Figure 4e, step 201 above (i.e., determining the communication capability mode of the first device 101) includes:

[0198] Step 401e: If the remaining duration of the first time period is less than the first duration, the first device 101 switches to the first capability mode when the end time of the first time period arrives.

[0199] Optionally, if the remaining duration of the first time period is less than the first duration, the first device 101 may not send the first confirmation frame to the second device 102.

[0200] In the above embodiment, if there is no remaining time for the first device 101 to perform a receiving confirmation operation on at least one first data frame within the first time period, the first device 101 switches to the first capability mode when the end time of the first time period arrives; in this way, the device energy consumption of the first device 101 can be reduced, thereby achieving the purpose of saving power.

[0201] Referring to Figure 4e, during the execution of step 401e, or after the completion of step 401e, the device power-saving method provided in this embodiment may further include:

[0202] In step 402e, the second device 102 determines the communication method for communicating with the first device 101 by performing the following operations:

[0203] After the first time period ends, the second device 102 successfully competes for the channel and sends a seventh radio frame to the first device 101; wherein the seventh radio frame is used to instruct the first device 101 to switch from a first capability mode to a second capability mode. Accordingly, the first device 101 receives the seventh radio frame sent by the second device 102.

[0204] Optionally, the second device 102 may refer to other related parts in the embodiment involved in step 301, and re-trigger / wake up the first device 101 to enter the second capability mode through the seventh wireless frame; and after the first device 101 enters the second capability mode, it performs corresponding operations based on other related parts in the embodiment involved in step 201, which will not be elaborated here.

[0205] Optionally, after the first device 101 re-enters the second capability mode, the first device 101 can continue to refer to other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2, 3, 4a to 4d above to determine the communication capability mode of the first device 101. Correspondingly, the second device 102 can determine the way to communicate with the first device 101.

[0206] In conjunction with other optional implementations described before or after the specifications corresponding to Figures 2, 3, 4a to 4e, the embodiments of this disclosure also include the following optional implementation methods:

[0207] 1. The second device 102 sends an initial control frame (ICF) to its associated first device 101. This initial control frame instructs the first device 101 to switch from a low-capability mode to a high-capability mode.

[0208] 2. Upon receiving the initial control frame, the first device 101 switches to the high-capability mode and sends an initial control response (ICR) frame to the second device 102, indicating that the second device 102 has completed the state switch.

[0209] 3. After receiving the ICR frame, the second device 102 sends a data block (i.e., at least one first data frame) and at least one first radio frame to the first device 101 within the first TXOP (i.e., the first time period). The first radio frame may be a BACKReq frame or a MU-BAR trigger frame, and the first radio frame is used to request the first device 101 to confirm the transmission status of the aforementioned data block.

[0210] 4. After receiving the first radio frame sent by the second device 102, the first device 101 performs at least one of the following operations:

[0211] 4.1. If the remaining TXOP of the first TXOP is sufficient for the first device 101 to send the first acknowledgment frame, then the first device 101 sends the first acknowledgment frame to the second device 102 after a short frame interval. This first acknowledgment frame is used to acknowledge the reception status of the data block sent by the second device 102. Optionally, the first acknowledgment frame may include a BA frame. Specifically, the first device 101 performs any of the following operations:

[0212] A. If the first acknowledgment frame is the last BA frame before the end of the first TXOP, and the first acknowledgment frame indicates that all data blocks have been successfully received (i.e. all bits of the Block Ack Bitmap subfield in the first acknowledgment frame are set to 1), after the first device 101 sends the first acknowledgment frame to the second device 102, it switches to low capability mode after the end of the first TXOP.

[0213] B. If the first acknowledgment frame is the last BA frame before the end of the first TXOP, and the first acknowledgment frame indicates that some MPDUs were not successfully received (i.e., a bit in the Block Ack Bitmap subfield of the first acknowledgment frame is set to 0), after sending the first acknowledgment frame to the second device 102, the first device 101 maintains high-capability mode during the first transmission time (i.e., before the end time of the second time period arrives) and performs at least one of the following operations:

[0214] (1) Receive PPDU (including second data frame and new data to be sent by second device 102 to first device 101 after first device 101 has successfully received the data carried in the first data frame) sent by second device 102.

[0215] (2) Send the necessary response frames to the second device 102 (including response frames for the second data frame and response frames for new data to be sent);

[0216] (3) After the first transmission time arrives, the first device 101 switches to low-capacity mode.

[0217] C. If the first acknowledgment frame is not the last BA frame before the end of the first TXOP, and the first acknowledgment frame indicates that some MPDUs were not successfully received, after sending the first acknowledgment frame to the second device 102, the first device 101 maintains high-capability mode and performs at least one of the following operations:

[0218] (1) Receive PPDU (including third data frame and new data to be sent by second device 102 to first device 101 after first device 101 has successfully received the data carried in the first data frame) sent by second device 102;

[0219] (2) Send the necessary response frames to the second device 102 (including response frames for the third data frame and response frames for new data to be sent);

[0220] (3) When the latest end time (i.e. the first time) is reached between the end time of the first TXOP and the end time of the first transmission time, the first device 101 switches to low capability mode.

[0221] D. If the first acknowledgment frame is not the last BA frame before the end of the first TXOP, and the first acknowledgment frame indicates that all data blocks have been successfully received, after sending the first acknowledgment frame to the second device 102, the first device 101 continues to maintain high capability mode within the first TXOP, communicates with the second device 102, and performs the corresponding operation according to the above situation AC.

[0222] 4.2. If the remaining TXOP of the first TXOP is insufficient for the first device 101 to send the first acknowledgment frame, the first device 101 switches to low capability mode after the first TXOP ends.

[0223] 5. Corresponding to the first device 101 performing the operations described in cases 4.1 to 4.2 above, the second device 102 may perform the following operations:

[0224] 5.1. Corresponding to 4.1A, the second device 102 receives the first acknowledgment frame sent by the first device 101 within the first TXOP, and re-participates in channel contention after the first TXOP ends. After successfully contentioning for the channel, the second device 102 initializes the transmission process with the first device 101 according to steps 1 to 2.

[0225] 5.2. Corresponding to 4.1B, the second device 102 performs at least one of the following operations:

[0226] (1) Participating in channel contention;

[0227] (2) Within the first TXOP, the device 102 receives the first acknowledgment frame sent by the first device 101, and if the channel is successfully contested within the first transmission time, the device 102 sends a PPDU (including the second data frame and, after the first device 101 has fully and successfully received the data carried in the first data frame, the second device 102 continues to send new data to the first device 101) to the first device 101, and / or receives the necessary response frames sent by the first device 101 (including the response frame for the second data frame and the response frame for the new data to be sent).

[0228] (3) After the first transmission time arrives, if the channel is successfully contested, the transmission process with the first device 101 is initialized according to steps 1 to 2.

[0229] 5.3. Corresponding to 4.1C, the second device 102 performs at least one of the following operations:

[0230] (1) During the first TXOP, the first acknowledgment frame sent by the first device 101 is received. Before the end of the first TXOP (the end time of the first transmission time is not later than the end time of the first TXOP), the second device 102 sends a PPDU (including a third data frame and new data to be sent to the first device 101 after the first device 101 has successfully received the data carried in the first data frame) to the first device 101, and / or, the second device 102 receives necessary response frames (including response frames for the third data frame and response frames for the new data to be sent) sent by the first device 101.

[0231] (2) After the first TXOP ends (the end time of the first transmission time is later than the end time of the first TXOP), perform the corresponding operation according to step 5.2.

[0232] 5.4. Corresponding to 4.1D, the second device 102, within the first TXOP, receives the first acknowledgment frame sent by the first device 101, and sends a PPDU to the first device 101 and / or receives the necessary response frame; and performs the corresponding operations according to the situations in steps 5.1 to 5.3.

[0233] 5.5. Corresponding to 4.2, after the first TXOP ends, the second device 102 re-participates in the channel contention. After successfully competing for the channel, it initializes the transmission process with the first device 101 according to steps 1 to 2.

[0234] In some embodiments, the names of information, etc., are not limited to the names described in the embodiments. Terms such as "information", "message", "signal", "signaling", "report", "configuration", "indication", "instruction", "command", "channel", "parameter", "domain", "field", "symbol", "bit", "data", "program", and "chip" can be used interchangeably.

[0235] In some embodiments, terms such as “moment,” “point in time,” “time,” and “time location” can be used interchangeably, as can terms such as “duration,” “segment,” “time window,” “window,” and “time.”

[0236] In some embodiments, terms such as wireless access scheme and waveform can be used interchangeably.

[0237] In some embodiments, terms such as "certain," "preset," "default," "set," "indicated," "a certain," "any," and "first" can be used interchangeably. "Certain A," "preset A," "default A," "set A," "indicated A," "a certain A," "any A," and "first A" can be interpreted as A pre-defined in a protocol or the like, or as A obtained through setting, configuration, or instruction, or as specific A, a certain A, any A, or first A, but are not limited thereto.

[0238] In some embodiments, the determination or judgment can be made by a value represented by 1 bit (0 or 1), or by a true or false value (boolean), or by a comparison of numerical values ​​(e.g., a comparison with a predetermined value), but is not limited thereto.

[0239] In some embodiments, "not expecting to receive" can be interpreted as not receiving on time domain resources and / or frequency domain resources, or as not performing subsequent processing on the data after receiving it; "not expecting to send" can be interpreted as not sending, or as sending but not expecting the receiver to respond to the sent content.

[0240] The power-saving method for devices disclosed in this embodiment may include the foregoing steps and at least one of the embodiments. For example, step 201 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step 301 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step 302 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step 303 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step 401a may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step 402a may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step 4021a may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step 4022a may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step 401b may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step 402b may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step 4021b may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step 4022b may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step 4023b may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step 401c may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step 402c may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step 401d may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step 401e may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and step 402e may be implemented as an independent embodiment.The combination of steps 301 and 302 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of steps 303 and 201 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of steps 301, 302, 303, and 201 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of steps 401a and 402a can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of steps 401a and 4021a can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of steps 401a and 4022a can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of steps 301, 302, 303, and 401a can be implemented as an independent embodiment; and the combination of steps 301, 302, 303, 401a, and 201 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. The combination of step 402a can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of steps 301, 302, 303, 401a, and 4021a can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of steps 301, 302, 303, 401a, and 4022a can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of steps 401b and 402b can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of steps 401a and 4021b can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of steps 401a and 4022b can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of steps 401a and 4023b can be implemented as an independent embodiment; steps 301, 302, ... The combination of steps 303 and 401b can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of steps 301, 302, 303, 401b, and 402b can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of steps 301, 302, 303, 401b, and 4021b can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of steps 301, 302, 303, 401b, and 4022b can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of steps 301, 302, 303, 401b, and 4023b can be implemented as an independent embodiment; and the combination of steps 401c and 402c can be implemented as an independent embodiment. The combination of steps 301, 302, 303, and 401c can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of steps 301, 302, 303, 401c, and 402c can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of steps 301, 302, 303, and 401d can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of steps 401e and 402e can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of steps 301, 302, 303, and 401e can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of steps 301, 302, 303, 401e, and 402e can be implemented as an independent embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0241] In some embodiments, other optional implementations may be described before or after the specification corresponding to Figure 4.

[0242] Figure 5 is a schematic flowchart of a device power-saving method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0243] As shown in Figure 5, the above method can be applied to the first device 101, and the method includes:

[0244] Step 501: Determine the communication capability mode of the first device 101 based on at least one of the following: data reception status for at least one first data frame, whether the remaining duration of the first time period is greater than the second time period, and reception confirmation information; wherein, the first data frame includes: a data frame sent by the second device 102 to the first device 101 during the first time period; the first duration includes: the duration required for the first device 101 to perform reception confirmation operation for at least one first data frame; the reception confirmation information includes: whether the first confirmation frame for at least one first data frame is the last confirmation frame during the first time period.

[0245] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, the communication capability mode includes a first capability mode or a second capability mode;

[0246] Wherein, for all communication parameters in at least one communication parameter, the parameter value in the first capability mode is less than the parameter value in the second capability mode.

[0247] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, determining the communication capability mode of the first device 101 includes:

[0248] If the first device 101 fails to receive at least one of the first data frames, and the first acknowledgment frame is the last acknowledgment frame within the first time period, and the remaining duration of the first time period is greater than or equal to the first duration,

[0249] The first device 101 maintains the second capability mode during the second time period, and switches to the first capability mode when the end time of the second time period arrives; wherein, the second time period includes: the time period during which the second device 102 performs retransmission operations based on a preset duration or a preset number of retransmissions.

[0250] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, the method further includes:

[0251] Before the end of the second time period arrives, the first device 101 receives a second data frame sent by the second device 102; and / or sends an acknowledgment frame to the second device 102 for the received data frame; wherein the data carried in the second data frame includes: data carried in at least one first data frame that the first device 101 failed to receive.

[0252] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, determining the communication capability mode of the first device 101 includes:

[0253] If the first device 101 fails to receive at least one of the first data frames, and the first acknowledgment frame is not the last acknowledgment frame within the first time period, and the remaining duration of the first time period is greater than or equal to the first duration,

[0254] The first device 101 maintains the second capability mode and switches to the first capability mode when it arrives at the first time.

[0255] Wherein, the first time is the later of the end time of the first time period and the end time of the second time period; the second time period includes: the time period during which the second device 102 performs retransmission operations based on a preset duration or a preset number of retransmissions.

[0256] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, the method further includes:

[0257] Before the first time arrives, the first device 101 receives the third data frame sent by the second device 102; and / or sends an acknowledgment frame to the second device 102 for the received data frame.

[0258] The data carried in the third data frame includes: at least one data carried in the first data frame that the first device 101 failed to receive.

[0259] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, determining the communication capability mode of the first device 101 includes:

[0260] If the first device 101 successfully receives the first data frame, and the first confirmation frame is the last confirmation frame within the first time period, and the remaining duration of the first time period is greater than or equal to the first duration, then...

[0261] When the end time of the first time period arrives, the first device 101 switches to the first capability mode.

[0262] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, determining the communication capability mode of the first device 101 includes:

[0263] If the first device 101 successfully receives the first data frame, and the first confirmation frame is not the last confirmation frame within the first time period, and the remaining duration of the first time period is greater than or equal to the first duration, then...

[0264] The first device 101 maintains the second capability mode and continues to communicate with the second device 102 during the first time period.

[0265] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, determining the communication mode of the first device 101 includes:

[0266] If the remaining duration of the first time period is less than the first duration, the first device 101 switches to the first capability mode when the end time of the first time period arrives.

[0267] The optional implementations of step 501 can be found in the optional implementations of steps 201, 401a, 401b, 401c, and 401d in Figure 2, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0268] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, before determining the communication capability mode of the first device 101, the method further includes:

[0269] The device receives at least one first data frame and at least one first wireless frame sent by the second device 102; wherein the first wireless frame is used to request the first device 101 to acknowledge receipt of at least one first data frame.

[0270] Based on the first wireless frame, determine the data reception status for the first data frame.

[0271] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, before receiving at least one of the first data frames sent by the second device 102, the method further includes:

[0272] The first device 101 receives a second wireless frame sent by the second device 102; wherein the second wireless frame is used to instruct the first device 101 to switch from a first capability mode to a second capability mode.

[0273] The first device 101 switches from the first capability mode to the second capability mode and sends a third wireless frame to the second device 102; wherein the third wireless frame is used to identify that the first device 101 has switched from the first capability mode to the second capability mode.

[0274] Figure 6 is a second schematic flowchart illustrating a device power-saving method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0275] As shown in Figure 6, the above method can be applied to the second device 102, and the method includes:

[0276] Step 601: Determine the communication method for communicating with the first device 101 based on at least one of the following: data reception status for at least one first data frame, whether the remaining duration of the first time period is greater than the first duration, and reception confirmation information; wherein, the first data frame includes: a data frame sent by the second device 102 to the first device 101 within the first time period; the first duration includes: the duration required for the first device 101 to perform reception confirmation operation for at least one first data frame; reception confirmation information includes: whether the first confirmation frame for at least one first data frame is the last confirmation frame within the first time period.

[0277] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, determining the communication method for communicating with the first device 101 includes:

[0278] If the first device 101 fails to receive at least one of the first data frames, and the first acknowledgment frame is the last acknowledgment frame within the first time period, and the remaining duration of the first time period is greater than or equal to the first duration, the second device 102 performs any of the following operations:

[0279] During the second time period, if the channel is successfully contested, a second data frame is sent to the first device 101; and / or, an acknowledgment frame sent by the first device 101 for the data frame received by the first device 101 is received; wherein, the data carried in the second data frame includes: data carried in at least one first data frame that the first device 101 failed to receive; the second time period includes: the time period during which the second device 102 performs a retransmission operation based on a preset duration or a preset number of retransmissions;

[0280] After the end of the second time period, the channel is successfully selected, and a fourth radio frame is sent to the first device 101; wherein the fourth radio frame is used to instruct the first device 101 to switch from a first capability mode to a second capability mode; wherein, for all communication parameters in at least one communication parameter, the parameter value in the first capability mode is less than the parameter value in the second capability mode.

[0281] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, determining the communication method for communicating with the first device 101 includes any one of the following:

[0282] If the first device 101 fails to receive at least one of the first data frames, and the first acknowledgment frame is not the last acknowledgment frame within the first time period, and the remaining duration of the first time period is greater than or equal to the first duration, the second device 102 performs any of the following operations:

[0283] Before the end of the first time period arrives, a third data frame is sent to the first device 101; and / or, an acknowledgment frame sent by the first device 101 for the data frame received by the first device 101 is received; wherein, the data carried in the third data frame includes: data carried in at least one of the first data frames that the first device 101 failed to receive.

[0284] After the end of the first time period arrives, and the channel is successfully contested during the second time period, the third data frame is sent to the first device 101; and / or, an acknowledgment frame sent by the first device 101 for the data frame received by the first device 101 is received; wherein, the second time period includes: the time period during which the second device 102 performs retransmission operation based on a preset duration or a preset number of retransmissions.

[0285] After the end time of the first time period arrives, and after the end time of the second time period arrives, the device successfully competes for the channel and sends a fifth radio frame to the first device 101; wherein the fifth radio frame is used to instruct the first device 101 to switch from the first capability mode to the second capability mode.

[0286] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, determining the communication method for communicating with the first device 101 includes:

[0287] If the first device 101 successfully receives the first data frame, and the first confirmation frame is the last confirmation frame within the first time period, and the remaining duration of the first time period is greater than or equal to the first duration, then...

[0288] After the end of the first time period arrives, the second device 102 successfully competes for the channel and sends a sixth radio frame to the first device 101; wherein the sixth radio frame is used to instruct the first device 101 to switch from the first capability mode to the second capability mode.

[0289] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, determining the communication method for communicating with the first device 101 includes:

[0290] If the first device 101 successfully receives the first data frame, and the first confirmation frame is not the last confirmation frame in the first time period, and the remaining duration of the first time period is greater than or equal to the first duration, then communication with the first device 101 continues within the first time period.

[0291] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, determining the communication method for communicating with the first device 101 includes:

[0292] If the remaining duration of the first time period is less than the first duration, the second device 102 successfully competes for the channel after the first time period ends and sends a seventh radio frame to the first device 101; wherein, the seventh radio frame is used to instruct the first device 101 to switch from the first capability mode to the second capability mode.

[0293] The optional implementations of step 601 can be found in the optional implementations of steps 201, 401a, 401b, 401c, and 401d in Figure 2, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0294] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, before determining the communication method for communicating with the first device 101, the method further includes:

[0295] Send at least one first data frame and at least one first wireless frame to the first device 101; wherein the first wireless frame is used to request the first device 101 to acknowledge receipt of at least one first data frame.

[0296] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, before sending at least one first data frame to the first device 101, the method further includes:

[0297] Send a second wireless frame to the first device 101; wherein the second wireless frame is used to instruct the first device 101 to switch from a first capability mode to a second capability mode;

[0298] The device receives a third wireless frame sent by the first device 101; wherein the third wireless frame is used to identify that the first device 101 has switched from a first capability mode to a second capability mode.

[0299] This disclosure also provides an apparatus for implementing any of the above methods. For example, an apparatus is provided that includes units or modules for implementing the steps performed by the terminal in any of the above methods. Alternatively, another apparatus is provided that includes units or modules for implementing the steps performed by a network device (e.g., an access network device, a core network functional node, a core network device, etc.) in any of the above methods.

[0300] It should be understood that the division of units or modules in the above device is only a logical functional division. In actual implementation, they can be fully or partially integrated into a single physical entity, or they can be physically separated. Furthermore, the units or modules in the device can be implemented by a processor calling software: for example, the device includes a processor connected to a memory containing instructions. The processor calls the instructions stored in the memory to implement any of the above methods or to implement the functions of the units or modules in the above device. The processor can be, for example, a general-purpose processor, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU) or a microprocessor, and the memory can be internal or external to the device. Alternatively, the units or modules in the device can be implemented in the form of hardware circuits. The functionality of some or all of the units or modules can be achieved through the design of these hardware circuits, which can be understood as one or more processors. For example, in one implementation, the hardware circuit is an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The functionality of some or all of the units or modules is achieved through the design of the logical relationships between the components within the circuit. In another implementation, the hardware circuit can be implemented using a programmable logic device (PLD). Taking a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) as an example, it can include a large number of logic gates. The connection relationships between the logic gates are configured through configuration files, thereby achieving the functionality of some or all of the units or modules. All units or modules of the above device can be implemented entirely through processor-called software, entirely through hardware circuits, or partially through processor-called software with the remaining parts implemented through hardware circuits.

[0301] In this embodiment, the processor is a circuit with signal processing capabilities. In one implementation, the processor can be a circuit with instruction read and execute capabilities, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a graphics processing unit (GPU) (which can be understood as a microprocessor), or a digital signal processor (DSP). In another implementation, the processor can implement certain functions through the logical relationships of hardware circuits. The logical relationships of the aforementioned hardware circuits are fixed or reconfigurable. For example, the processor is a hardware circuit implemented using an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a programmable logic device (PLD), such as an FPGA. In a reconfigurable hardware circuit, the process of the processor loading a configuration document and configuring the hardware circuit can be understood as the process of the processor loading instructions to implement the functions of some or all of the above units or modules. Furthermore, it can also be a hardware circuit designed for artificial intelligence, which can be understood as an ASIC, such as a Neural Network Processing Unit (NPU), a Tensor Processing Unit (TPU), or a Deep Learning Processing Unit (DPU).

[0302] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first device proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 7, the first device 700 may include: a first determining module 701.

[0303] In some embodiments, the first determining module 701 is configured to determine the communication capability mode of the first device based on at least one of the following: data reception status for at least one first data frame, whether the remaining duration of the first time period is greater than the second time period, and reception confirmation information; wherein the first data frame includes: a data frame sent by the second device to the first device during the first time period; the first duration includes: the duration required for the first device to perform a reception confirmation operation for at least one first data frame; and the reception confirmation information includes: whether the first confirmation frame for at least one first data frame is the last confirmation frame during the first time period.

[0304] Optionally, the determination module 701 is used to execute at least one of the communication steps (e.g., steps 201, 401a, 401b, 401c, 401d, 401e, 302, 501, but not limited thereto) executed by the first device 101 in any of the above methods, which will not be elaborated here.

[0305] Optionally, the first device 700 may further include a first transceiver module, which is used to perform at least one of the transceiver steps (e.g., steps 301, 302, 303, 4021a, 4022a, 4021b, 4023b, 402c, 402e, but not limited thereto) performed by the first device 101 in any of the above methods, which will not be elaborated here.

[0306] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second device proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 8, the second device 800 may include: a second determining module 801.

[0307] In some embodiments, the second determining module 801 is configured to determine a communication method for communicating with the first device based on at least one of the following: data reception status for at least one first data frame, whether the remaining duration of the first time period is greater than the first duration, and reception confirmation information; wherein the first data frame includes: a data frame sent by the second device to the first device within the first time period; the first duration includes the duration required for the first device to perform a reception confirmation operation for at least one first data frame; and the reception confirmation information includes: whether the first confirmation frame for at least one first data frame is the last confirmation frame within the first time period.

[0308] Optionally, the second determining module 801 is used to execute at least one of the communication steps (e.g., steps 402a, 402b, 402c, 402d, 402e, and 601, but not limited thereto) executed by the second device 102 in any of the above methods, which will not be elaborated here.

[0309] Optionally, the second device 800 may further include a second transceiver module, which is used to perform at least one of the transceiver steps performed by the second device 102 in any of the above methods (e.g., steps 301, 302, 303, 402a, 4021a, 4022a, 402b, 4021b, 4023b, 402c, 402e, but not limited thereto), which will not be elaborated here.

[0310] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a terminal 900 (e.g., a user equipment) proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. The terminal 900 may be a chip, chip system, or processor that supports network devices in implementing any of the above methods, or it may be a chip, chip system, or processor that supports a terminal in implementing any of the above methods. The terminal 900 can be used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments; for details, please refer to the descriptions in the above method embodiments.

[0311] As shown in Figure 9, terminal 900 includes one or more processors 901. Processor 901 can be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, such as a baseband processor or a central processing unit (CPU). The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, while the CPU can be used to control communication devices (e.g., base stations, baseband chips, terminal devices, terminal device chips, DUs or CUs, etc.), execute programs, and process program data. Terminal 900 is used to execute any of the above methods.

[0312] In some embodiments, the terminal 900 further includes one or more memories 902 for storing instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memories 902 may be located outside the terminal 900.

[0313] In some embodiments, the terminal 900 further includes one or more transceivers 904. When the terminal 900 includes one or more transceivers 904, the transceivers 904 perform at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method (e.g., steps 301, 302, 303, 402a, 4021a, 4022a, 402b, 4021b, 4023b, 402c, 402e, but not limited thereto), and the processor 901 performs at least one of other steps (e.g., steps 201, 401a, 401b, 401c, 401d, 401e, 302, 501, 402a, 402b, 402c, 402d, 402e, 601, but not limited thereto).

[0314] In some embodiments, a transceiver may include a receiver and / or a transmitter, which may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the terms transceiver, transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, etc., may be used interchangeably; the terms transmitter, transmitting unit, transmitter, transmitting circuit, etc., may be used interchangeably; and the terms receiver, receiving unit, receiver, receiving circuit, etc., may be used interchangeably.

[0315] In some embodiments, terminal 900 may include one or more interface circuits 903. Optionally, interface circuit 903 is connected to memory 902, and interface circuit 903 can be used to receive signals from memory 902 or other devices, and can be used to send signals to memory 902 or other devices. For example, interface circuit 903 can read instructions stored in memory 902 and send the instructions to processor 901.

[0316] The terminal 900 described in the above embodiments may be a user equipment or other communication device, but the scope of the terminal 900 described in this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the terminal 900 may not be limited by FIG. 9. The communication device may be an independent device or a part of a larger device. For example, the communication device may be: (1) an independent integrated circuit IC, or chip, or chip system or subsystem; (2) a set of one or more ICs, optionally, the IC set may also include storage components for storing data and programs; (3) an ASIC, such as a modem; (4) a module that can be embedded in other devices; (5) a receiver, terminal device, smart terminal device, cellular phone, wireless device, handheld device, mobile unit, vehicle device, network device, cloud device, artificial intelligence device, etc.; (6) others, etc.

[0317] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the chip 1000 proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. For cases where the terminal 900 can be a chip or a chip system, the schematic diagram of the chip 1000 shown in Figure 10 can be referenced, but is not limited thereto.

[0318] Chip 1000 includes one or more processors 1001, which are used to perform any of the above methods.

[0319] In some embodiments, chip 1000 further includes one or more 1003s. Optionally, interface circuitry 1003 is connected to memory 1002. Interface circuitry 1003 can be used to receive signals from memory 1002 or other devices, and interface circuitry 1003 can be used to send signals to memory 1002 or other devices. For example, interface circuitry 1003 can read instructions stored in memory 1002 and send the instructions to processor 1001.

[0320] In some embodiments, the interface circuit 1003 performs at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method (e.g., steps 301, 302, 303, 402a, 4021a, 4022a, 402b, 4021b, 4023b, 402c, 402e, but not limited thereto), and the processor 1001 performs at least one of other steps (e.g., steps 201, 401a, 401b, 401c, 401d, 401e, 302, 501, 402a, 402b, 402c, 402d, 402e, 601, but not limited thereto).

[0321] In some embodiments, the terms interface circuit, interface, transceiver pin, transceiver, etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0322] In some embodiments, chip 1000 further includes one or more memories 1002 for storing instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memories 1002 may be located outside of chip 1000.

[0323] This disclosure also proposes a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a terminal 900, cause the terminal 900 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the storage medium is an electronic storage medium. Optionally, the storage medium is a computer-readable storage medium, but not limited thereto; it may also be a storage medium readable by other devices. Optionally, the storage medium may be a non-transitory storage medium, but not limited thereto; it may also be a temporary storage medium.

[0324] This disclosure also proposes a program product that, when executed by terminal 900, causes terminal 900 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the program product is a computer program product.

[0325] This disclosure also proposes a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform any of the above methods.

Claims

1. A method for saving power in equipment, characterized in that, Performed by a first device, the method includes: The communication capability mode of the first device is determined based on at least one of the following: the data reception status for at least one first data frame, whether the remaining duration of the first time period is greater than the first duration, and the reception confirmation information. Wherein, the first data frame includes: a data frame sent by the second device to the first device within the first time period; the first duration includes: the duration required for the first device to perform a reception confirmation operation on the at least one first data frame; the reception confirmation information includes: whether the first confirmation frame for the at least one first data frame is the last confirmation frame within the first time period.

2. The power-saving method for equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The communication capability mode includes a first capability mode or a second capability mode; Wherein, for all communication parameters in at least one communication parameter, the parameter value in the first capability mode is less than the parameter value in the second capability mode.

3. The power-saving method for equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that, Determining the communication capability mode of the first device includes: If the first device fails to receive at least one of the first data frames, and the first acknowledgment frame is the last acknowledgment frame within the first time period, and the remaining duration of the first time period is greater than or equal to the first duration, The first device maintains the second capability mode during the second time period, and switches to the first capability mode when the end time of the second time period arrives; The second time period includes the time period during which the second device performs a retransmission operation based on a preset duration or a preset number of retransmissions.

4. The power-saving method for equipment according to claim 3, characterized in that, The method further includes: Before the end of the second duration arrives, the first device receives the second data frame sent by the second device; and / or sends an acknowledgment frame to the second device for the received data frame; The data carried in the second data frame includes: at least one data carried in the first data frame that the first device failed to receive.

5. The power-saving method for equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that, Determining the communication capability mode of the first device includes: If the first device fails to receive at least one of the first data frames, and the first acknowledgment frame is not the last acknowledgment frame within the first time period, and the remaining duration of the first time period is greater than or equal to the first duration, The first device maintains the second capability mode and switches to the first capability mode upon arrival at the first moment; Wherein, the first time is the later of the end time of the first time period and the end time of the second time period; the second time period includes a preset duration for performing retransmission operations, or the duration required for the second device to perform a preset number of retransmission operations.

6. The power-saving method for equipment according to claim 5, characterized in that, The method further includes: Before the first time arrives, the first device receives a third data frame sent by the second device; and / or sends an acknowledgment frame to the second device for the received data frame. The data carried in the third data frame includes: at least one data carried in the first data frame that the first device failed to receive.

7. The power-saving method for equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that, Determining the communication capability mode of the first device includes: If the first device successfully receives the first data frame, and the first confirmation frame is the last confirmation frame within the first time period, and the remaining duration of the first time period is greater than or equal to the first duration, then... When the first device reaches the end of the first time period, it switches to the first capability mode.

8. The power-saving method for equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that, Determining the communication capability mode of the first device includes: If the first device successfully receives the first data frame, and the first confirmation frame is not the last confirmation frame within the first time period, and the remaining duration of the first time period is greater than or equal to the first duration, then... The first device maintains the second capability mode and continues to communicate with the second device during the first time period.

9. The power-saving method for equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that, Determining the communication mode of the first device includes: If the remaining duration of the first time period is less than the first duration, the first device in the first time period... When the end time is reached, switch to the first ability mode.

10. The power-saving method for equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, Before determining the communication capability mode of the first device, the method further includes: The device receives at least one first data frame and at least one first wireless frame sent by the second device; wherein the first wireless frame is used to request the first device to acknowledge receipt of at least one first data frame. Based on the first wireless frame, determine the data reception status for the first data frame.

11. The power-saving method for equipment according to claim 10, characterized in that, Before receiving at least one of the first data frames sent by the second device, the method further includes: The first device receives a second wireless frame sent by the second device; wherein the second wireless frame is used to instruct the first device to switch from a first capability mode to a second capability mode. The first device switches from the first capability mode to the second capability mode and sends a third wireless frame to the second device; wherein the third wireless frame is used to identify that the first device has switched from the first capability mode to the second capability mode.

12. A method for saving power in equipment, characterized in that, Performed by a second device, the method includes: The communication method for communicating with the first device is determined based on at least one of the following: the data reception status of the first device for at least one first data frame, whether the remaining duration of the first time period is greater than the first duration, and the reception confirmation information. Wherein, the first data frame includes: a data frame sent by the second device to the first device within the first time period; the first duration includes: the duration required for the first device to perform a reception confirmation operation on the at least one first data frame; the reception confirmation information includes: whether the first confirmation frame for the at least one first data frame is the last confirmation frame within the first time period.

13. The power-saving method for equipment according to claim 12, characterized in that, The determination of the communication method for communicating with the first device includes: If the first device fails to receive at least one of the first data frames, and the first acknowledgment frame is the last acknowledgment frame within the first time period, and the remaining duration of the first time period is greater than or equal to the first duration, the second device performs any of the following operations: During the second time period, if the channel is successfully contested, a second data frame is sent to the first device; and / or, an acknowledgment frame sent by the first device for the data frame received by the first device is received; wherein, the data carried in the second data frame includes: data carried in at least one first data frame that the first device failed to receive; the second time period includes: the time period during which the second device performs a retransmission operation based on a preset duration or a preset number of retransmissions; After successfully competing for the channel at the end of the second time period, a fourth radio frame is sent to the first device; wherein the fourth radio frame is used to instruct the first device to switch from a first capability mode to a second capability mode; wherein, for all communication parameters in at least one communication parameter, the parameter value in the first capability mode is less than the parameter value in the second capability mode.

14. The power-saving method for equipment according to claim 13, characterized in that, The method for determining the communication mode for communicating with the first device includes any one of the following: If the first device fails to receive at least one of the first data frames, and the first acknowledgment frame is not the last acknowledgment frame within the first time period, and the remaining duration of the first time period is greater than or equal to the first duration, the second device performs any of the following operations: Before the end of the first time period arrives, a third data frame is sent to the first device; And / or, receive an acknowledgment frame sent by the first device for a data frame received by the first device; wherein the data carried in the third data frame includes: at least one data carried in the first data frame that the first device failed to receive; After the end of the first time period arrives, and the channel is successfully contested during the second time period, the third data frame is sent to the first device; and / or, an acknowledgment frame sent by the first device for the data frame received by the first device is received; wherein, the second time period includes: the time period during which the second device performs a retransmission operation based on a preset duration or a preset number of retransmissions; After the end time of the first time period arrives, and after the end time of the second time period arrives, the device successfully competes for the channel and sends a fifth radio frame to the first device; wherein the fifth radio frame is used to instruct the first device to switch from a first capability mode to a second capability mode.

15. The power-saving method for equipment according to claim 13, characterized in that, The determination of the communication method for communicating with the first device includes: If the first device successfully receives the first data frame, and the first confirmation frame is the last confirmation frame within the first time period, and the remaining duration of the first time period is greater than or equal to the first duration, then... After the end of the first time period arrives, the second device successfully competes for the channel and sends a sixth radio frame to the first device; wherein the sixth radio frame is used to instruct the first device to switch from the first capability mode to the second capability mode.

16. The power-saving method for equipment according to claim 12, characterized in that, The determination of the communication method for communicating with the first device includes: If the first device successfully receives the first data frame, and the first confirmation frame is not the last confirmation frame in the first time period, and the remaining duration of the first time period is greater than or equal to the first duration, then communication with the first device continues within the first time period.

17. The power-saving method for equipment according to claim 13, characterized in that, The determination of the communication method for communicating with the first device includes: If the remaining duration of the first time period is less than the first duration, the second device successfully competes for the channel after the first time period ends and sends a seventh radio frame to the first device; wherein the seventh radio frame is used to instruct the first device to switch from the first capability mode to the second capability mode.

18. The power-saving method for equipment according to any one of claims 12 to 17, characterized in that, Before determining the communication method for communicating with the first device, the method further includes: Send at least one first data frame and at least one first radio frame to the first device; wherein the first radio frame is used to request the first device to acknowledge receipt of at least one first data frame.

19. The power-saving method for equipment according to claim 18, characterized in that, Before sending at least one of the first data frames to the first device, the method further includes: Send a second wireless frame to the first device; wherein the second wireless frame is used to instruct the first device to switch from a first capability mode to a second capability mode; The device receives a third radio frame sent by the first device; wherein the third radio frame is used to identify that the first device has switched from a first capability mode to a second capability mode.

20. A communication device, the communication device comprising a first device, characterized in that, The first device includes: The first determining module is used to determine the communication capability mode of the first device based on at least one of the following: data reception status for at least one first data frame, whether the remaining duration of the first time period is greater than that of the second time period, and reception confirmation information. Wherein, the first data frame includes: a data frame sent by the second device to the first device within the first time period; the first duration includes: the duration required for the first device to perform a reception confirmation operation on the at least one first data frame; the reception confirmation information includes: whether the first confirmation frame for the at least one first data frame is the last confirmation frame within the first time period.

21. A communication device, the communication device comprising a second device, characterized in that, The second device includes: The second determining module is used to determine the communication method for communicating with the first device based on at least one of the following: the data reception status for at least one first data frame, whether the remaining duration of the first time period is greater than the first duration, and the reception confirmation information. Wherein, the first data frame includes: a data frame sent by the second device to the first device within the first time period; the first duration includes: the duration required for the first device to perform a reception confirmation operation on the at least one first data frame; the reception confirmation information includes: whether the first confirmation frame for the at least one first data frame is the last confirmation frame within the first time period.

22. A communication device, the communication device comprising a first device, characterized in that, The first device includes: One or more processors; The first device is used to perform the device power-saving method according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

23. A communication device, the communication device comprising a second device, characterized in that, The second device includes: One or more processors; The second device is used to perform the device power-saving method according to any one of claims 12 to 19.

24. A storage medium storing instructions, characterized in that, When the instruction is executed on the communication device, the communication device performs the device power saving method as described in any one of claims 1 to 11, or performs the device power saving method as described in any one of claims 12 to 19.

25. A program product, characterized in that, When the program product is executed by a communication device, the communication device performs the communication method as described in any one of claims 1 to 11, or performs the communication method as described in any one of claims 12 to 19.

Images