Power saving method for device, and non-AP MLD and storage medium

Abstract

The embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a power saving method for a device, and a non-AP MLD and a storage medium. The power saving method for a device comprises: a first affiliated station device (non-AP STA) affiliated with a first multi-link station device (non-AP MLD) sending a first radio frame to a first access point (AP) device affiliated with a first multi-link access point device (AP MLD), and when the first non-AP STA does not receive, within a first timeout period, a downlink radio frame sent by the first AP device, the first non-AP STA executing an operation of restoring an original state after the first timeout period arrives; switching to a listening state of an enhanced multi-link single radio (EMLSR) mode; and switching to the EMLSR mode and being in a first capability mode. That is, if no further communication signal of the first AP device is received within the first timeout period, communication abnormality may occur during data interaction, and a first device may switch to the listening state of the enhanced multi-link single radio (EMLSR) mode or switch to the EMLSR mode and be in the first capability mode in a timely manner, so as to reduce energy consumption of the device.

Description

Power saving methods for equipment, non-AP MLD and storage media Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a device power-saving method, a non-AP MLD, and a storage medium. 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, power-saving mechanisms will be further enhanced to reduce device-level power consumption.

[0004] Summary of the Invention

[0005] This disclosure provides a device power-saving method, a non-AP MLD, and a storage medium to further enhance the power-saving mechanism.

[0006] On one hand, embodiments of this disclosure provide a device power-saving method, the method comprising:

[0007] The first auxiliary site device (non-AP STA) attached to the first multi-link site device (non-AP MLD) sends a first radio frame to the first access point device (AP) attached to the first multi-link access point device (AP MLD). If it does not receive a downlink radio frame sent by the first AP within a first timeout period, the first non-AP STA performs an operation to restore the original state after the first timeout period expires.

[0008] The first non-AP STA operates on an EMLSR link; at least one operating parameter of the first non-AP STA is lower in the first capability mode than in the second capability mode.

[0009] On the other hand, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a non-AP MLD, the non-AP MLD including a first non-AP STA, the first non-AP STA including:

[0010] The processing module is used to send a first radio frame to the first access point device AP attached to the first multi-link access point device AP MLD, and if it does not receive the downlink radio frame sent by the first AP within a first timeout period, the first non-AP STA performs an operation to restore the original state after the first timeout period expires.

[0011] The first non-AP STA operates on an EMLSR link; at least one operating parameter of the first non-AP STA is lower in the first capability mode than in the second capability mode.

[0012] On the other hand, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a non-AP MLD, the non-AP MLD including a first non-AP STA, and further including:

[0013] One or more processors;

[0014] The non-AP MLD is used to implement the device power saving method described in the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0015] This disclosure also provides a communication system including a non-AP MLD and an AP MLD; wherein the non-AP MLD includes a first non-AP STA, the first non-AP STA sends a first radio frame to a first access point device AP attached to the first multi-link access point device AP MLD, and if it does not receive a downlink radio frame sent by the first AP within a first timeout period, the first non-AP STA performs an operation to restore the original state after the first timeout period expires;

[0016] The first non-AP STA operates on an EMLSR link; at least one operating parameter of the first non-AP STA is lower in the first capability mode than in the second capability mode.

[0017] In this embodiment of the present disclosure, the first non-AP STA sends a first radio frame to the first AP, and does not receive a downlink radio frame sent by the first AP within the first timeout period, that is, does not receive any further communication signals from the first AP within the first timeout period. In this case, a communication anomaly may occur during the data interaction process. The first device can switch to the Listening state of the Enhanced Multi-Link Single Radio EMLSR mode or switch to EMLSR mode and be in the first capability mode in a timely manner, without having to wait for TXOP to end before performing the recovery operation, thereby reducing device power consumption.

[0018] 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

[0019] 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.

[0020] Figure 1 is an exemplary schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0021] Figure 2 is one of the exemplary interactive diagrams of the method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0022] Figure 3 is a second exemplary interactive schematic diagram of the method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0023] Figure 4 is a third exemplary interactive schematic diagram of the method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0024] Figure 5 is a schematic flowchart of the power-saving method for devices provided in the embodiments of this disclosure;

[0025] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the non-AP MLD proposed in the embodiment of this disclosure;

[0026] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the terminal proposed in the embodiment of this disclosure;

[0027] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the chip structure proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0028] This disclosure presents a device power-saving method, a non-AP MLD, and a storage medium.

[0029] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure propose a device power-saving method, the method comprising:

[0030] The first auxiliary site device (non-AP STA) attached to the first multi-link site device (non-AP MLD) sends a first radio frame to the first access point device (AP) attached to the first multi-link access point device (AP MLD). If it does not receive a downlink radio frame sent by the first AP within a first timeout period, the first non-AP STA performs an operation to restore the original state after the first timeout period expires.

[0031] Wherein, the first non-AP STA operates on an EMLSR link; at least one operating parameter of the first non-AP STA is lower in the first capability mode than in the second capability mode.

[0032] In the above embodiment, the first non-AP STA sends a first radio frame to the first AP, and does not receive a downlink radio frame sent by the first AP within the first timeout period, that is, does not receive any further communication signals from the first AP within the first timeout period. In this case, a communication anomaly may occur during the data interaction process. The first device can switch to the Listening state of the Enhanced Multi-Link Single Radio EMLSR mode or switch to EMLSR mode and be in the first capability mode in a timely manner, without having to wait for TXOP to end before performing the recovery operation, thereby reducing device power consumption.

[0033] Secondly, this disclosure also provides a non-AP MLD, which includes a first non-AP STA. The first non-AP STA includes a processing module. The processing module is used to send a first radio frame to a first access point device (AP) attached to the first multi-link access point device (AP MLD). If the first non-AP STA does not receive a downlink radio frame sent by the first AP within a first timeout period, the first non-AP STA performs an operation to restore its original state after the first timeout period expires.

[0034] The first non-AP STA operates on an EMLSR link; at least one operating parameter of the first non-AP STA is lower in the first capability mode than in the second capability mode.

[0035] Thirdly, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a non-AP MLD, the non-AP MLD including a first non-AP STA, and further including:

[0036] One or more processors;

[0037] The non-AP MLD is used to implement the optional implementation of the first aspect.

[0038] Fourthly, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a communication system including a non-AP MLD; wherein the non-AP MLD is configured to perform the optional implementation described in the first aspect.

[0039] Fifthly, 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 aspect.

[0040] In a sixth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a program product that, when executed by a communication device, causes the communication device to perform the method described in the optional implementation of the first aspect.

[0041] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method as described in an alternative implementation of the first aspect.

[0042] Eighthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a chip or chip system. The chip or chip system includes processing circuitry configured to perform the method described in the optional implementation of the first aspect above.

[0043] It is understood that the aforementioned non-AP MLD, AP MLD, communication system, storage medium, program product, computer program, chip, or chip system are all used to perform the methods proposed in the embodiments of this disclosure. Therefore, the beneficial effects that can be achieved can be referred to the beneficial effects in the corresponding methods, and will not be repeated here.

[0044] This disclosure provides a device power-saving method, a non-AP MLD, and a storage medium. In some embodiments, the terms "device power-saving method" and "communication method," "signal transmission method," and "wireless frame transmission method" can be used interchangeably, as can the terms "information processing system" and "communication system."

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] In the embodiments disclosed herein, "multiple" refers to two or more.

[0049] In some embodiments, the terms “at least one of”, “one or more”, “a plurality of”, “multiple”, etc., may be used interchangeably.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] In some embodiments, “including A,” “containing A,” “for indicating A,” and “carrying A” can be interpreted as directly carrying A or indirectly indicating A.

[0054] In some embodiments, the terms “in response to…”, “in response to determining…”, “in the case of…”, “when…”, “if…”, “if…”, etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0055] 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”.

[0056] 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.

[0057] In some embodiments, the acquisition of data, information, etc., may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the location is situated.

[0058] In some embodiments, data, information, etc., may be obtained with the user's consent.

[0059] 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.

[0060] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0061] As shown in Figure 1, the communication system 100 includes a non-access point multi-link device (non-AP MLD) 101 and an access point multi-link device (AP MLD) 102. The non-AP MLD 101 includes a first non-AP STA 103, and the AP MLD 102 includes a first AP 104.

[0062] AP MLD102 can represent an access point (AP) device that supports multi-link communication, while non-AP MLD101 can represent a station (STA) device that supports multi-link communication.

[0063] In some embodiments, the first non-AP STA103 may include, for example, a wireless communication chip, a wireless sensor, or a wireless communication terminal that supports WiFi 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 WiFi communication, a car with WiFi 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, or a wireless terminal device in a smart home.

[0064] Specifically, the first non-AP STA103 can be a terminal device or network device with a Wi-Fi chip. Optionally, the first non-AP STA103 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.

[0065] In some embodiments, the first AP104 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 the Ethernet. Specifically, the AP can be a terminal device or network device 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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 first non-AP STAs 103 within a specific coverage area that have some association. One type of association is where stations 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 station dedicated to managing the BSS, called the first AP 104, and all other STAs in the network are associated with it. Other stations in the BSS network that are not the central station are called terminals, also known as non-AP STAs; terminals 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.

[0069] Figure 2 is one of the interactive schematic diagrams of a device power-saving method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 2, the method includes:

[0070] Step 201: After the non-AP MLD establishes a connection with the AP MLD, the first non-AP STA operates on the EMLSR link and is in the first capability mode.

[0071] In WLANs, power saving (PS) is a key research focus. Considering the limited reception capabilities of some STAs, the Enhanced Multi-link Single Radio (EMLSR) mode is introduced. In EMLSR mode, a non-AP MLD can simultaneously enter listening operation on multiple links. During listening operation, the non-AP MLD uses a single antenna (e.g., one antenna) on each link for reception. When the AP MLD successfully sends an Initial Control Frame (ICF) to this non-AP MLD on any link (e.g., link 1), the non-AP MLD can switch all spatial streams on all links to link 1 to interact with the AP MLD. At this time, there are multiple spatial streams / antennas on link 1. After the frame interaction ends, the non-AP MLD switches the spatial streams on link 1 back to the original links and returns to listening operation. In other words, the non-AP MLD switches the spatial streams switched from link 2 on link 1 back to link 2 for listening operation. At this time, there is one spatial stream / antenna on both link 1 and link 2.

[0072] In this embodiment of the disclosure, as an example, as shown in Figure 1, there are two MLDs in the network environment, namely non-AP MLD101 and AP MLD102; wherein, non-AP MLD101 includes a first non-AP STA103, and AP MLD102 includes a first AP104. The first non-AP STA operates on an EMLSR link.

[0073] Optionally, the non-AP MLD101 and AP MLD102 can each be devices that support the Ultra High Reliability (UHR) transmission protocol. In Dynamic Power Save (DPS) mode, the non-AP MLD will enter a Low Capabilities (LC) state under certain conditions; in LC state, it will transmit and receive data using, for example, a single spatial stream, 20MHz bandwidth, and a low-rate Modulation and Coding Scheme (MCS).

[0074] Specifically, at least one operating parameter of the first capability mode is lower than that of the second capability mode. The operating parameters include, for example, bandwidth, spatial stream (SS), modulation and coding scheme (MCS) method, etc.

[0075] The operating parameters (communication parameters) of the first capability mode and the second capability mode can be of the same type, and at least one operating parameter of the first capability mode is lower than that of the second capability mode. For example, the first capability mode can also be a listening state or a low-power communication phase, such as an operating parameter of 20MHz basic bandwidth, a number of SSs of 1, and an MCS mode of MCS0 to MCS7. The second capability mode can have an operating parameter greater than or equal to 20MHz, a BW of 40 / 80 / 160(80+80) / 320MHz, a number of SSs greater than or equal to 2, and an MCS mode of MCS6 to MCS14, etc.

[0076] Step 202: The first AP sends an initial control frame to the first non-AP STA, requesting data interaction with the first non-AP STA.

[0077] When an AP MLD needs to communicate with an AP, it will schedule its affiliated APs to actively send an Initial Control Frame (ICF) to trigger the corresponding non-AP STA to enter full capabilities mode (or high capabilities mode). In this embodiment, the initial control frame may be a Multi User-Request To Send (MU-RTS) frame, a Buffer Status Report Poll (BSRP) frame, or other frames.

[0078] Step 203: After receiving the initial control frame, the first non-AP STA enters the second capability mode.

[0079] After receiving the initial control frame, the first non-AP STA1 can send an ICF Response frame (such as a CTS frame); then it enters the second capability mode, such as 2ss with a bandwidth of 80MHz, to perform data interaction on the link and transmit uplink or downlink data packets with the first AP.

[0080] Step 204: The first non-AP STA sends the first radio frame to the first AP, and if it does not receive the downlink radio frame sent by the first AP within the first timeout period, the first non-AP STA performs the operation of restoring the original state after the first timeout period expires.

[0081] Optionally, the operation of restoring the original state includes at least one of the following: switching to the Listening state of the enhanced multi-link single radio EMLSR mode;

[0082] Switch to EMLSR mode and enter first capability mode.

[0083] The first radio frame may include, for example, an uplink physical layer protocol data unit (Trigger-Based PPDU); the downlink radio frame may include, for example, an acknowledgment message frame (ACK) or a block acknowledge (BA) frame, to acknowledge receipt of the first radio frame. Optionally, the first timeout may be the sum of a short interframe space (SIFS), a slot (aSlotTime), and a physical layer start reception delay (aRxPHYStartDelay), i.e., aSIFSTime + aSlotTime + aRxPHYStartDelay.

[0084] After the first non-AP STA sends the first radio frame to the first AP, if it does not receive a downlink radio frame from the first AP within the first timeout period, the first non-AP STA performs at least one of the following operations:

[0085] Operation 1: Switch to the Listening state of the Enhanced Multi-Link Single Radio EMLSR mode, and use a single antenna (e.g., one antenna) to receive on each link to reduce power consumption; the first non-AP STA sends the first radio frame to the first AP, and does not receive the downlink radio frame sent by the first AP within the first timeout period, that is, does not receive any further communication signals from the first AP within the first timeout period. In this case, communication anomalies may occur during data interaction, such as packet loss, failure to receive a reply from the first AP within the timeout period, etc. The first device can switch to the Listening state in time.

[0086] In this way, if a data transmission timeout occurs after the device is in EMLSR mode and power-saving wake-up, the Transmit Opportunity (TXOP) has not yet ended. The first non-AP STA can resume its original state after the timeout, such as switching to Listening state, without having to wait for the TXOP to end before resuming. If the first AP still has data transmission needs later, it can continue to use ICF to trigger the STA to enter EMLSR data interaction mode to perform data interaction, saving the overhead of triggering it to enter the second capability mode state again.

[0087] Furthermore, the first non-AP STA can also enter the wake-up state under power saving mode (PS Mode), and the working bandwidth of the first non-AP STA is the same as the working bandwidth for transmitting the first radio frame. For example, at this time, the bandwidth of each link of the EMLSR under non-AP MLD is the same, for example, the working bandwidth is 80MHz.

[0088] Operation 2: Switch to EMLSR mode and enter the first capability mode. For example, reduce the operating bandwidth from the bandwidth used when transmitting the first radio frame to a minimum receivable data bandwidth of 20MHz, and reduce the number of SSs to 1. Optionally, the MCS can also be reduced to a low rate, entering the Low Capabilities state for data interaction. If AP1 has further data transmission needs, it needs to use ICF to trigger a switch to High Capabilities (HC) mode before continuing data interaction.

[0089] In this scenario, if the first non-AP STA sends a first radio frame to the first AP and does not receive a downlink radio frame from the first AP within the first timeout period (i.e., does not receive any further communication signals from the first AP within the first timeout period), communication anomalies may occur during data interaction, such as packet loss or failure to receive a response from the first AP after timeout. In this case, the first device can promptly switch to EMLSR mode and enter its first capability mode without waiting for the TXOP to end before resuming operations, thus reducing device power consumption. If the first AP still has data transmission needs subsequently, it can continue to use ICF to trigger the STA to enter EMLSR data interaction mode for data interaction.

[0090] In this embodiment of the present disclosure, the first non-AP STA sends a first radio frame to the first AP, and does not receive a downlink radio frame sent by the first AP within the first timeout period, that is, does not receive any further communication signals from the first AP within the first timeout period. In this case, a communication anomaly may occur during the data interaction process. The first device can switch to the Listening state of the Enhanced Multi-Link Single Radio EMLSR mode or switch to EMLSR mode and be in the first capability mode in a timely manner, without having to wait for TXOP to end before performing the recovery operation, thereby reducing device power consumption.

[0091] Referring to Figure 3, in a second optional implementation of this disclosure, the method includes:

[0092] Step 301: The first auxiliary site device (non-AP STA) attached to the first multi-link site device (non-AP MLD) sends a first radio frame to the first access point device (AP) attached to the first multi-link access point device (AP MLD). If the first non-AP STA does not receive a downlink radio frame sent by the first AP within the first timeout period, the first non-AP STA switches to the Listening state of EMLSR mode and enters the wake-up state under power saving mode (PS Mode).

[0093] The operating bandwidth of the first non-AP STA is the same as the operating bandwidth for transmitting the first wireless frame;

[0094] The first non-AP STA operates on the EMLSR link.

[0095] In this scenario, if the first non-AP STA sends a first radio frame to the first AP and does not receive a downlink radio frame from the first AP within the first timeout period (i.e., does not receive any further communication signals from the first AP within the first timeout period), communication anomalies may occur during data interaction, such as packet loss or failure to receive a response from the first AP within the timeout period. In such cases, the first device can switch to the Listening state in a timely manner.

[0096] In this way, if a data transmission timeout occurs after the device is in EMLSR mode and power-saving wake-up, the first non-AP STA can resume its original state after the timeout, such as switching to Listening state, before the Transmit Opportunity (TXOP) ends, without having to wait for the TXOP to end before performing the recovery operation.

[0097] Step 302: Receive the first initial control frame sent by the first AP.

[0098] If the first AP still has data transmission needs, it can continue to use ICF to trigger the first non-AP STA to enter the EMLSR data interaction mode, which will enable data interaction. That is, the first AP sends the first initial control frame to the first non-AP STA to trigger the first non-AP STA to enter the EMLSR data interaction state.

[0099] Step 303: In response to the first initial control frame, switch to the EMLSR mode data interaction state to perform data interaction.

[0100] In this system, the first non-AP STA responds to the first initial control frame by switching to the EMLSR mode data interaction state and directly conducting data interaction. After receiving the first initial control frame, it does not need to send an ICF Response to reply to the first initial control frame; it can switch to the EMLSR mode data interaction state and directly conduct data interaction, thereby reducing the frame interaction process, saving signaling resources, and reducing communication latency.

[0101] Referring to Figure 4, in an optional implementation of this disclosure, the method includes:

[0102] Step 401: The first auxiliary site device (non-AP STA) attached to the first multi-link site device (non-AP MLD) sends a first radio frame to the first access point device (AP) attached to the first multi-link access point device (AP MLD). If it does not receive a downlink radio frame from the first AP within a first timeout period, the first non-AP STA will...

[0103] Switch to EMLSR mode and enter the first capability mode;

[0104] The first non-AP STA operates on an EMLSR link; at least one operating parameter of the first non-AP STA is lower in the first capability mode than in the second capability mode.

[0105] In this scenario, if the first non-AP STA sends a first radio frame to the first AP and does not receive a downlink radio frame from the first AP within the first timeout period (i.e., does not receive any further communication signals from the first AP within the first timeout period), communication anomalies may occur during data interaction, such as packet loss or failure to receive a response from the first AP within the timeout period. In such cases, the first device can switch to the Listening state in a timely manner.

[0106] In this way, if a data transmission timeout occurs after the device is in EMLSR mode and power-saving wake-up, the Transmit Opportunity (TXOP) has not yet ended. The first non-AP STA can restore its original state after the timeout, such as switching to EMLSR mode and being in the first capability mode, without having to wait for the TXOP to end before performing the recovery operation.

[0107] In some embodiments, the switching to EMLSR mode and being in the first capability mode includes at least one of the following:

[0108] The first non-AP STA switches to EMLSR mode and is in the first capability mode;

[0109] The operating bandwidth of the first non-AP STA is adjusted to a first bandwidth value; for example, the operating bandwidth is reduced from the bandwidth when transmitting the first radio frame to a minimum receivable data bandwidth of 20MHz;

[0110] The number of spatial streams (NSS) of the first non-AP STA is adjusted to the first value; for example, the number of SS is reduced to 1.

[0111] The modulation and coding scheme (MCS) parameter of the first non-AP STA is adjusted to the first MCS value. For example, the MCS can be reduced to a low rate to enter the Low Capabilities state for data interaction.

[0112] Step 402: Receive the second initial control frame sent by the first AP;

[0113] If the first AP still has data transmission needs, it can continue to use ICF to trigger the first non-AP STA to enter EMLSR data interaction mode, which will enable data interaction. That is, the first AP sends a second initial control frame to the first non-AP STA to trigger the first non-AP STA to enter the second capability mode.

[0114] Step 403: In response to the second initial control frame, switch to the second capability mode for data interaction.

[0115] In this mode, the first non-AP STA responds to the second initial control frame, switches to the second capability mode, and directly performs data interaction.

[0116] In this embodiment of the present disclosure, the first non-AP STA sends a first radio frame to the first AP, and does not receive a downlink radio frame sent by the first AP within the first timeout period, that is, does not receive any further communication signals from the first AP within the first timeout period. In this case, a communication anomaly may occur during the data interaction process. The first device can switch to the Listening state of the Enhanced Multi-Link Single Radio EMLSR mode or switch to EMLSR mode and be in the first capability mode in a timely manner, without having to wait for TXOP to end before performing the recovery operation, thereby reducing device power consumption.

[0117] 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", "codepoint", "bit", "data", "program", and "chip" can be used interchangeably.

[0118] 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.”

[0119] In some embodiments, terms such as wireless access scheme and waveform can be used interchangeably.

[0120] 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.

[0121] 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.

[0122] 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.

[0123] 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 202 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step 204 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step 301 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and step 401 may be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of step 201 and step 202 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, the combination of step 203 and step 204 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, the combination of step 301 and step 302 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, the combination of step 301, step 302 and step 303 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, the combination of step 401 and step 402 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the combination of step 401, step 402 and step 403 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0124] In some embodiments, other optional implementations described before or after the specification corresponding to FIG2 may be referred to.

[0125] Figure 5 is a schematic flowchart of a device power-saving method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0126] As shown in Figure 5, the above method includes:

[0127] Step 501: The first auxiliary site device (non-AP STA) attached to the first multi-link site device (non-AP MLD) sends a first radio frame to the first access point device (AP) attached to the first multi-link access point device (AP MLD). If it does not receive a downlink radio frame sent by the first AP within a first timeout period, the first non-AP STA performs an operation to restore the original state after the first timeout period expires.

[0128] The first non-AP STA operates on an EMLSR link; at least one operating parameter of the first non-AP STA is lower in the first capability mode than in the second capability mode.

[0129] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, the operation of restoring the original state includes at least one of the following:

[0130] Switch to the Listening state in Enhanced Multilink Single Radio EMLSR mode;

[0131] Switch to EMLSR mode and enter first capability mode.

[0132] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, the first non-AP STA switching to the EMLSR mode listening state includes:

[0133] Step 502: The first non-AP STA switches to the Listening state of EMLSR mode and enters the wake-up state under power saving mode PS Mode;

[0134] The operating bandwidth of the first non-AP STA is the same as the operating bandwidth for transmitting the first wireless frame.

[0135] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, after entering the wake-up state under the power-saving mode (PS Mode), the method includes:

[0136] Step 503: Receive the first initial control frame sent by the first AP;

[0137] Step 504: In response to the first initial control frame, switch to the EMLSR mode data interaction state to perform data interaction.

[0138] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, switching to EMLSR mode and being in the first capability mode includes at least one of the following:

[0139] The first non-AP STA switches to EMLSR mode and is in the first capability mode;

[0140] The operating bandwidth of the first non-AP STA is adjusted to the first bandwidth value;

[0141] The number of spatial streams (NSS) of the first non-AP STA is adjusted to the first value;

[0142] The modulation and coding scheme (MCS) parameters of the first non-AP STA are adjusted to the first MCS value.

[0143] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, after switching to EMLSR mode and entering the first capability mode, the method further includes:

[0144] Step 505: Receive the second initial control frame sent by the first AP;

[0145] Step 506: In response to the second initial control frame, switch to the second capability mode for data interaction.

[0146] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, before sending the first radio frame to the first AP attached to the first AP MLD, the method further includes:

[0147] Step 507: Receive the third initial control frame sent by the first AP;

[0148] Step 508: In response to the third initial control frame, send an initial control response (ICF) frame to the first AP and enter the second capability mode for data interaction.

[0149] 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 501 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, step 502 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment; the combination of steps 501 and 502 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, the combination of steps 503 and 504 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, the combination of steps 505 and 506 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, and the combination of steps 507 and 508 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0150] In some embodiments, other optional implementations described before or after the specification corresponding to Figure 5 may be referred to.

[0151] 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.

[0152] 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), and 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), such as a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), which 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.

[0153] 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).

[0154] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the non-AP MLD proposed in this embodiment. As shown in Figure 6, the non-AP MLD 600 includes a first non-AP STA, which may include a processing module 601.

[0155] In some embodiments, the processing module 601 is configured to send a first radio frame to a first access point device (AP) attached to a first multi-link access point device (AP MLD), and if no downlink radio frame is received from the first AP within a first timeout period, the first non-AP STA performs an operation to restore the original state after the first timeout period has elapsed.

[0156] The first non-AP STA operates on an EMLSR link; at least one operating parameter of the first non-AP STA is lower in the first capability mode than in the second capability mode.

[0157] Optionally, the original state can be restored to one of the following: switch to the Listening state in Enhanced Multi-Link Single Radio EMLSR mode; switch to EMLSR mode and be in the first capability mode.

[0158] Optionally, the processing module 601 is used to execute at least one of the communication steps (e.g., steps 204, 301, 401, 501, 201, 203, 204, 303, 402, 502, 504, 506, 508, but not limited thereto) executed by the non-AP MLD 600 in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here.

[0159] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a terminal 700 (e.g., a user equipment) proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. The terminal 700 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 700 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.

[0160] As shown in Figure 7, terminal 700 includes one or more processors 701. Processor 701 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 700 is used to execute any of the above methods.

[0161] In some embodiments, terminal 700 further includes one or more memories 702 for storing instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memories 702 may be located outside of terminal 700.

[0162] In some embodiments, the terminal 700 further includes one or more transceivers 704. When the terminal 700 includes one or more transceivers 704, the transceivers 704 perform at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method (e.g., steps 202, 302, 402, 505, 507, but not limited thereto), and the processor 701 performs at least one of other steps (e.g., steps 204, 301, 401, 501, 201, 203, 204, 303, 402, 502, 504, 506, 508, but not limited thereto).

[0163] 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.

[0164] In some embodiments, terminal 700 may include one or more interface circuits 703. Optionally, interface circuit 703 is connected to memory 702, and interface circuit 703 can be used to receive signals from memory 702 or other devices, and can be used to send signals to memory 702 or other devices. For example, interface circuit 703 can read instructions stored in memory 702 and send the instructions to processor 701.

[0165] The terminal 700 described in the above embodiments may be a user equipment or other communication device, but the scope of the terminal 700 described in this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the terminal 700 may not be limited to FIG. 7. 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.

[0166] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the chip 800 proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. For cases where the terminal 700 can be a chip or a chip system, please refer to the schematic diagram of the chip 800 shown in Figure 8, but it is not limited thereto.

[0167] Chip 800 includes one or more processors 801, which are used to perform any of the above methods.

[0168] In some embodiments, chip 800 further includes one or more 803s. Optionally, interface circuitry 803 is connected to memory 802, and interface circuitry 803 can be used to receive signals from memory 802 or other devices, and interface circuitry 803 can be used to send signals to memory 802 or other devices. For example, interface circuitry 803 can read instructions stored in memory 802 and send the instructions to processor 801.

[0169] In some embodiments, the interface circuit 803 performs communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method (e.g., steps 202, 302, 402, 505, 507, but not limited to at least one of them), and the processor 801 performs at least one of other steps (e.g., steps 204, 301, 401, 501, 201, 203, 204, 303, 402, 502, 504, 506, 508, but not limited to).

[0170] In some embodiments, the terms interface circuit, interface, transceiver pin, transceiver, etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0171] In some embodiments, chip 800 further includes one or more memories 802 for storing instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memories 802 may be located outside of chip 800.

[0172] This disclosure also proposes a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a terminal 700, cause the terminal 700 to perform any of the methods described above. 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.

[0173] This disclosure also proposes a program product that, when executed by terminal 700, causes terminal 700 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the program product is a computer program product.

[0174] This disclosure also proposes a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform any of the above methods.

Claims

A method for saving power in equipment, characterized in that, The method includes: A first auxiliary site device (non-AP STA) attached to a first multi-link site device (non-AP MLD) sends a first radio frame to a first access point device (AP) attached to a first multi-link access point device (AP MLD). If it does not receive a downlink radio frame from the first AP within a first timeout period, the first non-AP STA performs a restoration to its original state after the first timeout period expires. The first non-AP STA operates on an EMLSR link; at least one operating parameter of the first non-AP STA is lower in the first capability mode than in the second capability mode. The power-saving method for equipment according to claim 1 is characterized in that, The operation of restoring the original state includes at least one of the following: Switch to the Listening state in Enhanced Multilink Single Radio EMLSR mode; Switch to EMLSR mode and be in the first capability mode. The power-saving method for equipment according to claim 2 is characterized in that, The first non-AP STA switches to the EMLSR mode listening state, including: The first non-AP STA switches to the Listening state of EMLSR mode and enters the wake-up state under the power saving mode PS Mode; The operating bandwidth of the first non-AP STA is the same as the operating bandwidth for transmitting the first wireless frame. The power-saving method for equipment according to claim 3 is characterized in that, After entering the wake-up state under the power saving mode (PS Mode), the method includes: Receive the first initial control frame sent by the first AP; In response to the first initial control frame, switch to EMLSR mode for data interaction. The power-saving method for equipment according to claim 2 is characterized in that, The switching to EMLSR mode and being in the first capability mode includes at least one of the following: The first non-AP STA switches to EMLSR mode and is in the first capability mode; The operating bandwidth of the first non-AP STA is adjusted to the first bandwidth value; The number of spatial streams (NSS) of the first non-AP STA is adjusted to the first value; The modulation and coding scheme (MCS) parameters of the first non-AP STA are adjusted to the first MCS value. The power-saving method for equipment according to claim 2 or 5 is characterized in that, After switching to EMLSR mode and entering the first capability mode, the method further includes: Receive the second initial control frame sent by the first AP; In response to the second initial control frame, switch to the second capability mode for data interaction. The power-saving method for equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 6 is characterized in that, Before sending the first radio frame to the first AP attached to the first AP MLD, the method further includes: Receive the third initial control frame sent by the first AP; In response to the third initial control frame, an initial control response (ICF) frame is sent to the first AP, and the second capability mode is entered for data interaction. A non-AP MLD, the non-AP MLD comprising a first non-AP STA, characterized in that, The first non-AP STA includes: The processing module is used to send a first radio frame to the first access point device AP attached to the first multi-link access point device AP MLD, and if it does not receive the downlink radio frame sent by the first AP within a first timeout period, the first non-AP STA performs an operation to restore the original state after the first timeout period expires. The first non-AP STA operates on an EMLSR link; at least one operating parameter of the first non-AP STA is lower in the first capability mode than in the second capability mode. A non-AP MLD, the non-AP MLD comprising a first non-AP STA, characterized in that, Also includes: One or more processors; The non-AP MLD is used to perform the device power-saving method according to any one of claims 1 to 7. A storage medium storing instructions, characterized in that, When the instruction is executed on the communication device, it causes the communication device to perform the device power-saving method as described in any one of claims 1 to 7.

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