Power saving method, device, and storage medium

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to the technical field of communications, and provide a power saving method, a device, and a storage medium. The method comprises: at a first moment before starting of a first TWT SP negotiating between an AP and a first STA, when the AP communicates with a second STA within a first TXOP obtained by the second STA, on the basis of an end time of the first TXOP and a start time of the first TWT SP, the AP determines a capability mode after the first moment, wherein the AP is a responder of the first TXOP. Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method for switching a device capability mode in a timely manner, reducing device energy consumption.

Description

Power saving method, device, and storage medium TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a power saving method, device, and storage medium. BACKGROUND

[0002] Currently, the contents researched by Wi-Fi technology, such as Ultra High Reliability (UHR), have the vision of improving the reliability of Wireless Local Area Networks (WLAN) connection, reducing delay, improving manageability, increasing throughput at different Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR) levels, and reducing device-level power consumption, etc.

[0003] In UHR, power saving mechanisms will be further enhanced to reduce device-level power consumption.

[0004] SUMMARY

[0005] The present disclosure provides a power saving method, device, and storage medium.

[0006] In a first aspect, the present disclosure provides a power saving method, comprising:

[0007] At a first time point before the start of a first TWT SP negotiated by an AP and a first STA, when the AP communicates with a second STA within a first TXOP obtained by the second STA, the AP determines a capability mode of the AP after the first time point according to an end time of the first TXOP and a start time of the first TWT SP.

[0008] The AP is a responder of the first TXOP.

[0009] In a second aspect, the present disclosure provides an AP, comprising:

[0010] a processing module configured to, at a first time point before the start of a first TWT SP negotiated by an AP and a first STA, when the AP communicates with a second STA within a first TXOP obtained by the second STA, determine a capability mode of the AP after the first time point according to an end time of the first TXOP and a start time of the first TWT SP.

[0011] The AP is a responder of the first TXOP.

[0012] In a third aspect, an AP is provided, including one or more processors; wherein the processor is configured to execute the power saving method provided in the first aspect of the present disclosure.

[0013] In a fourth aspect, a storage medium is provided, which stores instructions, when the instructions are executed on a communication device, causing the communication device to execute the power saving method provided in the first aspect of the present disclosure.

[0014] In a fifth aspect, a communication system is provided, including an AP, a first STA and a second STA, wherein at a first time point before a start of a first TWT SP negotiated between the AP and the first STA, when the AP communicates with the second STA within a first TXOP obtained by the second STA, the AP determines a capability mode after the first time point according to an end time of the first TXOP and a start time of the first TWT SP; wherein the AP is a responder of the first TXOP.

[0015] Based on the power saving method, device and storage medium provided in the embodiments of the present disclosure, a capability communication mode switching manner can be provided, which is helpful to improve communication efficiency.

[0016] Additional aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will be described in the following description and become apparent from the following description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0017] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the following will briefly introduce the drawings needed to be used in the description of the embodiments of the present disclosure. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are only some embodiments of the present disclosure, and other drawings can be obtained by those skilled in the art without creative labor under the premise of the drawings.

[0018] FIG. 1 is an architecture schematic diagram of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0019] FIG. 2a is an interaction schematic diagram of a power saving method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0020] FIG. 2b is an interaction schematic diagram of a power saving method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0021] FIG. 3 is an interaction schematic diagram of a power saving method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0022] FIG. 4a is a scenario schematic diagram of a power saving method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0023] FIG. 4b is a second scenario diagram of the power saving method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0024] FIG. 4c is a third scenario diagram of the power saving method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0025] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of the power saving method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] FIG. 6 is a structure diagram of an AP according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0027] FIG. 7 is a structure diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0028] FIG. 8 is a structure diagram of a chip according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a power saving method, device and storage medium.

[0030] In a first aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a power saving method, comprising:

[0031] At a first time point before a start of a first TWT SP negotiated by the AP and the first STA, when the AP communicates with the second STA within a first TXOP obtained by the second STA, the AP determines a capability mode after the first time point according to an end time of the first TXOP and a start time of the first TWT SP.

[0032] The AP is a responder of the first TXOP.

[0033] In the above embodiment, at the first time point before the start of the first TWT SP negotiated by the AP and the first STA, when the AP communicates with the second STA within the first TXOP obtained by the second STA, the AP can determine the capability mode of the first TXOP after the first time point according to the start time of the first TWT SP and the end time of the first TXOP, which is beneficial to saving the device energy consumption of the AP while maintaining the communication efficiency.

[0034] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the AP determines the capability mode after the first time point according to the end time of the first TXOP and the start time of the first TWT SP, comprising:

[0035] when the end time of the first TXOP is not earlier than the start time of the first TWT SP, or when the end time of the first TXOP is earlier than the start time of the first TWT SP and a first time difference between the end time of the first TXOP and the start time of the first TWT SP is less than or equal to a first duration, the AP maintains the first capability mode after the first time point;

[0036] when the end time of the first TXOP is earlier than the start time of the first TWT SP and the first duration is greater than the first duration, the AP switches to a second capability mode after the end of the first TXOP and switches to the first capability mode before the start of the first TWT SP;

[0037] wherein the AP is in the first capability mode when communicating with the second STA, and at least one working parameter of the AP has a smaller value in the second capability mode than in the first capability mode.

[0038] In the above embodiment, in the case that the end time of the first TXOP is not earlier than the start time of the first TWT SP, or in the case that the end time of the first TXOP is earlier than the start time of the first TWT SP and the first time difference is less than or equal to the first duration, the AP can maintain the high capability mode (the first capability mode) after the first time point and before the start time of the TWT SP, avoiding the AP switching from the high capability mode to the low capability mode (the second capability mode) after the end of the TXOP and failing to switch back to the high capability mode in time before the start of the first TWT SP, so as to ensure the smooth frame exchange between the AP and the first STA in the first TWT SP.

[0039] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first duration is a sum of a duration required for the AP to switch from the first capability mode to the second capability mode and a duration required for the AP to switch from the second capability mode to the first capability mode.

[0040] In the above embodiment, in the case that the end time of the first TXOP is not earlier than the start time of the first TWT SP, or in the case that the end time of the first TXOP is earlier than the start time of the first TWT SP and the first time difference is less than or equal to the first duration, the AP can maintain the high capability mode (the first capability mode) after the first time point and before the start time of the TWT SP, avoiding the AP switching from the high capability mode to the low capability mode (the second capability mode) after the end of the TXOP and failing to switch back to the high capability mode in time before the start of the first TWT SP, so as to ensure the smooth frame exchange between the AP and the first STA in the first TWT SP.

[0041] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the method further comprises:

[0042] When the AP is in the second capability mode at the first time point, the AP switches to the first capability mode before the first TWT SP starts.

[0043] The at least one working parameter of the AP has a smaller value in the second capability mode than in the first capability mode.

[0044] In the above embodiment, when the AP is not communicating with any STA at the first time point, i.e., in the second capability mode (low capability mode), the AP can switch to the first capability mode (high capability mode) before the first TWT SP starts, so as to realize frame exchange with the first STA in the first TWT SP and improve communication efficiency.

[0045] In some embodiments of the first aspect, when the end time of the first TXOP is not earlier than the start time of the first TWT SP, the method further comprises:

[0046] The AP sends a first wireless frame before the first TWT SP starts, and the first wireless frame is used to instruct the second STA to terminate the first TXOP.

[0047] In the above embodiment, when the end time of the first TXOP is not earlier than the start time of the first TWT SP, the AP can end the first TXOP in time before the first TWT SP starts, so as to ensure that the AP can exchange frames with the first STA in the first TWT SP in the high capability mode, thereby improving communication efficiency.

[0048] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the AP is in the first capability mode in the first TWT SP.

[0049] After the first TWT SP starts, the method further comprises at least one of the following:

[0050] The AP participates in channel contention.

[0051] After successfully contending for the channel, the AP exchanges frames with the first STA in the first TWT SP.

[0052] In the above embodiment, the AP is in the first capability mode (high capability mode) in the first TWT SP, can participate in channel contention and exchange frames with the first STA, which is conducive to ensuring the normal implementation of the communication activities of the AP in the first TWT SP and ensuring the communication quality.

[0053] In some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0054] After the first TWT SP ends, the AP switches from the first capability mode to the second capability mode.

[0055] In the above embodiment, the AP can switch back to the second capability mode (second capability mode) in time after the first TWT SP ends, so as to avoid wasting device power consumption.

[0056] In a second aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide an AP, comprising:

[0057] a processing module configured to, at a first time point before a first TWT SP negotiated by the AP and a first STA starts, determine a capability mode of the AP after the first time point according to an end time of a first TXOP in which the AP communicates with a second STA and a start time of the first TWT SP, when the AP communicates with the second STA in the first TXOP obtained by the second STA.

[0058] The AP is a responder of the first TXOP.

[0059] In a third aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide an AP, comprising one or more processors; wherein the processor executes the power saving method provided in the first aspect and the optional implementation of the first aspect.

[0060] In a fourth aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a storage medium, which stores instructions, when the instructions are executed on a communication device, the communication device executes the method described in the first aspect and the optional implementation of the first aspect.

[0061] In a fifth aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a program product, when the program product is executed by a communication device, the communication device executes the method described in the first aspect and the optional implementation of the first aspect.

[0062] In a sixth aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a computer program, when the computer program is executed on a computer, the computer executes the method described in the first aspect and the optional implementation of the first aspect.

[0063] In a seventh aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a chip or chip system. The chip or chip system comprises processing circuitry configured to execute the method described in the first aspect and the optional implementation of the first aspect.

[0064] In an eighth aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication system, the communication system comprising an AP, a first STA and a second STA, wherein at a first time point before a start of a first TWT SP negotiated between the AP and the first STA, when the AP communicates with the second STA within a first TXOP obtained by the second STA, the AP determines a capability mode after the first time point according to an end time of the first TXOP and a start time of the first TWT SP; and the AP is a responder of the first TXOP.

[0065] It can be understood that the AP, the first STA, the second STA, the communication system, the communication device, the storage medium, the program product, the computer program, the chip or the chip system are all used to execute the method provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure. Therefore, the beneficial effects achieved by the above-mentioned method can be referred to the beneficial effects of the corresponding method, which will not be repeated here.

[0066] The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a power saving method, device and storage medium. In some embodiments, the power saving method and the information processing method can be replaced with each other, the power saving device and the information processing device can be replaced with each other, and the information processing system and the communication system can be replaced with each other.

[0067] The embodiments of the present disclosure are not exhaustive, but only illustrate some embodiments, and are not specific limitations on the protection scope of the present disclosure. In the case of no contradiction, each step in an embodiment can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the steps can be combined arbitrarily, for example, the scheme after removing some steps in an embodiment can also be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the order of the steps in an embodiment can be exchanged arbitrarily, in addition, the optional implementation manners in an embodiment can be combined arbitrarily; in addition, the embodiments can be combined arbitrarily, for example, the steps of different embodiments or part or all of the steps of different embodiments can be combined arbitrarily, an embodiment can be combined with the optional implementation manners of other embodiments.

[0068] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the terms and / or descriptions of the embodiments are consistent and can be referred to each other if there is no special description and logical conflict, and the technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationship.

[0069] The terms used in the embodiments of the present disclosure are only for the purpose of describing the specific embodiments, and not as a limitation on the present disclosure.

[0070] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, an element expressed in singular form, such as "a", "an", "the", "said", "the aforementioned", "the foregoing", "this", and the like, unless otherwise specified, can represent "one and only one", or can represent "one or more", "at least one", and the like. For example, in the case of using articles such as "a", "an", "the" in English, the noun after the article can be understood as a singular expression, or can be understood as a plural expression.

[0071] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, "plurality" refers to two or more.

[0072] In some embodiments, the terms "at least one of", "one or more of", "a plurality of", "multiple", and the like can be replaced with each other.

[0073] In some embodiments, the description manner such as "at least one of A, B", "A and / or B", "A in one case and B in another case", "in response to a case A, in response to a case B", and the like can include the following technical solutions according to the case: in some embodiments, A is executed regardless of B; in some embodiments, B is executed regardless of A; in some embodiments, A and B are selectively executed from A and B; in some embodiments, A and B are executed (A and B are both executed). When there are more branches such as A, B, C, and the like, it is similar to the above.

[0074] In some embodiments, the description manner such as "A or B" and the like can include the following technical solutions according to the case: in some embodiments, A is executed regardless of B; in some embodiments, B is executed regardless of A; in some embodiments, A and B are selectively executed from A and B. When there are more branches such as A, B, C, and the like, it is similar to the above.

[0075] The prefix words of "first", "second" and the like in the embodiments of the present disclosure are merely used to distinguish different description objects, and do not constitute limitation on the position, order, priority, quantity or content of the description objects. The description of the description objects should refer to the description in the context of the claims or embodiments, and should not constitute redundant limitation because of the use of the prefix words. For example, the description objects are "fields", and the ordinal words before "fields" in "first field" and "second field" do not limit the position or order between "fields". "First" and "second" do not limit whether the "fields" modified thereby are in the same message, nor do they limit the order of "first field" and "second field". For another example, the description objects are "levels", and the ordinal words before "levels" in "first level" and "second level" do not limit the priority between "levels". For another example, the quantity of the description objects is not limited by the ordinal words, and can be one or more. For example, "first device", wherein the quantity of "devices" can be one or more. In addition, the objects modified by different prefix words can be the same or different. For example, the description objects are "devices", and "first device" and "second device" can be the same device or different devices, and their types can be the same or different. For another example, the description objects are "information", and "first information" and "second information" can be the same information or different information, and their contents can be the same or different.

[0076] In some embodiments, "including A", "containing A", "for indicating A", "carrying A" can be interpreted as directly carrying A, or indirectly indicating A.

[0077] In some embodiments, the terms of "in response to", "in response to determining", "in the case of", "when", "when", "if", "if" and the like can be replaced with each other.

[0078] In some embodiments, the terms of "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", "above" and the like can be replaced with each other, and the terms of "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", "below" and the like can be replaced with each other.

[0079] In some embodiments, the acquisition of data, information and the like can comply with the laws and regulations of the place.

[0080] In some embodiments, data, information and the like can be acquired after obtaining the consent of the user.

[0081] In addition, each element, each row, or each column in the table of the embodiments of the present 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.

[0082] To solve the above problems, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described clearly and completely in combination with the drawings below. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present disclosure, not all the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present disclosure, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative labor are within the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

[0083] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0084] As shown in FIG. 1, the communication system 100 includes an AP 101 and STAs 102 and 103.

[0085] The AP 101 includes an AP attached to an access point device supporting multi-link (Access Point Multi-Link Device, AP MLD), and the STA 102 and / or the STA 103 includes a multi-link station device (Non-Access Point Multi-Link Device, Non-AP MLD) attached to a non-AP station device (non-AP STA).

[0086] The AP 101, the STA 102, and the STA 103 can be devices supporting an ultra-high reliability (UHR) transmission protocol, for example, the AP 101 can be a UHR AP, and the STA 102 and the STA 103 can be UHR STAs. The AP 101 is a device supporting an ultra-high reliability (UHR) transmission protocol, and the STA 102 and the STA 103 can also be devices supporting an extremely high throughput (EHT) transmission protocol.

[0087] In some embodiments, the AP 101, the STA 102, and the STA 103 can be wireless communication terminals including a wireless communication chip supporting WiFi communication function, a wireless sensor, or a wireless communication terminal. Optionally, the wireless communication terminal includes, but is not limited to, at least one of a mobile phone, a wearable device, an Internet of Things (IoT) device supporting WiFi communication function, a WiFi communication function enabled vehicle, a smart vehicle, a tablet computer (Pad), a computer with wireless transceiver function, 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 smart grid, a wireless terminal device in transportation safety, a wireless terminal device in smart city, and a wireless terminal device in smart home.

[0088] Optionally, the AP 101, the STA 102, and the STA 103 can be devices supporting multi-connection, for example, the AP 101 can be denoted as an AP MLD, and the STA 102 and the STA 103 can be denoted as a Non-AP MLD; the AP MLD can represent an access point supporting multi-connection communication function, and the non-AP MLD can represent a station supporting multi-connection communication function.

[0089] In some embodiments, the AP 101 includes at least one of a TWT Responding STA and a TWT Scheduling AP; the STA 102 includes at least one of a TWT Requesting STA and a TWT Scheduled STA; and the STA 103 is a holder of a TXOP, and the AP 101 is a responder of the TXOP held by the STA 103.

[0090] Optionally, the AP 101 can negotiate with one or more STAs 102 to establish a TWT Agreement, and the TWT Agreement includes at least one target wake-up time service period (TWT Service Period, TWT SP).

[0091] In some embodiments, in the case that the AP 101 is a TWT Responding STA, the STA 102 can be a TWT Requesting STA, one TWT Responding STA can negotiate with one TWT Requesting STA to establish an Individual TWT Agreement, that is, the Individual TWT Agreement is a protocol established between two devices.

[0092] In some embodiments, in the case that the AP 101 is a TWT Scheduling AP, the STA 102 can be a TWT Scheduled STA, one TWT Scheduling AP can negotiate with one or more TWT Scheduled STAs to establish a Broadcast TWT Agreement or an R-TWT Agreement, that is, the B-TWT Agreement or the R-TWT Agreement is a protocol established between one scheduling end and one or more scheduled ends, the B-TWT Agreement or the R-TWT Agreement can be initiated by the scheduling end, and the one or more scheduled ends actively respond (that is, the scheduled end actively joins the TWT Agreement initiated by the scheduling end) or passively respond (that is, the scheduled end is invited by the scheduling end to join the TWT Agreement initiated by the scheduling end).

[0093] It can be understood that the communication system described in the embodiments of the present disclosure is for more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present disclosure, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions proposed in the embodiments of the present disclosure. It can be known by those skilled in the art that, as the system architecture evolves and new business scenarios appear, the technical solutions proposed in the embodiments of the present disclosure are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0094] The following embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to the communication system 100 shown in FIG. 1 or part of the subjects, but are not limited thereto. The subjects shown in FIG. 1 are examples, and the communication system can include all or part of the subjects in FIG. 1, or include other subjects other than those in FIG. 1. The number and form of each subject is arbitrary, each subject can be physical or virtual, and the connection relationship between each subject is an example. The connection can be in any manner, can be direct connection or indirect connection, and can be wired connection or wireless connection.

[0095] Embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to a wireless local area network (WLAN), such as can be applicable to IEEE 802.11 system standards, for example, 802.11a / b / g standards, 802.11ac standards, 802.11ax standards, 802.11bf, 802.11be standards, or the next generation thereof, for example, 802.11bn. Alternatively, embodiments of the present disclosure can also be applicable to a wireless local area network system such as an internet of things (IoT) network or a vehicle to X (V2X) network. Of course, embodiments of the present disclosure can also be applicable to other possible communication systems, for example, a long term evolution (LTE) system, an LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) system, an LTE time division duplex (TDD), a universal mobile telecommunication system (UMTS), a worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) communication system, and a 5th generation (5G) communication system, etc.

[0096] FIG. 2a is one of the interaction schematic diagrams of the power saving method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The power saving method shown in FIG. 2a includes:

[0097] S211, at a first time point before the start of the first TWT SP negotiated by the AP and the first STA, in a case where the AP communicates with the second STA within the first TXOP obtained by the second STA, when the end time of the first TXOP is not earlier than the start time of the first TWT SP, the AP maintains the first capability mode after the first time point.

[0098] In embodiments of the present disclosure, the AP can negotiate a TWT Agreement with at least one STA, wherein the TWT Agreement contains one or more TWT SPs.

[0099] The TWT Agreement negotiated by the AP and the at least one STA includes but is not limited to an Individual TWT Agreement, a Broadcast TWT Agreement, or an R-TWT Agreement.

[0100] The first STA is any STA negotiating a TWT SP with the AP, and the first TWT SP negotiated by the AP and the first STA can be a TWT SP corresponding to an Individual TWT Agreement, a Broadcast TWT Agreement, or an R-TWT Agreement, which is not limited herein.

[0101] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the first TXOP holder is the second STA, and the AP is the responder of the first TXOP.

[0102] The AP can communicate with the second STA in the first TXOP. When the AP communicates with the second STA in the first TXOP, the AP is in the first capability mode.

[0103] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the first time point is any time point before the start of the first TWT SP negotiated by the AP and the first STA. When the AP communicates with the second STA in the first TXOP obtained by the second STA at the first time point, since the AP needs to be in the first capability mode in the first TXOP and the first TWT SP, when the end time of the first TXOP is not earlier than the start time of the first TWT SP, the AP does not need to perform capability mode switching, that is, the AP maintains the first capability mode after the first time point to before the end of the first TWT SP.

[0104] S212, the AP sends a first wireless frame before the start of the first TWT SP, and the first wireless frame is used to instruct the second STA to terminate the first TXOP.

[0105] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, when the end time of the first TXOP is not earlier than the start time of the first TWT SP, the first TXOP and the first TWT SP overlap, in order to ensure that the AP can smoothly exchange frames with the first STA in the first TWT SP, the AP can send a first wireless frame to the second STA before the start of the first TWT SP, and the first wireless frame is used to instruct the second STA to terminate the first TXOP.

[0106] Based on this, when the end time of the first TXOP is not earlier than the start time of the first TWT SP, the AP can end the first TXOP in time before the start of the first TWT SP, to ensure that the frame exchange with the first STA is smoothly performed.

[0107] S213, after the start of the first TWT SP, the AP participates in channel contention.

[0108] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, after the start of the first TWT SP, the AP can participate in channel contention to realize frame exchange with the first STA in the first TWT SP.

[0109] S214, after successfully contending for the channel, the AP and the first STA perform frame exchange within the first TWT SP.

[0110] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, after the first TWT SP starts, the AP can contend for the channel, and after successfully contending for the channel, the AP and the first STA perform frame exchange within the first TWT SP.

[0111] The AP and the first STA perform frame exchange, including sending a DL PPDU to the first STA, and / or obtaining a UL PPDU of the first STA. The UL PPDU can be a response frame sent by the first STA or a trigger-based (TB) PPDU.

[0112] S215, after the first TWT SP ends, the AP switches from the first capability mode to the second capability mode.

[0113] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, after the first TWT SP ends, since the AP no longer needs to perform frame exchange with the first STA, the AP can switch from the first capability mode to the second capability mode after the first TWT SP ends, so as to save device energy consumption.

[0114] The power saving method related to the embodiments of the present disclosure can include the foregoing steps and at least one of the embodiments. For example, any one of steps S211-S215 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and any combination of steps S211-S215 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0115] FIG. 2b is a second interaction diagram of a power saving method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The power saving method shown in FIG. 2b includes:

[0116] S221, at a first time point before the start of the first TWT SP negotiated by the AP and the first STA, in a case where the AP communicates with the second STA within a first TXOP obtained by the second STA, when the end time of the first TXOP is earlier than the start time of the first TWT SP, and the first time difference between the end time of the first TXOP and the start time of the first TWT SP is less than or equal to the first time length, the AP remains in the first capability mode after the first time point.

[0117] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the AP can negotiate a TWT Agreement with at least one STA, wherein the TWT Agreement contains one or more TWT SPs.

[0118] The TWT Agreement negotiated between the AP and the at least one STA includes, but is not limited to, an Individual TWT Agreement, a Broadcast TWT Agreement, or an R-TWT Agreement.

[0119] The first STA is any STA negotiating a TWT SP with the AP, and the first TWT SP negotiated between the AP and the first STA can be a TWT SP corresponding to an Individual TWT Agreement, a Broadcast TWT Agreement, or an R-TWT Agreement, which is not limited herein.

[0120] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the first TXOP holder is the second STA, and the AP is the responder of the first TXOP.

[0121] The AP can communicate with the second STA in the first TXOP. When the AP communicates with the second STA in the first TXOP, the AP is in the first capability mode.

[0122] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the first time point is any time point before the start of the first TWT SP negotiated between the AP and the first STA.

[0123] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, when the AP communicates with the second STA in the first TXOP obtained by the second STA at the first time point, if the end time of the first TXOP is earlier than the start time of the first TWT SP, the AP can determine a first time difference between the end time of the first TXOP and the start time of the first TWT SP.

[0124] When the first time difference is less than or equal to the first duration, the AP can remain in the first capability mode after the first time point.

[0125] The first duration is the sum of the duration required for the AP to switch from the first capability mode to the second capability mode and the duration required for the AP to switch from the second capability mode to the first capability mode.

[0126] In other words, when the first time difference is less than or equal to the first duration, if the AP switches from the first capability mode to the second capability mode after the end of the first TXOP, the AP cannot switch from the second capability mode back to the first capability mode before the start of the first TWT SP after switching to the second capability mode, so that the AP cannot timely exchange frames with the first STA after the start of the first TWT SP; on the other hand, frequent capability mode switching can be avoided to reduce energy consumption.

[0127] Therefore, when the first time difference is less than or equal to the first time length, the AP continues to maintain the first capability mode after the end of the first TXOP and also maintains the first capability mode after the start of the first TWT SP.

[0128] S222, at a first time before the start of the first TWT SP negotiated by the AP and the first STA, in a case where the AP communicates with the second STA in a first TXOP obtained by the second STA, when an end time of the first TXOP is earlier than a start time of the first TWT SP, and a first time difference between the end time of the first TXOP and the start time of the first TWT SP is greater than a first time length, the AP switches to the second capability mode after the end of the first TXOP, and switches to the first capability mode before the start of the first TWT SP.

[0129] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, when the first time difference is greater than the first time length, the AP can switch from the first capability mode to the second capability mode after the end of the first TXOP, and switch from the second capability mode to the first capability mode before the start of the first TWT SP, to maintain the first capability mode in the first TWT SP.

[0130] The first time length is a sum of a time length required for the AP to switch from the first capability mode to the second capability mode, and a time length required for the AP to switch from the second capability mode to the first capability mode.

[0131] In other words, when the first time difference is greater than the first time length, if the AP switches from the first capability mode to the second capability mode after the end of the first TXOP, the AP can switch from the second capability mode back to the first capability mode before the start of the first TWT SP in a time period from after the switch to the second capability mode to before the start of the first TWT SP, so that the device energy consumption can be saved in the first time difference.

[0132] S223, after the start of the first TWT SP, the AP participates in channel contention.

[0133] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, after the start of the first TWT SP, the AP can participate in channel contention to realize frame exchange with the first STA in the first TWT SP.

[0134] S224, after successfully contending for the channel, the AP and the STA perform frame exchange in the first TWT SP.

[0135] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, after the start of the first TWT SP, the AP can participate in channel contention, and after successfully contending for the channel, perform frame exchange with the first STA in the first TWT SP.

[0136] The AP exchanges frames with the first STA, including sending a DL PPDU to the first STA, and / or obtaining a UL PPDU from the first STA. The UL PPDU can be a response frame sent by the first STA or a trigger-based (TB) PPDU.

[0137] At S225, after the first TWT SP ends, the AP switches from the first capability mode to the second capability mode.

[0138] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, after the first TWT SP ends, since the AP no longer needs to exchange frames with the first STA, the AP can switch from the first capability mode to the second capability mode after the first TWT SP ends, so as to save the energy consumption of the device.

[0139] The power saving method related to the embodiments of the present disclosure can include the foregoing steps and at least one of the embodiments. For example, any one of steps S221-S225 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and any combination of steps S221-S225 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0140] FIG. 3 is a third interaction diagram of a power saving method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The power saving method shown in FIG. 3 includes:

[0141] At S31, when the AP is in the second capability mode at a first time point before the start of the first TWT SP negotiated with the first STA, the AP switches to the first capability mode before the start of the first TWT SP.

[0142] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the AP can negotiate a TWT Agreement with at least one STA, where the TWT Agreement contains one or more TWT SPs.

[0143] The TWT Agreement negotiated by the AP with the at least one STA includes but is not limited to an Individual TWT Agreement, a Broadcast TWT Agreement, or an R-TWT Agreement.

[0144] The first STA is any one of the STAs negotiating a TWT SP with the AP. The first TWT SP negotiated by the AP with the first STA can be a TWT SP corresponding to an Individual TWT Agreement, a Broadcast TWT Agreement, or an R-TWT Agreement, which is not limited herein.

[0145] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, when the AP is in the second capability mode at the first time point before the first TWT SP, that is, when the AP does not communicate with the corresponding STA within the TXOP obtained by the other STA at the first time point, the AP can switch from the second capability mode to the first capability mode before the first TWT SP, so that the first capability mode can be maintained for frame exchange with the first STA within the first TWT SP.

[0146] S32, after the start of the first TWT SP, the AP participates in channel contention.

[0147] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, after the start of the first TWT SP, the AP can participate in channel contention to realize frame exchange with the first STA within the first TWT SP.

[0148] S33, after successfully contending for the channel, the AP and the first STA perform frame exchange within the first TWT SP.

[0149] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, after the start of the first TWT SP, the AP can participate in channel contention to realize frame exchange with the first STA within the first TWT SP.

[0150] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, after the start of the first TWT SP, the AP can participate in channel contention, and after successfully contending for the channel, perform frame exchange with the first STA within the first TWT SP.

[0151] The AP performs frame exchange with the first STA, including sending a DL PPDU to the first STA, and / or obtaining a UL PPDU of the first STA. The UL PPDU can be a response frame sent by the first STA or a trigger-based (TB) PPDU.

[0152] S34, after the end of the first TWT SP, the AP switches from the first capability mode to the second capability mode.

[0153] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, after the end of the first TWT SP, since the AP no longer needs to perform frame exchange with the first STA, the AP can switch from the first capability mode to the second capability mode after the end of the first TWT SP to save device energy consumption.

[0154] The power saving method related to the embodiments of the present disclosure can include the foregoing steps and at least one of the embodiments. For example, any one of steps S31-S34 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and any combination of steps S31-S34 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0155] In any of the preceding embodiments, the at least one working parameter of the AP has a lower value in the second capabilities mode than in the first capabilities mode. For example, the at least one working parameter of the AP in FIG. 2a, FIG. 2b, and FIG. 3 has a lower value in the second capabilities mode than in the first capabilities mode.

[0156] The first capabilities mode in the embodiments of the present disclosure can also be referred to as a high-capability mode, and the second capabilities mode can also be referred to as a low-capability mode.

[0157] In some embodiments, the three can be interchangeable.

[0158] Optionally, the working parameters include, but are not limited to, one or more of a modulation and coding scheme (MCS), a number of spatial streams (SS), or a channel bandwidth (BW), and the channel bandwidth can also be understood as a working bandwidth.

[0159] In some embodiments, the second capabilities mode corresponds to a preset value of each working parameter, or a minimum parameter value corresponding to the working parameter, or a parameter value range corresponding to the working parameter, which is not limited herein.

[0160] As an example, the second capabilities mode corresponds to a channel bandwidth of 20 MHz, a number of spatial streams of 1, and a modulation and coding scheme up to MCS5, and the first capabilities mode corresponds to a channel bandwidth greater than or equal to 20 MHz, a number of spatial streams greater than 1, and an unlimited MCS, or a channel bandwidth greater than 20 MHz, a number of spatial streams greater than or equal to 1, and an unlimited MCS.

[0161] Optionally, the working parameters corresponding to the first capabilities mode or the second capabilities mode can include, but are not limited to, a bandwidth (BW), a supported MCS mode, and a number of spatial streams (NSS).

[0162] As an example, in the second capability communication mode, the AP supports a working bandwidth of 20MHz (Mega Hertz) (i.e., BW=20MHz), the number of SSs is 1 (i.e., NSS=1, single space stream), the value of the MCS index is up to 5, i.e., the value of the MCS index can be any value from 0 to 5, for example, the value of the MCS index is 5, and the like. In the first capability communication mode, the bandwidth supported by the AP can be greater than or equal to 20MHz, for example, can be 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 5, and the like.

[0163] It should be particularly noted that the values of the working parameters of the first capability mode and the second capability mode described above are only examples and are not limited in actual applications.

[0164] Generally, a UHR device (such as an AP) in a dynamic power saving (DPS) mode will enter a low capability mode (LCM) under certain conditions, for example, a low power listening (LPL) mode. In the LPL mode, for example, a single space stream, a 20MHz bandwidth, and a low-rate MCS are used for transmission and reception.

[0165] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, when the AP works in the second capability mode (low capability mode), the first STA can send an initial control frame to the AP, so that the AP switches to the second capability mode (i.e., high capability mode (HCM) or full capability mode) after receiving the initial control frame, so as to perform frame exchange with the first STA sending the initial control frame.

[0166] It can be seen that, in the embodiments of the present disclosure, the AP is allowed to work in the second capability mode and switch to the first capability mode when necessary, which can effectively reduce the power consumption of the AP. At the same time, when frame exchange is needed, the AP is triggered to switch to the high capability mode through the initial control frame, which ensures the timely and effective transmission of wireless data.

[0167] The power saving method provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure will be further described below in combination with specific examples.

[0168] Step 1, the AP and at least one first STA negotiate to establish a TWT Agreement, wherein the TWT Agreement contains one or more TWT SPs. Wherein, the AP supports TWT operation, supports dynamic power management or power saving mode management.

[0169] Step 2, before the TWT SP start time arrives, the first AP performs at least one of the following operations:

[0170] Step 2-1, if the AP is in low power mode, the AP switches to high power mode before the TWT SP start time arrives.

[0171] Step 2-2, if the AP is a Responder of the first TXOP and the first TXOP end time exceeds the TWT SP start time, the AP should perform corresponding actions to ensure that the first TXOP ends before the TWT SP arrives, and the first AP remains in high power mode.

[0172] For example, the AP sends a first wireless frame to the Holder of the first TXOP, and the first wireless frame is used to indicate the termination of the first TXOP.

[0173] Step 2-3, if the AP is a Responder of the first TXOP and the time difference between the first TXOP end time and the TWT SP start time is T0, the following cases exist:

[0174] A, the time difference T0 is less than or equal to a first time length, the AP remains in high power mode (does not switch to low power mode) after the first TXOP ends;

[0175] B, the time difference T0 is greater than the first time length, the AP switches to low power mode after the first TXOP ends, and switches to high power mode before the TWT SP start time arrives;

[0176] Wherein, the first time length can be the sum of the time required for the AP to switch from low power mode to high power mode and the time required for the AP to switch from high power mode to low power mode.

[0177] Step 3, the AP performs at least one of the following operations after the TWT SP start time arrives:

[0178] Step 3-1, participating in channel contention;

[0179] Step 3-2, after successfully contending for the channel, sending a DL PPDU and / or soliciting an UL PPDU (response frame or TB PPDU) to the corresponding STA within the TWT SP.

[0180] Step 4, after the TWT SP ends, the AP switches to low power mode.

[0181] As an example, as shown in FIG. 4a, the AP negotiates a TWT SP with STA1, STA2 holds a TXOP, and the AP is a responder of the TXOP held by STA2.

[0182] The AP is in low capability mode before the TWT SP and before the start of the TXOP, receives the initial control frame (ICF) sent by STA2 before the start of the TXOP, switches to high capability mode, and remains in high capability mode within the TXOP.

[0183] When the end time of the TXOP is earlier than the start time of the TWT SP, and the first time difference T between the end time of the TXOP and the start time of the TWT SP is greater than the first time length, the AP can switch to low capability mode after the end of the TXOP, switch to high capability mode before the start of the TWT SP, and remain in high capability mode during the TWT SP. The AP switches to low capability mode after the end of the TWT SP.

[0184] The first time length is the time length T required for the AP to switch from high capability mode to low capability mode h21 and the time length T required for the AP to switch from low capability mode to high capability mode h12 .

[0185] As an example, as shown in FIG. 4b, the AP negotiates the TWT SP with STA1, and STA2 holds the TXOP, and the AP is the responder of the TXOP held by STA2.

[0186] The AP is in low capability mode before the TWT SP and before the start of the TXOP, receives the initial control frame (ICF) sent by STA2 before the start of the TXOP, switches to high capability mode, and remains in high capability mode within the TXOP.

[0187] When the end time of the TXOP is earlier than the start time of the TWT SP, and the first time difference T between the end time of the TXOP and the start time of the TWT SP is less than or equal to the first time length, the AP can remain in high capability mode within the first time length T of the end of the TXOP and within the TWT SP, and switch to low capability mode after the end of the TWT SP.

[0188] The first time length is the time length T required for the AP to switch from high capability mode to low capability mode h21 and the time length T required for the AP to switch from low capability mode to high capability mode h12 .

[0189] As an example, as shown in FIG. 4c, the AP negotiates the TWT SP with STA1, and STA2 holds the TXOP, and the AP is the responder of the TXOP held by STA2.

[0190] The AP is in low capability mode before the TWT SP and before the start of the TXOP, receives an initial control frame (ICF) sent by the STA2 before the start of the TXOP, switches to high capability mode, and remains in high capability mode within the TXOP.

[0191] When the end time of the TXOP is not earlier than the start time of the TWT SP, the AP can end the TXOP before the start of the TWT SP, for example, send a first wireless frame to the STA2 to indicate that the TXOP is ended, remain in high capability mode within the TWT SP, and switch to low capability mode after the end of the TWT SP.

[0192] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a power saving method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 5, the method is performed by an AP, and the method comprises:

[0193] S51, at a first time point before the start of a first TWT SP negotiated with a first STA, when communicating with a second STA within a first TXOP obtained by the second STA, determining a capability mode after the first time point according to an end time of the first TXOP and a start time of the first TWT SP.

[0194] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the AP can negotiate a TWT Agreement with at least one STA, wherein the TWT Agreement contains one or more TWT SPs.

[0195] The TWT Agreement negotiated by the AP with the at least one STA includes but is not limited to an Individual TWT Agreement, a Broadcast TWT Agreement, or an R-TWT Agreement.

[0196] The first STA is any STA negotiating a TWT SP with the AP, and the first TWT SP negotiated by the AP with the first STA can be a TWT SP corresponding to an Individual TWT Agreement, a Broadcast TWT Agreement, or an R-TWT Agreement, which is not limited herein.

[0197] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first TXOP holder is the second STA, and the AP is a responder of the first TXOP.

[0198] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the AP determines the capability mode after the first time point according to the end time of the first TXOP and the start time of the first TWT SP, including:

[0199] when the end time of the first TXOP is not earlier than the start time of the first TWT SP, or when the end time of the first TXOP is earlier than the start time of the first TWT SP and a first time difference between the end time of the first TXOP and the start time of the first TWT SP is less than or equal to the first time length, the AP maintains the first capability mode after the first time point;

[0200] when the end time of the first TXOP is earlier than the start time of the first TWT SP and the first time length is greater than the first time length, the AP switches to the second capability mode after the end of the first TXOP and switches to the first capability mode before the start of the first TWT SP;

[0201] wherein the AP is in the first capability mode when communicating with the second STA; and a value of at least one working parameter of the AP in the second capability mode is less than a value of the at least one working parameter in the first capability mode.

[0202] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first time length is a sum of a time length required for the AP to switch from the first capability mode to the second capability mode and a time length required for the AP to switch from the second capability mode to the first capability mode.

[0203] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the method further comprises:

[0204] when the AP is in the second capability mode at the first time point, the AP switches to the first capability mode before the start of the first TWT SP;

[0205] wherein a value of at least one working parameter of the AP in the second capability mode is less than a value of the at least one working parameter in the first capability mode.

[0206] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, when the end time of the first TXOP is not earlier than the start time of the first TWT SP, the method further comprises:

[0207] the AP sends a first wireless frame before the start of the first TWT SP, the first wireless frame being used to instruct the second STA to terminate the first TXOP.

[0208] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the AP is in the first capability mode within the first TWT SP;

[0209] after the start of the first TWT SP, the method further comprises at least one of the following:

[0210] the AP participates in channel contention;

[0211] the AP exchanges frames with the first STA within the first TWT SP after successfully contending for the channel.

[0212] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the method further comprises:

[0213] After the first TWT SP ends, the AP switches from the first capability mode to the second capability mode.

[0214] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an AP according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 6, the AP 600 can include a processing module 610.

[0215] In some embodiments, the processing module 610 is configured to, at a first time point before a first TWT SP negotiated by the AP and a first STA starts, determine a capability mode of the AP after the first time point according to an end time of a first TXOP obtained by a second STA and a start time of the first TWT SP, when the AP communicates with the second STA in the first TXOP.

[0216] The AP is a responder of the first TXOP.

[0217] Optionally, the processing module 610 is configured to perform at least one of the processing steps performed by the AP in any of the above methods (for example, steps S211, S213, S215, S221, S222, S223, S225, S31, S32, S34, S51, but not limited thereto), which will not be described herein again. The AP 600 can further include a transceiver module 620 configured to perform at least one of the transceiving steps performed by the AP in any of the above methods (for example, steps S212, S214, S224, S33, but not limited thereto), which will not be described herein again.

[0218] It should be understood that the division of the above units or modules is only a logical function division, and all or part of them can be integrated into a physical entity or physically separated in actual implementation. In addition, the units or modules can be implemented in the form of processor calling software: for example, including a processor, a memory connected to the processor, and instructions stored in the memory, and the processor calls the instructions stored in the memory to implement any of the above methods or realize the functions of the above units or modules, wherein the processor is, for example, a general processor such as a central processing unit (CPU) or a microprocessor, and the memory is a memory inside or outside the device. Alternatively, the units or modules in the device can be implemented in the form of hardware circuit, and the functions of part or all of the units or modules can be realized by the design of the hardware circuit. The above hardware circuit can be understood as one or more processors; for example, in one implementation, the above hardware circuit is an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and the functions of part or all of the above units or modules are realized by the design of the logical relationship between the elements in the circuit; for example, in another implementation, the above hardware circuit is realized by a programmable logic device (PLD), and a field programmable gate array (FPGA) is taken as an example, which can include a large number of logic gate circuits, and the connection relationship between the logic gate circuits is configured by a configuration file, so as to realize the functions of part or all of the above units or modules. All units or modules of the above device can be realized by processor calling software, or all units or modules can be realized by hardware circuit, or part of the units or modules can be realized by processor calling software, and the remaining part can be realized by hardware circuit.

[0219] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the processor is a circuit with signal processing capability. In one implementation, the processor can be a circuit with instruction reading and running capability, such as a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a graphics processing unit (GPU) (which can be understood as a microprocessor), a digital signal processor (DSP), or the like. In another implementation, the processor can implement certain functions through a logical relationship of hardware circuits, and the logical relationship of the hardware circuits is fixed or can be reconfigured. For example, the processor is a hardware circuit implemented by an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a programmable logic device (PLD), such as an FPGA. In the reconfigurable hardware circuit, the processor loads a configuration document to implement the configuration of the hardware circuit. It can be understood that the processor loads instructions to implement the functions of the above part or all units or modules. In addition, 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), a deep learning processing unit (DPU), and the like.

[0220] FIG. 7 is a structural schematic diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The communication device 700 can be an AP, or a chip, a chip system, a logic entity, or a processor supporting the implementation of the AP of any of the above methods. The communication device can be used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments, and specific reference can be made to the descriptions in the above method embodiments.

[0221] As shown in FIG. 7, the communication device 700 includes one or more processors 701. The processor 701 can be a general-purpose processor or a special-purpose processor, such as a baseband processor or a central processing unit. The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, and the central processing unit can be used to control power saving devices (such as base stations, baseband chips, terminal devices, terminal device chips, DUs or CUs, etc.), execute programs, and process data of programs. The communication device 700 is configured to execute any of the above methods.

[0222] In some embodiments, the communication device 700 further includes one or more memories 702 for storing instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memories 702 can also be outside the communication device 700.

[0223] In some embodiments, the communication device 700 further includes one or more transceivers 703. When the communication device 700 includes one or more transceivers 703, the transceiver 703 performs at least one of the communication steps (e.g., steps S212, S214, S224, S33, but not limited to) in the above-described methods, and the processor 701 performs at least one of the other steps (e.g., steps S211, S213, S215, S221, S222, S223, S225, S31, S32, S34, S51, but not limited to).

[0224] In some embodiments, the transceiver can include a receiver and / or a transmitter, which can be separate or integrated together. Optionally, the terms transceiver, transceiving unit, transceiver, transceiving circuit, etc. can be replaced with each other, the terms transmitter, transmitting unit, transmitter, transmitting circuit, etc. can be replaced with each other, and the terms receiver, receiving unit, receiver, receiving circuit, etc. can be replaced with each other.

[0225] In some embodiments, the communication device 700 can include one or more interface circuits 704. Optionally, the interface circuit 704 is connected with the memory 702, and the interface circuit 704 can be used to receive signals from the memory 702 or other devices, and can be used to send signals to the memory 702 or other devices. For example, the interface circuit 704 can read the instructions stored in the memory 702 and send the instructions to the processor 701.

[0226] The communication device 700 described in the above embodiments can be an AP, but the scope of the communication device 700 described in the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 700 can not be limited by FIG. 7. The communication device can be a standalone device or can be part of a larger device. For example, the above-described communication device can be: (1) a standalone integrated circuit (IC), or a chip, or a chip system or subsystem; (2) a set of one or more ICs, optionally, the above-mentioned IC set can also include a storage component for storing data, 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, handset, mobile unit, vehicle-mounted device, network device, cloud device, artificial intelligence device, etc.; (6) other, etc.

[0227] FIG. 8 is a structural schematic diagram of a chip 800 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The chip 800 comprises one or more processors 801, and the chip 800 is configured to execute any of the above methods.

[0228] In some embodiments, the chip 800 further comprises one or more interface circuits 803. Optionally, the interface circuit 803 is connected with the memory 802, and the interface circuit 803 can be configured to receive signals from the memory 802 or other devices, and the interface circuit 803 can be configured to send signals to the memory 802 or other devices. For example, the interface circuit 803 can read instructions stored in the memory 802 and send the instructions to the processor 801.

[0229] In some embodiments, the interface circuit 803 performs at least one of the communication steps (for example, step S212, step S214, step S224, step S33, but not limited thereto) in the above methods, and the processor 801 performs at least one of the other steps (for example, step S211, step S213, step S215, step S221, step S222, step S223, step S225, step S31, step S32, step S34, step S51, but not limited thereto).

[0230] In some embodiments, the terms of interface circuit, interface, transceiver pin, transceiver, etc. can be replaced with each other.

[0231] In some embodiments, the chip 800 further comprises one or more memories 802 configured to store instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memory 802 can be outside the chip 800.

[0232] The present disclosure further proposes a storage medium, and the above storage medium stores instructions, and when the above instructions are executed on the communication device 700, the communication device 700 executes any of the above methods. Optionally, the above storage medium is an electronic storage medium. Optionally, the above storage medium is a computer readable storage medium, but not limited thereto, and it can also be a storage medium readable by other devices. Optionally, the above storage medium can be a non-transitory storage medium, but not limited thereto, and it can also be a transitory storage medium.

[0233] The present disclosure further proposes a program product, and when the above program product is executed by the communication device 700, the communication device 700 executes any of the above methods. Optionally, the above program product is a computer program product.

[0234] The disclosure further provides a computer program which, when running on a computer, causes the computer to perform any of the above methods. The above description is merely preferred embodiments of the disclosure and a description of the principles of the technology applied. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that the disclosed scope of the disclosure is not limited to the technical solutions formed by the specific combinations of the above technical features, and should also cover other technical solutions formed by the combinations of the above technical features or equivalent features thereof without departing from the above disclosed concept. For example, the above features are replaced with the technical features disclosed in the disclosure (but not limited to) having similar functions to form a technical solution.

Claims

1. A power saving method, characterized by, The method comprises: Before a first time point of a start of a first TWT SP negotiated by the AP and the first STA, when the AP communicates with the second STA within a first TXOP obtained by the second STA, the AP determines a capability mode after the first time point according to an end time of the first TXOP and a start time of the first TWT SP; The AP is a responder of the first TXOP.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The AP determines the capability mode after the first time point according to the end time of the first TXOP and the start time of the first TWT SP, comprising: When the end time of the first TXOP is not earlier than the start time of the first TWT SP, or when the end time of the first TXOP is earlier than the start time of the first TWT SP and a first time difference between the end time of the first TXOP and the start time of the first TWT SP is less than or equal to a first duration, the AP maintains a first capability mode after the first time point; When the end time of the first TXOP is earlier than the start time of the first TWT SP and the first duration is greater than the first duration, the AP switches to a second capability mode after the end of the first TXOP and switches to the first capability mode before the start of the first TWT SP; The AP is in the first capability mode when communicating with the second STA; at least one working parameter of the AP has a smaller value in the second capability mode than in the first capability mode.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein, The first duration is the sum of a duration required for the AP to switch from the first capability mode to the second capability mode and a duration required for the AP to switch from the second capability mode to the first capability mode.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein, The method further comprises: When the AP is in a second capability mode at the first time point, the AP switches to a first capability mode before the start of the first TWT SP; At least one working parameter of the AP has a smaller value in the second capability mode than in the first capability mode.

5. The method of claim 2, wherein, When the end time of the first TXOP is not earlier than the start time of the first TWT SP, the method further comprises: The AP sends a first wireless frame before the start of the first TWT SP, the first wireless frame being used to instruct the second STA to terminate the first TXOP.

6. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that, The AP is in the first capability mode within the first TWT SP; After the start of the first TWT SP, the method further comprises at least one of the following: The AP participates in channel contention; After successfully contending for the channel, the AP exchanges frames with the first STA within the first TWT SP.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein, The method further comprises: After the end of the first TWT SP, the AP switches from the first capability mode to the second capability mode.

8. An AP, comprising: Comprise: The processing module is configured to, at a first time point before a start of a first TWT SP negotiated by the AP and the first STA, determine a capability mode of the AP after the first time point according to an end time of a first TXOP obtained by the second STA and a start time of the first TWT SP when the AP communicates with the second STA in the first TXOP. The AP is a responder of the first TXOP.

9. An AP, comprising: The communication device comprises: one or more processors; The processor is configured to perform the method in any one of claims 1-7.

10. A storage medium, characterized by The storage medium stores instructions, when the instructions run on the communication device, cause the communication device to perform the method in any one of claims 1-7.

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