Energy saving method for access point in WLAN, apparatus, device and system

Abstract

The present application belongs to the technical field of communications and provides an energy saving method for an access point in a WLAN, an apparatus, a device and a system. The method is applied to a first access point, the first access point being connected to a second access point in a WLAN and maintaining a state machine of the second access point, and the state machine recording at least one energy saving state. The method comprises: after controlling the second access point to enter an energy saving state, the first access point switches in the state machine the state of the second access point to the energy saving state. In the energy saving process, a centrally controlled access point uses a state machine to maintain the states of other access points, which can simplify the process of maintaining the state.

Description

Energy-saving methods, devices, equipment and systems for access points in WLAN

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese patent applications filed on November 4, 2024, with application number 202411566823.0 and entitled "Energy Saving Method, Apparatus, Device and System for Access Points in WLAN"; filed on January 9, 2025, with application number 202510039280.5 and entitled "Energy Saving Method, Apparatus, Device and System for Access Points in WLAN"; and filed on May 20, 2025, with application number 202510657257.2 and entitled "Energy Saving Method, Apparatus, Device and System for Access Points in WLAN", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a method, apparatus, device and system for energy saving at access points in WLAN. Background Technology

[0003] Wireless local area networks (WLANs) are becoming increasingly widespread. WLANs include stations (STAs) and access points (APs). Currently, there are energy-saving solutions for stations, but no energy-saving solutions for access points. Moreover, as the number and functions of access points gradually increase, their power consumption becomes a prominent issue. Therefore, there is a need to provide solutions to reduce the power consumption of access points in order to reduce the overall power consumption of WLANs. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a method, apparatus, device, and system for energy saving at WLAN access points, which can reduce the power consumption of access points. The technical solution adopted is as follows:

[0005] In a first aspect, this application provides an access point energy-saving method in a WLAN. The method is applied to a first access point, which is connected to at least one other access point. The first access point maintains a state machine of a second access point among the at least one other access point. The state machine records at least one energy-saving state. The method includes: sending an energy-saving control message to the second access point, wherein the energy-saving control message is used to instruct the second access point to enter a first energy-saving state; and switching the state of the second access point to the first energy-saving state in the state machine.

[0006] In the scheme shown in this application, the WLAN includes a first access point and at least one other access point. The first access point is connected to at least one other access point in the WLAN, and the first access point maintains a state machine for a second access point among the at least one other access point. The first access point determines the energy-saving state of the second access point connected to it, instructs the second access point to enter the energy-saving state, and switches the state of the second access point in the state machine. Since the first access point can instruct the second access point to save energy, the power consumption of the second access point can be reduced. Moreover, the use of a state machine by the first access point to maintain the state of the second access point reduces interaction costs.

[0007] In one alternative approach, the second access point performs energy saving based on energy-saving objects, which include one or more of the following: a basic service set identifier (BSSID), a service set identifier (SSID), or a frequency band. The state machine also records the state corresponding to each energy-saving object. This allows the state to be recorded according to the energy-saving object, ensuring that the recorded state corresponds to the energy-saving object.

[0008] In one alternative approach, the state machine also records the working state and the energy-saving preparation state. If the second access point is in the working state before sending the energy-saving control message, then the state machine first switches the second access point's state from the working state to the energy-saving preparation state before sending the energy-saving control message to the second access point. This allows the second access point to transition from the energy-saving preparation state to the energy-saving state.

[0009] Optionally, the first access point may also send an energy-saving preparation indication message to the second access point. This energy-saving preparation indication message is used to instruct the second access point to enter the energy-saving preparation state, so that the second access point performs energy-saving preparation operations.

[0010] Optionally, when the energy-saving mode is turned off, it can switch from the energy-saving preparation state to the working state.

[0011] In one alternative approach, the first access point receives a power-saving request from the second access point before instructing the second access point to enter power-saving mode. This allows the second access point to better understand its current status, making it more reasonable for the second access point to initiate power-saving.

[0012] In one alternative approach, after receiving the energy-saving request from the second access point, the first access point sends an energy-saving indication message to the second access point to instruct it to enter or exit energy-saving mode. This allows the second access point to prepare for energy saving.

[0013] In one alternative approach, the state machine also records the operating state and / or energy-saving preparation state; after the second access point exits the energy-saving state, the state of the second access point is switched to the operating state or the energy-saving preparation state in the state machine. In this way, the first access point records the accurate state of the second access point.

[0014] In one alternative approach, the second access point can proactively request to exit the energy-saving state. The first access point then receives this request, which instructs the second access point to exit the energy-saving state. Alternatively, the first access point can use energy-saving statistics to make the decision, causing the second access point to exit the energy-saving state. For example, the decision to exit the energy-saving state can be based on the energy-saving statistics of the second access point; or, the decision can be based on the energy-saving statistics of both the second and a third access point, where the third access point is either one of at least one other access point or the first access point. This facilitates rapid response in the event of an emergency.

[0015] Optionally, the first access point uses energy-saving statistics to decide whether the second access point should exit the energy-saving state and sends an exit energy-saving request to the second access point; or, based on the energy-saving statistics of the second and third access points, it determines whether the second access point should exit the energy-saving state and sends an exit energy-saving request to the second access point.

[0016] In one alternative approach, the first access point can receive the target state sent by the second access point, and if the state in the state machine is not the target state, modify the state in the state machine to the target state. In this way, the state recorded by the first access point is synchronized with the state of the second access point, facilitating the first access point's maintenance of the second access point's state.

[0017] In one alternative approach, the first access point can query the status of the second access point by sending a status query request to the second access point before receiving the target status from the second access point. This allows the first access point to proactively query the status of the second access point.

[0018] In one alternative approach, the first access point receives the target state sent by the second access point after a state switch, wherein the target state is the state after the switch; and / or, receives the target state periodically sent by the second access point. This provides several methods for obtaining the state of the second access point.

[0019] In one alternative approach, the second access point is in a second energy-saving state before the energy-saving control message is sent to it. This allows the second access point to switch between multiple energy-saving states.

[0020] In one alternative approach, the energy-saving control message includes one or more of the following: frequency band, basic service set identifier, or service set identifier of the second access point. In this approach, radio frequency resources in the second access point may be divided according to one or more of the following: frequency band, basic service set identifier, or service set identifier; therefore, energy-saving control can be applied to different radio frequency resources.

[0021] In one alternative approach, the energy-saving control message includes energy-saving level information for the second access point. This allows the second access point to exist in multiple energy-saving states, with different energy-saving level information indicating different energy-saving states.

[0022] In one alternative approach, the energy-saving level information includes an energy-saving level identifier, or it includes one or more of the following: energy-saving strategies for the WLAN network, energy-saving strategies for functional modules, or energy-saving strategies for peripheral interfaces. Thus, when using the energy-saving level identifier, the identifier contains less information, saving transmission resources; when using the energy-saving strategy, the second access point can directly obtain the energy-saving strategy without further querying, reducing processing resources.

[0023] In one alternative approach, the first access point can use energy-saving statistics from the second access point to determine its energy-saving status. Alternatively, it can use energy-saving statistics from both the second and third access points to determine the energy-saving status of the second access point, where the third access point is either one of the at least one other access point or the first access point. This approach comprehensively considers multiple access points when determining the status of the second access point, resulting in an energy-saving status that better reflects the network conditions.

[0024] In one alternative approach, the energy-saving statistics include one or more of the following: site information, traffic information, temperature information, or service status information.

[0025] Access points primarily provide network services to sites; therefore, their energy efficiency is closely related to site information. Thus, site information should be used to determine energy-saving status, minimizing the impact on the site. Furthermore, access points mainly forward business data; therefore, business traffic on access points also affects their energy efficiency. Business traffic should be considered when determining energy-saving status to minimize the impact on business operations. Since business operations belong to the site, the impact on the site should also be minimized.

[0026] The volume of service traffic directly determines the transmission and processing resources of the second access point. Therefore, service traffic statistics can be used as a reference for energy-saving assessments to reduce the impact on service transmission. Different service types have different network requirements; therefore, the presence of service traffic with a specific service identifier can also be used as a reference for energy-saving assessments. It is evident that the content of service traffic information is directly related to the energy-saving status. Therefore, using service traffic information to determine the energy-saving status can identify an appropriate energy-saving approach and reduce the impact on the site.

[0027] Temperature can reflect the load on the second access point, so using temperature can help determine the appropriate energy-saving state for the second access point. For example, if the temperature is too high and exceeds a high temperature threshold, emergency cooling is required, and energy-saving measures must be taken (which may affect normal operation, such as speed limiting, or reducing the load by roaming the connected site, or shutting down some modules, etc.). Once the temperature falls below a low temperature threshold again, energy saving can be stopped and normal operation can be restored.

[0028] Service status can reflect the current network conditions. For example, poor data transmission indicates insufficient transmission resources, poor data reception indicates insufficient reception resources, and high service latency indicates insufficient network resources. Therefore, this information can be used to make energy-saving judgments and reduce the impact on the site.

[0029] In one alternative approach, in order to ensure that the determined energy-saving state conforms to the energy-saving capability of the second access point, the first access point receives an energy-saving capability message sent by the second access point to obtain the energy-saving capability of the second access point.

[0030] In one alternative approach, the first access point is connected to the at least one other access point via optical fiber.

[0031] In one alternative approach, the first access point is the main optical network unit in a fiber-to-the-room (FTTR) system, and the at least one other access point is a sub-optical network unit in the same FTTR system. This reduces the power consumption of the access points in the FTTR system.

[0032] In an alternative approach, the method further includes: a first access point sending a power-saving request to a second access point, the power-saving request indicating a request to enter a power-saving mode.

[0033] Secondly, this application provides a method for energy saving of an access point in a WLAN, applied to a second access point connected to a first access point. The first access point maintains a state machine for the second access point, and the state machine records at least one energy-saving state. The method includes: receiving an energy-saving control message sent by the first access point, wherein the energy-saving control message is used to instruct the second access point to enter a first energy-saving state among the at least one energy-saving states; and performing an operation to enter the first energy-saving state.

[0034] In the scheme shown in this application, the WLAN includes a first access point, which is connected to at least one other access point in the WLAN. The first access point maintains a state machine for a second access point among the at least one other access point. The first access point determines the energy-saving state of the second access point connected to it, instructs the second access point to enter the energy-saving state, and switches the state of the second access point in the state machine. Since the first access point can instruct the second access point to save energy, the power consumption of the second access point can be reduced. Moreover, the use of a state machine by the first access point to maintain the state of the second access point reduces the interaction cost between access points.

[0035] In one alternative approach, the energy-saving control message includes one or more of the following: frequency band, basic service set identifier, or service set identifier of the second access point. In this approach, radio frequency resources in the second access point may be divided according to one or more of the following: frequency band, basic service set identifier, or service set identifier; therefore, energy-saving control can be applied to different radio frequency resources.

[0036] In one alternative approach, the energy-saving control message includes energy-saving level information for the second access point. This allows the second access point to exist in multiple energy-saving states, with different energy-saving level information indicating different energy-saving states.

[0037] In one alternative approach, the energy-saving level information includes an energy-saving level identifier, or it includes one or more of the following: energy-saving strategies for the WLAN network, energy-saving strategies for functional modules, or energy-saving strategies for peripheral interfaces. Thus, when using the energy-saving level identifier, the identifier contains less information, saving transmission resources; when using the energy-saving strategy, the second access point can directly obtain the energy-saving strategy without further querying, reducing processing resources.

[0038] In one alternative approach, the second access point sends an energy-saving request to the first access point before receiving the energy-saving control message from the first access point. This allows the second access point to have a clearer understanding of its current situation, making it more reasonable for the second access point to initiate energy-saving actions.

[0039] In one alternative approach, after receiving the energy-saving request from the second access point, the first access point sends an energy-saving instruction message to the second access point to indicate its agreement to the second access point's energy-saving measures. The second access point receives the energy-saving instruction message from the first access point to prepare for energy saving.

[0040] In one alternative approach, under certain circumstances, the second access point may report its own status to the first access point so that the status recorded by the first access point is the status of the second access point.

[0041] In one alternative approach, after receiving a status query request from the first access point, the second access point reports its own status, thus providing a method for the first access point to obtain the status of the second access point.

[0042] In one alternative approach, after switching states, the second access point promptly sends the switched state to the first access point, or periodically sends its own state to the first access point, so that the first access point can obtain its own state.

[0043] In one alternative approach, in order to make the energy-saving state determined by the first access point more consistent with that of the second access point, the second access point sends an energy-saving capability message to the first access point before receiving the energy-saving control message sent by the first access point. The energy-saving capability message is used to indicate the energy-saving capability of the second access point.

[0044] In one alternative approach, in order to make the energy-saving status determined by the first access point more consistent with that of the second access point, the second access point reports energy-saving statistics to the first access point so that the first access point can use the energy-saving statistics to determine the status of the second access point.

[0045] In one alternative approach, the energy-saving statistics include one or more of the following: site information, traffic information, temperature information, or service status information.

[0046] In one alternative approach, the first access point and the second access point are connected via optical fiber.

[0047] In one alternative approach, the first access point is the main optical network unit in the FTTR system, and the second access point is a sub-optical network unit in the FTTR system. This reduces the power consumption of the access points in the FTTR system.

[0048] Thirdly, this application provides a method for an access point to exit energy saving in a WLAN, applied to a first access point connected to at least one other access point. The first access point maintains a state machine of a second access point among the at least one other access point. The state machine records at least one energy-saving state and a working state. The method includes: when the second access point is in an energy-saving state, in response to the second access point exiting the energy-saving state, switching the state of the second access point in the state machine to the working state or the energy-saving preparation state.

[0049] In the scheme shown in this application, a state machine of at least one other access point (a second access point) is maintained in the first access point of the WLAN. When the first access point determines that the second access point is exiting the energy-saving state, the state machine switches the state of the second access point to either the working state or the energy-saving preparation state. Because the first access point uses a state machine to maintain the state of the second access point, the interaction cost can be reduced.

[0050] In one alternative approach, the second access point can proactively exit the energy-saving state, and the first access point receives an energy-saving exit request sent by the second access point, instructing the second access point to exit the energy-saving state. Alternatively, the first access point uses the energy-saving statistics of the second access point to determine that the second access point has exited the energy-saving state. Or, the first access point uses the energy-saving statistics of both the second and a third access point to determine that the second access point has exited the energy-saving state, wherein the third access point is at least one of the other access points, or the first access point itself. This provides several possible exit scenarios.

[0051] Fourthly, this application provides a method for an access point in a WLAN to exit energy saving mode, applied to a second access point connected to a first access point. The first access point maintains a state machine for the second access point, which records at least one energy-saving state and an operating state. The method includes sending an energy-saving exit request to the first access point, wherein the energy-saving exit request is used to instruct the second access point to exit the energy-saving state.

[0052] In the solution shown in this application, the WLAN includes a first access point and at least one other access point, including a second access point. The first access point maintains a state machine for the second access point. The second access point sends a power-saving exit request to the first access point, instructing the first access point to switch the state of the second access point to an active state in its state machine. Because the first access point uses a state machine to maintain the state of the second access point, interaction costs can be reduced.

[0053] Fifthly, this application provides an energy-saving device for access points in a WLAN, which has the function of implementing the first aspect or any optional method of the first aspect described above. The device includes at least one module for implementing the method provided by the first aspect or any optional method of the first aspect.

[0054] Sixthly, this application provides an energy-saving device for access points in a WLAN, which has the function of implementing the second aspect or any optional method of the second aspect described above. The device includes at least one module for implementing the method provided by the second aspect or any optional method of the second aspect.

[0055] In a seventh aspect, this application provides a first access point, the first access point including a processor, a memory and a communication interface, the processor being configured to execute program instructions in the memory to implement the method provided in the first aspect or any optional manner of the first aspect, and the communication interface being configured to communicate with other access points and stations.

[0056] Eighthly, this application provides a second access point, the second access point including a processor, a memory and a communication interface; the processor is used to execute program instructions in the memory to implement the method provided in the second aspect or any optional manner of the second aspect, and the communication interface is used to communicate with a station and a first access point.

[0057] Ninthly, this application provides a communication system, the communication system including a first access point and a second access point, the first access point being used to implement the method provided by the first aspect or any optional method of the first aspect, and the second access point being used to implement the method provided by the second aspect or any optional method of the second aspect.

[0058] In a tenth aspect, this application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing at least one program instruction that is read by a processor to cause a first access point to perform the method provided in the first aspect or any alternative manner of the first aspect.

[0059] Eleventhly, this application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing at least one program instruction that is read by a processor to cause a second access point to perform the method provided in the second aspect or any alternative manner of the second aspect.

[0060] In a twelfth aspect, this application provides a computer program product including program instructions stored in a computer-readable storage medium. A processor of a first access point reads the program instructions from the computer-readable storage medium and executes the program instructions, causing the first access point to perform the method provided in the first aspect or any optional method of the first aspect.

[0061] In a thirteenth aspect, this application provides a computer program product including program instructions stored in a computer-readable storage medium. A processor at a second access point reads the program instructions from the computer-readable storage medium and executes the program instructions, causing the second access point to perform the method provided in the second aspect or any of the optional methods described above. Attached Figure Description

[0062] Figure 1 is a network diagram of multiple access points provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0063] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of an FTTR system provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0064] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of energy-saving message interaction in a WLAN provided by an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0065] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the process of an access point periodically reporting energy-saving statistical information provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0066] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the process of an access point actively reporting energy-saving statistical information provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0067] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a flowchart illustrating a first access point querying energy-saving statistics of a second access point according to an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0068] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the negotiation process between a first access point and a second access point provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0069] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the energy-saving exit process provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0070] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of a state machine provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0071] Figure 10 is another schematic diagram of a state machine provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0072] Figure 11 is a schematic flowchart of a method for energy saving at an access point in a WLAN provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0073] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of a format for a message carrying energy-saving status provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0074] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of another format of a message carrying energy-saving status provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0075] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram of another format of a message carrying energy-saving status provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0076] Figure 15 is a schematic diagram of a process for a first access point to query the status of a second access point, provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application.

[0077] Figure 16 is a schematic diagram of energy-saving message interaction in a WLAN provided by an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0078] Figure 17 is a schematic diagram of the activation of energy-saving features provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0079] Figure 18 is a schematic diagram of the power-saving feature provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0080] Figure 19 is another schematic diagram of a state machine provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0081] Figure 20 is another schematic diagram of a state machine provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0082] Figure 21 is a schematic diagram of a device for energy saving at the access point in a WLAN provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0083] Figure 22 is another structural schematic diagram of a WLAN access point energy-saving device provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0084] Figure 23 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a device provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0085] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the embodiments of this application will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0086] In WLANs, multiple access points are deployed to provide users with a better network service experience. These access points have varying coverage areas, and sites can choose the access point with the best signal quality. Currently, energy saving in WLANs primarily focuses on the site itself, with less attention paid to energy saving at the access points. However, as the functions of access points gradually increase, their power consumption becomes a prominent issue. Therefore, reducing the power consumption of access points is crucial.

[0087] In this embodiment of the application, in the WLAN, a first access point is included among multiple access points. The first access point is connected to at least one other access point among the multiple access points. The first access point centrally decides on the energy-saving mechanism of the at least one other access point in order to reduce the power consumption of the access points in the WLAN and minimize the impact of energy saving on the services of the site.

[0088] The application scenarios of the embodiments of this application are described below.

[0089] In a WLAN, multiple access points are included, each being a wireless access point. Among these access points is a first access point, which determines the energy-saving mechanisms of the other access points. The number of other access points can be one or more, but this embodiment does not limit the number. The first access point is designated as the primary access point among the multiple access points. This primary access point can be designated during deployment or selected through negotiation among the multiple access points after deployment. The first access point connects to the other access points. For example, multiple access points, including a first access point, a second access point, and a third access point, as shown in Figure 1(a), constitute an FTTR system. The first access point is the main FTTR unit (MFU), and the second and third access points are sub-FTTR units (SFUs). Sub-FTTR units are also called FTTR sub-devices. The MFU is also called the main optical network unit, and the SFU is also called the sub-optical network unit. The first access point is connected to the second and third access points via an optical distribution network (ODN). As shown in Figure 1(b), the first access point is connected to the second access point via optical fiber, network cable, or power line, and the first access point is connected to the third access point via optical fiber, network cable, or power line. As shown in Figure 1(c), the first access point is wirelessly connected to the second access point, and the first access point is wirelessly connected to the third access point.

[0090] Optionally, in Figure 1(a) above, the FTTR network can be deployed in a home and is considered a home FTTR network, or it can be deployed in an enterprise and is considered an enterprise FTTR network.

[0091] Optionally, the first access point can obtain some information about other access points and make a decision on the energy-saving status of each access point based on the obtained information.

[0092] It should be noted that among multiple access points, the first access point may use the same connection method as the other access points, or the first access point may use different connection methods when connecting to the other access points. For example, the multiple access points may include a first access point, a second access point, and a third access point. The first access point and the second access point may be connected via fiber optic cable, and the first access point and the third access point may be connected via wirelessly.

[0093] Figure 2 illustrates the architecture of an FTTR system. In an FTTR system, the master device acts as an optical network terminal (ONT) in a fiber-to-the-home / office (FTTH / O) network, connecting to the optical line terminal (ODN) via an optical distribution network. Simultaneously, it acts as an upstream device for the slave devices, managing them. Slave devices can be deployed in various rooms of a home or office to provide signal to user terminals. Slave devices possess the functions of an ONT and can also function as wireless access points.

[0094] Multiple slave devices can be deployed in an FTTR system, each connected to the master device via an optical splitter. The master device can manage and configure all slave devices centrally. The master device can also be called a "master gateway," "master optical modem," or "master FTTR device," and the slave devices can also be called "slave gateways," "slave optical modems," or "slave FTTR devices," etc.

[0095] The execution subject of the embodiments of this application is described below.

[0096] The entity implementing the access point energy-saving method in WLAN is the access point energy-saving device in WLAN. Optionally, this device is a hardware device, such as the access point itself. Optionally, this device is a software device, such as a software program running on the access point.

[0097] Before describing the method flow of the embodiments of this application, the states that may be involved in each access point are first described.

[0098] 1. Working Status: When energy-saving preparation is enabled, this refers to the normal working state without energy-saving mode activated (i.e., exiting energy-saving mode). When energy-saving preparation is enabled, energy-saving mode is activated (i.e., entering energy-saving mode). Alternatively, it refers to the normal working state with energy-saving mode activated, but not yet entering a specific energy-saving state. Or, it refers to the working state with energy-saving mode disabled.

[0099] 2. Energy-saving ready state: This refers to a state where energy-saving mode is enabled, but the device has not yet entered an energy-saving state. In this energy-saving ready state, the access point can enter a certain energy-saving state at any time but has not yet done so. Here, the energy-saving ready state is optional; it can directly switch from the working state to a certain energy-saving state, or vice versa.

[0100] 3. Energy-saving status indicates a specific energy-saving strategy or operation. For a given access point, the power consumption saved by that access point varies depending on its energy-saving status, meaning the energy saving amount differs. Different access points may support the same or different energy-saving statuses.

[0101] Optionally, among multiple access points, for a given access point, the access point as a whole corresponds to at least one energy-saving state. Different energy-saving states represent different energy-saving levels, and different energy-saving levels correspond to different energy-saving strategies, achieving different energy-saving extents. For example, as shown in Table 1, the access point corresponds to a first energy-saving state and a second energy-saving state. The first energy-saving state represents energy-saving level 1, which corresponds to energy-saving strategy 1. The second energy-saving state represents energy-saving level 2, which corresponds to energy-saving strategy 2.

[0102] Table 1

[0103] Optionally, among multiple access points, for a specific access point, the access point can be divided according to energy-saving granularity to obtain more fine-grained energy-saving targets. Energy-saving granularity is considered from the dimension of radio frequency resources. Different frequency bands use different radio frequency resources. Different BSSIDs within a frequency band may correspond to the same radio frequency resources or different radio frequency resources. Therefore, energy-saving granularity includes one or more of frequency bands, BSSIDs, or SSIDs. We can consider energy saving for all radio frequency resources of the access point, or we can consider energy saving for a portion of the radio frequency resources, and we can consider using the same or different energy-saving strategies for different radio frequency resources. For example, the 5GHz frequency band corresponds to the first BSSID and the second BSSID. The radio frequency resources corresponding to the first BSSID and the second BSSID are different. Therefore, energy saving can be performed separately for the first BSSID and the second BSSID.

[0104] After the access point is divided into energy-saving objects, the access point can correspond to at least one energy-saving state as a whole. For the target energy-saving state among the at least one energy-saving states, the target energy-saving state is any energy-saving state among the at least one energy-saving states. Under the target energy-saving state, each energy-saving object of the access point corresponds to an energy-saving level. Different energy-saving levels correspond to different energy-saving strategies to achieve different energy-saving ranges.

[0105] For example, when the energy-saving granularity includes frequency bands, the access point includes multiple frequency bands. Under the target energy-saving state, energy-saving levels are set for each of these multiple frequency bands. Specifically, as shown in Table 2, the multiple frequency bands include the 2.4GHz band and the 5GHz band. In the first energy-saving state of the access point, the 2.4GHz band corresponds to energy-saving level 1, and the 5GHz band corresponds to energy-saving level 2. In the second energy-saving state of the access point, the 2.4GHz band corresponds to energy-saving level 2, and the 5GHz band corresponds to energy-saving level 2. Here, the frequency bands targeted for energy saving can be all or part of the frequency bands of the access point.

[0106] Table 2

[0107] For example, when energy-saving granularity includes BSSIDs, the access point may have multiple BSSIDs. Under the target energy-saving state, energy-saving levels are set for each of these multiple BSSIDs. Specifically, the access point may include multiple frequency bands, with at least one band among them. Each of these at least one band corresponds to multiple BSSIDs. For instance, if the access point is a home optical modem, the 5GHz band may correspond to multiple BSSIDs. These multiple BSSIDs correspond to different radio frequency resources. One BSSID is private and used by internal personnel, while another BSSID is used by external personnel. Alternatively, the 5GHz band may correspond to multiple BSSIDs, with different BSSIDs corresponding to different frequency bands within the 5GHz band. Here, the BSSIDs targeted for energy saving can be all or part of the access point's BSSIDs.

[0108] For example, when the energy-saving granularity includes the SSID, an energy-saving level is set for that SSID. If the access point includes multiple frequency bands, an SSID is set for a portion of those bands. Thus, for that portion of the frequency bands, an SSID is displayed in the site's WLAN list. Here, the SSID used for energy saving can be all or part of the access point's SSIDs.

[0109] Alternatively, after dividing the access point into energy-saving objects, each energy-saving object of the access point corresponds to at least one energy-saving state. For each energy-saving object, different energy-saving states represent different energy-saving levels, and different energy-saving levels correspond to different energy-saving strategies. For example, when the energy-saving granularity includes frequency bands, the access point includes multiple frequency bands, each with corresponding energy-saving states, as shown in Table 3. Assuming these multiple frequency bands include the 2.4GHz band and the 5GHz band, the 2.4GHz band corresponds to at least one energy-saving state, with different energy-saving levels for different energy-saving states, corresponding to different energy-saving strategies and achieving different energy-saving magnitudes. Similarly, the 5GHz band corresponds to at least one energy-saving state, with different energy-saving levels for different energy-saving states, corresponding to different energy-saving strategies and achieving different energy-saving magnitudes. Here, the frequency bands used as energy-saving objects can be all or part of the frequency bands of the access point.

[0110] Table 3

[0111] In Table 3, the energy-saving strategies for the two frequency bands can be the same or different.

[0112] For example, if the energy-saving granularity includes BSSID, the access point includes multiple BSSIDs, and each BSSID corresponds to an energy-saving status.

[0113] For example, when the energy-saving granularity includes BSSID and frequency band, the access point includes multiple BSSIDs of the first frequency band and the second frequency band. The multiple BSSIDs of the first frequency band correspond to at least one energy-saving state, and the second frequency band corresponds to at least one energy-saving state.

[0114] It should be noted that when one frequency band corresponds to one BSSID, the frequency band and the BSSID are equivalent.

[0115] Optionally, each energy-saving strategy mentioned above includes one or more of the following: energy-saving strategies for the WLAN network, energy-saving strategies for functional modules, or energy-saving strategies for peripheral interfaces. For example, for a certain access point, there may be a first energy-saving state and a second energy-saving state. Compared to the first energy-saving state, the second energy-saving state corresponds to a more advanced energy-saving strategy. In the first energy-saving state, the energy-saving strategy includes the energy-saving strategy for the WLAN network; in the second energy-saving state, the energy-saving strategy includes both the energy-saving strategy for the WLAN network and the energy-saving strategy for the functional modules. Alternatively, in the first energy-saving state, the energy-saving strategy includes the first energy-saving strategy for the WLAN network; in the second energy-saving state, the energy-saving strategy includes the second energy-saving strategy for the WLAN network. The energy-saving effect of the first energy-saving strategy is smaller than that of the second energy-saving strategy.

[0116] Among them, the energy-saving strategies of WLAN networks include one or more of the following: spatial flow, bandwidth, air interface transmit power, modulation and coding scheme (MCS), whether to shut down designated radio frequency resources, low-power snooping, or channel shutdown.

[0117] Energy-saving strategy for spatial flows: This strategy includes the number of spatial flows, which indicates the number of transceiver antenna groups. For example, 1 spatial flow represents 1 transceiver antenna group, 2 spatial flows represent 2 transceiver antenna groups, and so on. Under limited traffic conditions and with the same air interface transmit power, a higher number of spatial flows results in higher power consumption, and vice versa. Different energy-saving levels can be achieved by setting different numbers of spatial flows. Here, when controlling the number of transceiver antenna groups, the energy-saving strategy for WLAN networks includes channels. The number of channels is related to the number of transceiver antenna groups; a single channel corresponds to one transceiver antenna group, dual channels correspond to two transceiver antenna groups, and so on. Therefore, in the energy-saving strategy of WLAN networks, channels can be used to replace spatial flows.

[0118] Bandwidth energy-saving strategies: These strategies involve the bandwidth of the data transmission and reception spectrum. For example, bandwidths of 20MHz, 40MHz, 80MHz, or 160MHz. For a given traffic volume, a larger bandwidth results in higher power consumption, and vice versa. Different bandwidth settings achieve different levels of energy savings. Bandwidth can also be referred to as frequency bandwidth.

[0119] Energy-saving strategy for air interface transmit power: This strategy includes the magnitude of the air interface transmit power, which refers to the power used when transmitting signals. The higher the air interface transmit power, the higher the power consumption, and vice versa. Different levels of energy saving can be achieved by setting different air interface transmit power levels.

[0120] Energy-saving strategies for modulation and coding methods: This energy-saving strategy includes the modulation and coding methods themselves. For a given bandwidth, the more complex the modulation and coding method, the higher the power consumption; conversely, the simpler the modulation and coding method, the lower the power consumption. Different levels of energy saving can be achieved by setting different modulation and coding methods.

[0121] Energy-saving strategies for functional modules: These strategies include one or more energy-saving measures for the central processing unit (CPU), Ethernet modules, optical modules, or system-on-a-chip (SoC) related modules. For example, for the CPU, the number of CPU cores can be adjusted to achieve different levels of energy savings. For Ethernet and optical modules, different levels of energy savings can be achieved by turning them on or off, or by entering a power-saving mode. For SoC-related modules, methods to achieve different levels of energy savings include, but are not limited to: turning sub-service modules on or off, adjusting processing frequencies, turning clocks on or off, switching Double Data Rate (DDR) synchronous dynamic random access memory into or out of low-power mode, or switching the Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIE) interface into or out of low-power mode. Sub-service modules include service modules related to the CPU core, and adjusting processing frequencies includes, but is not limited to, adjusting the CPU core's processing frequency, adjusting the interface's processing frequency, or adjusting the bus's processing frequency.

[0122] Power-saving strategies for peripheral interfaces: These strategies include those for Universal Serial Bus (USB) interfaces and / or telephone interfaces. For example, different levels of energy savings can be achieved by turning peripheral interfaces on or off, or by entering a power-saving mode.

[0123] Energy-saving strategies for shutting down specified radio frequency resources: Radio frequency resources can be shut down to save power. For example, radio frequency resources can be shut down in the early morning.

[0124] Energy-saving strategy for low-power listening: A separate low-power channel can be used to listen for data that needs to be received. If data is received, normal data transmission and reception capabilities are enabled; conversely, if data needs to be sent, normal data transmission and reception capabilities are enabled. It is worth noting that there may be a certain transition time when switching from low-power listening mode to normal operating state.

[0125] Transmit / receive strategy with channel closure: The transmit channel can be closed separately, while the receive channel remains open. The transmit channel is then opened when data is detected that needs to be received or sent.

[0126] Optionally, when the access point is saving energy, it can periodically enter a power-saving state, waking up in between to perform necessary operations, such as sending beacon frames. Thus, the power-saving strategy also includes power-saving time and power-saving cycle. Power-saving time is the duration of each entry into the power-saving state, and the power-saving cycle refers to the period of entering the power-saving state. The difference between the two is the duration of exiting the power-saving state. The power-saving cycle can also be understood as the interval between two consecutive entries into the current power-saving state, also known as the periodic wake-up time.

[0127] First, the overall process is described. Refer to steps S11 to S18 in Figure 3. Assume that the WLAN includes multiple access points, including at least a first access point, a second access point, and a third access point. The second access point and the third access point are any access points other than the first access point. Figure 3 uses the energy-saving mechanism of the first access point deciding the second access point as an example for illustration.

[0128] Step S11: The second access point reports its energy-saving capability to the first access point, and the third access point reports its energy-saving capability to the first access point.

[0129] In this embodiment, when the second access point initializes and goes online, it sends an energy-saving capability message to the first access point. This energy-saving capability message indicates the energy-saving capability of the second access point. Similarly, when the third access point initializes and goes online, it sends an energy-saving capability message to the first access point. This energy-saving capability message indicates the energy-saving capability of the third access point.

[0130] The first access point receives the energy-saving capabilities from the second access point and also receives the energy-saving capabilities from the third access point.

[0131] Step S11 belongs to the initialization phase. Step S11 can be an optional step, such as when the energy-saving capabilities of each access point are the same, and it is pre-configured in the first access point.

[0132] Optionally, during the initialization phase, the first access point can also configure some parameters for the second access point and instruct the second and third access points to enable energy-saving functions.

[0133] In step S12, the second and third access points report energy-saving statistics to the first access point.

[0134] In this embodiment, after reporting its energy-saving capabilities, the second access point reports energy-saving statistics to the first access point. Similarly, after reporting its energy-saving capabilities, the third access point reports energy-saving statistics to the first access point. There is no specific order in which the second and third access points report the energy-saving statistics.

[0135] The first access point receives energy-saving statistics from the second access point and the third access point.

[0136] Optionally, before step S12, after receiving the energy-saving capability, the first access point can send a data reporting request to the second and third access points via unicast, broadcast, or multicast.

[0137] Step S12 belongs to the information reporting stage. Step S12 begins at the start of the Nth round of energy saving, where N is greater than or equal to 1.

[0138] Optionally, there may be other stages between steps S11 and S12, such as a synchronization stage.

[0139] Step S13: The second access point sends an energy-saving request to the first access point.

[0140] Step S14: The first access point sends an energy-saving instruction message to the second access point.

[0141] Step S15: The second access point reports energy-saving statistics to the first access point.

[0142] Steps S13 to S14 belong to the energy-saving negotiation stage. Among them, step S14 is an optional step. For example, after the second access point sends an energy-saving request to the first access point, the first access point can directly determine the energy-saving status of the second access point after receiving the energy-saving request, that is, execute step S16.

[0143] Alternatively, steps S13 and S14 can both be optional. For example, the first access point determines the energy-saving status of the second access point based on the energy-saving statistics information sent in step S12, and then issues an energy-saving instruction, i.e., executes step S16.

[0144] Step S15 is also an optional step. For example, if the first access point has enough information to determine the energy-saving status of the second access point, the second access point may not need to report energy-saving statistics.

[0145] Optionally, before step S15, the first access point may also send a data reporting request to the second access point.

[0146] Optionally, in Figure 3, the negotiation phase is initiated by the second access point. In another implementation, the negotiation phase can also be initiated by the first access point. For example, the first access point sends an energy-saving request to the second access point. The second access point may or may not need to reply with an energy-saving indication message. Then, the second access point sends energy-saving statistics information to the first access point (optional processing).

[0147] Step S16: The first access point determines the energy-saving status of the second access point and sends an energy-saving control message to the second access point.

[0148] Among them, the energy-saving control message can be used to instruct the second access point to enter the energy-saving state, or to instruct the second access point to exit the energy-saving state. Exiting the energy-saving state includes exiting the energy-saving mode (i.e., turning off the energy-saving mode) or turning on the energy-saving mode, but not entering a specific energy-saving state.

[0149] Optionally, between steps S16 and S17, while the second access point is in energy-saving mode, the second access point can also report its own service status information to the first access point, and the first access point can decide whether to adjust the energy-saving mode.

[0150] Step S17: The second access point sends an energy-saving exit request to the first access point.

[0151] In this process, the second access point sends an energy-saving exit request to the first access point, indicating that it is exiting the energy-saving state. The first access point then modifies the state of the second access point. The first access point may or may not reply.

[0152] Optionally, the second access point periodically saves energy. In step S17, when the second access point periodically exits the energy-saving state, it sends an energy-saving exit request to the first access point.

[0153] Optionally, during periodic energy saving, the first access point modifies the state of the second access point according to the energy saving cycle configured for the second access point.

[0154] Optionally, the second access point can also proactively exit the energy-saving state after detecting an emergency event.

[0155] Optionally, the energy-saving exit request is the same message as the energy-saving request message in step S13, except that the identifier carried is different, or the energy-saving exit request is a different message from the energy-saving request message in step S13.

[0156] Step S18: The second access point sends service status information back to the first access point.

[0157] Optionally, during periodic energy saving, after the second access point periodically exits the energy-saving state, it sends service status information to the first access point. The first access point uses this service status information to determine whether to adjust the energy-saving state for the next cycle. If adjusted, it sends an energy-saving control message to the second access point; otherwise, it does not send an energy-saving control message. Upon reaching the time point for entering the energy-saving state, the second access point directly enters the energy-saving state of the previous cycle. The reason for this periodic energy saving is that the access point should be periodically woken up to perform some necessary processing.

[0158] Steps S16 to S18 belong to the energy-saving configuration stage.

[0159] After the energy-saving configuration phase ends, the second access point can exit the energy-saving mode, i.e., turn off the energy-saving mode and stop periodically saving energy. The first access point can then decide to start the N+1th round of energy saving. During the N+1th round of energy saving, steps S12 to S18 can be re-executed, or steps S16 to S18 can be re-executed. This application embodiment is not limited.

[0160] Alternatively, after the energy-saving configuration phase is completed, the second access point can switch to another energy-saving state, while the energy-saving mode is still enabled.

[0161] Alternatively, after the energy-saving configuration phase ends, the second access point can exit the energy-saving state and enter the working state or energy-saving preparation state, but the energy-saving mode will still be enabled.

[0162] Optionally, when the energy-saving mode is still enabled, during the N+1th round of energy saving, no negotiation is required, and the first access point can directly issue the energy-saving control message.

[0163] Optionally, the second access point may proactively request to exit the energy-saving mode (this exit from the energy-saving mode is different from the periodic energy-saving exit), and this request to exit the energy-saving mode is generally made after an emergency event. Alternatively, after the first access point decides that the second access point should exit the energy-saving mode, the N+1th round of energy saving begins, that is, steps S12 to S18 are re-executed.

[0164] A detailed description of the process shown in Figure 3 is provided below and will not be repeated here.

[0165] Optionally, in the process shown in Figure 3, the channel through which the first access point interacts with other access points is the Wi-Fi management and control channel, and the messages used are Wi-Fi management and control interface (WMCI) messages. This is just one example; in an FTTR scenario, optical network unit management and control interface (OMCI) messages could also be used.

[0166] The following description follows the message sequence shown in Figure 3, and uses the energy-saving mechanism of the first access point deciding the second access point as an example.

[0167] 1. Energy-saving capability message: This energy-saving capability message is used to indicate the energy-saving capability of the access point.

[0168] In order for the first access point to understand the energy-saving capabilities of the second access point, the second access point sends an energy-saving capability message to the first access point.

[0169] Optionally, during the online initialization phase, the second access point sends an energy-saving capability message to the first access point. This energy-saving capability message indicates the energy-saving capability of the second access point. The first access point receives the energy-saving capability message and obtains the energy-saving capability of the second access point from it.

[0170] Optionally, the first access point stores a mapping between energy-saving capability identifiers and energy-saving capabilities, and the energy-saving capability message includes the energy-saving capability identifier. Alternatively, the energy-saving capability message includes the specific content of the energy-saving capability, which can be found in Table 4.

[0171] Table 4

[0172] In Table 4, the message number is just one example; other identifiers may also be used. Information group 1 indicates the energy-saving capability of an object. The identifier of information group 1 indicates the object to which information group 1 belongs; the identifiers for different information groups are different. For example, information group 1 corresponds to the 2.4GHz frequency band, and the identifier can be an identifier for the 2.4GHz frequency band. As another example, information group 1 corresponds to the low-frequency band of the 5GHz frequency band, and the identifier can be an identifier for the low-frequency band of the 5GHz frequency band.

[0173] The shutdown capability indicator can directly shut down the object to which information 1 belongs. Different identifiers are used to represent whether it can be shut down or not. These identifiers can be arbitrary; for example, a 1 can be used to indicate whether it can be shut down and a 0 can be used to indicate whether it can be shut down or a 0 can be used to indicate whether it can be shut down or a 1 can be used to indicate whether it can be shut down.

[0174] Supported bandwidth can be the maximum supported bandwidth or a list of supported bandwidths. For example, the list of supported bandwidths can be sent in bitmap mode or other modes. When sending in bitmap mode, bit 0 indicates 20MHz, bit 1 indicates 40MHz, bit 2 indicates 80MHz, bit 3 indicates 160MHz, and bits 4 to 7 indicate reserved bandwidth.

[0175] The number of supported spatial streams can be either the maximum number of supported spatial streams or a list of supported spatial streams. For example, the list of supported spatial streams can be sent using bitmap mode or other methods. When sending using bitmap mode, bit 0 indicates the number of spatial streams as 1, bit 1 indicates the number of spatial streams as 2, bit 2 indicates the number of spatial streams as 3, bit 3 indicates the number of spatial streams as 4, and bits 4 to 7 are reserved.

[0176] Supported modulation and coding schemes can be either the highest supported modulation and coding schemes or a list of supported modulation and coding schemes.

[0177] The supported air interface transmit power can be either the maximum supported air interface transmit power or a range of supported transmit power.

[0178] In the indicator bits for supported energy-saving templates, one bit indicates whether the energy-saving template is supported, while the remaining bits indicate the specific energy-saving template used. For example, a bitmap can be used, where bit 0 indicates that the energy-saving template is not supported, bit 1 indicates that the energy-saving template is supported for low-traffic scenarios, bit 2 indicates that the energy-saving template is supported for nighttime scenarios, and bits 3 to 7 are reserved. The parameters in the energy-saving template are the same as one or more parameters in the information group, but with different values. The power consumption corresponding to the energy-saving template for low-traffic scenarios is higher than that corresponding to the energy-saving template for nighttime scenarios.

[0179] Information group 2 indicates the energy-saving capability of another object. For example, information group 1 corresponds to the 2.4 GHz band, and information group 2 corresponds to the 5 GHz band. The content of information group 2 is the same as that of information group 1, and will not be repeated here.

[0180] Optionally, the identifier for information group 1 can be a BSSID or SSID, or a radio unique identifier (RUID). For example, when the objects corresponding to information group 1 do not share radio resources, the identifier can be a BSSID or SSID; when the objects corresponding to information group 1 share radio resources, the identifier is the RUID of that radio resource.

[0181] It should be noted that for each access point, the specific content of its energy-saving capability includes at least one information group. The content of each information group is selectable; it can be partially or fully reported. The above are only optional sending methods; other sending methods can also be used, and the number of bytes can be set according to actual needs. This application embodiment does not limit this. For example, the second access point may have multiple energy-saving capabilities, each with a unique identifier. The second access point can send the energy-saving capability identifier to the first access point, and the first access point uses this identifier to find the specific energy-saving capability.

[0182] It should also be noted that the identifier of the second access point may not be included in Table 4, because the outer encapsulation of the energy-saving capability message will carry the identifier of the second access point.

[0183] 2. The second access point reports data.

[0184] The first access point obtains energy-saving statistics from other access points to help determine the energy-saving status of the second access point.

[0185] In one alternative approach, there are several ways for the first access point to obtain energy-saving statistics from the second access point. Three feasible methods are provided below.

[0186] Method 1: The second access point periodically reports energy-saving statistics to the first access point. The specific process is shown in steps S21 to S26 in Figure 4.

[0187] In step S21, the first access point sends a data reporting request to the second access point, which instructs the second access point to periodically send energy-saving statistics information to the first access point.

[0188] In this embodiment, after initiating data collection, the first access point sends a data reporting request via unicast, multicast, or broadcast. The data reporting request includes reporting requirements, which include the content of data to be reported periodically. This content includes the number or designated identifier of the data to be reported. The designated identifier is used to indicate the specific data to be reported. If the number or designated identifier of the data to be reported periodically is not included, it means that all data needs to be reported. The data to be reported can be determined by the negotiation between the first access point and the second access point.

[0189] Optionally, the reporting requirement may also include an identifier for full reporting or an identifier for incremental reporting. When the identifier for full reporting is included, the second access point is instructed to send all energy-saving statistics for the previous period. When the identifier for incremental reporting is included, the second access point is instructed to send energy-saving statistics that have changed in the energy-saving statistics for the previous period.

[0190] Optionally, the data reporting request may also include suggested threshold values ​​for the data to be reported, such as reporting thresholds for service traffic and temperature. The service traffic reporting threshold includes two thresholds: a high traffic threshold (indicating traffic above this threshold should be reported) and a low traffic threshold (indicating traffic below this threshold should be reported). The high traffic threshold is greater than the low traffic threshold. Similarly, the temperature reporting threshold includes two thresholds: a high temperature threshold (indicating temperature above this threshold should be reported) and a low temperature threshold (indicating temperature below this threshold should be reported). When reporting, users can choose to report specific values ​​directly or events. Alternatively, the data reporting request may not include suggested threshold values, and the second access point can determine the thresholds itself.

[0191] Optionally, the recommended threshold value can be negotiated during the initialization phase or specified.

[0192] Optionally, the data reporting request may also include a data reporting cycle value, instructing the second access point to report energy-saving statistics according to this cycle value. This cycle value can be set according to actual needs. For example, the cycle value could be 2 hours or 10 seconds.

[0193] Here, the periodic value may not be included in the data reporting request. It can be negotiated between the first access point and the second access point during the initialization phase, or it can be decided by the second access point itself.

[0194] Optionally, after sending the data reporting request, a data reporting modification request can also be sent to the second access point to modify the content of the data to be reported and / or change the period value. For example, the period value can be decreased when state transitions are frequent, and increased when state transitions are infrequent.

[0195] Step S22: The second access point receives the data reporting request.

[0196] In this embodiment, after receiving the data reporting request, the second access point obtains the period value and the content of the data to be reported from the data reporting request.

[0197] Step S23: The second access point periodically sends energy-saving statistics information to the first access point.

[0198] In this embodiment, whenever the reporting cycle is reached, the second access point collects its own energy-saving statistics according to the data content indicated by the data reporting request and sends the energy-saving statistics to the first access point.

[0199] In this way, once the first access point sends a data reporting request, the second access point can periodically report energy-saving statistics.

[0200] Optionally, the energy-saving statistics include statistical data obtained from the operation of the second access point itself and / or some data from associated sites.

[0201] Step S24: The first access point receives energy-saving statistics information sent by the second access point.

[0202] Step S25: The first access point sends a pause message for data reporting to the second access point.

[0203] In this embodiment, the first access point may not need to collect energy-saving statistics from the second access point under certain circumstances, and the first access point may send a pause message for data reporting to the second access point. For example, if the second access point no longer performs energy-saving processing, the first access point does not need to collect energy-saving statistics from the second access point. If the first access point decides that the second access point is in working condition, the first access point determines that the second access point will no longer perform energy-saving processing.

[0204] Optionally, the pause message for data reporting can be sent via broadcast, multicast, or unicast.

[0205] Optionally, data reporting requests and data reporting pause messages can be implemented using different messages, or they can be implemented using the same message, such as using an indicator bit to indicate whether it is a data reporting request or a pause message. Alternatively, the pause message can also be implemented by adding a field to other existing messages.

[0206] In step S26, the second access point receives the pause message and suspends the reporting of energy-saving statistics.

[0207] In this embodiment, after receiving the pause message, the second access point no longer periodically reports energy-saving statistics.

[0208] The process of other access points reporting energy-saving statistics is the same as the process of the second access point reporting energy-saving statistics, and will not be repeated in this application embodiment.

[0209] It should be noted that Figure 4 illustrates the example of the first access point sending a data reporting request to the second access point. In another implementation, a data reporting request may not be sent, and the second access point can periodically send energy-saving statistics information to the first access point after it comes online.

[0210] In Figure 4, steps S25 and S26 are optional. For example, the data reporting request carries a transmission duration, and after the transmission duration ends, the second access point automatically stops sending energy-saving statistics.

[0211] Method 2: The second access point actively reports energy-saving statistics to the first access point. For the specific process, please refer to steps S31 to S32 in Figure 5.

[0212] Step S31: After a critical event occurs, the second access point sends energy-saving statistics information to the first access point.

[0213] In this embodiment, key events are recorded in the second access point. These key events refer to events that affect state decisions. For example, key events include one or more of the following: performance degradation, cache exceeding a high traffic threshold or falling below another low traffic threshold, temperature exceeding a high temperature threshold or falling below another low temperature threshold, new associated sites, sites adding low-latency services, or a sudden increase in service traffic at a site. After detecting a key event, the second access point sends energy-saving statistics related to the key event to the first access point.

[0214] Optionally, the critical event can be sent from the first access point to the second access point. For example, the first access point sends a data reporting request to the second access point, which includes a description of the critical event.

[0215] Optionally, the second access point can also send the content of key events to the first access point, so that the processing performed by the first access point after receiving the energy-saving statistics corresponds to the key events.

[0216] Optionally, the critical event may also include the second access point sending an energy-saving capability message to the first access point, or the critical event may also include receiving an energy-saving instruction message from the first access point, or the critical event may also include the second access point sending an energy-saving request to the first access point.

[0217] Optionally, the energy-saving statistics reported in Figure 5 are a supplement to the energy-saving statistics reported in Figure 4. Thus, the energy-saving statistics reported in Figure 5 can be considered as assisting the first access point in deciding the state of the second access point.

[0218] Step S32: The first access point receives the energy-saving statistics information.

[0219] In this embodiment, after receiving the energy-saving statistics, the first access point uses the energy-saving statistics to determine the status of the second access point, or to determine whether the status of the second access point has changed.

[0220] In the process shown in Figure 5, after a critical event occurs, the second access point proactively sends energy-saving statistics to the first access point. In another implementation, the second access point proactively sends energy-saving statistics to the first access point after going online. For example, after the second access point sends an energy-saving capability message to the first access point, it then sends energy-saving statistics to the first access point.

[0221] Method 3: The first access point actively queries the second access point for certain data. The specific process is shown in steps S41 to S44 in Figure 6.

[0222] Step S41: The first access point sends a data query request to the second access point.

[0223] In this embodiment, when the first access point needs certain data from the second access point for auxiliary judgment, it can send a data query request to the second access point. The data query request indicates the data content to be queried. For example, the first access point obtains information such as the received signal strength indication (RSSI) of a site from the second access point. When the RSSI of a site is low, it indicates that the site may have left the second access point, and the second access point may also enter a certain energy-saving state.

[0224] Step S42: The second access point receives the data query request.

[0225] Step S43: The second access point sends the data query request to the first access point for the energy-saving statistics information.

[0226] Step S44: The first access point receives the energy-saving statistics information.

[0227] It should be noted that in Method 3, each time the second access point reports energy-saving statistics, the first access point sends a data query request to the second access point. Alternatively, based on the process shown in Figure 4 and / or Figure 5, the first access point may temporarily obtain some data that is helpful for decision-making.

[0228] Optionally, after receiving an energy-saving request from the second access point, the first access point may initiate the process of collecting energy-saving statistics. The initiation of this process is not sequential with the first access point sending an energy-saving instruction message to the second access point. For example, after receiving the energy-saving request from the second access point, the first access point may send a data reporting request to the second access point.

[0229] The processes shown in Figures 4 to 6 can occur at any stage after the initialization phase in the process shown in Figure 3; this embodiment of the application does not limit this. For example, after receiving an energy-saving instruction message from the first access point, the second access point reports energy-saving statistics to the first access point. Another example is when the second access point is in energy-saving mode, it reports energy-saving statistics to the first access point. Yet another example is when the second access point exits energy-saving mode, it reports energy-saving statistics to the first access point.

[0230] Optionally, among the above methods, the energy-saving statistical information includes one or more of the following: site information, business information, temperature information, or business status information.

[0231] The site information includes one or more of the following: site association information on the second access point, perception information of the second access point for unassociated sites, frequency bands used by the sites, traffic information of the sites, or air interface information of the sites. The air interface information of the sites is used to obtain the service status and condition of each site associated with the second access point. The air interface information includes one or more of the following: sleep information, link-related information, or supported transmit / receive parameters of at least one site associated with the access point. The sleep information includes statistics related to the site's power saving mode (PSM). The link-related information includes statistics related to the site's multi-link connectivity. The transmit / receive parameters include one or more of the following: spatial streams supported by the site, bandwidth supported by the site, or modulation and coding schemes supported by the site.

[0232] Optionally, the site association information and the site air interface information of the second access point can be sent together, as shown in Table 5.

[0233] Table 5

[0234] In Table 5, each site information group corresponds to one site, and different site information groups correspond to different sites. The number of sites associated with the second access point is the number of site information groups in Table 5. The frequency band used by the site is identified by BSSID. The values ​​of E, F, and G are all different. For example, E, F, and G can be 0 to 2, all integers, or other values, such as E, F, and G being 0, 1, and 2 respectively. This embodiment of the application does not impose such limitations.

[0235] In Table 5, you can send either the site's MAC address or the site's AID, or both.

[0236] The number of spatial streams supported by a site can be obtained from the Operating Mode Indication (OMI) message or the Spatial Multiplexing Power Saving (SMPS) message. The first access point can use this number of spatial streams to determine the number of spatial streams used by the second access point, so that the number of spatial streams of the second access point is the same as or close to the number of spatial streams of the site.

[0237] Optionally, if the number of spatial streams supported by the site is all a specified value, it means that the number of spatial streams supported by the site has not been obtained. For example, the specified value is 1 or 0.

[0238] The average sleep interval, average sleep duration, or percentage of sleep duration of a site are used to indicate the site's hibernation level. This hibernation level is used by the first access point to determine the energy efficiency of the second access point, so that the energy efficiency is matched as closely as possible to the site's hibernation level.

[0239] Optionally, PSM sleep-related statistics for the site can be obtained from TWT scheduling-related statistics.

[0240] The bandwidth and modulation and coding scheme supported by the site can be obtained from the OMI message, which is used by the first access point to decide the bandwidth and modulation and coding scheme adopted by the second access point.

[0241] Optionally, if the bandwidth and modulation and encoding methods supported by the site are all specified by a single value, it indicates that the information has not been obtained. For example, the specified value could be 1 or 0.

[0242] In the multi-link related statistics of a site, multi-link transmission methods include redundant transmission and aggregated transmission. Redundant transmission indicates that multiple links are sending the same data, suggesting a desire to complete data transmission correctly as quickly as possible, and that the data has high latency requirements, such as game data. Aggregated transmission indicates that there is a large volume of data to be sent.

[0243] Optionally, two identifiers are used to indicate whether multi-link transmission is used or not. Two identifiers are also used to indicate whether redundant transmission is used or aggregate transmission is used. These two identifiers are not the same. For example, one identifier is 0 and the other is 1, or one identifier is 1 and the other is 0.

[0244] Optionally, bits x through z represent different bits. For example, bit x is bit 7, bit y is bit 6, and bit z is bits 5 through 0. This is merely an example and is not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments described in this application.

[0245] EDCA queue statistics are used to indicate the priority of uplink data, so that the first access point can determine whether there is high-priority data being sent to the first access point from the site.

[0246] It should be noted that the content in Table 5 is only an example. For instance, the number of stations may not be sent, and the number of station information groups may reflect the number of stations. Alternatively, EDCA queue statistics may not be sent. The bit positions and the number of bytes occupied in Table 5 are only possible examples, and this application does not limit them.

[0247] It should also be noted that the reason for the existence of a site association identifier is that since a site's MAC address may be randomly accessed and may not be unique, a site association identifier is also required. When a site's MAC address is unique, the association identifier does not need to be reported.

[0248] The second access point's perception information for unassociated sites includes the target site's RSSI strength and MAC address. Target sites include those detected by the second access point that are not currently connected to it. This perception information can be used to determine whether a site will roam or prepare for access, etc.

[0249] Optionally, the site's AID or the site's MAC address can be used; either the site's AID or the site's MAC address can be used.

[0250] Optionally, the site information may also include the main channel used by the site and / or the type of equipment at the site. The type of equipment at the site includes mobile terminal types and IoT terminal types, etc.

[0251] Optionally, the site's traffic information may be reported in the format of Table 6.

[0252] Table 6

[0253] In Table 6, each site cache group includes traffic information for one site, and different site cache groups indicate traffic information for different sites. For uplink service cache volume, the second access point can obtain the uplink service cache volume from the site. The high-priority service indication can also indicate the number and type of high-priority services. Optionally, high-priority services may include latency-sensitive services, etc.

[0254] Optionally, the type of high-priority service can be identified by the second access point itself or obtained from the site.

[0255] Optionally, the service information includes one or more of the following: the service type of the second access point, the average service traffic, whether the second access point has service traffic with a specified service identifier, the downlink service buffer, the uplink service buffer, or the relationship between the service traffic of the second access point and the traffic threshold.

[0256] Among them, the service type refers to the type of service to which the data transmitted by the second access point belongs.

[0257] Average traffic includes downlink average traffic and / or uplink average traffic. Uplink refers to the direction of transmission from the second access point to the first access point, and downlink refers to the direction of transmission from the second access point to the site.

[0258] The traffic for services with specified service identifiers mainly includes latency-sensitive services, high-traffic services, or low-traffic services. Among them, latency-sensitive services can be considered low-latency services, and high-traffic services can be called high-traffic services.

[0259] The relationship between service traffic and traffic thresholds includes: downlink traffic exceeding the first traffic threshold, downlink traffic falling below the second traffic threshold, uplink traffic exceeding the third traffic threshold, or uplink traffic falling below the fourth traffic threshold, or one or more of these conditions; the first traffic threshold being greater than the second traffic threshold; the third traffic threshold being greater than the fourth traffic threshold; the first and third traffic thresholds being the same or different; and the second and fourth traffic thresholds being the same or different. When traffic exceeds a certain threshold, it indicates high traffic volume, requiring minor energy saving or no energy saving. When traffic falls below a certain threshold, it indicates low traffic volume, allowing for deep energy saving.

[0260] Alternatively, the relationship between business traffic and traffic thresholds includes: the total traffic exceeds the fifth traffic threshold and / or the total traffic is lower than the sixth traffic threshold, where the total traffic is the sum of uplink traffic and downlink traffic, and the fifth traffic threshold is greater than the sixth traffic threshold.

[0261] See Table 7 for the optional methods of sending business information.

[0262] Table 7

[0263] In Table 7, the object to which Service Information Group 1 belongs can be the entire second access point or an energy-saving object of the second access point. For example, the object to which Service Information Group 1 belongs is the 2.4GHz frequency band, and the identifier of the object to which Service Information Group 1 belongs is the BSSID of the 2.4GHz frequency band. Table 7 is only one optional transmission method, and this application embodiment does not limit it. For example, the uplink Tid bitmap is not sent, and only an identifier indicating whether a high-priority service exists is sent.

[0264] Optionally, the business information group 1 may also include an interference matrix.

[0265] Optionally, the service status information includes one or more of the following: data transmission status, data reception status, or service latency information. Data transmission status includes one or more of the following: number of successful transmissions, number of failed transmissions, retransmission rate, packet error rate, or packet loss rate. Data reception status includes the number of successful receptions and / or the packet error rate.

[0266] Optionally, the service status information may also include air interface transmission and reception information, including one or more of the following: average transmission air interface duration, average reception air interface duration, or air interface interference duty cycle.

[0267] For the optional methods of sending service status information, please refer to Table 8.

[0268] Table 8

[0269] In Table 8, the time periods corresponding to various data points can be the same or different; when they are the same, they can all be periodic values ​​reported in the energy-saving statistics. Roaming delay does not exist in the absence of roaming.

[0270] For a PPDU, one PPDU includes at least one MPDU. After the second access point sends a PPDU to the station, the station will send an acknowledgment message upon successful reception. Therefore, the second access point will wait for a period of time to see if it receives the acknowledgment message. If it does not receive it, it will retransmit the PPDU. This process continues until multiple retransmissions are completed and an acknowledgment message is still not received. If the station receives a PPDU but fails to receive a specific MPDU, it will send a request to the second access point to retransmit the MPDU. The second access point will retransmit the MPDU until the station successfully receives it and then sends an acknowledgment message. If the station still fails to receive the MPDU after multiple retransmissions, it will terminate the transmission of that MPDU.

[0271] Successful transmission count refers to the number of PPDUs that received acknowledgment messages. Failed transmission count refers to the number of PPDUs that did not receive acknowledgment messages.

[0272] The retransmission rate can be the retransmission rate of PPDUs sent from the second access point to the site. There are several ways to calculate the retransmission rate. For example, the retransmission rate is equal to the number of retransmissions divided by the total number of transmissions, with each retransmission counting once. Another example is that the retransmission rate is equal to the number of retransmitted PPDUs divided by the total number of PPDU transmissions.

[0273] Optionally, the retransmission rate may also include the retransmission rate of PPDUs sent by the site to the second access point, which may be reported by the site to the second access point.

[0274] The packet error rate is equal to the number of MPDUs retransmitted by the second access point divided by the total number of MPDUs sent.

[0275] Optionally, the packet error rate may also include the packet error rate of the MPDU sent by the site to the second access point, which may be reported by the site to the second access point.

[0276] It should be noted that while all the content in Table 8 is selectable, only the portion that is most helpful for decision-making can be sent during actual transmission. For example, only one or more of the following can be sent: retransmission rate, transmission error rate, reception error rate, or service latency.

[0277] A high retransmission rate indicates poor network quality, meaning that energy saving should not continue or the energy-saving state needs to be exited. A high packet error rate and / or a high packet error rate indicates poor network quality, meaning that energy saving should not continue or the energy-saving state needs to be exited, or the system needs to be adjusted to another energy-saving state to improve transmission performance. High service latency also indicates poor network quality, meaning that energy saving should not continue or the system needs to be exited, or the system needs to be adjusted to another energy-saving state to improve transmission performance.

[0278] Optionally, business status information may be sent separately from energy-saving statistics.

[0279] Optionally, the temperature information includes the average temperature of the second access point over a period of time, whether the temperature exceeds a high temperature threshold, or whether the temperature is below a low temperature threshold, wherein the high temperature threshold is higher than the low temperature threshold. Specifically, exceeding the high temperature threshold or falling below the low temperature threshold constitutes a temperature warning.

[0280] The temperature information can be for the second access point as a whole (such as the temperature of the second access point's casing), or it can be for a specific chip within the second access point. Alternatively, the temperature information can also be the temperature sensed by the circuit board within the second access point.

[0281] Optionally, the energy-saving statistics may also include some non-WLAN related information, such as the status information of one or more of the Ethernet interface, telephone interface or USB interface, which includes the interface occupancy status and / or traffic volume.

[0282] Optionally, this non-WLAN-related information may also include whether anyone is present or moving near the access point. For example, a sensor may be installed on the access point to detect this. This non-WLAN-related information can also be used to assist in determining energy-saving status.

[0283] 3. Negotiation process.

[0284] The following describes the handshake process between the first access point and the second access point, which can also be called a negotiation process. Before deciding on energy saving for the second access point, the first access point initiates a handshake with the second access point, and after the handshake, instructs the second access point to save energy. The first access point and the second access point can enter energy-saving mode or exit energy-saving mode through a handshake.

[0285] 1) The second access point enters energy-saving mode.

[0286] In one alternative approach, the second access point triggers a handshake process, as shown in steps S51 to S52 of Figure 7. Figure 7 illustrates the process by which the second access point requests to enter power-saving mode.

[0287] In step S51, the second access point sends an energy-saving request to the first access point, and the first access point receives the energy-saving request sent by the second access point.

[0288] In this embodiment, the second access point determines whether to save energy based on its own status. After determining to save energy, it sends a power-saving request to the first access point, indicating an application to enter power-saving mode. For example, the second access point determines whether to save energy based on the site information of the currently associated sites. This site information includes one or more of the following: the number of sites, site traffic information, perception information of unassociated sites, or site power-saving information. Several examples are as follows: Example 1: The second access point determines that the current service traffic is less than a first value and sends a power-saving request to the first access point; Example 2: The second access point determines the number of currently associated sites. If this number is less than a second value, it sends a power-saving request to the first access point; Example 3: The second access point determines that the current service traffic is less than the first value and that the number of currently associated sites is less than the second value, and sends a power-saving request to the first access point; Example 4: The second access point determines that the current service traffic is low, and that there are no high-priority or latency-sensitive services in the current service, and sends a power-saving request to the first access point. Example 5: The second access point determines that the proportion of currently associated sites in energy-saving mode exceeds the proportion threshold, and the number of currently associated sites is less than the number threshold, and sends an energy-saving request to the first access point.

[0289] Alternatively, the second access point periodically sends a power-saving request to the first access point. This power-saving request includes an indicator indicating whether to enter power-saving mode. For example, the second access point periodically determines whether to save power based on its own status and sends a power-saving request to the first access point. When it determines to save power, the power-saving request carries a first identifier; when it determines not to save power, the power-saving request carries a second identifier. The first identifier is 0 and the second identifier is 1, or the first identifier is 1 and the second identifier is 0.

[0290] Alternatively, the second access point may determine, based on historical site access information and / or historical service information, that there are periods with low service traffic and / or a low number of associated sites. Upon entering that period, the second access point sends a power-saving request to the first access point, indicating an intention to enter power-saving mode. For example, at 23:00, the second access point sends a power-saving request to the first access point.

[0291] Optionally, the process shown in Figure 7 can be sent after the energy-saving capability message is sent.

[0292] Optionally, the energy-saving request can indicate not only whether to apply to enter the energy-saving mode, but also the energy-saving status of the second access point.

[0293] Optionally, the energy-saving request to enter energy-saving mode and the energy-saving exit request sent by the second access point are the same message. See Table 9 for the content of the energy-saving request.

[0294] Table 9

[0295] In Table 9, the identifier of the second access point is optional. For example, if the message is encapsulated with the identifier of the second access point, it is not necessary to carry the identifier of the second access point here.

[0296] Identifier A1 and identifier A2 can be any different values. For example, identifier A1 can be 0 and identifier A2 can be 1, or identifier A1 can be 1 and identifier A2 can be 0.

[0297] Identifiers B1 and B2 can be any different values. For example, identifier B1 can be 0 and identifier B2 can be 1, or identifier B1 can be 1 and identifier B2 can be 0.

[0298] Table 9 is just one example. Other possible interpretations include: C1 indicating that the second access point exits energy-saving mode; C2 indicating that the second access point exits energy-saving mode and exits energy-saving mode urgently; and C3 indicating that the second access point requests to enter energy-saving mode.

[0299] Alternatively, the energy-saving capability message mentioned above can also be the same message as the energy-saving request.

[0300] In step S52, the first access point sends an energy-saving indication message to the second access point. This message instructs the second access point to enter or exit energy-saving mode. The second access point receives the energy-saving indication message from the first access point.

[0301] In this embodiment, after receiving a power-saving request from the second access point, if the first access point determines that the second access point is saving power, it sends a power-saving indication message to the second access point, which instructs the second access point to enter power-saving mode. For example, the power-saving indication message carries an identifier A2, which indicates entering power-saving mode. If it determines that the second access point is exiting power-saving mode, it sends a power-saving indication message to the second access point, which instructs the second access point to exit power-saving mode. For example, the power-saving indication message carries an identifier A1, which indicates exiting power-saving mode. As another example, if the second access point, while in a certain power-saving state, wishes to immediately exit power-saving mode, it sends a power-saving request to the first access point, indicating that it is exiting power-saving mode. After the first access point agrees, it sends a power-saving indication message carrying identifier A1 to the second access point.

[0302] Optionally, when the second access point requests an emergency exit from energy-saving mode, the first access point responds immediately.

[0303] Optionally, when the second access point requests to exit the energy-saving mode, the first access point may choose not to send an energy-saving instruction message to the second access point after receiving the energy-saving request sent by the second access point.

[0304] Optionally, the first access point can determine whether the second access point enters or exits energy-saving mode based on the energy-saving statistics of the second access point. For example, if the first access point determines that data exceeding a third value is being sent to the second access point, it determines that the second access point should not save energy; otherwise, it determines that the second access point should enter energy-saving mode. As another example, if the first access point determines that a site is about to roam to the second access point, it determines that the second access point should exit energy-saving mode to better provide network services to the site; otherwise, it determines that the second access point should enter energy-saving mode.

[0305] Optionally, when the first access point sends an energy-saving indication message to the second access point, it can use unicast, multicast, or broadcast. Multicast can also be called multi-cast. For example, when using multicast or broadcast, the energy-saving indication message includes an identifier indicating whether each of the multiple access points is energy-saving, including the second access point.

[0306] Optionally, the content of the energy-saving instruction message is shown in Table 10.

[0307] Table 10

[0308] In Table 10, the identifier of the second access point is optional. For example, the outer encapsulation of the message contains the identifier of the second access point, but it is not necessary to carry the identifier of the second access point here.

[0309] Identifier A3 and identifier A4 can be any different values. For example, identifier A3 can be 0 and identifier A4 can be 1, or identifier A3 can be 1 and identifier A4 can be 0.

[0310] Identifiers B3 and B4 can be any different values. For example, identifier B3 can be 0 and identifier B4 can be 1, or identifier B3 can be 1 and identifier B4 can be 0.

[0311] Table 10 is just one example. Other examples could be D1 indicating that the second access point enters energy-saving mode, D2 indicating that the second access point exits energy-saving mode, and D3 indicating that the second access point exits energy-saving mode and exits energy-saving mode urgently.

[0312] In this embodiment, the second access point receives an energy-saving instruction message sent by the first access point. If identifier A4 is parsed from the energy-saving instruction message, some energy-saving preparation operations are performed, which is equivalent to entering the energy-saving preparation state. If identifier A3 is parsed from the energy-saving instruction message, no processing is performed. Here, if no operation is required before entering the energy-saving state, the second access point does not need to perform any operation after receiving the energy-saving instruction message.

[0313] Optionally, after receiving an energy-saving instruction message, if the message instructs the second access point to enter energy-saving mode, the second access point sends energy-saving statistics to the first access point. These statistics include energy-saving data for the most recent period of time. The first access point receives the energy-saving statistics and determines the status of the second access point based on this information.

[0314] It should be noted that in Figure 7, after receiving an energy-saving request, the first access point sends an energy-saving instruction message to the second access point to control whether the second access point enters or exits the energy-saving mode. In another implementation, after receiving an energy-saving request, the first access point can instruct the second access point to save energy by sending an energy-saving instruction message (described later) to the second access point. For example, sending an energy-saving instruction message to the second access point indicates that the second access point is entering the energy-saving mode; not sending such a message indicates that the second access point is exiting the energy-saving mode.

[0315] In another alternative approach, the first access point proactively decides whether the second access point should enter energy-saving mode; that is, the first access point sends an energy-saving request to the second access point. The second access point then sends an energy-saving instruction message to the first access point to indicate whether it wants to enter energy-saving mode. If it does, the first access point can send specific energy-saving status information to the second access point.

[0316] Optionally, after sending the energy-saving instruction message, the second access point also sends energy-saving statistics to the first access point, so that the first access point can use the energy-saving statistics to determine the energy-saving status.

[0317] 2) The second access point exits the energy-saving mode.

[0318] In one alternative approach, when the second access point periodically saves energy, the second access point can periodically send an energy-saving request to the first access point. This energy-saving request indicates an exit from energy-saving mode and carries the identifier A1. The first access point may or may not reply upon receiving the request.

[0319] Alternatively, if the second access point, while in a power-saving mode, experiences an emergency and needs to immediately exit power-saving mode, the power-saving request sent to the first access point must include identifier A1 and identifier B2. Such events include, but are not limited to: a newly associated site, the addition of a latency-sensitive service, or receiving a large amount of data from a site.

[0320] Optionally, if an energy-saving request indicates an emergency exit, the second access point immediately exits the energy-saving state and communicates with the first access point to send an energy-saving request and report the reason for the emergency exit.

[0321] In another alternative approach, the first access point decides that the second access point is no longer energy-saving, and the first access point instructs the second access point to exit the energy-saving process, see steps S101 to S103 in Figure 8.

[0322] Step S101: The first access point sends an energy-saving exit request to the second access point.

[0323] In this embodiment, the first access point determines that the second access point has exited the energy-saving mode and sends a request to the second access point to exit the energy-saving mode.

[0324] In one optional approach, the first access point determines whether the second access point should exit energy-saving mode based on the energy-saving statistics of the second access point; alternatively, the first access point determines whether the second access point should exit energy-saving mode based on the energy-saving statistics of both the second and third access points; or, the first access point determines whether the second access point should exit energy-saving mode if it detects a large amount of data being sent to it. Alternatively, the first access point may detect that a site is about to roam to the second access point and determines whether the second access point should exit energy-saving mode.

[0325] The method for determining the exit of the energy-saving mode of the second access point based on energy-saving statistics is the same as the method for determining the energy-saving status of the second access point based on energy-saving statistics mentioned earlier, and will not be repeated here.

[0326] Optionally, the energy-saving exit request can be the same message as the energy-saving instruction message mentioned above, see Table 10.

[0327] Optionally, if the first access point detects that the second access point needs to urgently exit the energy-saving mode while the second access point is in energy-saving mode, it fills in the emergency exit field to indicate an emergency exit. For example, this event includes, but is not limited to: determining that a site has roamed to the second access point, or that a large amount of data from an optical line terminal is being sent to the second access point.

[0328] Optionally, if the energy-saving exit request indicates an emergency exit, the second access point immediately exits the energy-saving mode and communicates with the first access point to understand the reason for the emergency exit.

[0329] In step S102, the second access point receives the energy-saving exit request.

[0330] Step S103: The second access point exits the energy-saving mode.

[0331] In this embodiment, after receiving the energy-saving exit request, the second access point immediately exits the energy-saving mode.

[0332] Optionally, the emergency exit field of the energy-saving exit request indicates that an emergency exit is required. The second access point immediately exits the energy-saving mode and communicates with the first access point to understand the reason for the emergency exit.

[0333] Optionally, after receiving the energy-saving exit request, the second access point can also send a response message to the first access point to indicate that it exits the energy-saving mode.

[0334] Optionally, the energy-saving request, energy-saving instruction message, and request to exit energy-saving mode are the same message, with different identifiers added to distinguish them, as shown in Table 11.

[0335] Table 11

[0336] Among them, when the first access point instructs the second access point to exit the energy-saving mode, it can also instruct the second access point to report the energy-saving status after exiting the energy-saving mode.

[0337] The above energy-saving exit request is an example of exiting the energy-saving mode. Alternatively, the energy-saving exit request may indicate that the energy-saving state has been exited, but the energy-saving mode has not actually been exited. In this case, there is no need to apply to enter the energy-saving mode before entering the energy-saving state again.

[0338] Optionally, exiting the energy-saving state includes exiting to the working state, exiting to another energy-saving state, or exiting to the energy-saving preparation state.

[0339] 4. Energy saving indicator.

[0340] For each access point whose energy-saving mechanism is determined by the first access point, the first access point maintains a state machine for that access point. For a given access point, if the access point performs energy saving as a whole, a state machine is maintained for that access point; if the access point performs energy saving according to specific energy-saving objects, a state machine is maintained for each energy-saving object. For example, for multiple frequency bands of an access point, the first access point maintains a separate set of state machines for each band, including the 2.4GHz band, the 5GHz band, and the 6GHz band.

[0341] The state machine includes a working state, an energy-saving preparation state, and at least one energy-saving state. Entering the energy-saving preparation state from the working state is equivalent to activating energy-saving mode; entering the working state from the energy-saving preparation state is equivalent to exiting energy-saving mode; entering any energy-saving state from the energy-saving preparation state is equivalent to exiting energy-saving mode; and entering the energy-saving preparation state from any energy-saving state is equivalent to exiting energy-saving mode. For example, as shown in Figure 9, the state machine includes a working state, an energy-saving preparation state, a first energy-saving state, and a second energy-saving state, where the energy-saving magnitudes of the first and second energy-saving states are different.

[0342] Alternatively, the state machine includes a working state and at least one energy-saving state. Direct switching between any two states is possible; one can enter any other state from any one state. Entering any energy-saving state from the working state is equivalent to entering an energy-saving state, and entering the working state from any energy-saving state is equivalent to exiting an energy-saving state. One can also enter another energy-saving state from any energy-saving state. For example, as shown in Figure 10, the state machine includes a working state, a first energy-saving state, and a second energy-saving state.

[0343] The definitions of working status, energy-saving preparation status, and energy-saving status have been described above and will not be repeated here.

[0344] When the first access point decides that an access point should enter a certain state, it can selectively notify the corresponding access point. For example, when the first access point decides that the second access point should enter an energy-saving state, it will notify the second access point. However, when the first access point decides that the second access point should enter an energy-saving preparation state, the first access point may not notify the second access point if the second access point does not need to perform any specific operations.

[0345] Figure 11 provides a schematic diagram of energy-saving indication, see steps S71 to S73 in Figure 11.

[0346] Step S71: The first access point sends a first energy-saving control message to the second access point, wherein the first energy-saving control message is used to instruct the second access point to enter a first energy-saving state.

[0347] In this embodiment, the first access point determines that the energy-saving state of the second access point is the first energy-saving state, and the first access point sends an energy-saving control message to the second access point. For ease of description, this energy-saving control message is referred to as the first energy-saving control message.

[0348] In one alternative approach, before the first access point sends the first energy-saving control message to the second access point, the second access point may be in an operating state, an energy-saving preparation state, or an energy-saving state different from the first energy-saving state.

[0349] In one optional approach, before step S71, after the first access point obtains the energy-saving statistics, there are several ways to determine the status of the second access point based on the energy-saving statistics. Two optional approaches are provided here:

[0350] Method 1: The first access point determines the energy-saving status of the second access point as the first energy-saving status based on the energy-saving statistics of the second access point.

[0351] In this embodiment, the first access point can determine the energy-saving status of the second access point based on all or part of the energy-saving statistics of the second access point. This application embodiment does not limit the method of using energy-saving statistics to determine the energy-saving status of the second access point.

[0352] In one implementation, the first access point stores a correspondence between its state and the value range of energy-saving statistics. Based on the value range of the energy-saving statistics of the second access point, the energy-saving state of the second access point is determined to be the first energy-saving state in this correspondence.

[0353] In another implementation, the first access point performs a weighted calculation based on the energy-saving statistics of the second access point to determine the weighted value and the energy-saving status corresponding to the range of the weighted value.

[0354] In another implementation, the first access point stores a neural network model for determining the state. The energy-saving statistics obtained from the second access point are preprocessed and input into the neural network model. The output is the configuration information group corresponding to each energy-saving object. The definition of the configuration information group is shown in Tables 12 to 14. The configuration information group corresponding to multiple energy-saving objects or one energy-saving object is the energy-saving strategy of the first energy-saving state.

[0355] It should be noted that the reason for using energy-saving statistics to analyze whether energy conservation has been implemented is as follows:

[0356] When the number of sites associated with the second access point is small and the traffic is also low, disabling some resources (such as reducing bandwidth or using less spatial flow) and / or lowering the air interface transmit power will not affect the use of the sites. When the number of sites associated with the second access point is relatively small, and the RSSI strength of the sites that can be sensed is low, it indicates that the site is far from the second access point and may not connect. In this case, some resources can be appropriately disabled to save energy. When both the uplink and downlink buffer sizes of the second access point are small, it indicates that the transmit and receive resources are being used sparingly. Disabling some transmit and receive resources will not affect the use of the sites, such as using less spatial flow. Analyzing service status information indicates that the current service status is stable. In this case, some resources can be appropriately disabled to save energy, such as those with low retransmission rates and packet error rates. Finally, analyzing service information indicates that the traffic is low and there are no latency-sensitive services. In this case, some resources can be appropriately disabled to save energy. When the temperature at the second access point is high, it indicates a need for emergency cooling and energy conservation, such as shutting down some resources or reducing service transmission, reception, or processing capacity. While the associated sites on the second access point perform periodic energy conservation, the second access point itself can also perform periodic energy conservation.

[0357] In addition, the second access point is less likely to be used at night, so a night scene template is used to save power.

[0358] In addition, when there is relatively little traffic on the second access point and no latency-sensitive services, the low-traffic scenario template should be used.

[0359] In the second approach, the first access point can comprehensively consider energy-saving statistics from multiple access points to determine the access points and their energy-saving status. For example, based on the energy-saving statistics of the second and third access points, the first access point determines the energy-saving status of the second access point as the first energy-saving status, and the third access point as either one of the other access points connected to the first access point or the first access point itself. In this way, by comprehensively considering the energy-saving efforts of all access points in the WLAN, better network services can be provided to the site during energy-saving periods, reducing the impact of energy saving on the site.

[0360] Optionally, site roaming may be prioritized at adjacent sites. Therefore, when considering the energy-saving status of a certain access point, the energy-saving statistics of adjacent access points can be referenced. Thus, the third access point is an access point whose coverage overlaps with that of the second access point among other access points.

[0361] In this embodiment, the first access point can determine the energy-saving status of the second access point based on the energy-saving statistics of the second access point and the energy-saving statistics of the third access point in several ways. Two feasible methods are provided below.

[0362] Method 1: Among multiple access points, the first access point identifies a third access point whose coverage overlaps with that of the second access point. The first access point uses the energy-saving statistics of the second and third access points to determine that the number of associated sites on the second access point is less than a first threshold, and the total number of associated sites of the second and third access points is less than the second threshold, indicating that the second access point may also have a relatively small number of associated sites in the future. Then, the correspondence between energy-saving statistics and status is used to determine the energy-saving status of the second access point as the first energy-saving status.

[0363] Optionally, when the conditions in Method 1 are met, it can also be determined whether there are latency-sensitive services at the site associated with the second access point. If not, it is determined that the second access point can enter the energy-saving state; otherwise, it does not enter the energy-saving state.

[0364] Method Two: The first access point uses the energy-saving statistics of the second and third access points to determine that the second access point's service type does not have latency-sensitive services, and the associated sites also perform energy saving periodically. Furthermore, the third access point has not entered energy-saving mode, indicating that the second access point can enter energy-saving mode. The first access point then weights the energy-saving statistics of the second and third access points and uses the weighted value to determine the corresponding state as the first energy-saving state.

[0365] In this embodiment of the application, there are multiple schemes for determining the status of the second access point based on energy-saving statistics, which cannot all be listed.

[0366] Method 3: The first access point stores a neural network model for determining the state. The energy-saving statistics obtained from the second and third access points are preprocessed and then input into the neural network model. The output is the configuration information group corresponding to each energy-saving object. The definition of the configuration information group is shown in Tables 12 to 14. The configuration information group corresponding to multiple energy-saving objects or one energy-saving object is the energy-saving strategy of the first energy-saving state.

[0367] In one alternative approach, when the second access point performs energy saving according to the energy-saving object, each access point associates the energy-saving statistics with the energy-saving object when reporting energy-saving statistics. In this way, for each energy-saving object of the second access point, the first access point can use the energy-saving statistics of that energy-saving object to analyze the energy-saving level of that energy-saving object. The analysis process is described in the previous text and will not be repeated here.

[0368] In one alternative approach, before the first access point sends the first energy-saving control message to the second access point, the second access point may be in an operating state, an energy-saving preparation state, or an energy-saving state different from the first energy-saving state.

[0369] In step S72, in the state machine, the first access point switches the state of the second access point to the first energy-saving state.

[0370] In this embodiment, after the first access point determines the energy-saving state of the second access point, the state of the second access point is switched to the first energy-saving state in the state machine of the second access point.

[0371] Steps S71 and S72 have no specific order; their execution order can be interchanged.

[0372] In step S73, the second access point receives the first energy-saving control message sent by the first access point and performs the operation of entering the first energy-saving state.

[0373] In one alternative approach, the second access point sends service status information to the first access point. The first access point then determines, based on the service status information, whether the status of the second access point needs to be updated.

[0374] In one alternative approach, the second access point sends service status information to the first access point. The first access point then determines, based on the service status information, whether the status of the second access point needs to be updated.

[0375] The details of the business status information are shown in Table 8.

[0376] In this embodiment, after receiving the service status information sent by the second access point, the first access point determines whether the service status meets the requirements based on any one or more items in the service status information. If so, no processing is performed. If the service status does not meet the requirements, the specification requires switching the status and sending a status indication message to the second access point.

[0377] Optionally, the principle for determining whether the status of the second access point needs to be updated based on the service status information is as follows:

[0378] If the retransmission rate, transmission error rate, and reception error rate all exceed their respective thresholds, the high service latency indicates poor network quality, making it impossible to save energy or requiring a reversion to a less energy-efficient state.

[0379] In one implementation, the first access point preprocesses the content in the service status information (such as dividing the number of failed transmissions by the number of successful transmissions to calculate the failure ratio), then performs weighting to obtain a weighted value, and judges the relationship between the weighted value and the energy-saving threshold. If the weighted value exceeds the energy-saving threshold, it needs to exit the energy-saving state or switch to an energy-saving state with a lower energy-saving level.

[0380] In another implementation, the first access point can look up the correspondence between the value of the service status information and the status to determine whether the status needs to be updated.

[0381] Optionally, when determining the status, either business status information or energy-saving statistics information can be used. In this case, the energy-saving statistics information does not include business status information.

[0382] Optionally, when periodically exiting the energy-saving state, the second access point sends an energy-saving exit request to the first access point each time, and also sends service status information to the first access point. In this way, the first access point can determine whether the state needs to change in the next cycle. If it needs to change, it sends an energy-saving control message to the second access point to instruct the second access point to switch states. Therefore, the energy-saving state can be dynamically adjusted to adapt to the services.

[0383] Optionally, the second access point may periodically send service status information to the first access point.

[0384] Optionally, the first access point may also send a reporting request to the second access point, which is used to instruct the second access point to report service status information.

[0385] In one alternative approach, the first energy-saving state applies to the second access point as a whole. The second access point only exists in the first energy-saving state, and the first energy-saving control message simply indicates whether to perform energy saving or specifies a particular energy-saving strategy. For example, the first energy-saving control message includes a first identifier indicating energy saving. The value of the first identifier can be set according to actual needs; to reduce data transmission volume, the first identifier can be 0 or 1. After receiving the first energy-saving control message, the second access point determines the identifier indicating energy saving and then executes the operation to enter the first energy-saving state.

[0386] In another alternative approach, the first energy-saving state refers to the second access point as a whole. The second access point may have multiple energy-saving states, and the first energy-saving state is one of these multiple energy-saving states. The first energy-saving control message includes energy-saving level information, which indicates that the energy-saving state is the first energy-saving state.

[0387] Optionally, the energy-saving level information includes an energy-saving level identifier, which differs depending on the energy-saving state. The second access point stores the correspondence between energy-saving level identifiers and energy-saving strategies; this can also be understood as storing energy-saving templates, where an energy-saving template can be found using the identifier of a specific energy-saving level. The second access point retrieves the energy-saving strategy corresponding to the energy-saving level identifier, or it retrieves the corresponding energy-saving strategy from the connected storage device. The second access point then performs energy-saving processing according to this energy-saving strategy.

[0388] Optionally, the energy-saving level information includes the energy-saving strategy corresponding to the first energy-saving state. For example, the energy-saving level information includes one or more of the following: energy-saving strategy for the WLAN network, energy-saving strategy for the functional module, or energy-saving strategy for the peripheral interface. The second access point performs energy-saving processing according to the received energy-saving strategy.

[0389] In another optional approach, the second access point performs energy conservation based on energy-saving objects, which include one or more of frequency bands, BSSIDs, or SSIDs. Each energy-saving object corresponds to only one energy-saving strategy. The first energy-saving control message includes one or more of the frequency bands, BSSIDs, and SSIDs of the second access point. Specifically, the first energy-saving control message may include the identifier of the energy-saving object to be energy-saving, or it may include the identifier of the energy-saving object and an identifier indicating whether energy-saving processing should be performed on that energy-saving object.

[0390] Where the first energy-saving control message includes the frequency band of the second access point, it indicates that energy saving is performed at least on the frequency band, which may be all or part of the frequency band of the second access point. The second access point obtains the energy-saving strategy corresponding to each frequency band and performs energy-saving processing according to the strategy. For example, the second access point stores the energy-saving strategy corresponding to the frequency band, obtains the stored energy-saving strategy, and performs energy-saving processing according to the strategy.

[0391] If the first energy-saving control message includes the BSSID of the second access point, it indicates that energy saving is performed at least for the BSSID, which may be all or part of the BSSIDs of the second access point. The second access point obtains the energy-saving policy corresponding to each BSSID and performs energy-saving processing according to the energy-saving policy.

[0392] If the first energy-saving control message includes the SSID of the second access point, it indicates that energy saving is performed at least for the SSID, which may be all or part of the SSIDs of the second access point. The second access point obtains the energy-saving policy corresponding to each SSID and performs energy-saving processing according to the energy-saving policy.

[0393] In another optional approach, corresponding to the scenario in Table 2 above, the first energy-saving state corresponds to multiple energy-saving objects of the second access point. The first energy-saving control message includes one or more of the second access point's frequency band, BSSID, or SSID, and energy-saving level information, and the energy-saving level information corresponds to these multiple energy-saving objects. For example, the first energy-saving control message includes the second access point's 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequency bands, and the energy-saving level information includes the energy-saving level information corresponding to the 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequency bands. The second access point uses the energy-saving level information corresponding to the 2.4GHz frequency band for energy-saving processing and also uses the energy-saving level information corresponding to the 5GHz frequency band for energy-saving processing. As another example, the first energy-saving control message includes the second access point's 2.4GHz frequency band and BSSID1, where BSSID1 is one of the BSSIDs of the 5GHz frequency band. The energy-saving level information includes the energy-saving level information corresponding to the 2.4GHz frequency band and BSSID1. The second access point uses the energy-saving level information corresponding to the 2.4GHz frequency band for energy-saving processing and also uses the energy-saving level information corresponding to BSSID1 for energy-saving processing. The content of the energy-saving level information here is described above and will not be repeated here.

[0394] In another alternative approach, corresponding to the scenario in Table 3 above, the first energy-saving state corresponds to an energy-saving object of the second access point. For each energy-saving object, the first access point sends an energy-saving control message to the second access point, indicating the energy-saving state of the energy-saving object. The first energy-saving control message then indicates a state switch for an energy-saving object. For example, if the energy-saving objects include frequency band 1 and frequency band 2, the first access point sends energy-saving control message 1 to the second access point, indicating the energy-saving state of frequency band 1. The first access point then sends energy-saving control message 2 to the second access point, indicating the energy-saving state of frequency band 2.

[0395] Here, the energy-saving status of multiple frequency bands can also be indicated in the first energy-saving control message. For example, the first energy-saving control message can indicate not only that frequency band 1 of the second access point enters the first energy-saving state, but also that frequency band 2 of the second access point enters the second energy-saving state.

[0396] Optionally, the first instruction message includes the identifier of the energy-saving object and energy-saving level information. The content of the energy-saving level information is described above and will not be repeated here.

[0397] Optionally, when the first energy-saving control message includes an energy-saving strategy, the content is shown in Table 12, which uses the frequency band as an example for explanation.

[0398] Table 12

[0399] In Table 12, the identifier for the energy-saving object can be a unique identifier such as BSSID, SSID, or RUID. It's important to note that while a frequency band may logically correspond to two BSSIDs, it may actually use a single set of radio frequency resources. Therefore, the energy-saving object should be identified by radio frequency resources as its smallest unit. The energy-saving strategies described in Table 12 primarily target WLAN networks. Energy-saving time refers to the duration of each entry into energy-saving mode, while the energy-saving cycle refers to the period between entering and exiting energy-saving mode. The difference between the two is the duration of exiting energy-saving mode. The energy-saving cycle can also be understood as the interval between two consecutive entries into the current energy-saving mode, also known as the periodic wake-up time. For example, if the energy-saving time is 3 minutes, and the device exits energy-saving mode every 8 minutes for listening before re-entering energy-saving mode, this 8-minute interval constitutes the energy-saving cycle.

[0400] Optionally, when the first energy-saving control message includes an identifier for the energy-saving level, the content is shown in Table 13, which uses the frequency band as an example for explanation.

[0401] Table Thirteen

[0402] In Table 13, the identifier for the energy-saving object can be a unique identifier such as SSID, BSSID, or RUID.

[0403] Optionally, in Tables 12 and 13, the energy-saving time and energy-saving period can be optional, or they can be negotiated in advance by the first access point and the second access point, or the first access point can be configured in advance, or the second access point can always be in the energy-saving state until the second access point requests to exit the energy-saving state, or the first access point instructs the second access point to exit the energy-saving state.

[0404] Optionally, to facilitate the issuance of energy-saving control messages by the first access point, the contents of Tables 12 and 13 can be combined. See Table 14.

[0405] Table 14

[0406] In Table 14, A7, A8, and A9 are any three distinct values. For example, A7, A8, and A9 are integers from 0 to 2. A9 indicates a shutdown state where the RF resource indicated by RUID is in a shutdown state. A10 and A11 are any two distinct values. For example, A10 is 1 and A11 is 0, or A10 is 0 and A11 is 1.

[0407] Energy-saving template 1 can be a nighttime scene template, and energy-saving template 2 can be a low-traffic scene template. The bits of the energy-saving template are only one example, and the embodiments of this application are not limited. For example, it can also be: bit 0 indicates that energy-saving template 1 is used, bit 1 indicates that energy-saving template is not used, and bit 2 indicates that energy-saving template 2 is used.

[0408] The same number of bits and the size of the bandwidth are merely examples and are not limited in the embodiments of this application. For example, the bandwidth values ​​include, but are not limited to, 5MHz, 10MHz, 20MHz, 40MHz, 80MHz, 80+80MHz, 160MHz, and 320MHz, with bit 0 indicating 10MHz, bit 1 indicating 20MHz, bit 2 indicating 40MHz, and bit 3 indicating 80MHz.

[0409] The number of supported space streams can be either the maximum number of space streams or a list of supported space streams. If it's a list, it can be sent in bitmap format. For example, bit 0 indicates 1 space stream, bit 1 indicates 2, bit 2 indicates 3, bit 3 indicates 4, and bits 4 through 7 are reserved bits.

[0410] The energy-saving cycle can be the switching cycle of the current energy-saving state or the switching cycle of the energy-saving module.

[0411] It should be noted that the energy-saving control message and the initial energy-saving configuration message can reuse the same message, but the content they contain is different.

[0412] Optionally, the first energy-saving control message includes one or more of the following: the frequency band of the second access point, BSSID, or SSID, and energy-saving level information. There are several ways to fill in the first energy-saving control message; three feasible methods are provided below. This example illustrates the scenario where the first energy-saving control message includes the frequency band of the second access point.

[0413] In both Method 1 and Method 2, the first energy-saving control message includes a message identifier field, a field length field, a frequency band identifier field, and an energy-saving level identifier field. The message identifier field indicates that the message is an energy-saving interaction message. The field length field indicates the length of the energy-saving control message; the field length is optional. For example, the first and second access points can negotiate in advance, or the length of the energy-saving control message can be statically configured, and the field length can be omitted when sending the energy-saving control message. The frequency band identifier field indicates the specific frequency band. The energy-saving level identifier field indicates the specific energy-saving level.

[0414] In Method 1, as shown in Figure 12, for a frequency band, the identification field of the frequency band is adjacent to the identification field of the energy-saving level corresponding to the frequency band.

[0415] Different frequency bands are identified using different values. For example, 0 indicates all frequency bands, meaning all bands use the same energy-saving level; 1 indicates the 2.4GHz band; 2 indicates the low-frequency band within the 5GHz band; 3 indicates the high-frequency band within the 5GHz band, where the low-frequency band is below the target value and the high-frequency band is above or equal to the target value; and 4 corresponds to the 6GHz band. Furthermore, even when all frequency bands use the same energy-saving level, the energy-saving level can be indicated separately for each band.

[0416] Different energy efficiency levels are identified by different values. For example, 0 indicates that energy efficiency has been stopped, 1 indicates energy efficiency level 1, and 2 indicates energy efficiency level 2.

[0417] Alternatively, different values ​​can be used to identify different frequency bands. For example, 0 is an invalid value, all frequency bands correspond to energy saving level 0, 1 indicates the 2.4GHz frequency band, 2 indicates the low frequency band in the 5GHz frequency band, 3 indicates the high frequency band in the 5GHz frequency band, and 4 corresponds to the 6GHz frequency band.

[0418] Different energy efficiency levels are identified by different values. For example, 0 indicates that all frequency bands are out of energy efficiency mode, 1 indicates energy efficiency level 1, and 2 indicates energy efficiency level 2.

[0419] In Method 2, as shown in Figure 13, the frequency band identification field is filled in bitmap format, and the energy-saving level identification field is adjacent to the frequency band identification field.

[0420] For example, from right to left, bit 0 (least significant bit) identifies the 2.4 GHz band, bit 1 identifies the 5 GHz band, and bit 2 identifies the 6 GHz band. Here, the bit order is counted from the least significant bit; in another implementation, the bit order can also be counted from the most significant bit. The band identification field contains N bits, followed by N energy efficiency level identifiers, filled in according to the order of the band identifiers.

[0421] Different energy efficiency levels are identified by different values. For example, 0 indicates that energy efficiency has been stopped, 1 indicates energy efficiency level 1, and 2 indicates energy efficiency level 2.

[0422] In both Method 1 and Method 2, as mentioned earlier, the energy-saving level information can be an energy-saving level identifier or a specific energy-saving strategy. The energy-saving strategy can be all energy-saving strategies or only a portion of them; this portion refers to the energy-saving strategy that differs from the current state of the second access point. The energy-saving strategy can be implemented using a numbered value, a fixed sequence with the number omitted, or a bitmap value.

[0423] In Method 3, as shown in Figure 14, the first energy-saving control message includes a message identifier field, a field length, and an energy-saving indicator field.

[0424] The energy-saving level and frequency band are identified together and filled in the energy-saving indicator field. For example, 0 indicates that all frequency bands are out of energy-saving mode, 1 indicates that the energy-saving level of the first frequency band is energy-saving level 1, and 2 indicates that the energy-saving level of the second frequency band is energy-saving level 2.

[0425] Optionally, a separate field can be used in the first energy-saving control message to indicate whether the energy-saving state has been entered or exited. For example, if the field is 0 in the first energy-saving control message, it indicates that the energy-saving state has been exited, and the specific energy-saving strategy for the frequency band does not need to be filled in afterward. If the field is 1, it indicates that the energy-saving state has been entered, and the specific energy-saving strategy for the frequency band needs to be filled in afterward.

[0426] It should be noted that only two frequency bands are shown in Figures 12 to 14, but in practice, there may be one or more.

[0427] This explanation uses the frequency band as an example to illustrate the energy-saving target. The energy-saving target includes BSSID and SSID, which are similar and will not be elaborated here.

[0428] In one alternative approach, after the first access point sends a first energy-saving control message to the second access point, the second access point receives the first energy-saving control message. However, the second access point may agree to enter the first energy-saving state or it may disagree. The second access point may send a first response message to the first access point, which includes an indicator indicating whether it agrees to enter the first energy-saving state. Upon receiving the first response message, if the first response message includes an indicator indicating agreement to enter the first energy-saving state, the first access point switches its state to the first energy-saving state in the state machine; if the first response message includes an indicator indicating rejection of entering the first energy-saving state, the state is not adjusted in the state machine.

[0429] Optionally, when the second response message includes an identifier indicating refusal to enter the first energy-saving state, the second response message may also include an identifier of the current state of the second access point. After receiving the second response message, if the identifier of the state included in the second response message is different from the identifier of the state recorded in the state machine, the first access point switches the state in the state machine to the state included in the second response message. Alternatively, after sending the second response message, the second access point sends a state reporting message to the first access point, which includes the current state of the second access point.

[0430] Optionally, the first response message and the second response message can be the same response message, including identifier 1 when indicating agreement to enter the first energy-saving state, and carrying identifier 2 when indicating refusal to enter the first energy-saving state. For example, identifier 1 is 1 and identifier 2 is 0, or identifier 1 is 0 and identifier 2 is 1. Alternatively, the first response message and the second response message can be different messages.

[0431] In one alternative approach, before step S71, if the state machine shown in Figure 10 is used and the second access point is in the working state, then before the first access point instructs the second access point to perform energy saving, the state of the second access point is switched from the working state to the energy saving preparation state in the state machine.

[0432] Optionally, after switching the state of the second access point from the working state to the energy-saving ready state, an energy-saving ready instruction message is sent to the second access point. Upon receiving the energy-saving ready instruction message, the second access point performs the operation of entering the energy-saving ready state.

[0433] Optionally, after receiving the energy-saving preparation instruction message, the second access point may not process it, but simply know that the first access point can request the second access point to save energy.

[0434] In one optional approach, after sending a first energy-saving control message to a second access point, if the first access point subsequently determines that the second access point's state is a second energy-saving state, the first access point sends a second energy-saving control message to the second access point. This second energy-saving control message instructs the second access point to enter the second energy-saving state, and the state of the second access point is switched to the second energy-saving state in the state machine. The second access point receives the second energy-saving control message and performs the operation to enter the second energy-saving state.

[0435] Alternatively, the second access point may be in the second energy-saving state before the first energy-saving state.

[0436] In one alternative approach, the second access point also maintains a state machine. Upon receiving an energy-saving control message or other state-switching message from the first access point, the second access point switches its state in its state machine to the state indicated by the first access point. Furthermore, when switching to or exiting the energy-saving state, the second access point modifies the state in its state machine and notifies the first access point. Upon receiving this notification, the first access point also performs a state switch in its corresponding state machine.

[0437] Optionally, the second access point determines whether to enter the state indicated by the first access point. If it does, the state in the state machine is switched to the state indicated by the first access point. If it does not enter the state, there is no need to switch the state in the state machine.

[0438] In one alternative approach, the first access point maintains its own state machine. After determining its own state, the first access point performs state transitions within the state machine. The process by which the first access point determines its own state is described above and will not be repeated here.

[0439] In this embodiment of the application, the state logic is clear in the scheme of using a state machine to maintain the state, which can reduce the cost of state interaction and synchronization between access points.

[0440] 5. The process by which the first access point obtains the status of the second access point from the second access point.

[0441] In one optional approach, the second access point sends its status to the first access point. This status may be the same as or different from the first energy-saving state. For example, if a new site suddenly connects while the second access point is in a certain energy-saving state, the second access point may switch from the first energy-saving state to the second energy-saving state, or enter a working state, where the energy saving rate of the first energy-saving state is higher than that of the second energy-saving state. In this case, the second access point sends its changed status to the first access point. Another example is that the second access point periodically sends its own status to the first access point. Yet another example is that after disconnecting from the first access point, the second access point reconnects and sends its own status, essentially going offline and then back online. Yet another example is that after the first access point sends a first energy-saving control message to the second access point, the second access point may disagree with entering the first energy-saving state and send its own status back to the first access point.

[0442] In another alternative approach, under certain circumstances, the first access point may lose the status of the second access point, or may be unsure of the current status of the second access point. In such cases, the first access point queries the second access point for its status. For example, after the second access point disconnects from the first access point and then reconnects, the first access point determines that the second access point is back online. However, the first access point is unsure whether the second access point is in its default state or a previously entered state, and thus queries the second access point for its status. As another example, after the first access point sends a first energy-saving control message to the second access point, the second access point may disagree with entering the first energy-saving state. In this case, the second access point sends a second response message to the first access point, indicating a refusal to enter the first energy-saving state, and the first access point queries the second access point for its status. The process of the first access point querying the status of the second access point is illustrated in steps S91 to S94 of Figure 15.

[0443] Step S91: The first access point sends a status query request to the second access point.

[0444] In this embodiment, the first access point generates a status query request. When the second access point as a whole corresponds to an energy-saving status, the identifier of the energy-saving object is the identifier of the second access point. When the second access point saves energy according to energy-saving objects, the status query request includes the identifiers of each energy-saving object to be queried. For example, if the energy-saving object is a frequency band, the status query request includes the identifier of the frequency band whose status is to be queried: 0 indicates all frequency bands, indicating a query for the status of all frequency bands; 1 indicates the 2.4GHz frequency band, indicating a query for the status of the 2.4GHz frequency band; 2 indicates a query for the status of the 5GHz low-frequency band; 3 indicates a query for the status of the 5GHz high-frequency band; and 4 indicates a query for the status of the 6GHz frequency band.

[0445] Step S92: The second access point receives the status query request.

[0446] Step S93: The second access point sends the target status to the first access point.

[0447] In this embodiment, the second access point obtains the status corresponding to the energy-saving object's identifier according to the status query request, and sends the target status to the second access point for convenience.

[0448] Optionally, the second access point sends a status reporting message to the first access point. This status reporting message is used to report the target status of the second access point. For example, the status reporting message may include an energy-saving level identifier or a specific energy-saving strategy.

[0449] When sending the target status, the second access point can send it in the format of an energy-saving control message.

[0450] Step S94: The first access point receives the target status.

[0451] In this embodiment, after the first access point receives the status, if the target status differs from the status recorded by the first access point, the status of the second access point is updated to the target status.

[0452] Optionally, the content of the status reporting message corresponds to the content of the energy-saving control message. In one implementation, the content of the status reporting message can be found in Table 15.

[0453] Table 15

[0454] In Table 15, the energy-saving template, bandwidth, number of spatial streams, and modulation and coding scheme can all be sent in bitmap form, and this application embodiment does not impose any limitations. For example, for the number of spatial streams, the identifier of the number of spatial streams can be sent directly.

[0455] The process shown in Figure 15 can occur at any stage after the second access point comes online, and this embodiment of the application does not limit it. For example, as mentioned above, it is reported after the second access point exits the energy-saving state.

[0456] The process shown in Figure 15 can occur at any stage after the second access point comes online, and this embodiment of the application does not limit it. For example, as mentioned above, it is reported after the second access point exits the energy-saving state.

[0457] In this embodiment, the first access point and the second access point work together to save energy. In order to ensure the overall network energy saving is optimal, in the WLAN, the first access point acts as the control center to maintain the energy-saving state machine of all other access points, referred to as the state machine. It also maintains a state machine for each set of radio frequency resources to achieve independent maintenance of the energy-saving state of each set of radio frequency resources and support the expansion of more radio frequency resources.

[0458] Before describing the method flow of the embodiments of this application, the states that may be involved in each access point are first described.

[0459] 1. Working status (also known as working state) refers to the normal working state. The energy-saving feature (or energy-saving function) has been enabled, but the decision to start energy saving has not yet been made. In other words, the first access point and the second access point have not yet completed the energy-saving handshake and the energy-saving process has not been started. Starting the energy-saving process here corresponds to enabling the energy-saving mode mentioned above.

[0460] 2. Energy-saving preparation state (also known as energy-saving standby state) refers to the state in which energy-saving processing has been initiated, but has not yet entered a certain energy-saving state. Here, the energy-saving preparation state is an optional state; it is possible to directly switch from the working state to a certain energy-saving state, or directly switch from a certain energy-saving state to the working state.

[0461] 3. Energy-saving state (also known as energy-saving mode or sleep level energy-saving mode) indicates the state of the access point when a specific energy-saving strategy (corresponding to an energy-saving mode) is adopted or a specific energy-saving operation is performed. It can also be understood as: an agreed-upon energy-saving mode, or a set of specific operating parameters, such as bandwidth, number of spatial streams, and modulation and coding schemes. For a given access point, the power consumption saved by the access point in different energy-saving states will be different; that is, the energy-saving magnitude (or energy-saving depth) will be different. Different access points can support the same or different energy-saving states. When an access point performs energy saving according to the energy-saving object, the energy-saving states of different energy-saving objects may be different.

[0462] For ease of understanding, the states involved in each access point can also be understood as Table 16.

[0463] Table 16

[0464] Activating energy-saving processing here is equivalent to enabling energy-saving mode as mentioned earlier, and disabling energy-saving processing is equivalent to disabling energy-saving mode as mentioned earlier. Activating energy-saving processing corresponds to the SFU energy-saving feedback field indicating "on" in the following text, and the MFU energy-saving feedback field indicating "on" in the following text. Disabling energy-saving processing corresponds to the SFU energy-saving feedback field indicating "off" in the following text, and the MFU energy-saving feedback field indicating "off" in the following text.

[0465] The following describes an energy-saving process. It is assumed that the WLAN includes multiple access points, at least a first access point and a second access point. Here, we will use the first access point initiating energy-saving negotiation as an example. See steps S110 to S130 in Figure 16.

[0466] Step S110: The first access point sends a first energy-saving strategy message to the second access point.

[0467] In this embodiment, the first access point determines that the second access point can perform energy-saving processing based on the energy-saving statistics of the second access point, and sends a first energy-saving strategy message to the second access point. This first energy-saving strategy message is used to instruct the request to start energy-saving processing. The first energy-saving strategy message includes the MFU energy-saving opinion field in Table 20, which indicates "on".

[0468] In step S120, the second access point sends a second energy-saving strategy message to the first access point.

[0469] In this embodiment, the second access point receives the first energy-saving strategy message and determines whether energy-saving processing is suitable based on its own status. If energy-saving processing is suitable, it sends a second energy-saving strategy message to the first access point to initiate energy-saving processing. If energy-saving processing is not suitable, it sends a second energy-saving strategy message to the first access point, indicating that energy-saving processing should not be initiated. For example, if the second access point currently has low-latency services, it determines that energy-saving processing is not suitable. The second energy-saving strategy message includes the SFU energy-saving opinion field in Table 20, indicating "on" when energy-saving processing is initiated and "off" when energy-saving processing is not initiated.

[0470] In step S130, the first access point sends an energy-saving strategy message to the second access point.

[0471] In this embodiment, the first access point receives a second energy-saving strategy message. If the second energy-saving strategy message indicates the initiation of energy-saving processing, a third energy-saving strategy message is generated based on the energy-saving statistics message of the second access point. This third energy-saving strategy message can indicate the identifier of a specific energy-saving mode or the specific content of the energy-saving strategy. After receiving the energy-saving strategy message, the second access point can perform corresponding energy-saving operations according to the energy-saving strategy message to enter a specific energy-saving state. The third energy-saving strategy message can be found in Table 20, which shows the content that needs to be filled in when both the SFU energy-saving opinion field and the MFU energy-saving opinion field are on.

[0472] Optionally, the messages in steps S110 to S130 can be different messages, or they can be the same message with different content.

[0473] The following describes another energy-saving process, see steps S210 to S230 in Figure 16.

[0474] Step S210: The second access point sends a first energy-saving strategy message to the first access point.

[0475] In this embodiment, the second access point determines, based on its own status, that it is suitable to perform energy-saving processing and sends a first energy-saving strategy message to the first access point. This first energy-saving strategy message is used to instruct the request to initiate energy-saving processing. The first energy-saving strategy message includes the SFU energy-saving opinion field from Table 20, indicating "on".

[0476] In step S220, the first access point sends a second energy-saving strategy message to the second access point.

[0477] In this embodiment, the first access point receives the first energy-saving strategy message and, based on the energy-saving statistics of the second access point, determines whether the second access point is suitable for energy-saving processing. If it is suitable, the first access point sends a second energy-saving strategy message to the second access point to instruct it to start energy-saving processing. If it is not suitable, the first access point sends a second energy-saving strategy message to the second access point to instruct it to refuse to start energy-saving processing. For example, if the second access point is currently receiving a large amount of data from the first access point, the first access point determines that the second access point is not suitable for energy-saving processing. The second energy-saving strategy message is the MFU energy-saving opinion field in Table 20, indicating "on" when energy-saving processing is started and "off" when energy-saving processing is not started.

[0478] In step S230, the first access point sends an energy-saving strategy message to the second access point.

[0479] In this embodiment, if the second energy-saving strategy message indicates the initiation of energy-saving processing, the first access point generates a third energy-saving strategy message based on the energy-saving statistics message of the second access point. This third energy-saving strategy message can indicate the identifier of a specific energy-saving mode or the specific content of the energy-saving strategy. After receiving the energy-saving strategy message, the second access point can perform corresponding energy-saving operations according to the energy-saving strategy message to enter a specific energy-saving state.

[0480] Optionally, the messages in steps S210 to S230 can be different messages, or they can be the same message with different content.

[0481] It should be noted that when the first access point determines that the second access point is suitable for energy-saving processing, step S220 can be skipped and step S230 can be executed directly.

[0482] The following describes a shutdown energy-saving process, see steps S310 to S320 in Figure 16.

[0483] Step S310: The first access point sends a first energy-saving strategy message to the second access point.

[0484] In this embodiment, the first access point determines that the second access point is no longer suitable for energy-saving processing and sends a first energy-saving policy message to the second access point. This first energy-saving policy message is used to instruct the second access point to disable energy-saving processing. For example, the first access point determines that a large amount of data is being sent to the second access point, or that the second access point's service status is poor, thus determining that the second access point is no longer suitable for energy-saving processing. The first energy-saving policy message includes the MFU energy-saving opinion field in Table 20, indicating "off".

[0485] Step S320: The second access point sends a service status report to the first access point.

[0486] In this embodiment, after receiving the first energy-saving strategy message, the second access point immediately exits the energy-saving state and enters the working state. Furthermore, the second access point sends a service status report to the first access point; this service status report, as used here and thereafter, refers to the service status information mentioned earlier.

[0487] After instructing the second access point to exit energy-saving mode, the first access point, upon receiving a service status report, immediately prioritizes allocating communication opportunities or resources to the second access point to help it quickly restore services.

[0488] Step S320 is an optional step.

[0489] The following describes another exit energy-saving process, see steps S410 to S420 in Figure 16.

[0490] In step S410, the second access point sends a first energy-saving strategy message to the first access point.

[0491] In this embodiment, after being awakened by a local emergency event, the second access point immediately exits the energy-saving state and enters the working state, sending a first energy-saving policy message to the first access point. This first energy-saving policy message is used to instruct the power-saving process to be turned off. For example, if the second access point has one or more low-latency services or the service status is poor, it determines to exit the energy-saving state. The first energy-saving policy message includes the SFU energy-saving opinion field in Table 20, indicating "off".

[0492] Optionally, the second access point sends information related to the emergency to the first access point.

[0493] Step S420: The second access point sends a service status report to the first access point. This step is optional.

[0494] In this embodiment, after receiving the first energy-saving policy message indicating that energy-saving processing should be turned off, the first access point immediately prioritizes allocating communication opportunities or communication resources to the second access point to help the second access point quickly restore services. This service status report can serve as a reference for the first access point to allocate communication resources to the second access point.

[0495] Both the first and second energy-saving strategy messages mentioned above can be understood as power saving requests (PS requests). When energy saving processing is started, the energy saving opinion field carried in the PS request indicates "on". When energy saving processing is turned off, the energy saving opinion field carried in the PS request indicates "off". See Table 20 for energy saving opinions.

[0496] In the process shown in Figure 16, the processes of starting and stopping energy-saving treatment can be combined arbitrarily, and this application embodiment does not limit them.

[0497] Optionally, in the process shown in Figure 16, the channel through which the first access point interacts with other access points is the radio management and control channel, and the messages used are WMCI messages. This is just an example; in an FTTR scenario, OMCI messages, etc., could also be used.

[0498] Optionally, in the process shown in Figure 16, the second access point can also report its energy-saving capabilities to the first access point. This reporting process can occur at any stage before steps S110 and 210, such as the initialization stage. This initialization stage can be the initialization stage for the second access point to go online. The first access point obtains the basic capability information of the second access point through this initialization stage and completes the configuration of the basic operating parameters of the second access point. The second access point can proactively report its own energy-saving capabilities through energy-saving capability messages. The first access point can also send an energy-saving capability reporting request to the second access point, and the second access point sends an energy-saving capability message to the first access point. The content of the energy-saving capability message is shown in Table 17.

[0499] Table 17

[0500] For explanations of the content identical to that in Table 4 in Table 17, please refer to Table 4. In Table 17, any content with numerical identifiers can be replaced with other numbers. For example, transmission power can be divided into four levels, each level being divided into 25%. Also, for content distinguished by bits, the content represented by each bit should be interchanged.

[0501] Alternatively, the content of the energy-saving capability message can also be a combination of Tables 4 and 17.

[0502] It should be noted that when sending energy-saving capability messages, you can send only part of the information in Table 17, or you can send all of the information in Table 17. For example, you can send only the supported energy-saving modes, or only the number of supported frequency bands, MAC addresses, or spatial streams.

[0503] In addition, the energy-saving feature can only be enabled at the access point (which can be understood as enabling the energy-saving function) before the handshake can be started to initiate the energy-saving process. The process of enabling the energy-saving feature is shown in steps S510 to S530 in Figure 17.

[0504] In step S510, the second access point sends a request to the first access point to enable the energy-saving feature.

[0505] In this embodiment, the second access point has an energy-saving function and sends an activation request for the energy-saving feature to the first access point. The activation request is used to indicate that the energy-saving feature is activated.

[0506] In step S520, the first access point sends a control message for the energy-saving feature to the second access point.

[0507] In this embodiment, after receiving the activation request, the first access point sends a control message for the energy-saving feature to the second access point. The control message is used to instruct the activation of the energy-saving feature.

[0508] In step S530, the second access point sends an activation report of the energy-saving feature to the first access point.

[0509] In this embodiment, after receiving the control message, the second access point configures the parameters to enable the energy-saving feature and sends an activation report of the energy-saving feature to the first access point. The activation report is used to indicate that the energy-saving feature has been enabled.

[0510] The process for shutting down the energy-saving feature is shown in steps S610 to S630 of Figure 18.

[0511] In step S610, the second access point sends a request to the first access point to disable the energy-saving feature.

[0512] In this embodiment, the second access point no longer wants to perform energy-saving processing and sends a power-saving feature shutdown request to the first access point. This shutdown request is used to instruct the power-saving feature to be turned off.

[0513] In step S620, the first access point sends a control message for the energy-saving feature to the second access point.

[0514] In this embodiment, after receiving the shutdown request, the first access point sends a control message for the energy-saving feature to the second access point. The control message is used to instruct the shutdown of the energy-saving feature.

[0515] In step S630, the second access point sends a report to the first access point indicating that the energy-saving feature is disabled.

[0516] In this embodiment, after receiving the control message, the second access point configures the parameters to disable the energy-saving feature and sends a power-saving feature disabling report to the first access point. The disabling report is used to indicate that the energy-saving feature has been disabled.

[0517] Optionally, steps S510 and S610 are optional steps. The control message mentioned above is a WMCI control message, which includes WMCI characteristic parameters. The WMCI characteristic parameters indicate whether the energy-saving feature is enabled. The second access point can determine whether to enable the energy-saving feature based on the value filled in the energy-saving field in the WMCI characteristic parameter control.

[0518] The following describes the process of using a state machine to maintain the state.

[0519] For each access point whose energy-saving mechanism is determined by the first access point, the first access point maintains a state machine for that access point. For a given access point, if the access point performs energy saving as a whole, a state machine is maintained for that access point; if the access point performs energy saving according to specific energy-saving objects, a state machine is maintained for each energy-saving object. For example, for multiple frequency bands of an access point, the first access point maintains a separate set of state machines for each band, including the 2.4GHz band, 5GHz band, and 6GHz band. As another example, for the 5GHz band, there are high-frequency and low-frequency bands; a state machine is maintained for the high-frequency band and a state machine for the low-frequency band. When the state machine is for the access point as a whole, each time the state of the second access point changes, the first access point switches its state to the changed state in the state machine of the second access point. When the state machine is for each radio frequency resource of the second access point, after the state corresponding to each radio frequency resource changes, the state is switched to the changed state in the state machine corresponding to that radio frequency resource.

[0520] The state machine includes a working state, an energy-saving preparation state, and at least one energy-saving state. It can transition from the working state to the energy-saving preparation state, from the energy-saving preparation state to the working state, from the energy-saving preparation state to any energy-saving state, and from any energy-saving state to the working state (equivalent to exiting the energy-saving state). Alternatively, it can transition from the energy-saving preparation state to the working state, from the energy-saving preparation state to any energy-saving state, and from any energy-saving state to the working state (equivalent to exiting the energy-saving state). Similar to the previous description, the first access point decides the state the second access point enters (this state includes the energy-saving preparation state and the energy-saving state, but not the working state), but this requires the second access point's consent. For example, the first access point sends an energy-saving policy message to the second access point, instructing the second access point to enter the first energy-saving state. However, the second access point disagrees and wants to remain in the working state. The second access point sends an SFU energy-saving opinion to the first access point through the energy-saving policy message, and the SFU energy-saving opinion field indicates "off," indicating that the second access point is in the working state. For example, the first access point sends a power-saving policy message to the second access point, instructing the second access point to enter the first power-saving state. However, the second access point disagrees with entering the first power-saving state and wants to remain in the current power-saving state. The second access point sends an SFU power-saving suggestion to the first access point through the power-saving policy message, with the SFU power-saving suggestion field indicating "off," and sends an indication message of the current power-saving state. The first access point decides whether to agree. If it agrees, the first access point maintains the original power-saving state in the corresponding state machine. The following text uses the state machines of various radio frequency resources as examples for illustration. Figure 19 provides a schematic diagram of state transitions.

[0521] Corresponding to Figure 19, the state transition process of the state machine is shown in Table 18. Table 18 uses MFU as the first access point and SFU as the second access point as an example for explanation.

[0522] Table 18

[0523] In Table 18, Thold expiration and Taware expiration are two optional events; they may or may not exist. Thold (Timer 1) and Taware (Timer 2) are maintained by either the MFU or SFU. If maintained by the SFU, the timer can be issued by the MFUI. Additionally, there is a timer called Tlowpower (Timer 3), which is maintained by either the MFU or SFU. The definitions of these three timers are shown in Table 19.

[0524] Table 19

[0525] In Table 19, the working state Thold is to prevent frequent switching from the working state to the power-saving standby state. The power-saving standby state Taware is to prevent frequent switching from the power-saving standby state to the power-saving state. The power-saving state Tlowpower is to ensure that the access point returns to the working state after a certain period of time, avoiding continuous operation in the power-saving state.

[0526] The examples provided here all illustrate the transition from energy-saving state to working state. In another example, when the second access point exits the energy-saving state, it can exit to the energy-saving preparation state under the same conditions as exiting to the working state. In this way, no handshake is required when entering the energy-saving state again.

[0527] Optionally, a timer is also set between the two energy-saving states. In order to prevent frequent switching of energy-saving states, the energy-saving state can be maintained for a certain period of time before switching to another energy-saving state.

[0528] In one alternative approach, after the energy-saving object at the second access point agrees to enter a certain state, the first access point switches the state in the state machine of the energy-saving object to the entered state.

[0529] In one optional approach, after the second access point enters the first energy-saving state, it checks whether the energy-saving state timer Tlowpower has expired. If it has expired, it automatically enters the working state. The second access point then sends an exit energy-saving request to the first access point to request exit from the energy-saving state. The first access point, in its state machine, switches the state corresponding to the exit energy-saving request to the working state. This exit from the energy-saving state does not include wake-ups during periodic energy-saving processes, thus preventing entry into the working state.

[0530] In one alternative approach, when the first access point sends a timer (Tlowpower) to the second access point, the first access point can send a message indicating the energy-saving exit state to the second access point after the Tlowpower expires, thus instructing the second access point to exit the energy-saving state and return to the working state. If the second access point detects that it has not received the message indicating the energy-saving exit state within a certain period after the Tlowpower expires, then the second access point sends a message indicating the exit from the energy-saving state to the first access point. This ensures that the second access point exits the energy-saving state and returns to the working state.

[0531] Of course, the timer Tlowpower can also be maintained solely by the first access point.

[0532] In one alternative approach, if the second access point meets the requirement to enter a certain energy-saving state, the first access point, after the energy-saving preparation state (Taware) times out, sends an energy-saving control message to the second access point to instruct the second access point to enter the energy-saving state.

[0533] In an alternative approach, when there is no power-saving preparation state, the transition between the working state and the power-saving state is also a handshake power-saving and timer expiration fulfillment. The transition between power-saving states is illustrated in Figure 19 and will not be repeated here.

[0534] Optionally, the content of the energy-saving control message (also known as the energy-saving strategy message or energy-saving strategy configuration, or PS strategy (configure)) is shown in Table 20. Table 20 uses radio frequency resources as an example for energy-saving purposes. The energy-saving strategy message can indicate the energy-saving opinion of the SFU, or the energy-saving strategy message can indicate the energy-saving opinion of the MFU, or the energy-saving strategy message can indicate the energy-saving mode, or the energy-saving strategy message can indicate the content of the energy-saving operation, i.e., the operation that the SFU needs to perform, or the energy-saving strategy message can indicate multiple items in Table 20.

[0535] Table 20

[0536] Table 20 shows how energy-saving negotiation messages, energy-saving mode messages, and energy-saving strategy messages are integrated into a single message. This single message enables energy-saving handshakes between the MFU and SFU, and is used for air interface energy-saving behavior control, primarily involving frequency bands, stream counts, and transmit power. The energy-saving modes in Table 20 correspond to the energy-saving templates mentioned earlier.

[0537] Furthermore, message type identifiers can also exist in other ways. For example, 0: this message is used by the MFU to send an energy-saving mode identifier or energy-saving strategy to the SFU; 1: this message is used for energy-saving negotiation, which can also be understood as an energy-saving handshake; 2-127: reserved. Similarly, SFU energy-saving opinions and MFU energy-saving opinions can also exist in other ways. For example, bit 1 can be used to indicate the SFU energy-saving opinion, and bit 2 can be used to indicate the MFU energy-saving opinion. Similarly, RUID status can also exist in other ways, such as 0 indicating the energy-saving status and 1 indicating the working status. Other indication methods can also be extended based on the principles described here.

[0538] In addition, within the energy-saving cycle of the current energy-saving state, the SFU can automatically exit the current energy-saving state, perform business processing, and then return to the current energy-saving state. During this process, the MFU can be notified without the MFU notifying it. In other words, during this process, the state of the SFU's RUID state machine is still the current energy-saving state.

[0539] In one alternative approach, when the first access point obtains the status of the second access point, it can simultaneously obtain other parameter information. The second access point then sends an energy-saving parameter message to the first access point. This message can indicate the energy-saving status, or it can indicate both the energy-saving status and an SFU alarm indication, or it can indicate both the energy-saving status and device temperature information. The device temperature information includes the average, maximum, or minimum temperature of the second access point over a short period. The conditions for triggering the sending of the energy-saving parameter message are the same as those for triggering the second access point to report its status, and will not be repeated here. The content of the energy-saving parameter message is shown in Table 21.

[0540] Table 21

[0541] In this embodiment of the application, in the FTTR network, the MFU can directly decide whether the SFU enters or exits a certain energy-saving state, including emergency exit; the SFU can directly decide to exit the energy-saving state and notify the MFU; if the SFU requests to exit the energy-saving state, the SFU exits the energy-saving state locally and then notifies the MFU, and the MFU does not need to reply. When the energy-saving decisions of the MFU and SFU conflict, the SFU's decision prevails.

[0542] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the SFU exits the energy-saving state in two ways: First, the SFU can be woken up according to the agreed time (energy-saving cycle) configured by the energy-saving strategy and interact with the MFU for service information. Alternatively, if woken up by an emergency event on the SFU's local side, the SFU should immediately exit the energy-saving state and notify the MFU of the relevant event and the change in energy-saving state. Second, the SFU receives an instruction from the MFU to exit energy saving and returns to the working state, immediately processing service information brought by the MFU. The MFU should prioritize allocating communication opportunities or resources to the SFU that has exited energy saving to help the SFU quickly resume service. During periodic energy saving, after being woken up, the SFU does not need to send a message requesting to exit the energy-saving state to the MFU; it will only request to exit the energy-saving state after the periodic energy saving ends or after an emergency event occurs.

[0543] In addition, the SFU can send a business status report during the energy-saving period to the MFU during the energy-saving process or after the energy-saving wake-up to help the MFU / SFU optimize the energy-saving strategy.

[0544] In this embodiment of the application, a RUID can indicate a frequency band or a portion of a frequency band.

[0545] In the tables above, each field can be indicated by bits or by values. For example, the field for power saving mode can be indicated by two or more bytes. Power saving mode is represented by two bytes: 0: Power saving mode not used; 1: Sleep_level 1 (maximum bandwidth and 2×2 MIMO); 2: Sleep_level 2 (maximum bandwidth and 1×1 SISO); 3: Sleep_level 3 (20M bandwidth and 1×1 SISO); 4: Sleep_level 4 (20M bandwidth and 1×1 SISO MCS<7); ~127: Reserved. Other cases are similar and will not be listed one by one.

[0546] Figure 20 also provides another state transition diagram of the state machine of a sub-access point (the slave access point mentioned above). This state machine includes an operating state, a power-saving preparation state, and at least one power-saving state. The at least one power-saving state includes one or more power-saving states. Figure 20 shows two power-saving states, namely a first power-saving state and a second power-saving state. The power-saving magnitude of the first power-saving state is smaller than that of the second power-saving state. The definitions of the operating state, the power-saving preparation state, and the at least one power-saving state are described above and will not be repeated here. In Figure 20, the sub-access point is the SFU, and the master access point is the MFU. The state transition process in Figure 20 is described in Table 22.

[0547] Table 22

[0548] In this context, the timers corresponding to different energy-saving states may have the same duration or different durations. For example, the first energy-saving state corresponds to timer b, and the second energy-saving state corresponds to timer a. The countdown durations of timer a and timer b may be different. Here, timer timeout can be understood as the countdown ending; timer timeout is also called timer expiration.

[0549] It should be noted that the messages in Table 20, any of the energy-saving handshake messages mentioned above, or the messages in Table 23 (specifically the energy-saving request field) can be used during the energy-saving handshake between the MFU and SFU in Tables 18 and 22. In Figures 19 and 20, the energy-saving request (off) can be understood as the energy-saving opinion field indicating "off", and the energy-saving request (on) can be understood as the energy-saving opinion field indicating "on".

[0550] The energy-saving parameters in Figure 20 can be sent through the energy-saving strategy messages shown in Table 20, or through the energy-saving control messages mentioned above.

[0551] In addition, this application embodiment also provides another format for energy-saving strategy messages transmitted between MFUs and SFUs, as shown in Table 23. This energy-saving strategy message is used by the MFU to send energy-saving parameters to the SFU. These energy-saving parameters can be embodied in energy-saving strategies, such as RUID status, or used by the SFU to proactively report current energy-saving parameters to the MFU, or by the SFU to report current energy-saving parameters upon request from the MFU. Here, the energy-saving strategy message is also referred to as the SFU's Wi-Fi energy-saving parameters.

[0552] Table 23

[0553] The field lengths of each item in Table 23 can be set according to actual needs, and this embodiment of the application does not impose any limitations.

[0554] After the SFU detects an SFU alarm indication, it performs a state transition according to Table 22 and notifies the MFU, which then executes the state transition in its state machine. In addition to the temperature alarm indications listed in Table 20, SFU alarm indications can also include traffic throughput warnings. For example, a traffic throughput warning indicates low traffic throughput, triggering the activation of the working state.

[0555] The preceding text described how the first access point determines the status of other access points. The first access point can also determine its own status, controlling itself to enter energy-saving mode, or switch from energy-saving mode to working mode or energy-saving preparation mode. For details on how the status of the first access point is determined, please refer to the method for determining the status of the second access point; this will not be repeated here.

[0556] In this embodiment of the application, in the WLAN, the first access point centrally determines the status of each access point. Since the first access point is connected to other access points, it can obtain energy-saving statistics of other access points. By comprehensively considering the status of each access point, the impact on the data transmission and reception of the site can be reduced or avoided during energy-saving processing.

[0557] Furthermore, the identifiers in the embodiments of this application can be any value and are not limited to the examples in the text. Any identifier that can be used for indication can be applied to the embodiments of this application.

[0558] The number of bytes occupied by the content of each table in the preceding text can be set according to actual needs, and this application embodiment does not limit it.

[0559] In another embodiment of this application, a method for power-saving exit using a state machine is also provided. Specifically, when the second access point is in a power-saving state, the first access point learns that the second access point has exited the power-saving state, and the first access point switches the state of the second access point to the working state in the state machine.

[0560] The method by which the first access point obtains the exit energy-saving status of the second access point is described above and will not be repeated here.

[0561] Figure 21 is a structural diagram of a WLAN access point energy-saving device provided in an embodiment of this application. This device can be implemented as part or all of the device through software, hardware, or a combination of both. The device is applied to a first access point, which is connected to at least one other access point. The first access point maintains a state machine for a second access point among the at least one other access point, and the state machine records at least one energy-saving state. The device provided in this embodiment can implement the flow executed by the first access point in this embodiment. The device includes: an interaction module 1610 and an energy-saving control module 1620, wherein:

[0562] The interaction module 1610 is used to send an energy-saving control message to the second access point, wherein the energy-saving control message is used to instruct the second access point to enter a first energy-saving state, and can be used to implement the energy-saving configuration function mentioned above and its implicit steps.

[0563] The energy-saving control module 1620 is used to switch the state of the second access point to the first energy-saving state in the state machine. Specifically, it can be used to implement the energy-saving control function in step 702 and its implicit steps.

[0564] In one alternative approach, the state machine records one or more corresponding states of the second access point's basic service set identifier, service set identifier, or frequency band.

[0565] In an alternative approach, the state machine also records a working state and an energy-saving preparation state, wherein the second access point is in the working state before sending an energy-saving control message to the second access point;

[0566] The energy-saving control module 1620 is further configured to switch the state of the second access point from the working state to the energy-saving preparation state in the state machine before sending the energy-saving control message to the second access point.

[0567] In an alternative embodiment, the interaction module 1610 is further configured to receive an energy-saving request sent by the second access point before switching the state of the second access point from the working state to the energy-saving preparation state in the state machine.

[0568] In an optional manner, the interaction module 1610 is further configured to send an energy-saving indication message to the second access point after receiving the energy-saving request sent by the second access point, wherein the energy-saving indication message is used to instruct the second access point to enter energy-saving mode.

[0569] In an alternative embodiment, the state machine also records the working state and / or the energy-saving preparation state;

[0570] The energy-saving control module 1620 is also used to switch the state of the second access point to the working state or the energy-saving preparation state in the state machine in response to the second access point exiting the energy-saving state.

[0571] In an optional embodiment, the energy-saving control module 1620 is further configured to receive an exit energy-saving request sent by the second access point, wherein the energy-saving exit request is used to instruct the second access point to exit the energy-saving state; or,

[0572] Based on the energy-saving statistics of the second access point, determine whether the second access point has exited the energy-saving state; or,

[0573] Based on the energy-saving statistics of the second access point and the third access point, it is determined that the second access point has exited the energy-saving state, wherein the third access point is one of the at least one other access point, or the first access point.

[0574] In an alternative embodiment, the interaction module 1610 is further configured to receive a target status sent by the second access point;

[0575] The energy-saving control module 1620 is also used in the state machine to switch the state of the second access point to the target state in response to the second access point's state not being the target state.

[0576] In an alternative embodiment, the interaction module 1610 is further configured to send a status query request to the second access point before receiving the target status sent by the second access point.

[0577] In an optional embodiment, the interaction module 1610 is further configured to receive the target state sent by the second access point after the state switch, wherein the target state is the state after the switch; or,

[0578] Receive the target status periodically sent by the second access point.

[0579] In one alternative approach, the second access point is in a second energy-saving state before the energy-saving control message is sent to the second access point.

[0580] In one alternative approach, the energy-saving control message includes one or more of the following: the frequency band of the second access point, a basic service set identifier, or a service set identifier.

[0581] In one alternative approach, the energy-saving control message includes energy-saving level information of the second access point.

[0582] In one alternative approach, the energy-saving level information includes an identifier of the energy-saving level, or the energy-saving level information includes one or more of the following: energy-saving strategies for WLAN networks, energy-saving strategies for functional modules, or energy-saving strategies for peripheral interfaces.

[0583] In an optional embodiment, the interaction module 1610 is further configured to determine the energy-saving status of the second access point based on the energy-saving statistics of the second access point before sending the energy-saving control message to the second access point; or,

[0584] Before sending an energy-saving control message to the second access point, the energy-saving status of the second access point is determined based on the energy-saving statistics of the second access point and the third access point, wherein the third access point is one of the at least one other access point or the first access point.

[0585] In one alternative approach, the energy-saving statistics include one or more of the following: site information, traffic information, temperature information, or service status information.

[0586] In an alternative embodiment, the interaction module 1610 is further configured to receive a report message on energy-saving capabilities sent by the second access point before sending the energy-saving control message to the second access point.

[0587] In one alternative approach, the first access point is connected to the at least one other access point via optical fiber.

[0588] In one alternative approach, the first access point is a master optical network unit in a fiber-to-the-room system, and the at least one other access point is a sub-optical network unit in the same system.

[0589] Figure 22 is a structural diagram of an energy-saving device for access points in a WLAN provided in an embodiment of this application. This device can be implemented as part or all of the device through software, hardware, or a combination of both. The device is applied to a second access point, which is connected to a first access point. The first access point maintains a state machine for the second access point, and the state machine records at least one energy-saving state. The device provided in this embodiment can implement the flow executed by the second access point in this embodiment. The device includes: an interaction module 1710 and an energy-saving configuration module 1720, wherein:

[0590] The interaction module 1710 is used to receive an energy-saving control message sent by the first access point, wherein the energy-saving control message is used to instruct the second access point to enter a first energy-saving state, and can be used to implement the interaction function mentioned above and its implicit steps.

[0591] The energy-saving configuration module 1720 is used to perform the operation of entering the first energy-saving state, specifically to implement the energy-saving configuration function mentioned above and its implicit steps.

[0592] In one alternative approach, the energy-saving control message includes one or more of the following: the frequency band of the second access point, a basic service set identifier, or a service set identifier.

[0593] In one alternative approach, the energy-saving control message includes energy-saving level information of the second access point.

[0594] In one alternative approach, the energy-saving level information includes an identifier of the energy-saving level, or the energy-saving level information includes one or more of the following: energy-saving strategies for WLAN networks, energy-saving strategies for functional modules, or energy-saving strategies for peripheral interfaces.

[0595] In an alternative approach, the method further includes:

[0596] Send an energy-saving request to the first access point.

[0597] In one alternative embodiment, the interaction module 1710 is configured to receive an energy-saving indication message sent by the first access point after sending an energy-saving request to the first access point, wherein the energy-saving indication message is used to indicate agreement to the second access point to save energy.

[0598] In an alternative approach, the interaction module 1710 is configured to send the target status to the first access point.

[0599] In an alternative embodiment, the interaction module 1710 is further configured to receive a status query request sent by the first access point before sending the target status to the first access point.

[0600] In an alternative embodiment, the interaction module 1710 is further configured to send the target state to the first access point after switching states, wherein the target state is the state after switching; or, periodically send the target state to the first access point.

[0601] In an alternative embodiment, the interaction module 1710 is further configured to send an energy-saving capability reporting message to the first access point before receiving the energy-saving control message sent by the first access point.

[0602] In an alternative embodiment, the interaction module 1710 is further configured to send energy-saving statistics to the first access point, wherein the energy-saving statistics are used to determine the status of the second access point.

[0603] In one alternative approach, the energy-saving statistics include one or more of the following: site information, traffic information, temperature information, or service status information.

[0604] The detailed process of energy saving at WLAN access points shown in Figures 21 and 22 is described in the preceding embodiments and will not be repeated here. The WLAN access point energy saving device shown in Figure 21 is the first access point mentioned above, and the WLAN access point energy saving device shown in Figure 22 is the second access point mentioned above.

[0605] This application also provides a device 100. As shown in FIG23, device 100 includes: a bus 102, a processor 104, a memory 106, and a communication interface 108. The processor 104, the memory 106, and the communication interface 108 communicate with each other via the bus 102. Device 100 may be an access point. It should be understood that this application does not limit the number of processors and memories in device 100.

[0606] Bus 102 can be a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus or an Extended Industry Standard Architecture (EISA) bus, etc. Buses can be categorized as address buses, data buses, control buses, etc. For ease of illustration, only one line is used in Figure 23, but this does not imply that there is only one bus or one type of bus. Bus 104 can include pathways for transmitting information between various components of device 100 (e.g., memory 106, processor 104, communication interface 108).

[0607] The processor 104 may include any one or more processors such as a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a microprocessor (MP), or a digital signal processor (DSP).

[0608] The memory 106 may include volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM). The memory 106 may also include non-volatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, hard disk drive (HDD), or solid state drive (SSD).

[0609] The memory 106 stores executable program code, which the processor 104 executes to implement a method for energy saving at access points in a WLAN. In other words, the memory 106 stores program instructions for executing a method for energy saving at access points in a WLAN.

[0610] The communication interface 108 uses an optical module to enable communication between the device 100 and other devices or communication networks.

[0611] This application also provides a computer program product, which includes program instructions stored in a computer-readable storage medium. A processor of a first access point reads the program instructions from the computer-readable storage medium and executes the program instructions, causing the first access point to perform the process described above.

[0612] This application also provides a computer program product including program instructions stored in a computer-readable storage medium. A processor of a second access point reads the program instructions from the computer-readable storage medium and executes the program instructions, causing the second access point to perform the process described above.

[0613] This application also provides a communication system, which includes the first access point and the second access point mentioned above.

[0614] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the method steps and units described in the embodiments disclosed in this application can be implemented in electronic hardware, computer software, or a combination of both. To clearly illustrate the interchangeability of hardware and software, the steps and components of each embodiment have been generally described in terms of functionality in the foregoing description. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0615] In the embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed system architecture, apparatus, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For instance, the division of modules is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple modules or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. In addition, the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be indirect coupling or communication connection through some interfaces, devices, or modules, or may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms of connection.

[0616] The modules described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as modules may or may not be physical modules; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network modules. Some or all of the modules can be selected to achieve the purpose of the embodiments of this application, depending on actual needs.

[0617] Furthermore, the modules in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing module, or each module can exist physically separately, or two or more modules can be integrated into one module. The integrated modules described above can be implemented in hardware or in software.

[0618] If the integrated module is implemented as a software functional module and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or all or part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, ROM, RAM, magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0619] In this application, the terms "first" and "second," etc., are used to distinguish identical or similar items that have substantially the same function and purpose. It should be understood that there is no logical or temporal dependency between "first" and "second," nor does it limit the quantity or execution order. It should also be understood that although the following description uses the terms "first" and "second," etc., to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by the terms. These terms are merely used to distinguish one element from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the various examples, a first access point can be referred to as a second access point, and similarly, a second access point can be referred to as a first access point. Both a first access point and a second access point can be access points, and in some cases, they can be separate and distinct access points.

[0620] The above description is merely an exemplary embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can easily conceive of various equivalent modifications or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in this application, and such modifications or substitutions should all be covered within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A method for energy saving at access points in a wireless local area network (WLAN), characterized in that, The method, applied to a first access point connected to at least one other access point, wherein the first access point maintains a state machine of a second access point among the at least one other access point, and the state machine records at least one energy-saving state, includes: Send an energy-saving control message to the second access point, wherein the energy-saving control message is used to instruct the second access point to enter a first energy-saving state; In the state machine, the state of the second access point is switched to the first energy-saving state.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The state machine records one or more corresponding states of the second access point's basic service set identifier, service set identifier, or frequency band.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The state machine also records the working state and the energy-saving preparation state. Before sending the energy-saving control message to the second access point, the second access point is in the working state. Before sending the energy-saving control message to the second access point, the following is also included: In the state machine, the state of the second access point is switched from the working state to the energy-saving preparation state.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, In the state machine, before switching the state of the second access point from the working state to the energy-saving ready state, the following steps are also included: Receive the energy-saving request sent by the second access point.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, After receiving the energy-saving request sent by the second access point, the process also includes: Send an energy-saving instruction message to the second access point, wherein the energy-saving instruction message is used to instruct the second access point to save energy.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The state machine also records the working state and / or energy-saving preparation state; The method further includes: In response to the second access point exiting the energy-saving state, the state machine switches the state of the second access point to the working state or the energy-saving preparation state.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive a power-saving exit request sent by the second access point, wherein the power-saving exit request is used to indicate that the second access point exits the power-saving state; or, Based on the energy-saving statistics of the second access point, determine whether the second access point has exited the energy-saving state; or, Based on the energy-saving statistics of the second access point and the third access point, it is determined that the second access point has exited the energy-saving state, wherein the third access point is one of the at least one other access point, or the first access point.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive the target status sent by the second access point; In the state machine, in response to the second access point's state not being the target state, the state of the second access point is switched to the target state.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, Before receiving the target status sent by the second access point, the process also includes: Send a status query request to the second access point.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The receipt of the target status sent by the second access point includes: Receive the target state sent by the second access point after the state switch, wherein the target state is the state after the switch; and / or, Receive the target status periodically sent by the second access point.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, Before sending the energy-saving control message to the second access point, the second access point is in the second energy-saving state.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, The energy-saving control message includes one or more of the following: the frequency band of the second access point, the basic service set identifier, or the service set identifier.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that, The energy-saving control message includes the energy-saving level information of the second access point.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The energy-saving level information includes an energy-saving level identifier, or the energy-saving level information includes one or more of the following: energy-saving strategies for WLAN networks, energy-saving strategies for functional modules, or energy-saving strategies for peripheral interfaces.

15. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that, Before sending the energy-saving control message to the second access point, the following is also included: The energy-saving status of the second access point is determined based on its energy-saving statistics; or, Based on the energy-saving statistics of the second access point and the third access point, the energy-saving status of the second access point is determined, wherein the third access point is one of the at least one other access point, or the first access point.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, The energy-saving statistics include one or more of the following: site information, traffic information, temperature information, or service status information.

17. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that, Before sending the energy-saving control message to the second access point, the following is also included: Receive an energy-saving capability message sent by the second access point, wherein the energy-saving capability message is used to indicate the energy-saving capability of the second access point.

18. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that, The first access point is connected to the at least one other access point via optical fiber.

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that, The first access point is the main optical network unit in the fiber-to-the-room system, and the at least one other access point is a sub-optical network unit in the fiber-to-the-room system.

20. A method for energy saving at access points in a wireless local area network (WLAN), characterized in that, The method, applied to a second access point connected to a first access point, wherein the first access point maintains a state machine for the second access point, and the state machine records at least one energy-saving state, includes: Receive an energy-saving control message sent by the first access point, wherein the energy-saving control message is used to instruct the second access point to enter the first energy-saving state among the at least one energy-saving states; Perform the operation to enter the first energy-saving state.

21. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that, The energy-saving control message includes one or more of the following: the frequency band of the second access point, the basic service set identifier, or the service set identifier.

22. The method according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that, The energy-saving control message includes the energy-saving level information of the second access point.

23. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that, The energy-saving level information includes an energy-saving level identifier, or the energy-saving level information includes one or more of the following: energy-saving strategies for WLAN networks, energy-saving strategies for functional modules, or energy-saving strategies for peripheral interfaces.

24. The method according to any one of claims 20 to 23, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send an energy-saving request to the first access point.

25. The method according to claim 24, characterized in that, After sending the energy-saving request to the first access point, the process also includes: The system receives an energy-saving instruction message sent by the first access point, wherein the energy-saving instruction message is used to instruct the second access point to enter energy-saving mode.

26. The method according to any one of claims 20 to 25, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send the target status to the first access point.

27. The method according to claim 26, characterized in that, Before sending the target status to the first access point, the process also includes: Receive the status query request sent by the first access point.

28. The method according to claim 27, characterized in that, Sending the target status to the first access point includes: After the state switch, the target state is sent to the first access point, wherein the target state is the state after the switch; and / or, The target status is periodically sent to the first access point.

29. The method according to any one of claims 20 to 28, characterized in that, Before receiving the energy-saving control message sent by the first access point, the method further includes: A power-saving capability message is sent to the first access point, wherein the power-saving capability message is used to indicate the power-saving capability of the second access point.

30. The method according to any one of claims 20 to 29, characterized in that, The method further includes: Energy-saving statistics are sent to the first access point, wherein the energy-saving statistics are used to determine the status of the second access point.

31. The method according to claim 30, characterized in that, The energy-saving statistics include one or more of the following: site information, traffic information, temperature information, or service status information.

32. The method according to any one of claims 20 to 31, characterized in that, The first access point and the second access point are connected via optical fiber.

33. The method according to claim 32, characterized in that, The first access point is the main optical network unit in the fiber-to-the-room system, and the second access point is the sub-optical network unit in the fiber-to-the-room system.

34. A method for an access point to exit energy saving mode in a wireless local area network (WLAN), characterized in that, The method, applied to a first access point connected to at least one other access point, wherein the first access point maintains a state machine of a second access point among the at least one other access point, the state machine recording at least one energy-saving state and an operating state, includes: When the second access point is in energy-saving mode, in response to the second access point exiting the energy-saving mode, the state of the second access point is switched to the working state in the state machine.

35. The method according to claim 34, characterized in that, In response to the second access point exiting the energy-saving state, the state machine switches the state of the second access point to the working state, including: Upon receiving the energy-saving exit request sent by the second access point, the state machine switches the state of the second access point to the working state; or, Based on the energy-saving statistics of the second access point, the state of the second access point is switched to the working state in the state machine; or... Based on the energy-saving statistics of the second access point and the third access point, the state of the second access point is switched to the working state in the state machine, wherein the third access point is an access point among the at least one other access point, or the first access point.

36. A method for an access point to exit energy saving mode in a wireless local area network (WLAN), characterized in that, The method, applied to a second access point connected to a first access point, wherein the first access point maintains a state machine for the second access point, the state machine recording at least one energy-saving state and an operating state, includes: A power-saving exit request is sent to the first access point, wherein the power-saving exit request is used to instruct the second access point to exit the power-saving state.

37. A device for energy saving at access points in a wireless local area network (WLAN), characterized in that, An apparatus applied to a first access point connected to at least one other access point, the first access point maintaining a state machine of a second access point among the at least one other access point, the state machine recording at least one energy-saving state, the apparatus comprising: The energy-saving configuration module is used to send an energy-saving control message to the second access point, wherein the energy-saving control message is used to instruct the second access point to enter a first energy-saving state; The energy-saving control module is used to switch the state of the second access point to the first energy-saving state in the state machine.

38. A device for energy saving at access points in a wireless local area network (WLAN), characterized in that, An apparatus for use with a second access point connected to a first access point, wherein the first access point maintains a state machine for the second access point, and the state machine records at least one energy-saving state; the apparatus includes: An interaction module is used to receive an energy-saving control message sent by the first access point, wherein the energy-saving control message is used to instruct the second access point to enter the first energy-saving state among the at least one energy-saving states; The energy-saving configuration module is used to execute the operation of entering the first energy-saving state.

39. A communication system, characterized in that, The communication system includes a first access point and a second access point; The first access point is used to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 19; The second access point is used to perform the method according to any one of claims 20 to 33.

40. An access point, characterized in that, The access point includes a communication interface, a processor, and a memory; The communication interface is used to communicate with other devices; The processor is configured to execute program instructions in the memory to perform the processing functions in the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 19 or 20 to 33.

41. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, Includes program instructions, which, when executed by the access point, perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 19 or any one of claims 20 to 33.

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