Communication method and communication device based on energy-saving operation

Abstract

Provided in the embodiments of the present application is a communication method based on an energy-saving operation, which method is executed at a first access point (AP) and comprises: the first AP performing energy-saving operation capability declaration; before entering an energy-saving state, the first AP sending a scheduled or unscheduled energy-saving operation parameter and / or first basic service set termination information to a station (STA) within a first basic service set and / or a second AP, wherein the first AP and the second AP are an AP coordination pair; the first AP sending to the second AP information of a STA disassociated from the first basic service set; and the first AP transmitting information of the second AP in one or more of the following manners, comprising: in response to a disassociation request sent by the STA within the first basic service set, carrying the information of the second AP in a disassociation response, or sending the disassociation request to the STA within the first basic service set, and carrying the information of the second AP in the disassociation request, so as to assist the STA with routing to a service set in which the second AP is located.

Description

Energy-saving communication methods and equipment Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of wireless communication technology, specifically to an energy-saving communication method and communication device. Background Technology

[0002] With the continuous development of wireless communication technology, Wi-Fi 7 introduced Multi-Link Operation (MLO) to meet the demands for higher throughput, higher data rates, and higher reliability. This significantly improved network performance, but also increased device power consumption, especially for battery-powered Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) devices, leading to shorter operation times and increased maintenance costs. Therefore, energy saving, particularly for access points (APs), has become a key research direction for next-generation wireless technologies. Existing station (STA) energy-saving mechanisms, when applied to APs, need to consider their unique characteristics as network central nodes to balance energy saving and communication performance. The IEEE 802.11BN (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers 802.11 Beyond Next) working group has proposed several candidate energy-saving mechanisms, but a comprehensive solution has not yet been proposed for the performance degradation caused by energy saving. Therefore, a communication method and equipment for energy-saving operation are needed. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application provides an energy-saving communication method and communication device to maintain network performance while achieving energy saving.

[0004] This application provides a communication method for energy-saving operation, executed in an Access Point Multi-Link Device (AP MLD), comprising: the AP MLDAP declaring energy-saving operation capabilities; before entering an energy-saving state, the affiliated access points (affiliated APs) of the AP MLD sending scheduled or unscheduled energy-saving operation parameters via broadcast, multicast, or unicast; affiliated APs not in the energy-saving state performing energy-saving compensation operations for associated STAs that do not support multi-link operation based on the scheduled energy-saving operation parameters, and / or the affiliated APs not in the energy-saving state statistically analyzing the channel access parameters of associated STAs that support multi-link operation based on the unscheduled energy-saving operation parameters; when the channel access parameters reach a threshold, performing energy-saving compensation operations and / or switching the affiliated APs in the energy-saving state to the non-energy-saving state, and notifying the associated STAs that support multi-link operation.

[0005] This application provides a communication method for energy-saving operation, executed at a first access point (AP), comprising: the first AP declaring its energy-saving operation capability; before entering an energy-saving state, the first AP sending scheduled or unscheduled energy-saving operation parameters and / or first basic service set termination information to stations (STAs) within a first basic service set and / or a second AP, wherein the first AP and the second AP are an AP coordination pair; the first AP sending information of STAs that have been de-associated within the first basic service set to the second AP; the first AP transmitting information of the second AP through one or more of the following methods, including: responding to a de-association request sent by a STA within the first basic service set, carrying information of the second AP in the de-association response; or sending a de-association request to a STA within the first basic service set, carrying information of the second AP in the de-association request.

[0006] This application provides a communication method for energy-saving operation, executed at a second access point (AP), comprising: the second AP receiving scheduled or unscheduled energy-saving operation parameters and / or first basic service set termination information sent by a first AP, wherein the first AP and the second AP are an AP coordination pair; the second AP receiving information on de-associated stations (STAs) within the first basic service set sent by the first AP; the second AP reserving access opportunities for the STAs within the first basic service set based on the de-associated STA information; and the second AP sending reserved access opportunity information to the first AP.

[0007] This application provides a communication method for energy-saving operation, executed at a station (STA), comprising: the STA receiving scheduled or unscheduled energy-saving operation parameters and / or basic service set termination information sent by a first access point (AP) via broadcast, multicast, or unicast; the STA sending a deassociation request to the first AP based on the scheduled or unscheduled energy-saving operation parameters or the basic service set termination information; the STA receiving a deassociation response sent by the first AP, wherein the deassociation response contains information related to a second AP; and the STA sending an association request or reassociation request to the second AP based on the information of the second AP to complete the routing or association establishment for switching from the first AP to the second AP.

[0008] This application provides a communication method for energy-saving operation, executed at a station (STA), comprising: receiving scheduled or unscheduled energy-saving operation parameters sent by an affiliated access point (AP) from an access point multi-link device (AP MLD) via broadcast, multicast, or unicast; the STA adjusting channel access behavior according to the scheduled or unscheduled energy-saving operation parameters to support the associated affiliated AP in entering an energy-saving state or to implement energy-saving compensation operation.

[0009] This application provides a communication device including a processor and a memory. The memory is used to store computer programs, and the processor is used to call and run the computer programs stored in the memory to execute the above-described relay communication method.

[0010] The chip provided in this application embodiment is used to implement the above-described energy-saving operation communication method.

[0011] Specifically, the chip includes a processor for retrieving and running a computer program from memory, causing a device equipped with the chip to perform the aforementioned relay communication method.

[0012] The computer-readable storage medium provided in this application embodiment is used to store a computer program that enables a computer to perform the above-described energy-saving operation communication method.

[0013] The computer program product provided in this application includes computer program instructions that cause a computer to perform the above-described energy-saving operation communication method.

[0014] The computer program provided in this application embodiment, when operated on a computer, causes the computer to perform the aforementioned energy-saving operation communication method. Attached Figure Description

[0015] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of this application and form part of this application, illustrate exemplary embodiments and are used to explain this application, but do not constitute an undue limitation of this application. In the drawings:

[0016] Figure 1A is a flowchart illustrating the communication method for energy-saving operation provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0017] Figure 1B is a flowchart illustrating the communication method for energy-saving operation provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0018] Figure 1C is a flowchart illustrating the communication method for energy-saving operation provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0019] Figure 1D is a flowchart illustrating the communication method for energy-saving operation provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0020] Figure 1E is a flowchart illustrating the communication method for energy-saving operation provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0021] Figure 2A is a schematic diagram of a BSS example provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0022] Figure 2B is a schematic diagram of a BSS example provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0023] Figure 2C is a schematic diagram of an example of a BSS provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0024] Figure 2D is a schematic diagram of a BSS example provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0025] Figure 2E is a schematic diagram of a BSS example provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0026] Figure 2F is a schematic diagram of an example of a BSS provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0027] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of an example of a multi-AP coordination pair provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0028] Figure 4A is a schematic diagram of examples of BSS1 and BSS2 provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0029] Figure 4B is a schematic diagram of an example of access resource reservation based on TWT provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0030] Figure 4C is a schematic diagram of an example of access resource reservation based on TWT provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0031] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a fast BSS conversion example based on cr-TWT provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0032] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of an example of reserving access resources through link mapping (TID to Link Mapping) provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0033] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of an example of a threshold-based access resource compensation method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0034] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of an example of a threshold-based EDCA parameter update method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0035] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of an example of BSS-in-schedule AP PS compensation provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0036] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of combining multiple methods provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0037] Figure 11 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0038] Figure 12 is a schematic structural diagram of a chip according to an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0039] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of them. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0040] It should be understood that the term "and / or" in this article is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone. Additionally, the character " / " in this article generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0041] From the perspective of access point (AP) device type, AP energy-saving scenarios can include: 1. Soft AP / Mobile Hotspot / Battery-dependent Mobile Access Point (Mobile AP) devices: Extend device operating time through energy-saving operations. 2. Power-Supplied Fixed AP devices: Consider applying energy-saving operations when they are idle or in low duty cycle mode, such as: Home access points powered by sockets: late at night, during commuting hours; access points in enterprise, office, or industrial environments: during non-working hours; access points in large venues such as stadiums and commercial centers: during non-open hours.

[0042] Existing energy-saving technologies, such as Automatic Power Save Delivery (APSD), Power Save Multi-Poll (PSMP), Spatial Multiplexing Power Save (SMPS), and Target Wake Time (TWT), are all applied to the client side. Energy saving for AP devices should be adjusted and optimized based on client-side energy-saving technologies. This application's embodiments primarily address the impact of AP energy saving on the entire Basic Service Set (BSS), designing corresponding AP energy-saving and compensation schemes to balance performance and energy consumption, extend equipment lifespan, and reduce maintenance costs.

[0043] Access point (AP) power saving, compared to client-side power saving, will have a certain impact on non-access point stations (non-AP STAs) within the entire Basic Service Set (BSS), especially on legacy stations (Legacy STAs). Unlike Ultra High Throughput Stations (UHR STAs), Legacy STAs do not support AP power saving operations and cannot correctly parse the new frames, fields, and elements required for AP power saving, which may lead to the following problems.

[0044] Question 1: Traditional (pre-UHR) STAs do not support AP power-saving operations: In Wi-Fi standard architectures prior to the IEEE 802.11BN working group, power-saving mechanisms only applied to non-AP STAs, with no corresponding power-saving operations on the AP side. Unlike client-side power saving, where entering Power Save Mode (PS Mode) only affects the client and its paired STAs, when an AP (Multi-Link Device, MLD) performs power-saving operations, it affects all non-AP STAs within the entire BSS, especially Legacy STAs. This can lead to the following problems: 1. Connection loss: When the AP (MLD) enters a doze state or performs a link disable operation, Legacy STAs on that link lose their network connection to the AP. 2. Media synchronization loss: When the AP (MLD)'s power-saving operation affects the transmission of beacon frames or other downlink frames, non-AP STAs associated with that AP will lose media synchronization during the power-saving period. 3. Waste of air interface resources: When the AP or AP MLD performs power-saving operation, the Legacy STA cannot correctly recognize the indication that it has entered power-saving mode and still believes that the AP is in normal working mode, sending uplink frames to it. If no response is received from the AP, the Legacy STA will trigger retransmission due to transmission failure and continue to try to send, thus wasting wireless channel (Air Interface) resources.

[0045] Question 2: Impact of AP Power Saving on Multi-Link Operation: The IEEE 802.11BE standard defines Multi-Link Devices (MLDs) and Multi-Link Operations (MLOs). MLDs achieve simultaneous / non-simultaneous transmission across multiple links through MLOs. When an AP saves power by disabling a link, traffic can only be transmitted through other active links. This weakens the advantages of MLOs in terms of transmission rate, throughput, and reliability, and may lead to the following problems: 1. Load Imbalance: In existing AP MLD power saving mechanisms, it is generally recommended to keep the primary link active for extended periods, while other links can perform power-saving operations. When other links are powered off, all traffic will be concentrated on the primary link. This will cause load imbalance and affect network performance. 2. Inequity: For non-MLD non-AP STAs that only support the primary link, this concentration of traffic may lead to unfairness in network resource allocation, especially in high-traffic scenarios.

[0046] Based on the above analysis of the impact of AP energy saving on non-access point stations (non-AP STAs) within the Basic Service Set (BSS), some embodiments of this application propose AP energy saving and compensation mechanisms for inter-BSS and intra-BSS, specifically including one or more of the following schemes:

[0047] BSS-based AP energy-saving and compensation mechanisms: AP coordination pair energy-saving coordination mechanism: Access Point 1 (AP1) and Access Point 2 (AP2) form an AP coordination pair. Before AP1 enters energy-saving mode, AP1 sends its scheduled or unscheduled energy-saving operation parameters via broadcast, multicast, or unicast, and / or sends BSS termination information via broadcast, multicast, or unicast. Deassociation process: After receiving the relevant information, STAs within the BSS can send a deassociation request to AP1. Information transmission and access opportunity reservation: AP1 sends the information of these deassociated STAs to AP2. Based on the received information, AP2 reserves access opportunities for STAs that need to rebuild the connection. Fast routing assistance: AP1 sends AP2's capability information and BSS operation information to these STAs through the unassociation response, assisting STAs in quickly switching from AP1 to AP2. This ensures that STAs will not lose connection or media synchronization during AP1's power-saving period.

[0048] AP Energy Saving and Compensation Mechanisms within the BSS: Energy Saving Coordination Mechanism for Multi-Link Devices. Affiliated APs in a Multi-Link Device (MLD) switch to energy-saving mode after sending their scheduled or unscheduled energy-saving operation parameters via broadcast, multicast, or unicast. To maintain the basic functions of the BSS, at least one affiliated AP is kept out of energy-saving mode to ensure normal link communication and basic BSS operations such as discovery and scanning. Functions of Non-Energy-Saving APs: Affiliated APs in non-energy-saving mode reserve access opportunities for associated STAs that do not support Multi-Link Operation (MLO). Channel Access Statistics and Dynamic Switching: Non-energy-saving APs monitor the channel access frequencies of other MLO-supporting STAs. When the access frequency reaches a certain threshold, the affiliated AP in energy-saving mode switches to non-energy-saving mode and simultaneously sends its device status switching information via broadcast, multicast, or unicast to meet the dynamic needs of the STAs.

[0049] Through the above-mentioned AP energy-saving and compensation mechanisms between and within BSSs, network connection stability can be maintained while AP devices save energy, and the risk of communication interruption and resource waste of STAs can be effectively reduced, thereby improving the overall performance and user experience of Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN).

[0050] Some embodiments of this application support fast routing of non-AP stations (STAs) within the Basic Service Set (BSS) and the (re)association of their AP coordination pairs with access points (APs) during scheduled power saving or unscheduled power saving, thereby quickly establishing connections. Simultaneously, some embodiments of this application ensure that legacy STAs (STAs that do not support AP power saving operations) can still perform normal uplink and downlink wireless transmissions even when they cannot recognize AP power saving operations, avoiding excessive preemption of access opportunities due to AP power saving.

[0051] Some embodiments of this application support energy-saving devices including: APs, soft APs, mobile APs, and AP MLDs; supported energy-saving operations include scheduled energy saving and unscheduled energy saving; supported compensation operations include: AP (or AP MLD) energy-saving compensation methods for inter-BSS and intra-BSS base service sets, as well as the combined use of various methods. Furthermore, some embodiments of this application support multi-link operations (MLOs) including: multi-link multi-radio (MLMR), multi-link single-radio (MLSR), and enhanced multi-link single-radio (eMLSR).

[0052] Regarding system capability support, some embodiments of this application design inter-BSS and intra-BSS AP power-saving compensation mechanisms at the BSS and link levels, respectively, supporting fast routing and BSS transition for STAs during AP power saving. Simultaneously, some embodiments of this application ensure backward compatibility, ensuring that STAs on non-multi-link devices will not be unable to access the channel for extended periods during power saving. Furthermore, some embodiments of this application demonstrate combined application examples of various system-level operations.

[0053] Regarding the introduction of new capabilities, some embodiments of this application design AP energy-saving compensation capability elements and related information elements (IEs) to indicate energy-saving compensation methods, energy-saving handover delays, energy-saving compensation thresholds, Enhanced Distributed Coordination Function (EDCA) parameter updates, and handover protection times. These capabilities support APs in indicating relevant energy-saving information to associated non-access point sites and AP coordination pairs. These new capabilities provide technical support and implementation means for AP energy saving and compensation.

[0054] Figure 1A is a flowchart illustrating the communication method for energy-saving operation provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 1A, the communication method for energy-saving operation is executed on an Access Point Multi-Link Device (AP MLD). The communication method for energy-saving operation includes at least one of the following operations: Operation 101A: The AP MLDAP declares its energy-saving operation capability; Operation 102A: Before entering the energy-saving state, the affiliated access points (affiliated APs) of the AP MLD send scheduled or unscheduled energy-saving operation parameters via broadcast, multicast, or unicast; Operation 103A: Affiliated APs that have not entered the energy-saving state perform energy-saving compensation operations for associated STAs that do not support multi-link operation based on the scheduled energy-saving operation parameters, and / or the affiliated APs that have not entered the energy-saving state statistically analyze the channel access parameters of associated STAs that support multi-link operation based on the unscheduled energy-saving operation parameters. When the channel access parameters reach a threshold, energy-saving compensation operations are performed and / or the affiliated APs that have entered the energy-saving state are switched to the non-energy-saving state, and the associated STAs that support multi-link operation are notified.

[0055] In some embodiments of this application, before entering the energy-saving state, the affiliated AP sends the scheduled energy-saving operation parameters via broadcast, multicast, or unicast, including: the affiliated AP sends its energy-saving operation and energy-saving schedule via broadcast, multicast, or unicast on the corresponding link, and switches from the active state to the sleep state. In some embodiments of this application, the affiliated AP that has not entered the energy-saving state performs one or more of the following operations: Based on the energy-saving schedules of other affiliated APs, it sends a Target Wake-up Time (TWT) parameter via broadcast, multicast, or unicast, wherein the TWT parameter indicates access resource allocation information within the energy-saving duration; in the access resource allocation information, the main link where the affiliated AP that has not entered the energy-saving state is located is divided into an Enhanced Distributed Channel Access Period (EDCA Period) and a TWT Service Period (TWT SP); within the EDCA Period, non-multilink devices (STAs) on the main link achieve channel access through channel contention; within the TWT SP, access resources are reserved for the non-MLD STAs; and / or the reserved resources restrict channel access only to TWT members.

[0056] In some embodiments of this application, the activation of the TWT SP is indicated by a trigger frame, in which one or more of the following updates are performed: TWT element; TWT member; and / or TWT EDCA parameter. In some embodiments of this application, the energy-saving compensation operation performed by the affiliated AP that has not entered energy-saving state for the associated STA that does not support multi-link operation based on the energy-saving operation parameters of the scheduling includes: the affiliated AP that has not entered energy-saving state sends the target wake-up time (TWT) parameter or limited target wake-up time (r-TWT) parameter configuration via broadcast, multicast, or unicast, corresponding to the energy-saving schedule on the remaining links, to reserve a certain access time window for the associated STA that does not support multi-link operation. In some embodiments of this application, one or more of the following compensation operations are performed on the associated STA that does not support multi-link operation within the access time window: negotiating a TWT or r-TWT window with the associated STA that does not support multi-link operation, including the associated STA that does not support multi-link operation as a TWT member, and allowing only the TWT member to access during the TWT service period; and / or sending TWT or r-TWT elements through the broadcast, multicast, or unicast method, configuring new EDCA parameters for the associated STA that does not support multi-link operation during the TWT service period, thereby assisting the associated STA that does not support multi-link operation in obtaining a transmission opportunity (TXOP) during the TWT service period.

[0057] In some embodiments of this application, when the channel access parameters reach the threshold, the energy-saving compensation operation includes one or more of the following operations: the AP MLD provides certain access opportunity compensation to non-MLD STAs on links that have not performed energy saving; and / or the AP MLD wakes up affiliated APs that have entered energy-saving or sleep modes, and broadcasts, multicasts, or unicasts their switch from sleep to active state on their links. In some embodiments of this application, the AP MLD performs one or more of the following access opportunity compensation operations: the affiliated APs that have not entered energy-saving state actively compete for channel access opportunities and allocate / share the channel access opportunities with the associated STAs on their links that do not support multi-link operation; the affiliated APs that have not entered energy-saving state adjust the EDCA set configuration on their links to configure high-priority contention access parameters (EDCA parameters) for the associated STAs that do not support multi-link operation; and / or the AP MLD wakes up the affiliated APs that have entered energy-saving or sleep modes, and broadcasts their switch from sleep to active state on their links.

[0058] In some embodiments of this application, the channel access parameter is the number of channel accesses of the Non-AP MLD, and the threshold is a certain upper limit of the number of accesses; and / or the channel access parameter is the transmission time occupied by the Non-AP MLD within a certain period of time, and the threshold is a certain upper limit of the time / time ratio. In some embodiments of this application, the threshold is a fixed value or a gradient value set based on the energy-saving state. In some embodiments of this application, when the affiliated AP enters the energy-saving state, the threshold is set to the fixed value; or when the affiliated AP enters a sleep state, a low-capacity or limited-capacity state, or a listening state, the threshold is set to the gradient value according to the different energy-saving states. In some embodiments of this application, the affiliated AP that has not entered the energy-saving state broadcasts, multicasts, or unicasts one or more of the following information through energy-saving operation-related information elements or fields carrying the scheduled or unscheduled energy-saving operation parameters: the threshold; the energy-saving operation type; the energy-saving state and the corresponding related parameters.

[0059] In some embodiments of this application, the affiliated AP that is not in power-saving mode receives a threshold update negotiation request from the STA, sends a threshold update negotiation response to the STA to update the threshold, and then sends the updated threshold to the STA. In some embodiments of this application, the threshold update negotiation response includes agreement, rejection, feedback of suggested values, and / or postponement of update. In some embodiments of this application, after detecting that the channel access parameters exceed the threshold, the affiliated AP that is not in power-saving mode actively wakes up the affiliated AP that is in power-saving mode and performs one or more of the following operations: switches the communication mode of the affiliated AP that is in power-saving mode; sends a notification on the switched link via broadcast, multicast, or unicast to indicate that the relevant STA link has been restored.

[0060] In some embodiments of this application, the affiliated AP that has not entered energy-saving state stops energy-saving compensation operations after all links resume high-capacity communication, and restores the EDCA parameters to the default configuration of the basic service set. In some embodiments of this application, the EDCA parameters include one or more of the following fields: Arbitration Inter-Frame Interval Number (AIFSN) field; minimum contention window field; maximum contention window field; transmission opportunity limit field; and an effective time range field for the EDCA parameters, including start time, end time, or duration. In some embodiments of this application, the EDCA parameters can be updated based on one or more of the following rules: adjusting the minimum contention window value and / or the maximum contention window value to a configuration less than the default value; updating the AIFSN to a value less than or equal to the original value; and updating the transmission opportunity limit value to a value less than or equal to the original value.

[0061] In some embodiments of this application, the affiliated AP that has not entered energy-saving state sends or updates the applicable time range of the EDCA parameters via broadcast, multicast, or unicast. In some embodiments of this application, the energy-saving operation capability declaration includes an energy-saving support field indicating whether the affiliated AP supports energy-saving operations, and / or an energy-saving compensation support field indicating whether the affiliated AP supports energy-saving compensation operations. In some embodiments of this application, when the energy-saving support field indicates that the affiliated AP supports the energy-saving operation, the supported energy-saving operation category is indicated by the energy-saving operation field. The energy-saving operation category includes one or more of the following categories: AP scheduling energy saving; AP dynamic energy saving; AP semi-dynamic energy saving; AP hybrid energy saving, wherein AP hybrid energy saving refers to an AP energy-saving operation combining AP scheduling energy saving and AP dynamic energy saving.

[0062] In some embodiments of this application, when the energy-saving support field indicates that the affiliated AP supports the energy-saving operation, the energy-saving mode switching delay field indicates the delay time required for the affiliated AP to switch back from the energy-saving state to the non-energy-saving state after entering the energy-saving state. In some embodiments of this application, the delay time is indicated by the mode switching type field and the delay time field as one or more of the following delay times: the delay time for switching from sleep state to on state; the delay time for switching from low capability state to high capability state; the delay time for switching from listening state to the high capability state; and the delay time for switching from sleep state to the low capability state. In some embodiments of this application, when the energy-saving compensation support field indicates that the affiliated AP supports the energy-saving compensation operation, the energy-saving compensation operation field indicates the supported energy-saving compensation category, which includes one or more of the following categories: AP scheduling energy-saving compensation between basic service sets; AP dynamic energy-saving compensation between basic service sets; AP scheduling energy-saving compensation within a basic service set; and AP dynamic energy-saving compensation within a basic service set.

[0063] Figure 1B is a flowchart illustrating the communication method for energy-saving operation provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 1B, the communication method for energy-saving operation is executed at a station (STA). The communication method for energy-saving operation includes at least one of the following operations: Operation 101B: Receiving scheduled or unscheduled energy-saving operation parameters sent by an affiliated access point (AP) from an access point multi-link device (AP MLD) via broadcast, multicast, or unicast; Operation 102B: The STA adjusts its channel access behavior or resource request mode according to the scheduled or unscheduled energy-saving operation parameters to support the associated affiliated AP in entering an energy-saving state or to implement energy-saving compensation operations.

[0064] Through the above technical solutions, this application embodiment ensures that the link always maintains normal communication function by retaining at least one non-energy-saving auxiliary access point, avoiding network interruption or communication instability caused by all APs switching to energy-saving mode, and guaranteeing the continuous discovery and scanning function of BSS. By broadcasting and switching scheduled and unscheduled energy-saving parameters, energy-saving operations are flexibly performed according to network load and equipment requirements, improving the system's energy utilization efficiency without affecting overall network performance. For STAs supporting multi-link operation (MLO), the reasonable allocation of network resources is ensured by statistically analyzing channel access frequencies and switching energy-saving states according to thresholds, and timely responses are made to the needs of multi-link operation. By retaining non-energy-saving auxiliary APs, energy can be saved while avoiding performance loss caused by too many energy-saving APs, maintaining the stability of the overall system performance. This solution effectively avoids bandwidth bottlenecks and channel contention problems that may occur in energy-saving mode. This solution achieves dynamic adjustment of network status by monitoring the access frequency of STAs and their support for multi-link operation in real time, making energy-saving operations more intelligent, ensuring both energy-saving effects and efficient network operation.

[0065] In some embodiments of this application, the STA performs the following operations based on the received energy-saving operation parameters: negotiating the Target Wake-up Time (TWT) parameter with the associated affiliated AP, and adjusting its channel access behavior based on the TWT parameter, including transmitting data during the TWT service period or remaining in a sleep state during the TWT service interval. In some embodiments of this application, after receiving signaling containing the Target Wake-up Time (TWT) parameter, the STA performs the following operations: adjusting the EDCA parameter according to the TWT parameter to complete high-priority data transmission during the TWT service period; and / or avoiding actively competing for channel resources during non-TWT service periods. In some embodiments of this application, the STA performs one or more of the following operations during the TWT service period: acknowledging and following the updated transmission opportunity limit value in the EDCA parameter; and / or participating in channel contention when acting as a TWT member. In some embodiments of this application, based on the energy-saving status or parameter information sent by the affiliated AP, the STA performs the following operations: adjusting its data transmission time window according to the affiliated AP's energy-saving schedule; and / or restoring the default channel access parameters after the affiliated AP switches to a non-energy-saving state. In some embodiments of this application, after receiving the energy-saving compensation support field indication, the STA updates one or more of the following configurations based on feedback information: maximum contention window value (CWmax); minimum contention window value (CWmin); arbitration inter-frame interval (AIFSN); and / or transmission opportunity limit value. In some embodiments of this application, after the affiliated AP switches to a high-capacity state, the STA updates the transmission mode, including: restoring to the default EDCA parameter configuration; and / or adjusting transmission according to the new TWT configuration. In some embodiments of this application, the STA performs one or more of the following adjustments based on the energy-saving support field indication of the affiliated AP: adjusting its own EDCA parameter configuration; performing channel access based on the triggering of the affiliated AP; and / or restoring default transmission parameters according to the target link state. For example, the CWmin field indicates the updated configuration of the minimum contention window value (CWmin). Different access categories can set independent CWmin values ​​to adjust the contention probability of channel access. The CWmax field indicates the updated configuration of the maximum contention window value (CWmax). This parameter limits the upper limit of channel access latency.

[0066] Figure 1C is a flowchart illustrating the communication method for energy-saving operation provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 1C, the communication method for energy-saving operation is executed at a first access point (AP). The communication method for energy-saving operation includes at least one of the following operations: 101C: The first AP declares its energy-saving operation capability; 102C: Before entering the energy-saving state, the first AP sends scheduled or unscheduled energy-saving operation parameters and / or first basic service set termination information to stations (STAs) and / or a second AP within the first basic service set, wherein the first AP and the second AP are an AP coordination pair; 103C: The first AP sends the information of the STAs that have been de-associated within the first basic service set to the second AP; 104C: The first AP transmits the information of the second AP through one or more of the following methods: responding to a de-association request sent by a STA within the first basic service set, carrying the information of the second AP in the de-association response; or sending a de-association request to a STA within the first basic service set, carrying the information of the second AP in the de-association request. This can assist the STA in routing to the service set where the second AP is located.

[0067] In some embodiments of this application, the information of the second AP includes identifier information, capability information, and / or basic service set operation information to assist STAs within the first basic service set in completing the routing from the first AP to the second AP. In some embodiments of this application, the identifier information includes a Media Access Control (MAC) address and / or a Basic Service Set Identifier (BSSID). In some embodiments of this application, the scheduled or unscheduled energy-saving operation parameters include one or more of the following information: AP energy-saving capability and operation category; information on AP switching to energy-saving mode; duration of the energy-saving window; energy-saving window interval; and time unit of the scheduled energy-saving operation. In some embodiments of this application, the communication method for energy-saving operation further includes: the first AP receiving one or more of the following information provided by the second AP: access window duration, indicating the access time reserved for the STA during the energy-saving period; an upper limit on the number of associatable STAs, terminating the access window when the upper limit is reached; capability information and basic service set operation parameters, used to assist the STA in completing the association process.

[0068] In some embodiments of this application, the communication method for energy-saving operation further includes: receiving one or more of the following information indicated by the second AP through a Target Wake-up Time (TWT) parameter or a Restricted Target Wake-up Time (r-TWT) parameter: reserving access opportunities for STAs de-associated within the first basic service set within the TWT or r-TWT service window; specifying access permissions for STAs de-associated within the first basic service set within the energy-saving window; instructing STAs outside the first basic service set or STAs within the second basic service set to remain silent within the energy-saving window. In some embodiments of this application, reserving the access opportunities includes one or more of the following operations: the first AP negotiates a non-overlapping Restricted Target Wake-up Time (Cr-TWT) window with the second AP before the energy-saving operation; the first AP sends the negotiated Cr-TWT window information within the first basic service set via broadcast, multicast, or unicast; within the Cr-TWT window, the first AP performs energy saving, STAs within the second basic service set remain silent and do not perform channel access behavior, and / or STAs within the first basic service set send an association request or re-association request to the second AP to complete the routing or association process of the STA. In some embodiments of this application, the negotiated Cr-TWT window supports one or more of the following functions: the second AP remains active within the negotiated Cr-TWT window; the second AP is allowed to adjust the Enhanced Distributed Coordinated Access (EDCA) parameters of TWT members or non-TWT members according to the type and access priority of the site; and the second AP is allowed to notify the STAs in the second basic service set to restore the default EDCA parameters by broadcasting, multicasting, or unicasting when the Cr-TWT window ends.

[0069] In some embodiments of this application, when the first AP switches back to an active state, it sends mode switching information via broadcast, multicast, or unicast to notify relevant link sites to resume access. In some embodiments of this application, the first AP supports scheduled and / or non-scheduled energy-saving modes, combining TWT parameters, r-TWT parameters, and / or EDCA parameters to provide energy-saving compensation within and between basic service sets. In some embodiments of this application, the scheduled or non-scheduled energy-saving operation parameters include energy-saving protection window information, which includes one or more pieces of information: protection window duration; protection window start and end times; protection window timing unit; and / or whether STAs within the first basic service set are allowed to negotiate the energy-saving protection window information. In some embodiments of this application, the energy-saving protection window information is used for one or more of the following operations: providing a basic service set termination indication; making a disassociation request and response; coordinating with the access point to exchange STA information for connection reconstruction; and / or transmitting cached data to the second AP.

[0070] Figure 1D is a flowchart illustrating the communication method for energy-saving operation provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 1D, the communication method for energy-saving operation is executed at a second access point (AP). The communication method for energy-saving operation includes at least one of the following operations: Operation 101D: The second AP receives scheduled or unscheduled energy-saving operation parameters and / or first basic service set termination information sent by the first AP, wherein the first AP and the second AP are an AP coordination pair; Operation 102D: The second AP receives information on de-associated stations (STAs) within the first basic service set sent by the first AP; Operation 103D: Based on the de-associated STA information, the second AP reserves access opportunities for the STAs within the first basic service set; Operation 104D: The second AP sends reserved access opportunity information to the first AP.

[0071] In some embodiments of this application, the second AP allows the first AP to transmit information about the second AP in one or more of the following ways: responding to a disassociation request sent by a STA within the first basic service set, carrying information about the second AP in the disassociation response; or sending a disassociation request to the STA, carrying information about the second AP in the disassociation request. In some embodiments of this application, the information about the second AP includes identifier information, capability information, and / or basic service set operation information to assist STAs within the first basic service set in completing the routing from the first AP to the second AP. In some embodiments of this application, the identifier information includes a Media Access Control (MAC) address and / or a Basic Service Set Identifier (BSSID). In some embodiments of this application, the scheduled or unscheduled energy-saving operation parameters include one or more of the following information: AP energy-saving capability and operation category; information on AP switching to energy-saving mode; duration of the energy-saving window; energy-saving window interval; and time unit of the scheduled energy-saving operation. In some embodiments of this application, the reserved access opportunity information includes one or more of the following: access window duration, indicating the access time reserved for the STA during the energy-saving period; the upper limit of the number of associatable STAs, terminating the access window when the upper limit of the number of associatable STAs is reached; capability information and basic service set operation parameters, used to assist the STA in completing the association process. In some embodiments of this application, the communication method for energy-saving operation further includes: the second AP instructing the first AP to indicate one or more of the following information through the target wake-up time (TWT) parameter or the limited target wake-up time (r-TWT) parameter: reserving access opportunities for STAs that are deassociated within the first basic service set during the TWT or r-TWT service period window; specifying the access permissions of STAs that are deassociated within the first basic service set during the energy-saving window; instructing STAs outside the first basic service set or STAs within the second basic service set to remain silent during the energy-saving window.

[0072] In some embodiments of this application, reserving the access opportunity includes one or more of the following operations: the second AP negotiates a non-overlapping Limited Target Wake-up Time (Cr-TWT) window with the first AP before energy-saving operation; the second AP sends the negotiated Cr-TWT window information within the second basic service set via broadcast, multicast, or unicast; within the Cr-TWT window, the second AP does not enter energy-saving state, STAs within the second basic service set remain silent and do not perform channel access behavior, and / or STAs within the first basic service set send association requests or reassociation requests to the second AP to complete the routing or association process of the STA. In some embodiments of this application, reserving the access opportunity includes: when the second AP is an affiliated AP of AP MLD, reserving access resources on the corresponding link by mapping traffic on the corresponding link to other links. In some embodiments of this application, the energy-saving operation parameters for scheduling or non-scheduling include energy-saving protection window information, which is used for one or more of the following operations: issuing a basic service set termination indication; issuing a disassociation request and response; coordinating with the access point to exchange STA information for the connection to be rebuilt; and / or receiving data from the first AP cache.

[0073] Figure 1E is a flowchart illustrating the communication method for energy-saving operation provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 1E, the communication method for energy-saving operation is executed at a station (STA), and includes at least one of the following operations: Operation 101E: The STA receives scheduled or unscheduled energy-saving operation parameters and / or basic service set termination information sent by a first access point (AP) via broadcast, multicast, or unicast; Operation 102E: The first AP transmits information about the second AP in one or more of the following ways, including: responding to a deassociation request sent by a STA in the first basic service set, carrying information about the second AP in the deassociation response; or sending a deassociation request to a STA in the first basic service set, carrying information about the second AP in the deassociation request; Operation 103E: The STA sends an association request or reassociation request to the second AP based on the information of the second AP, to complete the routing or association establishment for switching from the first AP to the second AP. It should be noted that, in operation 1021E, the STA sending a deassociation request to the first AP based on the scheduled or unscheduled energy-saving operation parameters or the basic service set termination information is a method of operation 102E; in operation 1022E, the STA receiving a deassociation response sent by the first AP, wherein the deassociation response contains information related to the second AP, is a method of operation 102E.

[0074] In some embodiments of this application, the information received by the STA from the second AP includes one or more of the following: the identifier information of the second AP, including the Media Access Control (MAC) address and / or the Basic Service Set Identifier (BSSID); the capability information of the second AP; and / or the basic service set operation information of the second AP. In some embodiments of this application, the deassociation response includes the access window duration reserved by the second AP and / or the upper limit of the number of STAs that can be associated, used to assist the STA in selecting an access time or target AP. In some embodiments of this application, after receiving power-saving operation parameters sent by the first AP, the STA decides whether to maintain the connection, send a deassociation request, or enter power-saving mode. In some embodiments of this application, when the STA sends an association request or reassociation request to the second AP, it reduces the interactive content in the association process based on the basic service set operation information contained in the deassociation response. In some embodiments of this application, the STA sends an association request or reassociation request to the second AP via a Target Wake-up Time (TWT) or a Restricted Target Wake-up Time (r-TWT), the timing of which is based on the TWT or r-TWT operation schedule sent by the first AP via broadcast, multicast, or unicast.

[0075] In some embodiments of this application, the STA receives one or more of the following information via the TWT or the r-TWT parameter: access opportunities reserved for the STA during the TWT or r-TWT service period; the STA's access permissions within the energy-saving window; and / or a notification instructing STAs outside the first basic service set to remain silent within the energy-saving window. In some embodiments of this application, after receiving basic service set termination information from the first AP, the STA switches to associate with the second AP. In some embodiments of this application, the STA performs one or more of the following operations based on the energy-saving protection window information provided by the first AP: negotiating to extend or shorten the duration of the energy-saving protection window; within the energy-saving protection window, the STA receives energy-saving operation information and / or BSS termination information from the first AP, sends a deassociation request, or receives a deassociation request / response. In some embodiments of this application, the STA sends an energy-saving protection window negotiation request to the second AP, receives a negotiation request response from the second AP, and then receives an updated energy-saving protection window duration from the second AP, wherein the energy-saving protection window negotiation request indicates an agreement request, a rejection request, and / or a protection window recommendation value.

[0076] It should be noted that the operation involves the first AP transmitting information about the second AP through one or more of the following methods: responding to a disassociation request sent by a STA within the first basic service set, and carrying the information of the second AP in the disassociation response; or sending a disassociation request to a STA within the first basic service set, and carrying the information of the second AP in the disassociation request. The above operations apply to all solutions and embodiments of this application.

[0077] Through the above technical solution, this embodiment of the application, through the design of the AP coordination pair, enables the STA to quickly switch to AP2 when AP1 enters energy-saving mode, ensuring connection continuity and avoiding connection interruptions and user experience degradation caused by AP1 entering energy-saving mode. During the handover process, AP1 promptly provides the STA with AP2's capabilities and BSS operation information to assist in completing a seamless handover and ensure media data synchronization, which is particularly suitable for latency-sensitive service scenarios (such as video streaming and real-time communication). AP1 notifies AP2 of relevant STA information in advance through broadcast and coordination mechanisms, enabling AP2 to reserve resources in advance, greatly shortening the handover time from AP1 to AP2 and improving network flexibility and response speed. Based on the STA information obtained from AP1, AP2 reserves dedicated access opportunities for STAs that need to rebuild connections, avoiding resource waste and ensuring network fairness and efficiency. When AP1 enters energy-saving mode, AP2 takes over some of its functions, achieving coordinated optimization of energy-saving operation and communication performance, saving energy while ensuring the normal use needs of STAs. The fast routing switching mechanism ensures that STAs are virtually unaware of network changes during the switching process, providing users with a smooth network experience, especially suitable for scenarios requiring high reliability and high availability. The solution is compatible with both devices supporting multi-link operation (MLO STA) and devices not supporting multi-link operation (Non-MLO STA), providing an optimized switching and access experience for terminals with different capabilities.

[0078] Some embodiments of this application propose solutions for intra-basic service set (Intra-BSS) and inter-basic service set (Inter-BSS) operations. Combining mechanisms such as AP coordination and target wake time (TWT), corresponding compensation schemes are proposed for both scheduled power saving and unscheduled power saving operations.

[0079] Solution #1: Intra-BSS scheduling AP energy-saving compensation method: As shown in Figure 2A, for an Access Point Multi-Link Device (AP MLD), it can contain multiple Affiliated APs. Similarly, for a Non-AP Multi-Link Device (Non-AP MLD), it can contain multiple Affiliated STAs, which can establish connections with multiple links through Multi-Link Operation (MLO). Simultaneously, legacy devices can also be associated with the primary AP of the AP MLD. When AP MLD performs energy-saving operations, the primary link is typically kept active to support basic functions of the Basic Service Set (BSS), such as beacon transmission, scanning, and probe request / response. Other secondary access points (such as AP2 and AP3) can switch to doze or low-capacity mode to conserve energy. When AP2 and AP3 enter energy-saving mode, traffic from non-access point multi-link devices (Non-AP MLD1) associated with these links is diverted to the link where AP1 resides for uplink or downlink transmission. This increases the load on the AP1 link, leading to increased latency on traditional site (Non-MLD STA) access channels that only support the primary link, and potentially preventing normal communication with the AP for extended periods.

[0080] To address the aforementioned issues, as shown in Figure 2B, some embodiments of this application propose one or more compensation schemes for the energy-saving windows of other links during AP MLD scheduling energy saving, to ensure fair service to traditional sites under the active state of the primary link: TWT Window Negotiation: Negotiate the Target Wake Time (TWT) window with non-MLD STAs and configure non-MLD STAs as TWT members. During the Target Wake Time Service Period (TWT SP), only TWT members are allowed to access the channel, thereby providing higher access priority for non-MLD STAs. Within the TWT SP, the Target Wake Time Element or the Revised Target Wake Time Element (r-TWT Element) is sent via broadcast, multicast, or unicast to configure new Enhanced Distributed Channel Access Parameter (EDCA Parameter) for non-MLD STAs. This configuration optimizes the channel access opportunities for non-MLD STAs within the TWT SP, making it easier for them to obtain Transmission Opportunity (TXOP). Through the above compensation operations, some embodiments of this application effectively solve the problem of increased access latency for traditional devices due to AP power saving, while ensuring communication fairness and quality of service within the BSS.

[0081] Solution #2: Intra-BSS Non-Scheduled AP Energy-Saving Compensation Method: For an Access Point Multi-Link Device (AP MLD), it can contain multiple Affiliated APs. Similarly, for a Non-AP Multi-Link Device (Non-AP MLD), it can contain multiple Affiliated Stations (STAs), which can establish connections with multiple links through Multi-Link Operation (MLO). Simultaneously, legacy devices can also be associated with the primary AP of the AP MLD, as shown in Figure 2A.

[0082] During the period when Affiliated AP 2 and / or AP 3 enters Unscheduled Power Saving mode, the Affiliated APs that do not perform power saving operations will collect access parameter statistics on their corresponding active links. When the collected access parameters exceed a first threshold, the active AP will provide certain access opportunity compensation to legacy devices (Non-MLD STAs) that only support the main link, as shown in Figure 2C. The relevant information and indication method of the first threshold are described in the embodiments. The access parameters may include one or more of the following: the number of accesses by the non-access point multi-link device: the first threshold corresponds to a certain upper limit for the number of accesses; the transmission time occupied by the non-access point multi-link device: the first threshold corresponds to a certain upper limit for the time or time proportion. For the above situations, the AP MLD provides access opportunity compensation to legacy devices (Non-MLD STAs) in one or more of the following ways: competing for channels and allocating access opportunities: APs that do not perform power saving operations actively compete for channel access opportunities and allocate or share them with legacy devices (Non-MLD STAs) on the link. Adjusting EDCA parameters: APs that have not performed energy-saving operations adjust the Enhanced Distributed Channel Access Parameter (EDCA Parameter) on their links to configure higher-priority contention access parameters for legacy devices (Non-MLD STAs) to increase their chances of obtaining channel access opportunities.

[0083] Furthermore, when performing access parameter statistics, cases where non-access point multi-link devices (Non-AP MLDs) send an Initial Coordination Frame (ICF) after winning an access opportunity to perform cross-link power-saving wake-up or mode switching are not included. Active access points (Active APs) only count channel access parameters for non-access point multi-link devices that have not performed power-saving wake-up operations.

[0084] Through the above compensation scheme, some embodiments of this application effectively mitigate the adverse effects of AP energy saving on the access performance of traditional equipment in non-scheduled energy-saving mode, while ensuring fair access between multi-link devices and traditional devices.

[0085] In some embodiments of this application, before entering the energy-saving state, the affiliated AP sends the scheduled energy-saving operation parameters via broadcast, multicast, or unicast, including: the affiliated AP sends its energy-saving operation and energy-saving schedule via broadcast, multicast, or unicast on the corresponding link, and switches from the active state to the sleep state. In some embodiments of this application, the affiliated AP that has not entered the energy-saving state performs one or more of the following operations: Based on the energy-saving schedules of other affiliated APs, it sends a Target Wake-up Time (TWT) parameter via broadcast, multicast, or unicast, wherein the TWT parameter indicates access resource allocation information within the energy-saving duration; in the access resource allocation information, the main link where the affiliated AP that has not entered the energy-saving state is located is divided into an Enhanced Distributed Channel Access Period (EDCA Period) and a TWT Service Period (TWT SP); within the EDCA Period, non-multilink devices (STAs) on the main link achieve channel access through channel contention; within the TWT SP, access resources are reserved for the non-MLD STAs; and / or the reserved resources restrict channel access only to TWT members.

[0086] In some embodiments of this application, the activation of the TWT SP is indicated by a trigger frame, in which one or more of the following updates are performed: TWT element; TWT member; and / or TWT EDCA parameter. In some embodiments of this application, the energy-saving compensation operation performed by the affiliated AP that has not entered energy-saving state for the associated STA that does not support multi-link operation based on the energy-saving operation parameters of the scheduling includes: the affiliated AP that has not entered energy-saving state sends the target wake-up time (TWT) parameter or limited target wake-up time (r-TWT) parameter configuration via broadcast, multicast, or unicast, corresponding to the energy-saving schedule on the remaining links, to reserve a certain access time window for the associated STA that does not support multi-link operation. In some embodiments of this application, one or more of the following compensation operations are performed on the associated STA that does not support multi-link operation within the access time window: negotiating a TWT or r-TWT window with the associated STA that does not support multi-link operation, including the associated STA that does not support multi-link operation as a TWT member, and allowing only the TWT member to access during the TWT service period; and / or sending TWT or r-TWT elements through the broadcast, multicast, or unicast method, configuring new EDCA parameters for the associated STA that does not support multi-link operation during the TWT service period, thereby assisting the associated STA that does not support multi-link operation in obtaining a transmission opportunity (TXOP) during the TWT service period.

[0087] In some embodiments of this application, when the channel access parameters reach the threshold, the energy-saving compensation operation includes one or more of the following operations: the AP MLD provides certain access opportunity compensation to non-MLD STAs on links that have not performed energy saving; and / or the AP MLD wakes up affiliated APs that have entered energy-saving or sleep modes, and broadcasts, multicasts, or unicasts their switch from sleep to active state on their links. In some embodiments of this application, the AP MLD performs one or more of the following access opportunity compensation operations: the affiliated APs that have not entered energy-saving state actively compete for channel access opportunities and allocate / share the channel access opportunities with the associated STAs on their links that do not support multi-link operation; the affiliated APs that have not entered energy-saving state adjust the EDCA set configuration on their links to configure high-priority contention access parameters (EDCA parameters) for the associated STAs that do not support multi-link operation; and / or the AP MLD wakes up the affiliated APs that have entered energy-saving or sleep modes, and broadcasts their switch from sleep to active state on their links.

[0088] In some embodiments of this application, the channel access parameter is the number of channel accesses of the Non-AP MLD, and the threshold is a certain upper limit of the number of accesses; and / or the channel access parameter is the transmission time occupied by the Non-AP MLD within a certain period of time, and the threshold is a certain upper limit of the time / time ratio. In some embodiments of this application, the threshold is a fixed value or a gradient value set based on the energy-saving state. In some embodiments of this application, when the affiliated AP enters the energy-saving state, the threshold is set to the fixed value; or when the affiliated AP enters a sleep state, a low-capacity or limited-capacity state, or a listening state, the threshold is set to the gradient value according to the different energy-saving states. In some embodiments of this application, the affiliated AP that has not entered the energy-saving state broadcasts, multicasts, or unicasts one or more of the following information through energy-saving operation-related information elements or fields carrying the scheduled or unscheduled energy-saving operation parameters: the threshold; the energy-saving operation type; the energy-saving state and the corresponding related parameters.

[0089] In some embodiments of this application, the affiliated AP that is not in power-saving mode receives a threshold update negotiation request from the STA, sends a threshold update negotiation response to the STA to update the threshold, and then sends the updated threshold to the STA. In some embodiments of this application, the threshold update negotiation response includes agreement, rejection, feedback of suggested values, and / or postponement of update. In some embodiments of this application, after detecting that the channel access parameters exceed the threshold, the affiliated AP that is not in power-saving mode actively wakes up the affiliated AP that is in power-saving mode and performs one or more of the following operations: switches the communication mode of the affiliated AP that is in power-saving mode; sends a notification on the switched link via broadcast, multicast, or unicast to indicate that the relevant STA link has been restored.

[0090] In some embodiments of this application, the affiliated AP that has not entered energy-saving state stops energy-saving compensation operations after all links resume high-capacity communication, and restores the EDCA parameters to the default configuration of the basic service set. In some embodiments of this application, the EDCA parameters include one or more of the following fields: Arbitration Inter-Frame Interval Number (AIFSN) field; minimum contention window field; maximum contention window field; transmission opportunity limit field; and an effective time range field for the EDCA parameters, including start time, end time, or duration. In some embodiments of this application, the EDCA parameters can be updated based on one or more of the following rules: adjusting the minimum contention window value and / or the maximum contention window value to a configuration less than the default value; updating the AIFSN to a value less than or equal to the original value; and updating the transmission opportunity limit value to a value less than or equal to the original value.

[0091] In some embodiments of this application, the affiliated AP that has not entered the energy-saving state sends or updates the applicable time range of the EDCA parameters via broadcast, multicast, or unicast. In some embodiments of this application, the AP MLD indicates whether the affiliated AP supports energy-saving operations via an energy-saving support field, and / or indicates whether the affiliated AP supports energy-saving compensation operations via an energy-saving compensation support field. In some embodiments of this application, when the energy-saving support field indicates that the affiliated AP supports the energy-saving operation, the supported energy-saving operation category is indicated via an energy-saving operation field. The energy-saving operation category includes one or more of the following categories: AP scheduling energy saving; AP dynamic energy saving; AP semi-dynamic energy saving; AP hybrid energy saving, wherein AP hybrid energy saving refers to an AP energy-saving operation combining AP scheduling energy saving and AP dynamic energy saving.

[0092] In some embodiments of this application, when the energy-saving support field indicates that the affiliated AP supports the energy-saving operation, the energy-saving mode switching delay field indicates the delay time required for the affiliated AP to switch back from the energy-saving state to the non-energy-saving state after entering the energy-saving state. In some embodiments of this application, the delay time is indicated by the mode switching type field and the delay time field as one or more of the following delay times: the delay time for switching from sleep state to on state; the delay time for switching from low capability state to high capability state; the delay time for switching from listening state to the high capability state; and the delay time for switching from sleep state to the low capability state. In some embodiments of this application, when the energy-saving compensation support field indicates that the affiliated AP supports the energy-saving compensation operation, the energy-saving compensation operation field indicates the supported energy-saving compensation category, which includes one or more of the following categories: AP scheduling energy-saving compensation between basic service sets; AP dynamic energy-saving compensation between basic service sets; AP scheduling energy-saving compensation within a basic service set; and AP dynamic energy-saving compensation within a basic service set.

[0093] Some embodiments of this application propose a scheduling and non-scheduling energy-saving compensation mechanism in the energy-saving operation of an Access Point Multi-Link Device (AP MLD) to ensure fairness and efficiency between legacy devices and multi-link operation (MLO) devices. In the scheduling energy-saving scheme, before entering the energy-saving state, the affiliated AP sends energy-saving operation parameters, including state switching, energy-saving schedule, and other information, via broadcast, multicast, or unicast, and negotiates the Scheduled Target Wake Time (TWT) window. Legacy devices (Non-MLD STAs) that do not support multi-link operation are configured as TWT members, and TWT members are only allowed to access the channel during the TWT Service Period (TWT SP). Simultaneously, by sending or revising TWT elements (Revised Target Wake Time Element, r-TWT Element), new Enhanced Distributed Channel Access Parameter (EDCA Parameter) parameters are configured for non-MLD STAs to optimize channel access opportunities and ensure they receive sufficient transmission opportunities (TXOP). In the non-scheduled energy-saving scheme, auxiliary access points not in energy-saving mode count access parameters on active links. When the count exceeds a threshold, access opportunities are allocated through channel contention or EDCA parameters are adjusted to configure high-priority contention access parameters for non-MLD STAs, ensuring the communication performance of traditional equipment. Meanwhile, when the AP MLD detects that the channel access parameters exceed the threshold, it can wake up auxiliary access points in energy-saving mode and notify the link to resume access via broadcast, multicast, or unicast. Furthermore, STAs adjust their channel access behavior based on the received energy-saving operation parameters, transmitting data or entering energy-saving mode within the TWT service period. They can also request adjustments to their energy-saving state or updates to EDCA parameters through a feedback mechanism, thereby dynamically adapting to network changes and improving the synergistic effect of energy saving and performance. Through the above mechanism, some embodiments of this application improve access fairness and service quality for traditional devices and multi-link operating devices while ensuring energy-saving operation, and are applicable to various network environments and device scenarios.

[0094] In some embodiments of this application, the affiliated AP that has not entered the energy-saving state sends or updates the applicable time range of the EDCA parameters via broadcast, multicast, or unicast. In some embodiments of this application, when the AP MLD declares its own capability information, it indicates whether the affiliated AP supports energy-saving operations through an energy-saving support field, and / or whether it supports energy-saving compensation operations through an energy-saving compensation support field. In some embodiments of this application, when the energy-saving support field indicates that the affiliated AP supports the energy-saving operation, the energy-saving operation field indicates the supported energy-saving operation category, which includes one or more of the following categories: AP scheduling energy saving; AP dynamic energy saving; AP semi-dynamic energy saving; AP hybrid energy saving, wherein AP hybrid energy saving refers to an AP energy-saving operation combining AP scheduling energy saving and AP dynamic energy saving. In some embodiments of this application, when the energy-saving support field indicates that the affiliated AP supports the energy-saving operation, the energy-saving mode switching delay field indicates the delay time required for the affiliated AP to switch back from the energy-saving state to the non-energy-saving state after entering the energy-saving state. In some embodiments of this application, the delay time is indicated by the mode switching type field and the delay time field as one or more of the following delay times: the delay time for switching from sleep state to on state; the delay time for switching from low capability state to high capability state; the delay time for switching from listening state to the high capability state; and the delay time for switching from sleep state to the low capability state. In some embodiments of this application, when the energy-saving compensation support field indicates that the affiliated AP supports energy-saving compensation operation, the supported energy-saving compensation category is indicated by the energy-saving compensation operation field. The energy-saving compensation category includes one or more of the following categories: AP scheduling energy-saving compensation between basic service sets; AP dynamic energy-saving compensation between basic service sets; AP scheduling energy-saving compensation within a basic service set; and AP dynamic energy-saving compensation within a basic service set.

[0095] Some embodiments of this application propose a flexible energy-saving and compensation mechanism applicable to various scenarios and supporting solutions 1 to 2. In some embodiments, affiliated access points (APs) not in energy-saving mode can send or update the applicable time range of the Enhanced Distributed Channel Access Parameter (EDCA Parameter) via broadcast, multicast, or unicast to optimize resource allocation and improve channel utilization. Furthermore, when an Access Point Multilink Device (AP MLD) declares its own capability information, it can specify whether the affiliated AP supports energy-saving operations through the energy-saving support field, or indicate whether it supports energy-saving compensation operations through the energy-saving compensation support field.

[0096] Solution #3: Inter-BSS Scheduled AP Power Saving Compensation Method: In scheduled power saving operations, Access Point 1 (AP1) performs scheduled power saving operations with fixed durations and intervals. During the power saving duration, AP1 switches to a doze state or a reduced capability state, suspending frame interaction or interacting only with low-capability Physical Protocol Data Units (PPDUs). As shown in Figure 2D, STA1 to STA3 are associated with AP1, while STA4 and STA5 are associated with AP2. AP1 and AP2 form a coordination pair, which can exchange information via wired or wireless means. This information exchange includes relevant compensation information for the power saving operation, used to support subsequent power saving compensation operations.

[0097] During energy-saving operations, AP1 sends management or control frames via broadcast, multicast, or unicast to all stations (STAs) within its Basic Service Set (BSS) to indicate energy-saving related information, including energy-saving state switching, energy-saving capability parameters, and time parameters such as energy-saving intervals and durations. UHR STAs (Ultra-High Reliability STAs) (STAs supporting AP energy-saving operations): can parse AP1's energy-saving information and resume communication after AP1 returns to the On State. Legacy STAs (STAs not supporting AP energy-saving operations): cannot parse energy-saving information; AP1 must notify them to cease communication attempts during the energy-saving period by issuing a BSS Termination instruction before the energy-saving window begins. This BSS termination takes effect at the start time of the energy-saving window, not immediately.

[0098] During energy-saving periods, STAs requiring communication must disconnect from AP1 and find a new access point (such as AP2) to associate with. AP2 may receive a large number of association requests in a short period of time. To optimize this process, some embodiments of this application propose one or more of the following steps: Before the energy-saving window arrives, AP1 sends energy-saving time parameters (such as energy-saving interval and duration) to all STAs in the BSS via broadcast, multicast, or unicast. UHR STAs wait for AP1 to return to the active state based on the information, while Legacy STAs prepare to disconnect based on the BSS termination instruction. AP1 can wait for STAs to actively send disconnection requests or directly send disconnection instructions to STAs (as shown in methods 1 and 2 in Figure 2E). After collecting disconnection requests, AP1 sends the relevant STA information to AP2. AP2 reserves certain access resources in its BSS to prepare to receive STA association requests. AP1 helps STAs quickly complete association or re-association by indicating AP2's capabilities and BSS operation information through disconnection responses.

[0099] AP2 can reserve access resources in one or more of the following ways: Time-Based Wake-Up Target (TWT) or Limited-Time Wake-Up Target (r-TWT). Using r-TWT: A new mechanism introduced in IEEE 802.11be (Wi-Fi 7), effective only for Evolved High Throughput (EHT) STAs and their descendants' non-AP STAs. Using TWT: Applicable to any type of non-AP STA. Non-Overlapping TWT Window (Cr-TWT): AP1 and AP2 negotiate a non-overlapping Cr-TWT window and send the negotiation result within their respective BSSs via broadcast, multicast, or unicast. Within AP1's Cr-TWT window, STAs in AP2's BSS cannot access the channel, and the STA can re-establish association with AP1.

[0100] When AP2 is an affiliated AP of a Multi-Link Device (MLD), it can map communication traffic on that link to other links, thereby reserving more access resources for that link. This method effectively alleviates conflicts when STAs re-associate or reconnect during energy-saving periods.

[0101] Through the above methods, some embodiments of this application achieve optimization of STA connection stability and fairness in scheduling AP power-saving operations by coordinating and reserving resources, while supporting the different needs of UHR STAs (STAs that support AP power-saving operations) and Legacy STAs (STAs that do not support AP power-saving operations).

[0102] Solution 4: Unscheduled AP Power Saving Compensation Method in Inter-BSS: In unscheduled power saving scenarios, as shown in Figure 2F, the duration for which an Access Point (AP) enters power saving mode is uncertain. The AP can dynamically switch between power saving and active states based on wake-up indications sent by Non-Access Point Stations (Non-AP STAs). Considering that during power saving periods, STAs may be unable to conduct real-time wireless communication or may only be able to conduct low-capacity wireless communication, a protection window should be provided when the AP indicates that it is about to enter power saving mode to ensure that the communication needs of the STAs are met.

[0103] The protection window allows an AP to reserve a period of time before entering power-saving mode to complete necessary interactions with STAs. Within this window, AP1 can collect information about STAs that need to be disassociated and pass this information to AP2. AP2, acting as AP1's coordination pair, reserves an appropriate access window for these STAs, ensuring they can quickly establish new connections. Within the protection window, AP1 can buffer data for relevant STAs and, through a disassociation response frame, indicate AP2's capability information or basic service set operation information to the disassociated STAs, helping them quickly route to AP2. This mechanism effectively prevents STAs from being unable to communicate with the network for extended periods due to APs entering power-saving mode.

[0104] The AP dynamically switches between power-saving and active states based on instructions sent by the STA, flexibly responding to the STA's communication needs. A protection period is reserved before the power-saving state switch to ensure the STA can complete the deassociation or reassociation operation. By caching data and instruction information, the STA can quickly connect to a new AP, reducing communication interruptions. AP1 and AP2 work together to provide reserved access windows for the STA, enhancing network stability and reliability.

[0105] By introducing protection windows and information indication mechanisms, some embodiments of this application ensure access fairness and communication continuity for STAs during non-scheduled power-saving operations, while reducing the impact of AP power saving on STA wireless communication performance. Details regarding the indication of the relevant protection windows and their implementation methods are provided in the embodiments.

[0106] In some embodiments of this application, affiliated access points (APs) that are not in energy-saving mode can send or update the applicable time range of the Enhanced Distributed Channel Access Parameter (EDCA Parameter) via broadcast, multicast, or unicast to optimize channel resource allocation. Simultaneously, when an Access Point Multilink Device (AP MLD) declares its own capability information, it can indicate whether the affiliated AP supports energy-saving operations through an energy-saving support field, or whether it supports energy-saving compensation operations through an energy-saving compensation support field. If the energy-saving support field indicates that the affiliated AP supports energy-saving operations, the energy-saving operation field specifies the supported energy-saving operation categories, including AP scheduled energy saving, AP dynamic energy saving, AP semi-dynamic energy saving, and AP hybrid energy saving (i.e., a combination of scheduled energy saving and dynamic energy saving). Furthermore, when an auxiliary AP enters energy-saving mode, the energy-saving mode switching delay field indicates the delay time required to switch back from energy-saving mode to non-energy-saving mode. This delay time can be defined jointly by the mode switching type field and the delay time field, including the delay time for switching from sleep mode to on mode, from low capacity mode to high capacity mode, from listening mode to high capacity mode, or from sleep mode to low capacity mode. If the energy-saving compensation support field indicates that the auxiliary AP supports energy-saving compensation operations, the specific compensation category is indicated by the energy-saving compensation operation field, such as AP scheduling energy-saving compensation between Basic Service Sets (BSS) or within a BSS, and AP dynamic energy-saving compensation.

[0107] This mechanism applies to Solutions 1 through 4, covering operations under both scheduled and unscheduled energy-saving modes. In Solutions 1 and 2, fair resource allocation is achieved for legacy devices (Non-MLD STAs) that do not support multi-link operations by adjusting EDCA parameters and Target Wake-Up Time (TWT) configurations in a timely manner. In Solutions 3 and 4, auxiliary APs ensure network connectivity and quality of service are maintained during energy-saving operations through energy-saving mode switching and compensation support. Overall, these mechanisms provide flexible and efficient energy-saving and compensation strategies, balancing energy-saving goals with the need for fair access among devices, effectively improving overall network performance and user experience.

[0108] In some embodiments of this application, the information of the second AP includes identifier information, capability information, and / or basic service set operation information to assist STAs within the first basic service set in completing the routing from the first AP to the second AP. In some embodiments of this application, the identifier information includes a Media Access Control (MAC) address and / or a Basic Service Set Identifier (BSSID). In some embodiments of this application, the scheduled or unscheduled energy-saving operation parameters include one or more of the following information: AP energy-saving capability and operation category; information on AP switching to energy-saving mode; duration of the energy-saving window; energy-saving window interval; and time unit of the scheduled energy-saving operation. In some embodiments of this application, the communication method for energy-saving operation further includes: the first AP receiving one or more of the following information provided by the second AP: access window duration, indicating the access time reserved for the STA during the energy-saving period; an upper limit on the number of associatable STAs, terminating the access window when the upper limit is reached; capability information and basic service set operation parameters, used to assist the STA in completing the association process.

[0109] In some embodiments of this application, the communication method for energy-saving operation further includes: receiving one or more of the following information indicated by the second AP through a Target Wake-up Time (TWT) parameter or a Restricted Target Wake-up Time (r-TWT) parameter: reserving access opportunities for STAs de-associated within the first basic service set within the TWT or r-TWT service window; specifying access permissions for STAs de-associated within the first basic service set within the energy-saving window; instructing STAs outside the first basic service set or STAs within the second basic service set to remain silent within the energy-saving window. In some embodiments of this application, reserving the access opportunities includes one or more of the following operations: the first AP negotiates a non-overlapping Restricted Target Wake-up Time (Cr-TWT) window with the second AP before the energy-saving operation; the first AP sends the negotiated Cr-TWT window information within the first basic service set via broadcast, multicast, or unicast; within the Cr-TWT window, the first AP performs energy saving, STAs within the second basic service set remain silent and do not perform channel access behavior, and / or STAs within the first basic service set send an association request or re-association request to the second AP to complete the routing or association process of the STA. In some embodiments of this application, the negotiated Cr-TWT window supports one or more of the following functions: the second AP remains active within the negotiated Cr-TWT window; the second AP is allowed to adjust the Enhanced Distributed Coordinated Access (EDCA) parameters of TWT members or non-TWT members according to the type and access priority of the site; and the second AP is allowed to notify the STAs in the second basic service set to restore the default EDCA parameters by broadcasting, multicasting, or unicasting when the Cr-TWT window ends.

[0110] In some embodiments of this application, when the first AP switches back to an active state, it sends mode switching information via broadcast, multicast, or unicast to notify relevant link sites to resume access. In some embodiments of this application, the first AP supports scheduled and / or non-scheduled energy-saving modes, combining TWT parameters, r-TWT parameters, and / or EDCA parameters to provide energy-saving compensation within and between basic service sets. In some embodiments of this application, the scheduled or non-scheduled energy-saving operation parameters include energy-saving protection window information, which includes one or more pieces of information: protection window duration; protection window start and end times; protection window timing unit; and / or whether STAs within the first basic service set are allowed to negotiate the energy-saving protection window information. In some embodiments of this application, the energy-saving protection window information is used for one or more of the following operations: providing a basic service set termination indication; making a disassociation request and response; coordinating with the access point to exchange STA information for connection reconstruction; and / or transmitting cached data to the second AP.

[0111] By leveraging the capability and identifier information provided by the second AP, STAs can quickly switch routes from the first AP to the second AP, avoiding connection interruptions, which is particularly suitable for latency-sensitive applications. Scheduled or unscheduled energy-saving operation parameters optimize coordination between APs, achieving a good balance between energy-saving operations and communication performance, reducing energy consumption while ensuring network performance. Through the Cr-TWT window and energy-saving protection window mechanism, the EDCA parameters of TWT members can be dynamically adjusted to improve the access priority of STAs, ensuring fairness and efficiency. Scheduled and unscheduled energy-saving modes are supported, and a consistent energy-saving compensation scheme is provided across multiple BSSs through protection windows and TWT configuration, enhancing network flexibility. By STA silencing within the second BSS and reserving access windows for STAs within the first BSS, channel contention and interference are reduced, improving overall network efficiency. The energy-saving protection window supports coordinated operations for buffered data transmission and STA connection reconstruction, ensuring uninterrupted user experience. Overall, this mechanism achieves comprehensive optimization of energy-saving goals, network performance, resource allocation, and user experience, and is suitable for various network environments.

[0112] In some embodiments of this application, the solutions of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth, tenth, eleventh, and / or twelfth embodiments can be implemented in combination with each other, and the solutions of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth, tenth, eleventh, and / or twelfth embodiments can also be implemented independently. In some embodiments of this application, the solutions of multiple embodiments can be implemented in combination or independently.

[0113] First Implementation Example: Indication Information of AP Energy-Saving Compensation Capability:

[0114] In some embodiments of this application, when an access point (AP) or multi-link device (MLD) declares its own capability information, it indicates to a non-access point station (Non-AP STA) or coordination pair whether it supports energy-saving and compensation operations, and the specific energy-saving and compensation categories it supports, through a capability element.

[0115] Power Save Support (PS Support): Indicates whether the AP supports power saving operations. If power saving operations are supported, this field is 1; otherwise, it is 0.

[0116] Power Save Compensation Support (PS Compensation Support): Indicates whether the AP supports power save compensation operations. If compensation is supported, this field is 1; otherwise, it is 0.

[0117] Power Save Operation (PS Operation): This field exists when the PS Support field indicates that power save operation is supported, and indicates the specific power save operation category supported by the AP. Specific value examples are shown in Table 1.

[0118] Table 1: Values ​​for the power-saving operation categories supported by the AP:

[0119] Power Save Compensation Operation (PS Compensation Operation): This field exists when the PS Compensation Support field indicates that power save compensation operation is supported, and indicates the specific supported power save compensation category. Specific value examples are shown in Table 2.

[0120] Table 2: Values ​​for the energy-saving compensation categories supported by AP:

[0121] AP Power Save Mode Switch Delay: This field exists when the PS Support field indicates support for power saving operations. It indicates the delay time required for the AP to switch back from power save mode to active state. When used in combination with the Mode Switch Type field, it indicates the switching delay between different modes, as shown in Table 3.

[0122] Table 3: AP power saving mode switching delay:

[0123] The capability element may further indicate: updatable Enhanced Distributed Channel Access (EDCA) parameters, first threshold information, and / or protection time information. This information is described in detail in the subsequent third and fourth embodiments.

[0124] Second Implementation: AP Energy Saving Compensation First Threshold Information:

[0125] In Solution #2, when an Affiliated Access Point (AP) of a Multi-Link Device (MLD) switches from an active state to a doze or low-capability state, at least one AP should remain in a power-saving mode to ensure that at least one link is active. This design aims to maintain the scanning, discovery, authentication, association, and synchronization functions of the Basic Service Set (BSS).

[0126] In power-saving mode, non-access point multi-link devices (Non-AP MLDs) associated with the AP MLD cannot communicate via the power-saving link and can only perform uplink and downlink operations (Downlink, DL and Uplink, UL) on the active link. However, for legacy non-MLD STAs that only support a single link, if a large amount of data transmission from non-MLD devices is concentrated on the active link, these devices may be unable to access the channel for extended periods, affecting the communication experience.

[0127] When an AP enters dynamic power saving mode, if a Non-AP MLD has a large amount of data to be transmitted, it should send an Indication Control Frame (ICF) across the link to wake up the auxiliary access points in power saving mode. Active access points will count the number of accesses or the access duration (proportion) of Non-AP MLDs on that link, but will not count the ICF frames used to wake up auxiliary access points in power saving mode.

[0128] When the number of access attempts or the duration exceeds a first threshold, the active access point will take one or more of the following measures: allocate a certain number of access opportunities to traditional non-multi-link devices; update the channel access contention parameters (such as EDCA parameters) to provide these devices with higher access priority; and actively wake up auxiliary access points in power-saving mode to alleviate channel load.

[0129] For the first threshold of energy-saving compensation, the AP can indicate it through one or more of the following methods: As described in the first embodiment, the AP MLD declares its first threshold of energy-saving compensation in the Capability Element. When the auxiliary access point enters energy-saving mode, the active access point sends the compensation threshold information on the active link via broadcast, multicast, or unicast through the Energy-Saving Operation Related Information Element (IE). Before the auxiliary access point switches to energy-saving mode, the energy-saving compensation threshold and its parameters are indicated on the link that is about to be energy-saving through the Energy-Saving Operation Related Information Element.

[0130] For fixed thresholds, one or more of the following fields can be used to indicate relevant information: Power Saving Compensation Threshold (PS Compensation TH) field: When the power saving compensation threshold is exceeded, access resource sharing or an update of contention priority is performed, and power-saving auxiliary access points are woken up. Threshold Negotiation Support (TH Negotiation Support) field: Indicates whether the threshold allows non-access point devices to negotiate and update. Threshold Unit (TH Unit) field: When the threshold is the access duration, this field indicates its time unit; it is not applicable if the threshold is an access count statistic.

[0131] To accommodate different energy-saving modes (such as Doze, Low Capability, or Listening), affiliated access points can be configured with different compensation threshold gradients for more flexible energy-saving operations. For the gradient threshold field, one or more of the following fields can be used to indicate relevant information: Energy Saving Mode (PS Mode) field: Indicates the specific energy-saving mode the AP enters, including Doze, Low Capability, and Listening. Energy Saving Compensation Threshold (PS Compensation TH) field: The compensation threshold for different energy-saving modes. This indicates that when the count of access attempts or channel occupancy time exceeds this threshold, the access point (AP) will take corresponding compensation measures, such as allocating more access opportunities to the device or adjusting contention priority, and waking up affiliated access points that have entered energy-saving mode. This threshold can be based on the number of access attempts or access duration. Threshold Unit (TH Unit) field: The time unit for the compensation threshold. This field indicates the unit of time when the energy saving compensation threshold is based on channel access duration statistics. If the energy saving compensation threshold is based on the number of access attempts, this field is not needed. The presence of a unit ensures that the negotiation and calculation of the threshold are more accurate and operable. The Threshold Negotiation Support field indicates whether negotiation of compensation thresholds is allowed. It indicates whether the energy-saving compensation threshold allows non-access point devices (Non-AP STAs) to dynamically adjust it through negotiation. For example, if negotiation is supported, a Non-AP STA can request to adjust the threshold based on current network conditions to optimize communication performance.

[0132] Examples of PS Mode category codes are shown in Table 4.

[0133] Table 4: PS Mode Category Codes:

[0134] By setting appropriate compensation thresholds for different modes, the AP can more effectively balance energy saving and communication performance, achieving flexible support for multiple scenarios.

[0135] In the indication of energy-saving compensation thresholds, the meanings of the PS Compensation TH (Energy-Saving Compensation Threshold), TH Unit (Threshold Unit), and TH Negotiation Support fields are similar to those in the indication of fixed thresholds. Each energy-saving mode corresponds to a specific type code, which indicates the specific energy-saving mode, thereby enabling the adaptation of different thresholds to different energy-saving modes.

[0136] By providing specific PS Compensation TH, TH Unit, and TH Negotiation Support indications for each power-saving mode in the capability or information elements, access points can dynamically adapt compensation thresholds according to different power-saving modes. This design ensures the efficiency and flexibility of the power-saving mechanism in various communication scenarios, while minimizing the impact on legacy non-MLD STA devices.

[0137] Third embodiment: Enhanced Distributed Channel Access Parameter (EDCA Parameter) for AP power saving compensation settings:

[0138] In Solutions #1 and #2, when an affiliated access point (AP) of an Access Point Multi-Link Device (AP MLD) enters power-saving mode, the affiliated AP that is not performing power saving can reserve or share certain channel access opportunities for Legacy Non-Multi-Link Devices (Non-MLD STAs), or adjust their Enhanced Distributed Channel Access Parameters (EDCA Parameter), to prevent non-MLD STAs from being unable to access the channel for extended periods. Simultaneously, these measures can also dynamically adjust the state of the power-saving affiliated AP, switching it back from power-saving mode to active state.

[0139] Solution #1: Under the Target Wake Time (TWT) mechanism, updated EDCA parameters can be indicated by adding fields to the relevant Information Element (IE). This method allows the EDCA parameters not applicable to MLD STA during the TWT window to be indicated simultaneously with the TWT parameters being sent via broadcast, multicast, or unicast. These updated parameters are only valid during the TWT window and revert to the default configuration after the window ends.

[0140] Solution #2: For dynamic energy-saving compensation, changes to EDCA parameters are indicated through EDCA parameter set elements. Access points can use the Receiver Address (RA) field of the frame to indicate the STAs (or a list of STAs) that need to receive EDCA parameter updates. After the energy-saving compensation period ends, the default EDCA parameter configuration is restored via signaling.

[0141] To reduce channel access delay for non-MLD STAs, affiliated access points that are not energy-efficient can adjust one or more of the following EDCA parameter fields: R STA field: Indicates the STA or list of STAs whose EDCA parameter configuration needs updating. This can be identified by the Association Identifier (AID), MAC address, or STA type (e.g., non-MLD STA). AIFSN field: Indicates the updated AIFSN (Arbitration Inter-Frame Space Number). Different Access Categories (ACs) can be configured with different AIFSN values. CWmin field: Indicates the updated configuration of the Minimum Contention Window (CWmin). Different Access Categories can set independent CWmin values ​​to adjust the contention probability for channel access. CWmax field: Indicates the updated configuration of the Maximum Contention Window (CWmax). This parameter limits the upper limit of channel access delay. TXOP Limit field: Indicates the updated Transmission Opportunity Limit (TXOP Limit). Different access categories and physical layers (PHY) can be configured with different TXOP Limit values ​​to optimize channel occupancy time.

[0142] In some embodiments of this application, within the TWT window, TWT information elements are sent via broadcast, multicast, or unicast to indicate updated EDCA parameters for non-MLD STAs. The updated parameters take effect during the window, ensuring the priority of TWT members. Subsidiary access points that have not achieved energy savings send the updated EDCA parameters to the target STA via broadcast, multicast, or unicast signaling. After energy-saving compensation ends, the default EDCA parameter configuration is restored. Through flexible updating and configuration of EDCA parameters, this embodiment can significantly reduce the access latency of non-MLD STAs, improve their channel contention capability, and ensure the efficiency and flexibility of the energy-saving compensation mechanism. This method is applicable to different energy-saving modes and diverse network communication needs.

[0143] The access parameters defined in the current standard can be the default Enhanced Distributed Channel Access Parameters (EDCA Parameters) mentioned in some embodiments of this application. These EDCA parameters are standard configurations in existing Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) protocols and are suitable for optimizing channel access efficiency for different traffic types. Some embodiments of this application further propose dynamically adjusting these parameters to adapt to access compensation requirements in energy-saving mode.

[0144] Based on Solution #2, to enable Non-Multi-Link Devices (STAs) (Stations) to more easily access the channel after a preset threshold condition is met, the Access Point (AP) can dynamically configure updated Enhanced Distributed Channel Access Parameters (EDCA Parameters) for Non-MLD STAs. Specifically, one or more of the following configuration methods are used:

[0145] For each access category, the configuration of CWmin and / or CWmax parameters can be modified, updating aCWmin_1 and / or aCWmax_1, where aCWmin_1 ≤ aCWmin, aCWmax_1 ≤ aCWmax; for AC_VI and AC_VO, the configuration of CWmin and / or CWmax parameters is modified, setting the CWmin and / or CWmax parameters to (aCWmin+1) / 2. n-1, where n is a positive integer greater than 0, and n > the original default value; for each access category, configure a new AIFSN value, which is less than or equal to the original AIFSN value; for each access category, configure a new TXOP limit value, which is less than or equal to the original default value; the above parameters can be updated individually or together.

[0146] Furthermore, to enhance configuration flexibility, the AP can specify the effective time of EDCA parameter updates by adding indication fields to the current configuration. These fields include one or more of the following: the start and end times of the EDCA parameter update; or a direct indication of the duration of the EDCA parameter update. This approach enables more flexible and efficient dynamic configuration of EDCA parameters, ensuring that non-MLD STAs can quickly access the channel while simultaneously addressing energy-saving and network performance optimization needs.

[0147] Fourth Implementation Example: Switching Protection Time Information for AP Energy Saving Compensation Settings:

[0148] Before an Access Point (AP) enters power-saving mode, it needs to broadcast, multicast, or unicast the power-saving operation it is about to perform and the corresponding power-saving status, and additionally indicate the protection window information. During the protection window, the AP can perform one or more of the following operations: send a Basic Service Set (BSS) termination instruction to the relevant Station (STA); receive and send disconnection requests and responses; exchange STA information that needs to be reconnected with its Coordination Pair; and transmit buffered data. After the protection window ends, the AP will enter power-saving mode. The protection window parameters can be included in the AP Power Save Capability Element described in the first embodiment, or indicated by carrying one or more of the following fields in the AP Power Save Operation Information Element: Protection Window Duration field: Indicates the duration of the protection window reserved after the AP sends the dynamic power-saving operation announcement via broadcast, multicast, or unicast. This field can be based on a specific time unit. The `ProtectionStart` field indicates the start time of the protection window after the AP receives a dynamic energy-saving operation notification. The `ProtectionEnd` field indicates the end time of the protection window after the AP receives a dynamic energy-saving operation notification. The `ProtectionWindowUnit` field indicates the unit of measurement for the protection window duration after the dynamic energy-saving operation notification, used to standardize the measurement method for the protection window duration. The `ProtectionWindowNegotiationSupport` field indicates whether the AP supports site (STA) negotiation requests for the protection window duration. If supported, the STA can request the AP to extend or shorten the protection window duration based on the unit of measurement indicated in the `ProtectionWindowUnit` field.

[0149] In some embodiments of this application, the information related to the protection window is contained within the AP power-saving capability element or power-saving operation information element. Therefore, it is only received and parsed by Ultra High Throughput Stations (UHR STAs, STAs that support AP power-saving operations) or future evolved Non-AP STAs. Legacy STAs (STAs that do not support AP power-saving operations) cannot obtain this information and cannot participate in the negotiation of the protection window duration.

[0150] Legacy STAs rely entirely on BSS Termination Indications sent by the Access Point (AP). Upon receiving the BSS Termination Indication, these devices determine whether to send a disassociation request based on the indication's content, and then search for a new access point after disassociation. This design ensures backward compatibility and energy efficiency for the AP, guaranteeing the normal operation of legacy devices.

[0151] This embodiment provides a detailed method for configuring and indicating the protection time window in dynamic energy-saving operation, which not only enhances the access flexibility of UHR STA, but also provides a reasonable compatibility mechanism for Legacy STA that does not support energy-saving operation, thereby achieving a balance between AP energy saving and site communication performance.

[0152] Fifth Implementation Example: Coordination AP Pair Interaction Information for Inter-Service Base Set (Inter BSS) Energy Saving Compensation:

[0153] For Solutions #3 and #4, the Coordination AP Pair needs to exchange information on energy-saving capabilities, energy-saving operations, or energy-saving schedules. This ensures that when an Access Point (AP) enters energy-saving mode, its Coordination AP Pair can reserve access opportunities for Stations (STAs) that need to switch APs. As shown in Figure 3, AP1 can have multiple Coordination AP Pairs (such as AP2 and AP3). The APs can further negotiate one or more of the following information: the maximum number of STAs allowed to access (Access STA Limit); and the duration limit for reserved access periods (Access Window Duration Limit).

[0154] Based on this information, the AP can recommend target access points to STAs within the Basic Service Set (BSS) before energy-saving operations, thereby optimizing STA routing and speeding up the association establishment process.

[0155] Before an AP performs a power-saving operation, it sends relevant information about the operation to its coordinating access point pair (e.g., AP2 and AP3), including one or more of the following: AP PS Operation: Indicates the type of power-saving operation the AP is currently performing (e.g., Scheduled PS, Dynamic PS, etc.). AP PS Mode: Indicates the power-saving mode the AP is about to switch to (e.g., Doze, Low Capability, etc.). PS Duration: Indicates the duration of the AP's scheduled power-saving operation. PS Interval: Indicates the window interval for the AP to schedule power-saving operations. Scheduled PS Unit: Indicates the time unit for scheduling power-saving operations (e.g., milliseconds, seconds, etc.).

[0156] When AP1 is preparing to enter power-saving mode, its coordinating access point pair (such as AP2 and AP3) can send one or more of the following information to AP1: Access Window Duration: Indicates the duration of the access window during which a STA on BSS1 can send association requests to AP2 or AP3 after AP1 enters power-saving mode. Access STA Limit: Indicates the maximum number of STAs that AP2 or AP3 can associate with after AP1 enters power-saving mode. The access window can be terminated early when the number of associated STAs reaches this limit.

[0157] In addition, AP2 and AP3 can send their own capability information and BSS2 and BSS3 operation information to AP1, so that AP1 can send this information to STAs in BSS1 via broadcast, multicast or unicast, thereby reducing the interaction burden when STAs establish association requests and responses with AP2 or AP3 and speeding up the association reconstruction process.

[0158] This information can be exchanged between APs via wireless transmission (such as management frames and control frames) or wired transmission (such as Ethernet and fiber optics). The specific information transmission method is not limited by this invention.

[0159] Based on resource reservation of Collaborative Target Wake Time (Co-rTWT), in energy-saving compensation scenarios between BSSs, AP1 and AP2 can negotiate the window setting of Collaborative Target Wake Time (Co-rTWT) to ensure that AP2 remains active within the rTWT window and provides STAs of BSS1 with a fast association opportunity.

[0160] Through the above design, some embodiments of this application realize efficient energy-saving information exchange and resource scheduling between APs, provide stable access guarantee for STAs, and reduce the adverse impact of energy-saving operations on network performance.

[0161] Sixth Embodiment: Power Saving Compensation and Fast Basic Service Set Switching Across Inter-BSS Based on Target Wake Time (TWT) or Restricted Target Wake Time (r-TWT): In this embodiment, AP1 and AP2 form a Coordination AP Pair, negotiating power saving compensation strategies for AP1's Scheduled Power Save (PS) operation. As shown in Figure 4A, AP1 is located within BSS1, where STA1 is a site device supporting Ultra High Reliability (UHR), and STA2 is a legacy site device; AP2 is located within BSS2, where STA3 is its associated site device.

[0162] AP Negotiation and TWT / r-TWT Resource Reservation: After AP1 and AP2 complete negotiation, AP2 obtains AP1's energy-saving operation schedule. After AP1 enters energy-saving mode, to avoid issues such as STAs in BSS1 losing channel synchronization and being unable to interact in real time, AP2, based on AP1's energy-saving operation schedule, reserves certain access resources for BSS1 STAs and sends notifications to STAs in BSS2 via broadcast, multicast, or unicast through TWT or r-TWT elements. During this broadcast, multicast, or unicast, it is explicitly specified that within the TWT or r-TWT Service Period (SP) window, BSS2 STAs remain silent and are not allowed to perform channel access operations.

[0163] Simultaneously, AP2 indicates its reserved access window duration to AP1. This window duration is less than or equal to the restricted TWT SP duration sent by AP2 within BSS2 via broadcast, multicast, or unicast. When multiple coordinating access points (Coordination APs) exist, the APs can recommend target APs with different priorities to STAs based on parameters such as the access window duration of each access point and the maximum number of STAs allowed to be associated.

[0164] In some embodiments of this application, before entering the energy-saving state, the affiliated AP sends the scheduled energy-saving operation parameters via broadcast, multicast, or unicast, including: the affiliated AP sending its energy-saving operation and energy-saving schedule on the corresponding link via broadcast, multicast, or unicast, and switching from the active state to the sleep state. The AP sends energy-saving information and BSS termination instructions via broadcast, multicast, or unicast. After completing energy-saving negotiation, AP1 sends energy-saving related information, including energy-saving operation category, energy-saving state, and energy-saving schedule, to the UHR STAs within BSS1 via broadcast, multicast, or unicast (see the definitions in the fifth embodiment). The UHR STAs can understand AP1's energy-saving time window and information related to switching from the energy-saving state to the active state based on the content broadcast, multicast, or unicast.

[0165] In some embodiments of this application, before entering energy-saving mode, the affiliated access point (AP) sends scheduled energy-saving operation parameters, including energy-saving operations and energy-saving schedules, via broadcast, multicast, or unicast to switch from active to sleep mode. Simultaneously, the AP can send energy-saving information and Basic Service Set (BSS) termination instructions via broadcast, multicast, or unicast, and after completing energy-saving negotiation, send energy-saving related information to the Ultra-High Reliability (UHR) STAs within its BSS. This information is transmitted via broadcast, multicast, or unicast, including detailed content such as energy-saving operation categories, energy-saving states, and energy-saving schedules (see the definitions in the fifth embodiment). Based on the received content, the UHR STA can understand the AP's energy-saving time window and related information on switching from energy-saving to active mode, thereby adjusting its own operating mode to adapt to the AP's energy-saving behavior.

[0166] For legacy STAs within BSS1, before AP1 enters the energy-saving window, AP1 indicates the BSS termination and activation time to them via a Basic Service Set Transition Management Frame. The BSS termination indication does not take effect immediately, but is synchronized with the energy-saving mode switching time broadcast, multicast, or unicast to UHR STAs.

[0167] As shown in Figure 4B, after receiving the BSS termination instruction, the STA can send a disassociation request to AP1 and accept a disassociation response from AP1. In the disassociation response frame, AP1 will recommend the address of the target AP2 to which the association can be re-established or the transferred BSS2 ID to the STA. In addition, AP1 can also indicate the capability information of AP2 and the operation element of BSS2 to reduce the amount of content exchanged between the STA and AP2 and quickly complete the reassociation process.

[0168] As shown in Figure 4C, AP1 can also proactively send a disassociation request to traditional STAs after sending a PS operation or BSS termination indication via broadcast, multicast, or unicast. This request should include information related to the target BSS handover, such as the address or BSS2ID of AP2. Similarly, AP1 can indicate AP2's capability information and BSS2's operational information, further accelerating the association reconstruction process.

[0169] AP1 declares its energy-saving operation capabilities; it also transfers the STA list and data. Before AP1 enters energy-saving mode, AP1 sends the list of STAs to be re-associated or specific STA information to AP2. In addition, it can also send the capability information of these STAs and buffered data to AP2 to assist in quickly completing the BSS handover process.

[0170] During the TWT service period, within the TWT window reserved by AP2, AP1 enters power-saving mode. STAs in BSS1 that have been disconnected can send an association request to AP2 during this window to complete the association reconstruction process. STAs in BSS2, however, must remain silent during this window and are not allowed to access the channel.

[0171] Through the above mechanism, some embodiments of this application provide stable communication guarantees for STAs within BSS1 during AP1 scheduling energy saving, ensuring that they can quickly complete the basic service set handover and minimizing the adverse impact of energy-saving operations on network performance.

[0172] Seventh Implementation: Energy-Saving Compensation for Inter-Service Sets (Inter-BSS) Based on Non-overlap Co-restricted Target Wake Time (Non-overlap Co-rTWT) - Fast Basic Service Set Transition:

[0173] This embodiment uses BSS1 and BSS2 from the sixth embodiment as examples to demonstrate how to achieve energy-saving compensation between basic service sets through non-overlap Co-rTWT. As shown in Figure 5, unlike the sixth embodiment, AP1 and AP2 negotiate the Co-rTWT parameter, allocating non-overlapping Co-rTWT windows for BSS1 and BSS2 respectively. The negotiation result is communicated to all stations (STAs) within the BSS via broadcast, multicast, or unicast. During the Co-rTWT service period (SP) window belonging to BSS1, STAs in BSS2 remain silent and do not conduct wireless communication.

[0174] AP1's energy-saving operation and STA rapid transition: AP1 enters energy-saving state according to the negotiated Co-rTWT window parameters and notifies STAs within BSS1 through one or more of the following methods: UHR STAs: Sends energy-saving operation-related information, including energy-saving status and schedule, to STAs supporting Ultra High Reliability (UHR) via broadcast, multicast, or unicast. Legacy STAs: Sends Basic Service Set Termination (BSS Termination) instructions and the termination effective time to legacy site equipment via broadcast, multicast, or unicast.

[0175] Similar to the sixth embodiment, upon receiving the BSS termination instruction, non-AP STAs within BSS1 can send a disassociation request to AP1. AP1, in its disassociation response, recommends the ID of a switchable Basic Service Set (BSS) or the address of an Access Point (AP), and may include the recommended AP's capability information, BSS operation parameters, etc. Furthermore, AP1 sends a list of disassociated STAs or related information to AP2.

[0176] During the access resource reservation of AP2, all STAs in BSS2 remain silent and will not initiate wireless communication with AP2 within the Co-rTWT service window of AP1. At this time, STAs in BSS1 that have been de-associated can send association or re-association requests to AP2 and complete the fast association process within the reserved access window.

[0177] Another implementation method, similar to the second method in the sixth embodiment, allows AP1 to proactively send a disassociation request to the STA. In the disassociation request, AP1 can carry a recommended BSS handover ID or the address of the target AP, along with the recommended AP's capability information, BSS operation parameters, etc., to help the STA quickly complete the handover and association process. This invention does not limit the information transmission method.

[0178] In this embodiment, AP1 and AP2 negotiate a non-overlapping Co-rTWT window to achieve energy-saving compensation between basic service sets, ensuring that STAs in BSS1 can quickly switch to other available APs during AP1's energy-saving period, thereby ensuring the stability and efficiency of communication, while reducing the impact of energy-saving operations on network performance.

[0179] Eighth Implementation: Energy-saving compensation and fast basic service set conversion between Inter-BSS based on Multi-Link Operation (MLO)

[0180] This embodiment differs from the sixth or seventh embodiment, demonstrating the scenario where AP2 is an affiliated AP of an Access Point Multi-Link Device (AP MLD). As shown in Figure 6, AP1 and the affiliated AP1 of the AP MLD negotiate an AP power-saving operation, which can be scheduled or dynamic. Scheduled Power Save Operation: AP1 negotiates the scheduling time information for its power-saving operation with the affiliated AP1 of the AP MLD. Dynamic Power Save Operation: AP1 negotiates the protection time information for its power-saving operation with the affiliated AP1 of the AP MLD. After the negotiation is completed, the affiliated AP1 of the AP MLD obtains the time when AP1 enters the power-saving state and reserves access resources for the associated requests of BSS1's Station (STA) within the corresponding time.

[0181] The operation of AP1 in instructing STAs within BSS1 to perform energy-saving operations or terminate Basic Service Sets (BSS) is consistent with the aforementioned embodiments and will not be repeated here. When AP1, the auxiliary access point of AP MLD, receives the STA deassociation information indicated by AP1, or detects through timing that AP1 is about to enter energy-saving mode, AP1 maps the data traffic transmitted on Link 1 to other links within a certain period of time using a Link Mapping Frame (TID to Link Mapping Frame). This time is the Access Window Duration indicated by AP1 to AP1. During this period, non-AP MLD devices within BSS2 complete wireless communication through other links. For deassociated STAs, they can re-initiate the association process with AP1 within the reserved access window duration.

[0182] In this embodiment, the disassociation operation can be implemented in one or more of the following ways: Active disassociation request: The AP actively sends a disassociation request to the STA, carrying the recommended Basic Service Set Transition (BSS Transition) ID or target access point address (AP Address), as well as the capability information of the recommended access point, BSS operation information, etc. Passive disassociation request: After receiving the Basic Service Set termination information sent by the AP, the STA sends a disassociation request to the AP. The AP indicates the recommended Basic Service Set ID or access point address through a disassociation response, along with corresponding information. Both methods are applicable to this embodiment, and the present invention does not limit them.

[0183] During the reserved access window, the AP MLD's auxiliary access point AP1 supports STAs within BSS1 that have been disassociated from each other to re-initiate the association process via other links. By flexibly utilizing link mapping technology in the AP MLD's auxiliary access point, this embodiment achieves AP energy saving while ensuring the wireless communication stability of site equipment within BSS1 and improving the resource utilization efficiency of multi-link devices.

[0184] Ninth Implementation: Energy Saving and Compensation within the Intra BSS - Threshold Method

[0185] As shown in Figure 7, when an affiliated access point (AP) of an Access Point Multi-Link Device (AP MLD1) enters power-saving mode, it will send a message on the corresponding link indicating its switch from Active Mode to Power Save Mode via broadcast, multicast, or unicast. Simultaneously, the broadcast, multicast, or unicast message may carry the first PS Compensation Threshold information upon which power-saving compensation is based. In this case, with the AP switching power-saving modes, the link may become inaccessible or accessible only via Low Capability Physical Layer Protocol Data Units (Low Capability PPDUs).

[0186] At this time, the active access point (Active AP1) on the primary link will statistically analyze the channel access parameters of the non-AP MLD, such as the channel access time and the number of accesses. When the statistical results show that the access parameters exceed the first threshold, it indicates that one of the following situations may have occurred:

[0187] Non-AP MLD does not actively wake up auxiliary access points in power-saving mode via Link Wake-up Frame (ICF);

[0188] Non-MLD STA devices that only support the primary link have been unable to access the channel for an extended period of time.

[0189] To address the above issues, the AP MLD will proactively wake up auxiliary access points in power-saving mode. After a certain delay, the auxiliary access point switches back from power-saving mode to active mode and sends its mode switch information on the corresponding link via broadcast, multicast, or unicast, instructing the STAs on the link to resume wireless communication.

[0190] Meanwhile, the active access point AP1 will compete for channel access and, upon acquiring a transmission opportunity (TXOP), will trigger a non-MLD STA to access the channel via a trigger frame to complete data communication. If a non-MLD STA indicates in its response to the trigger frame that it has no data to transmit, the active access point AP1 will release the TXOP resource it has already occupied.

[0191] Once the secondary access point switches back to active status, AP1 will cease energy-saving compensation operations to restore normal energy-saving management mode. This method ensures channel access opportunities for non-multi-link devices in a single basic service set environment by dynamically waking up the energy-saving secondary access point, while reducing the impact of energy-saving mode on overall network performance.

[0192] This embodiment demonstrates the specific operation process of dynamic energy-saving compensation based on a first threshold, which further improves the utilization efficiency of network resources and communication reliability.

[0193] Tenth Implementation: Energy Saving and Compensation within the Intra BSS - Threshold Method

[0194] As shown in Figure 8, the process before channel access parameter statistics in this embodiment is similar to that in embodiment 9, and will not be described again here. Unlike embodiment 9, this embodiment further demonstrates how the first threshold information is broadcast, multicast, or unicast by the active access point (Active AP1), and the negotiation process for threshold updates between the ultra-high rate station (UHR STA) and the AP.

[0195] When transmitting the first threshold information via broadcast, multicast, or unicast, if Active AP1 indicates that the threshold information supports negotiation, the UHR STA can initiate a negotiation request for updating the threshold information. Upon receiving the negotiation request from the UHR STA, Active AP1 updates the threshold and then notifies the stations (STAs) in the network of the updated threshold information again. This negotiation mechanism allows the threshold information to be dynamically adjusted to adapt to actual network load and communication needs.

[0196] After the affiliated access points (Affiliated AP2 and AP3) enter power-saving mode, Active AP1 begins to collect channel access parameters (such as access count or access duration). When the access parameters exceed the updated threshold, Active AP1 will trigger one or more of the following compensation measures:

[0197] Update the Enhanced Distributed Channel Access (EDCA) parameter for Non-Multi-Link Devices (Non-MLD STAs): For example, configure a shorter Arbitration Inter-Frame Space Number (AIFSN) for Non-MLD STAs to increase their priority for obtaining channel access opportunities.

[0198] Wake up energy-saving affiliated access points: AP MLD will actively wake up the affiliated AP in energy-saving mode and complete the mode switch after wake-up (e.g., switch from energy-saving mode to active mode).

[0199] Link access restoration: After completing the mode switch, the Affiliated AP will broadcast, multicast, or unicast on the corresponding link to notify the STAs on the link to restore communication functionality. At this time, non-MLD STAs can obtain a Transmission Opportunity (TXOP) based on the updated EDCA parameters and complete data transmission.

[0200] Stop energy saving compensation: After other links resume high-capacity communication, Active AP1 will stop energy saving compensation operations, specifically including: stopping the statistics of channel access parameters; and restoring the EDCA parameters to the default configuration of the Basic Service Set (BSS).

[0201] This embodiment demonstrates dynamic threshold adjustment and its application in energy-saving compensation. By negotiating and updating the threshold with UHR STAs, and combining EDCA parameter optimization and auxiliary access point wake-up operations, more efficient channel access support for non-MLD STAs is achieved, while reducing the impact of energy-saving mode on overall network performance.

[0202] Eleventh Example: Energy Saving and Compensation within the Intra BSS - Scheduled Wake-up Time (TWT):

[0203] As shown in Figure 9, unlike the ninth and tenth embodiments, this embodiment demonstrates that when an Affiliated Access Point (AAP) of an Access Point Multi-Link Device (AP MLD) performs a Scheduled Target Wake Time (TWT) energy-saving operation, it sends energy-saving operation-related parameters, including state switching and energy-saving schedule information, on the corresponding link via broadcast, multicast, or unicast. The Active Access Point (Active AP1) sends the TWT parameters of its Primary Link via broadcast, multicast, or unicast according to the energy-saving schedules of other Affiliated Access Points. This divides the access resources into Enhanced Distributed Channel Access (EDCA) periods and TWT Service Periods (TWT SPs) during the energy-saving duration. In some embodiments of this application, before entering the energy-saving state, the affiliated AP sends the scheduled energy-saving operation parameters via broadcast, multicast, or unicast, including: the affiliated AP sends its energy-saving operation and energy-saving schedule via broadcast, multicast, or unicast on the corresponding link, and switches from the active state to the sleep state.

[0204] This embodiment demonstrates how, when an Affiliated Access Point (AP) of an Access Point Multi-Link Device (AP MLD) performs a Scheduled Target Wake Time (TWT) energy-saving operation, it transmits energy-saving operation-related parameters, including state switching information and energy-saving schedules, on the corresponding link via broadcast, multicast, or unicast. The Active Access Point (Active AP1), based on the energy-saving schedules of other Affiliated Access Points, transmits the TWT parameters of its Primary Link via broadcast, multicast, or unicast, thereby dividing access resources into Enhanced Distributed Channel Access (EDCA) periods and TWT Service Periods (TWT SPs) during the energy-saving duration. Furthermore, before entering the energy-saving state, the Affiliated Access Point transmits its energy-saving operation and detailed energy-saving schedule via broadcast, multicast, or unicast, switching from an active state to a sleep state to ensure that related devices can adjust their operating modes in a timely manner to adapt to energy-saving behavior.

[0205] During power-saving operation, the main link where Active AP1 is located divides channel access resources into one or more of the following parts: EDCA Period: During this period, non-multi-link devices (Non-MLD STAs) on the link access the channel through channel contention. TWT SP: A portion of the TWT time slots is allocated specifically to serve Non-MLD STAs to prevent them from being unable to access the channel for extended periods. Outside of the TWT SP, TWT members can choose to enter power-saving mode without engaging in channel contention.

[0206] When transmitting restricted TWT elements via broadcast, multicast, or unicast, Active AP1 can instruct TWT members or Non-MLD STAs to configure EDCA parameters specifically for them to achieve one or more of the following objectives: In the TWT SP, only TWT members are allowed to access the channel; or, more competitive EDCA parameters are configured for Non-MLD STAs to make it easier for them to obtain channel access opportunities. Dynamic compensation in the TWT SP: In the TWT SP, if it is an explicit TWT, Active AP1 can instruct the activation of the TWT SP via a trigger frame. The trigger frame can dynamically update one or more of the following: the TWT element; the TWT member list; and the TWT-specific EDCA parameters. Through this mechanism, a more flexible energy-saving compensation effect is achieved.

[0207] This embodiment demonstrates how, in energy-saving operations during wake-up scheduling, by rationally allocating channel resources, broadcasting, multicasting, or unicasting TWT parameters, and dynamically updating EDCA parameters, better channel access support can be provided for Non-MLD STAs, ensuring their communication needs. At the same time, the energy-saving compensation effect of APs is optimized, reducing the negative impact of energy-saving operations on network performance.

[0208] Twelfth Example: Energy Saving and Compensation Use Case for Access Points (APs) Using a Multi-Method Combination Approach

[0209] As shown in Figure 10, this embodiment demonstrates the combined use of AP power saving and compensation methods within an Intra Basic Service Set (Intra BSS) and between Inter Basic Service Sets (Inter BSS). This embodiment is applicable to scheduled and / or dynamic AP power save (PS) operations.

[0210] In the energy-saving and compensation process, the internal real-time processes and possible signaling interactions of each method have been described in detail in the aforementioned embodiments (such as embodiments 2 to 11), and the specific details will not be repeated here. The following describes the application scenarios and advantages of combining the methods: In the Inter-BSS scenario, the Coordination AP Pair method based on TWT (Target Wake Time) or r-TWT (Restricted Target Wake Time) is used to ensure that the non-multi-link devices (Non-MLD STAs) associated with the energy-saving AP can quickly complete the Basic Service Set Transition by dividing the access resource window. In the Intra-BSS scenario, better channel access conditions are provided for non-MLD STAs by adjusting EDCA (Enhanced Distributed Channel Access) parameters and broadcasting TWT-specific configurations.

[0211] In scenarios involving basic service sets, APs dynamically share energy-saving status information. By protecting time windows and exchanging STA information, they coordinate to reserve access opportunities for STAs from APs that are not saving energy. In scenarios within basic service sets, APs that are not saving energy dynamically wake up affiliated APs that have entered energy-saving state by statistically analyzing channel access parameters, and reallocate EDCA parameters to meet the communication needs of STAs that have not accessed the channel for a long time. By combining Intra BSS and Inter BSS energy-saving compensation methods, the stability and reliability of network communication are ensured while reducing AP energy consumption, especially in scenarios with high load or many STAs. Whether it is Scheduled PS or Dynamic PS operation, the combination of various methods can dynamically adjust the compensation strategy according to network needs to achieve efficient resource utilization. Optimal access conditions are configured for Non-MLD STAs to avoid long-term communication interruptions caused by AP energy-saving operations, thus improving user experience.

[0212] This embodiment demonstrates a flexible and efficient AP energy-saving solution by combining the energy-saving and compensation methods of the foregoing embodiments. In practical applications, the applicable compensation strategy is dynamically selected based on the network scenario and AP configuration, which not only improves energy-saving performance but also ensures network performance and communication requirements.

[0213] In summary, this application addresses the impact of access point (AP) power-saving operations on non-AP stations (STAs) within a Basic Service Set (BSS) by designing power-saving compensation mechanisms for both inter-BSS and intra-BSS scenarios. In the inter-BSS scenario, information exchange between AP coordination pairs enables STAs to quickly complete association transfer during power-saving periods, avoiding connection interruptions and media synchronization loss. In the intra-BSS scenario, at least one associated AP remains active, reserving access opportunities for STAs that do not support Multi-Link Operation (MLO), and dynamically adjusting the status of the power-saving AP based on the channel access frequency. This invention supports various types of APs (such as soft APs, mobile APs, and multi-link device APs) and is applicable to both scheduled and unscheduled power-saving operations, while providing compensation schemes based on Multi-Link Reliability (MLMR), Multi-Link Single Radio (MLSR), and Enhanced Multi-Link Single Radio (eMLSR). By designing various capability elements and information elements (IEs), including energy-saving methods, handover delay, compensation threshold, EDCA parameter update, and handover protection time, the system ensures efficient access and communication performance of STAs during energy-saving periods and achieves flexible support and backward compatibility for different operating modes.

[0214] Figure 11 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device 500 provided in an embodiment of this application. This communication device can be a relay communication device, an access point (AP), or a standby station (STA). The communication device 500 shown in Figure 11 includes a processor 510, which can call and run computer programs from memory to implement the methods in the embodiments of this application. In some embodiments of this application, the AP includes an AP STA or an AP MLD, and the STA includes an AP STA or a non-AP STA or an AP MLD or a non-AP MLD.

[0215] Optionally, as shown in FIG11, the communication device 500 may further include a memory 520. The processor 510 can retrieve and run computer programs from the memory 520 to implement the methods in the embodiments of this application. The memory 520 may be a separate device independent of the processor 510, or it may be integrated into the processor 510.

[0216] Optionally, as shown in Figure 11, the communication device 500 may further include a transceiver 530. The processor 510 can control the transceiver 530 to communicate with other devices. Specifically, it can send information or data to other devices or receive information or data sent by other devices. The transceiver 530 may include a transmitter and a receiver. The transceiver 530 may further include an antenna, and the number of antennas may be one or more.

[0217] Optionally, the communication device 500 may specifically be a relay communication device in the embodiments of this application, and the communication device 500 may implement the corresponding processes implemented by the relay communication device in the various methods of the embodiments of this application. For the sake of brevity, it will not be described in detail here.

[0218] Optionally, the communication device 500 may specifically be an AP in the embodiments of this application, and the communication device 500 may implement the corresponding processes implemented by the AP in the various methods of the embodiments of this application. For the sake of brevity, it will not be described in detail here.

[0219] Optionally, the communication device 500 may specifically be a STA in the embodiments of this application, and the communication device 500 may implement the corresponding processes implemented by the STA in the various methods of the embodiments of this application. For the sake of brevity, it will not be described in detail here. In some embodiments of this application, the STA includes an AP STA or a non-AP STA or an AP MLD or a non-AP MLD.

[0220] Figure 12 is a schematic structural diagram of a chip according to an embodiment of this application. The chip 600 shown in Figure 12 includes a processor 610, which can call and run computer programs from memory to implement the methods in the embodiments of this application.

[0221] Optionally, as shown in FIG12, chip 600 may further include memory 620. Processor 610 can call and run computer programs from memory 620 to implement the methods in the embodiments of this application. Memory 620 may be a separate device independent of processor 610, or it may be integrated into processor 610.

[0222] Optionally, the chip 600 may also include an input interface 630. The processor 610 can control the input interface 630 to communicate with other devices or chips; specifically, it can acquire information or data sent by other devices or chips.

[0223] Optionally, the chip 600 may also include an output interface 640. The processor 610 can control the output interface 640 to communicate with other devices or chips, specifically, to output information or data to other devices or chips.

[0224] Optionally, the chip can be applied to the relay communication device in the embodiments of this application, and the chip can implement the corresponding processes implemented by the relay communication device in the various methods of the embodiments of this application. For the sake of brevity, it will not be described in detail here.

[0225] Optionally, the chip can be applied to the AP in the embodiments of this application, and the chip can implement the corresponding processes implemented by the AP in the various methods of the embodiments of this application. For the sake of brevity, it will not be described in detail here.

[0226] Optionally, the chip can be applied to the STA in the embodiments of this application, and the chip can implement the corresponding processes implemented by the STA in the various methods of the embodiments of this application. For the sake of brevity, it will not be described in detail here.

[0227] It should be understood that, in the implementation process, each step of the above method embodiments can be completed by integrated logic circuits in hardware or by instructions in software form.

[0228] It is understood that the memory in the embodiments of this application may be volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memory. It should be noted that the memory of the systems and methods described herein is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory. Embodiments of this application also provide a computer-readable storage medium for storing a computer program.

[0229] Optionally, the computer-readable storage medium may specifically be a relay node in the embodiments of this application, and the computer-readable storage medium can implement the corresponding processes implemented by the relay node in the various methods of the embodiments of this application. For the sake of brevity, it will not be described in detail here. Optionally, the computer-readable storage medium may specifically be a STA in the embodiments of this application, and the computer-readable storage medium can implement the corresponding processes implemented by the STA in the various methods of the embodiments of this application. For the sake of brevity, it will not be described in detail here.

[0230] This application also provides a computer program product, including computer program instructions.

[0231] Optionally, the computer program product may specifically be a relay node in the embodiments of this application, and the computer program product may implement the corresponding processes implemented by the relay node in the various methods of the embodiments of this application. For the sake of brevity, it will not be described in detail here. Optionally, the computer program product may specifically be a STA in the embodiments of this application, and the computer program product may implement the corresponding processes implemented by the STA in the various methods of the embodiments of this application. For the sake of brevity, it will not be described in detail here.

[0232] This application also provides a computer program. Optionally, the computer program may specifically be a relay node in the embodiments of this application, and the computer program can implement the corresponding processes implemented by the relay node in the various methods of the embodiments of this application. For simplicity, it will not be described in detail here. Optionally, the computer program may specifically be a STA in the embodiments of this application, and the computer program can implement the corresponding processes implemented by the STA in the various methods of the embodiments of this application. For simplicity, it will not be described in detail here.

[0233] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. 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.

[0234] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included 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. An energy-efficient communication method, executed in an access point multilink device (AP MLD), comprising: The affiliated access points (APs) of the AP MLD declare their energy-saving operation capabilities; Before entering the energy-saving state, the affiliated APs of the AP MLD send scheduled or unscheduled energy-saving operation parameters via broadcast, multicast, or unicast. Affiliated APs that are not in energy-saving mode perform energy-saving compensation operations for associated STAs that do not support multi-link operations based on the scheduled energy-saving operation parameters, and / or the affiliated APs that are not in energy-saving mode statistically analyze the channel access parameters of associated STAs that support multi-link operations based on the unscheduled energy-saving operation parameters. When the channel access parameters reach a threshold, energy-saving compensation operations are performed and / or the affiliated APs that are in energy-saving mode are switched to the non-energy-saving mode, and the associated STAs that support multi-link operations are notified.

2. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to claim 1, wherein, Before entering the energy-saving state, the affiliated AP sends the scheduled energy-saving operation parameters via broadcast, multicast, or unicast, including: The affiliated AP sends its energy-saving operation and energy-saving schedule on the corresponding link via broadcast, multicast or unicast, and switches from active state to sleep state.

3. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The affiliated AP that is not in energy-saving mode performs one or more of the following operations: Based on the energy-saving schedules of other affiliated APs, the Target Wake-up Time (TWT) parameter is sent via broadcast, multicast, or unicast, wherein the TWT parameter indicates access resource allocation information during the energy-saving duration; In the access resource allocation information, the main link where the affiliated AP that has not entered the energy-saving state is located is divided into Enhanced Distributed Channel Access Period (EDCA Period) and TWT Service Period (TWT SP); During the EDCA Period, non-MLD STAs on the main link access the channel by competing for the channel. Within the TWT SP, access resources are reserved for the Non-MLD STA; and / or The reserved resource restriction applies only to TWT members accessing the channel.

4. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to claim 3, wherein, The TWT SP is enabled via a trigger frame, in which one or more of the following updates are performed: TWT element; TWT member; and / or TWT EDCA parameter.

5. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The associated AP that has not entered the energy-saving state performs the energy-saving compensation operation for the associated STA that does not support multi-link operation based on the energy-saving operation parameters of the scheduling, including: The affiliated APs that have not entered the energy-saving state send the target wake-up time (TWT) parameter or the limited target wake-up time (r-TWT) parameter configuration via broadcast, multicast or unicast, corresponding to the energy-saving schedule on the other links, and reserve a certain access time window for the associated STAs that do not support multi-link operation.

6. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to claim 5, wherein, Within the access time window, perform one or more of the following compensation operations on the associated STAs that do not support multi-link operation: Negotiate a TWT or r-TWT window with the associated STA that does not support multi-link operation, designate the associated STA that does not support multi-link operation as a TWT member, and allow only the TWT member to access during the TWT service period; and / or TWT or r-TWT elements are sent via broadcast, multicast, or unicast. During the TWT service period, new EDCA parameters are configured for the associated STA that does not support multi-link operation, thereby assisting the associated STA that does not support multi-link operation in obtaining a transmission opportunity (TXOP) during the TWT service period.

7. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to claim 1, wherein, When the channel access parameters reach the threshold, the energy-saving compensation operation includes one or more of the following operations: The AP MLD provides a certain amount of access opportunity compensation for non-MLD STAs on links that have not undergone energy saving; and / or The AP MLD wakes up affiliated APs that have entered power-saving or sleep mode, and broadcasts, multicasts, or unicasts them on their links to switch from sleep to active state.

8. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to claim 7, wherein, The AP MLD performs one or more of the following access opportunity compensation operations: The affiliated AP that has not entered the energy-saving state actively competes for channel access opportunities and allocates / shares the channel access opportunities with the associated STA on its link that does not support multi-link operation; The affiliated APs that are not in power-saving mode adjust the EDCA set configuration on their links to configure high-priority contention access parameters (EDCA parameters) for the associated STAs that do not support multi-link operation; and / or The AP MLD wakes up the affiliated AP that has entered power-saving or sleep mode and broadcasts on its link that it has switched from the sleep state to the active state.

9. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to claim 1 or 8, wherein, If the channel access parameter is the number of channel accesses of the Non-AP MLD, then the threshold is a certain upper limit of the number of accesses; and / or if the channel access parameter is the transmission time occupied by the Non-AP MLD within a certain period of time, then the threshold is a certain upper limit of the time / time ratio.

10. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, The threshold is a fixed value or a gradient value set based on the energy-saving state.

11. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to claim 10, wherein, When the affiliated AP enters power-saving mode, the threshold is set to the fixed value; or When the affiliated AP enters a sleep state, a low-capacity or limited-capacity state, or a listening state, the threshold is set to the gradient value according to the different energy-saving states.

12. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein, The affiliated AP that has not entered energy-saving mode sends one or more of the following information via broadcast, multicast, or unicast through energy-saving operation-related information elements or fields carrying the scheduled or unscheduled energy-saving operation parameters: The threshold; Energy-saving operation type; Energy-saving status and corresponding parameters.

13. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to claim 12, wherein, The affiliated AP that has not entered the energy-saving state receives a threshold update negotiation request from the STA, sends a threshold update negotiation response to the STA, updates the threshold, and then sends the updated threshold to the STA.

14. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to claim 13, wherein, The negotiation response to the threshold update includes agreement, rejection, feedback of suggested values, and / or postponement of the update.

15. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to claim 12, wherein, Upon detecting that the channel access parameters exceed the threshold, the affiliated AP that is not in power-saving mode actively wakes up the affiliated AP that is in power-saving mode and performs one or more of the following operations: Switch the communication mode of the affiliated AP that is in power-saving mode; On the switched-off link, a notification is sent via broadcast, multicast, or unicast to indicate that the relevant STA link has been restored to access.

16. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to claim 15, wherein, The affiliated AP that has not entered the energy-saving state will stop the energy-saving compensation operation after all links resume high-capacity communication, and restore the EDCA parameters to the default configuration of the basic service set.

17. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to claim 6 or 8, wherein, The EDCA parameter includes one or more of the following fields: Arbitration Inter-Frame Interval Number (AIFSN) field; Minimum Contention Window field; Maximum Contention Window field; Transmission Opportunity Limit field; and the effective time range field of the EDCA parameter, including start time, end time, or duration.

18. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to claim 16 or 17, wherein, The EDCA parameter update may be based on one or more of the following rules: adjust the minimum contention window value and / or the maximum contention window value to a configuration less than the default value; update AIFSN to a value less than or equal to the original value; Update the transmission opportunity limit value to be less than or equal to the original value.

19. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein, The affiliated AP that has not entered the energy-saving state sends or updates the applicable time range of the EDCA parameters through the broadcast, multicast, or unicast method.

20. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein, The energy-saving operation capability declaration includes an energy-saving support field, indicating whether the affiliated AP supports energy-saving operation, and / or an energy-saving compensation support field, indicating whether the affiliated AP supports energy-saving compensation operation.

21. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to claim 20, wherein, When the energy-saving support field indicates that the affiliated AP supports the energy-saving operation, the energy-saving operation field indicates the supported energy-saving operation category, which includes one or more of the following categories: AP scheduling energy saving; AP dynamic energy saving; AP semi-dynamic energy saving; AP hybrid energy saving, wherein AP hybrid energy saving refers to AP energy saving operation that combines AP scheduling energy saving and AP dynamic energy saving.

22. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to claim 20 or 21, wherein, When the energy-saving support field indicates that the affiliated AP supports the energy-saving operation, the energy-saving mode switching delay field indicates the delay time required for the affiliated AP to switch back from the energy-saving state to the non-energy-saving state after entering the energy-saving state.

23. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to claim 22, wherein, The delay time is indicated by the mode switching type field and the delay time field as one or more of the following delay times: the delay time for switching from sleep state to on state; the delay time for switching from low capability state to high capability state; the delay time for switching from listening state to the high capability state; and the delay time for switching from sleep state to the low capability state.

24. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to any one of claims 20 to 23, wherein, When the energy-saving compensation support field indicates that the affiliated AP supports energy-saving compensation operation, the energy-saving compensation operation field indicates the supported energy-saving compensation category, which includes one or more of the following categories: AP scheduling energy-saving compensation between basic service sets; Dynamic energy-saving compensation for APs between basic service sets; scheduling energy-saving compensation for APs within basic service sets; dynamic energy-saving compensation for APs within basic service sets.

25. An energy-efficient communication method, executed at a first access point (AP), comprising: The first AP declares its energy-saving operation capability; Before the first AP enters the energy-saving state, it sends scheduled or unscheduled energy-saving operation parameters and / or first basic service set termination information to the stations (STAs) and / or the second AP in the first basic service set, wherein the first AP and the second AP are AP coordination pairs; The first AP sends the information of the STAs that have been decoupled from the first basic service set to the second AP; The first AP transmits information about the second AP in one or more of the following ways: responding to a deassociation request sent by a STA in the first basic service set and carrying information about the second AP in the deassociation response; or sending a deassociation request to a STA in the first basic service set and carrying information about the second AP in the deassociation request.

26. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to claim 25, wherein, The information of the second AP includes identifier information, capability information and / or basic service set operation information, to assist STAs in the first basic service set in completing the routing from the first AP to the second AP.

27. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to claim 25, wherein, The identifier information includes the Media Access Control (MAC) address and / or the Basic Service Set Identifier (BSSID).

28. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to any one of claims 25 to 27, wherein, The energy-saving operation parameters for scheduling or non-scheduling include one or more of the following information: AP energy-saving capabilities and operating categories; Information about AP switching to power-saving mode; The duration of the energy-saving window; Energy-saving window interval time; The time unit for energy-saving operations during scheduling.

29. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to any one of claims 25 to 28, further comprising: The first AP receives one or more of the following information provided by the second AP: Access window duration indicates the access time reserved for the STA during power-saving periods; The maximum number of STAs that can be associated is set, and the access window is terminated when the maximum number of STAs that can be associated is reached. Capability information and basic service set operation parameters are used to assist the STA in completing the association process.

30. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to any one of claims 25 to 29, further comprising: Receive one or more of the following information indicated by the second AP through the Target Wake-up Time (TWT) parameter or the Restricted Target Wake-up Time (r-TWT) parameter: reserve access opportunities for STAs that are de-associated within the first basic service set during the TWT or r-TWT service window; Specify the access permissions for STAs that are unassociated within the first basic service set within the energy-saving window; Instruct STAs outside the first basic service set or STAs within the second basic service set to remain silent during the energy-saving window.

31. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to claim 30, wherein, Reserving the access opportunity includes one or more of the following operations: Before the energy-saving operation, the first AP negotiates a non-overlapping restricted target wake-up time (Cr-TWT) window with the second AP; The first AP sends the negotiated Cr-TWT window information within the first basic service set via broadcast, multicast, or unicast. Within the Cr-TWT window, the first AP performs energy saving, the STAs in the second basic service set remain silent and do not perform channel access behavior, and / or the STAs in the first basic service set send association requests or reassociation requests to the second AP to complete the routing or association process of the STA.

32. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to claim 30 or 31, wherein, The negotiated Cr-TWT window supports one or more of the following functions: Within the negotiated Cr-TWT window, the second AP remains active; The second AP is allowed to adjust the Enhanced Distributed Coordinated Access (EDCA) parameters for TWT members or non-TWT members based on the type and access priority of the site. At the end of the Cr-TWT window, the second AP is allowed to notify the STAs in the second basic service set to restore the default EDCA parameters via broadcast, multicast, or unicast.

33. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to any one of claims 25 to 32, wherein, When the first AP switches back to active status, it sends mode switching information via broadcast, multicast, or unicast to notify the relevant link sites to resume access.

34. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to any one of claims 25 to 33, wherein, The first AP supports scheduled and / or non-scheduled energy-saving modes, and provides energy-saving compensation within and between basic service sets by combining TWT parameters, r-TWT parameters and / or EDCA parameters.

35. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to any one of claims 25 to 34, wherein, The energy-saving operation parameters for scheduling or non-scheduling include energy-saving protection window information, which includes one or more pieces of information: protection window duration; The start and end times of the protection window; the time unit for the protection window; and / or whether STAs within the first basic service set are allowed to negotiate the energy-saving protection window information.

36. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to claim 35, wherein, The energy-saving protection window information is used for one or more of the following operations: issuing a basic service set termination instruction; issuing a disconnection request and response; coordinating with the access point on the STA information for the interaction to be re-established; and / or transmitting cached data to the second AP.

37. An energy-efficient communication method, performed at a second access point (AP), comprising: The second AP receives scheduled or unscheduled energy-saving operation parameters and / or first basic service set termination information sent by the first AP, wherein the first AP and the second AP are an AP coordination pair; The second AP receives the information from the first AP regarding the deassociated stations (STAs) within the first basic service set; Based on the de-associated STA information, the second AP reserves access opportunities for the STA within the first basic service set; The second AP sends reserved access opportunity information to the first AP.

38. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to claim 37, wherein, The second AP allows the first AP to transmit information about the second AP in one or more of the following ways: responding to a deassociation request sent by a STA within the first basic service set, and carrying information about the second AP in the deassociation response; or sending a deassociation request to the STA, and carrying information about the second AP in the deassociation request.

39. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to claim 38, wherein, The information of the second AP includes identifier information, capability information and / or basic service set operation information, to assist STAs in the first basic service set in completing the routing from the first AP to the second AP.

40. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to claim 37, wherein, The identifier information includes the Media Access Control (MAC) address and / or the Basic Service Set Identifier (BSSID).

41. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to any one of claims 37 to 40, wherein, The energy-saving operation parameters for scheduling or non-scheduling include one or more of the following information: AP energy-saving capabilities and operating categories; Information about AP switching to power-saving mode; The duration of the energy-saving window; Energy-saving window interval time; The time unit for energy-saving operations during scheduling.

42. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to any one of claims 37 to 41, wherein, The reserved access opportunity information includes one or more of the following: Access window duration indicates the access time reserved for the STA during power-saving periods; The maximum number of STAs that can be associated is set, and the access window is terminated when the maximum number of STAs that can be associated is reached. Capability information and basic service set operation parameters are used to assist the STA in completing the association process.

43. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to any one of claims 37 to 42, further comprising: The second AP indicates one or more of the following information to the first AP via the Target Wake-Up Time (TWT) parameter or the Restricted Target Wake-Up Time (r-TWT) parameter: During the TWT or r-TWT service window, reserve access opportunities for STAs that are unassociated within the first basic service set; Specify the access permissions for STAs that are unassociated within the first basic service set within the energy-saving window; Instruct STAs outside the first basic service set or STAs within the second basic service set to remain silent during the energy-saving window.

44. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to claim 43, wherein, Reserving the access opportunity includes one or more of the following operations: Before the energy-saving operation, the second AP negotiates a non-overlapping restricted target wake-up time (Cr-TWT) window with the first AP; The second AP transmits the negotiated Cr-TWT window information within the second basic service set via broadcast, multicast, or unicast. Within the Cr-TWT window, the second AP does not enter power-saving mode, the STAs in the second basic service set remain silent and do not perform channel access behavior, and / or the STAs in the first basic service set send association requests or reassociation requests to the second AP to complete the routing or association process of the STA.

45. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to any one of claims 37 to 44, wherein, The reserved access opportunities include: When the second AP is an affiliated AP of AP MLD, access resources are reserved on the corresponding link by mapping traffic on the corresponding link to other links.

46. ​​The energy-saving communication method according to any one of claims 37 to 45, wherein, The energy-saving operation parameters for scheduling or non-scheduling include energy-saving protection window information, which is used for one or more of the following operations: issuing a basic service set termination indication; issuing a disassociation request and response; coordinating with the access point to exchange STA information for the connection to be rebuilt; and / or receiving data from the first AP cache.

47. An energy-efficient communication method, executed at a station (STA), comprising: The STA receives scheduled or unscheduled energy-saving operation parameters and / or basic service set termination information sent by the first access point (AP) via broadcast, multicast or unicast. The STA sends a disconnection request to the first AP based on the scheduled or non-scheduled energy-saving operation parameters or the basic service set termination information. The STA receives a deassociation response sent by the first AP, wherein the deassociation response contains information related to the second AP; The STA sends an association request or reassociation request to the second AP based on the information of the second AP, in order to complete the routing or association establishment for switching from the first AP to the second AP.

48. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to claim 47, wherein, The information received by the STA from the second AP includes one or more of the following: The identifier information of the second AP includes the Media Access Control (MAC) address and / or Basic Service Set Identifier (BSSID); The capability information of the second AP; and / or The basic service set operation information of the second AP.

49. The energy-saving communication method according to claim 47 or 48, wherein, The unassociation response includes the access window duration reserved by the second AP and / or the maximum number of STAs that can be associated, which is used to assist the STA in selecting an access time or target AP.

50. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to any one of claims 47 to 49, wherein, After receiving the energy-saving operation parameters sent by the first AP, the STA decides whether to maintain the connection, send a disconnection request, or enter energy-saving mode.

51. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to any one of claims 47 to 50, wherein, When the STA sends an association request or reassociation request to the second AP, it reduces the interactive content in the association process based on the basic service set operation information contained in the deassociation response.

52. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to any one of claims 47 to 51, wherein, The STA sends an association request or reassociation request to the second AP via a target wake-up time (TWT) or a restricted target wake-up time (r-TWT), the timing of which is based on the TWT or r-TWT operation schedule sent by the first AP via broadcast, multicast, or unicast.

53. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to claim 52, wherein, The STA receives one or more of the following information via the TWT or the r-TWT parameter: Access opportunities reserved for the STA during the TWT or r-TWT service period; The STA's access permissions within the energy-saving window; and / or A notification instructing STAs outside the first basic service set to remain silent within the energy-saving window.

54. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to any one of claims 47 to 53, wherein, After receiving the basic service set termination information sent by the first AP, the STA switches to the associated second AP.

55. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to any one of claims 47 to 54, wherein, The STA performs one or more of the following operations based on the energy-saving protection window information provided by the first AP: The duration of the energy-saving protection window may be extended or shortened through negotiation. During the energy-saving protection window, the STA receives energy-saving operation information and / or BSS termination information sent by the first AP, and sends a deassociation request or receives a deassociation request / response.

56. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to claim 55, wherein, The STA sends a negotiation request for an energy-saving protection window to the second AP, receives a response to the negotiation request for an energy-saving protection window from the second AP, and then receives an updated duration of the energy-saving protection window from the second AP, wherein the negotiation request for the energy-saving protection window indicates an agreement request, a rejection request, and / or a protection window suggested value.

57. An energy-efficient communication method, executed at a station (STA), comprising: Receive scheduled or unscheduled energy-saving operation parameters from affiliated access points (AP MLDs) via broadcast, multicast, or unicast. The STA adjusts its channel access behavior based on the scheduled or unscheduled energy-saving operation parameters to support associated affiliated APs in entering an energy-saving state or to perform energy-saving compensation operations.

58. The method according to claim 57, wherein, The STA performs the following operations based on the received energy-saving operation parameters from the schedule: The associated affiliated AP negotiates the Target Wake-up Time (TWT) parameter and adjusts its channel access behavior based on the TWT parameter, including transmitting data during the TWT service period or remaining in a sleep state during the TWT service interval.

59. The method according to claim 57 or 58, wherein, After receiving signaling containing the Target Wake-up Time (TWT) parameter, the STA performs the following operations: Adjust the EDCA parameters according to the TWT parameters to complete high-priority data transmission within the TWT service cycle; and / or Avoid actively competing for channel resources during non-TWT service periods.

60. The method according to claim 59, wherein, The STA performs one or more of the following operations during the TWT service cycle: Confirm and comply with the updated transmission opportunity limit values ​​in the EDCA parameters; and / or When participating in channel contention as a member of the TWT.

61. The method according to any one of claims 57 to 60, wherein, Based on the energy-saving status or parameter information sent by the affiliated AP, the STA performs the following operations: Adjust the data transmission time window according to the energy-saving schedule of the affiliated AP; and / or After the affiliated AP switches to non-energy-saving mode, the default channel access parameters are restored.

62. The method according to any one of claims 57 to 61, wherein, After receiving the energy-saving compensation support field indication, the STA updates one or more of the following configurations based on the feedback information: Maximum contention window size (CWmax); Minimum contention window value (CWmin); Arbitration Inter-Frame Spacing Number (AIFSN); and / or Transmission opportunity limit value.

63. The method according to claim 62, wherein, After the affiliated AP switches to high-capacity state, the STA updates the transmission mode, including: Restore to the default EDCA parameter configuration; and / or Adjust the transmission according to the new TWT configuration.

64. The method according to any one of claims 57 to 63, wherein, The STA performs one or more of the following adjustments based on the energy-saving support field indication of the affiliated AP: Adjust your own EDCA parameter configuration; Channel access is triggered based on the affiliated AP; and / or Restore default transmission parameters based on the target link status.

65. A communication device, comprising: include: A processor and a memory, the memory being used to store a computer program, the processor being used to call and run the computer program stored in the memory, and to perform a communication method for energy-saving operation as described in any one of claims 1 to 64.

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