Communication methods for power saving operation, and communication device

Abstract

Provided in the embodiments of the present application are communication methods for a power saving operation, and a communication device. A communication method for a power saving operation is executed by a first station, and comprises: sending a power saving capability information indication to a second station; and sending a power saving operation declaration to the second station, wherein, on the basis of the power saving operation declaration, within a mode switching protection time, the first station maintains a current power saving mode or a current non-power saving mode. Another communication method for a power saving operation is executed by a first station, and comprises: sending a power saving capability information indication to a second station; initiating or indicating a first station dynamic power saving (DPS) inquiry stage, which comprises at least one of the following operations: the first station determining to perform DPS, triggering or polling the second station, allocating an access resource for the second station, and / or collecting feedback information of the second station; and, on the basis of feedback information collected in the first station DPS inquiry stage, determining a DPS mode switching time point, a DPS-related operation parameter, a mode or state to be switched to, and / or a time parameter, broadcasting the DPS operation and parameters of the first station to the second station, and entering the power saving mode.

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 rapid development of wireless communication technology, access points (APs) are playing an increasingly important role in networks to meet users' demands for high bandwidth, low latency, and stable connections. However, the continuous high-performance operation of APs leads to high energy consumption. Therefore, the IEEE 802.11 wireless LAN standard proposes several AP energy-saving mechanisms. In multi-link device (MLD) environments, dynamic power save (DPS) mode has also become an emerging solution. However, existing DPS mechanisms suffer from problems such as wasted channel resources, excessively high mode switching latency, and limited cross-link energy-saving operations in practical applications, requiring further optimization to improve AP energy efficiency and network performance. 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 improve the energy efficiency of network nodes and network performance while achieving energy saving.

[0004] This application provides a communication method for energy-saving operation, executed at a first station, comprising: sending an energy-saving capability information indication to a second station; and sending an energy-saving operation declaration to the second station, wherein based on the energy-saving operation declaration, during a mode switching protection period, the first station maintains either the current energy-saving mode or the current non-energy-saving mode.

[0005] This application provides a communication method for energy-saving operation, executed at a first station, comprising: sending an energy-saving capability information indication to a second station; initiating or instructing a DPS query phase for the first station, including at least one of the following operations: the first station decides to perform DPS energy saving, triggers or polls the second station, allocates access resources for the second station, and / or collects feedback information from the second station; based on the feedback information collected during the DPS query phase of the first station, decides the timing of DPS mode switching, DPS-related operation parameters, switching mode or state, and / or time parameters, broadcasts the DPS operation and parameters of the first station to the second station, and enters energy-saving mode.

[0006] This application provides a communication method for energy-saving operation, executed at a second station, comprising: receiving an energy-saving capability information indication sent by a first station; and receiving an energy-saving operation declaration sent by the first station, wherein, based on the energy-saving operation declaration, during the mode switching protection time, the second station exhibits different communication behaviors depending on whether the first station maintains the current energy-saving mode or the current non-energy-saving mode.

[0007] This application provides a communication method for energy-saving operation, executed at a second station, comprising: receiving an energy-saving capability information indication sent by a first station; receiving a first station DPS query phase initiated or indicated by the first station, including at least one of the following operations: during the first station DPS query phase, the second station receives the first station DPS query phase initiated or indicated by the first station, the second station sends feedback information to the first station to assist the first station in making decisions on the timing of DPS mode switching, DPS-related operation parameters, switching mode or state, and / or time parameters; the second station that has provided feedback information during the first station DPS query phase sends an initial control frame to the first station to trigger the first station, which has entered the energy-saving mode, to perform mode switching, and the second station that has not provided feedback information additionally indicates relevant information for this transmission in the initial control frame.

[0008] 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.

[0009] The chip provided in this application embodiment is used to implement the above-described energy-saving operation communication method.

[0010] 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.

[0011] 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.

[0012] 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.

[0013] 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

[0014] 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:

[0015] Figure 1A is a flowchart illustrating the communication method for energy-saving operation provided in an embodiment of this application;

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

[0017] Figure 1C is a flowchart illustrating the AP dynamic energy-saving mechanism based on protection time provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0018] Figure 1D is a flowchart illustrating the AP dynamic energy-saving mechanism based on protection time provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0019] Figure 2A is a flowchart illustrating the communication method for energy-saving operation provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0020] Figure 2B is a flowchart illustrating the communication method for energy-saving operation provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0021] Figure 2C is a flowchart illustrating the query-based AP energy-saving mechanism provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0022] Figure 2D is a flowchart illustrating the query-based AP energy-saving mechanism provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0023] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of an example of mode switching protection time in non-energy-saving mode provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0024] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the inquiry stage provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0025] Figure 5 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0026] Figure 6 is a schematic structural diagram of the chip according to an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] During the research phase of Wi-Fi 7, to achieve advantages such as high throughput, high data rate, and high reliability, Multi-Link Operation (MLO) was introduced, supporting Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) devices to establish multiple links on unlicensed frequency bands of 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz. However, this operation also increases the power consumption of the devices, especially for battery-powered WLAN devices. Supporting high performance reduces device online time, increases manual maintenance costs, and complicates network deployment. Therefore, in the research of next-generation Wi-Fi technology by the IEEE 802.11BN working group, energy saving, especially energy saving of access point (AP) devices, has become one of the important research directions.

[0030] From the perspective of AP device type, AP energy-saving scenarios can include: 1. Soft AP / Mobile Hotspot / Battery-dependent Mobile AP devices: Extend device operating time through energy-saving operations. 2. Power-line powered access point 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.

[0031] 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. For AP energy saving, its application and improvement should be considered based on client-side energy-saving technologies. This application's embodiments mainly design a more flexible dynamic energy-saving method for APs. Based on this method, stations (STAs) can participate in the AP's energy-saving behavior planning and decision-making, assisting the AP in deciding on more reasonable energy-saving timing and state switching operations, avoiding the additional overhead and latency introduced by frequent STA wake-ups and frequent AP mode switching after AP energy saving.

[0032] As the central node of a Basic Service Set (BSS), an Access Point (AP) in power-saving mode affects all Stations (STAs) within its associated BSS. Therefore, when designing an AP's power-saving mechanism, a comprehensive trade-off between power saving and other network communication metrics such as latency, throughput, and data rate should be considered. By introducing certain compensation operations into the power-saving mechanism, the energy-saving effect of network nodes can be achieved while reducing the degradation of wireless communication performance caused by power saving.

[0033] Unlike client-side energy-saving mechanisms, AP MLD (Multi-Level Device) power-saving operations can impact non-AP STAs (Stations Not Targeted) within the entire BSS (Border Service System) or on the corresponding links. During the AP's power-saving period, if the AP switches to Doze Mode or state, non-AP STAs on that link become inaccessible, rendering the link unavailable. Conversely, when the AP switches to Low Capability Mode or state, or Listening Mode or state, it cannot support the high-capacity communication needs of the STAs.

[0034] When an AP performs scheduled energy-saving operations, it can negotiate energy-saving parameters, including the energy-saving schedule, with the STAs that support its energy-saving function. This allows the STAs to anticipate the AP's energy-saving behavior, thereby reducing the impact of energy-saving operations on network communication performance. However, for APs performing DPS (Dynamic Power Shift), after declaring support for DPS and entering energy-saving mode, the STAs supporting AP DPS need to send an Initial Control Frame (ICF) to trigger the AP to switch from energy-saving mode to non-energy-saving mode. In this dynamic switching process, at least one of the following technical problems exists:

[0035] Technical Issue 1: Waste of Channel Resources and Latency in AP DPS

[0036] In the existing AP DPS procedure, after declaring DPS operation, the AP enters power-saving mode. A Non-AP STA sends an ICF (Initial Control Response) frame to trigger a mode switch, and the AP responds by sending an Initial Control Response (ICR) frame after completing the mode switch, allowing subsequent data transmission to occur in non-power-saving mode. However, since the AP's power-saving mode applies to all Non-AP STAs on the entire BSS or the entire link, multiple STAs may simultaneously send ICFs after the AP enters DPS. To respond to the needs of different STAs, the AP frequently switches between power-saving and non-power-saving modes, leading to at least one of the following problems:

[0037] 1. A large number of STAs wake up APs due to transmission needs, and frequent ICF and ICR interactions cause waste of channel resources.

[0038] 2. A large number of STAs wake up APs, causing APs to repeatedly switch between power-saving and non-power-saving modes, resulting in frequent mode switching delays.

[0039] 3. Frequent wake-up of the AP by a large number of STAs leads to low energy efficiency of the AP.

[0040] Technical Issue 2: Timing Decision and Selection for AP DPS

[0041] Existing AP DPS schemes involve the selection of at least one of the following time points:

[0042] 1. Timing when the AP enters power-saving mode.

[0043] 2. Timing of AP switching from power saving mode to non-power saving mode.

[0044] In existing solutions, the AP typically decides for itself when to enter DPS mode, lacking information from the STA to assist in the decision-making process at the start of the power-saving mode. Regarding the timing of mode switching, the AP relies on the received ICF (Integrated Function Message) to trigger the switch from power-saving mode to non-power-saving mode.

[0045] In the current scheme, the selection of frames and at least one of the following fields in the ICF include: the Intermediate FCS field, the Operating Parameters field of the target high-capability mode, such as the Modulation and Coding Scheme (MCS) field, the Number of Spatial Streams (NSS) field, the Bandwidth (BW) field, etc., and the ICF Frame Category field, which are used for different scenarios such as DPS, in-device coexistence (IDC), and multi-AP.

[0046] However, this information does not yet include the actual data traffic information transmitted by the STA after the mode switch, such as packet expiration time, latency requirements, quality of service information, STA availability or unavailability information, and specific transmission requirements.

[0047] If the above information can be carried in the ICF, it will help the AP to make more reasonable decisions on the appropriate time for mode switching, thereby avoiding frequent mode switching triggered by peer STAs and reducing problems such as delay, waste of channel resources and reduced energy efficiency caused by mode switching.

[0048] Based on the problems faced by the existing AP DPS methods, this application proposes a complete AP DPS mechanism, including at least one of the following solutions:

[0049] Solution 1: Mode switching protection time mechanism:

[0050] 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 at a first station. The communication method for energy-saving operation includes at least one of the following operations: Operation 101A: Sending an energy-saving capability information indication to a second station; Operation 102A: Sending an energy-saving operation declaration to the second station. Based on the energy-saving operation declaration, during the mode switching protection time, the first station maintains the current energy-saving mode or the current non-energy-saving mode.

[0051] For the operation flow shown in Figure 1A, operations 101A and 102A are not necessarily performed in a specific order, and their execution sequence is not fixed. The first station can flexibly choose when to send energy-saving capability information and energy-saving operation declarations based on the actual network conditions. For example, the first station may send energy-saving capability information during the association establishment process, and then send the energy-saving operation declaration at any appropriate time. The sending time of the energy-saving operation declaration is determined by the first station and does not require real-time confirmation from the second station. The first station can choose an appropriate time to switch modes based on its own energy-saving strategy, network load, communication needs, and other factors, thereby achieving efficient energy consumption management.

[0052] 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 second station. The communication method for energy-saving operation includes at least one of the following operations: Operation 101B: receiving an energy-saving capability information indication sent by a first station; Operation 102B: receiving an energy-saving operation declaration sent by the first station. Based on the energy-saving operation declaration, during the mode switching protection time, the second station exhibits different communication behaviors depending on whether the first station maintains the current energy-saving mode or the current non-energy-saving mode.

[0053] For the operation flow shown in Figure 1B, operations 101B and 102B are not necessarily performed in a specific order, and their execution sequence is not fixed. The first station can flexibly choose when to send energy-saving capability information and energy-saving operation declarations based on the actual network conditions. For example, the first station may send energy-saving capability information instructions during the association establishment process so that the second station can understand its energy-saving strategy in advance. In subsequent communication, the first station can send an energy-saving operation declaration at any appropriate time to notify the second station to switch to the corresponding energy-saving mode.

[0054] In some embodiments of this application, during the protection period in non-energy-saving mode, the second station is supported in negotiating and / or transmitting data with the first station in the non-energy-saving mode regarding the parameters, energy-saving operation, energy-saving mode, and energy-saving parameters related to the energy-saving operation declaration. In some embodiments of this application, during the protection period in energy-saving mode, different communication behaviors exist depending on the energy-saving mode switched by the first station. The energy-saving mode includes at least one of the following modes: low-capacity mode or state, listening mode or state, and / or sleep mode or state.

[0055] The first site may be, for example, an access point (AP). The second site may be, for example, a station (STA).

[0056] For example, when an AP declares its energy-saving capabilities, an AP that supports DPS indicates a mode-switching protection period when sending a DPS operation notification. During the mode-switching protection period, the AP maintains its current energy-saving or non-energy-saving mode.

[0057] During the protection period in non-energy-saving mode, the STA can negotiate energy-saving operations, modes, parameters, and / or data transmission with the AP in high-capacity mode.

[0058] During the protection period in energy-saving mode, the STA can request the AP to switch modes through low-capacity mode or status. The AP can choose to agree, reject, or postpone the request based on network conditions and report the result to the STA.

[0059] Figure 1C is a flowchart illustrating the AP dynamic power-saving mechanism based on protection time provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 1C, in some embodiments of this application, the AP dynamic power-saving mechanism based on protection time includes at least one of the following operations:

[0060] Operation 1: The AP can declare its power-saving capabilities through frame structures such as Beacon Frame, Probe Response Frame, and (Re)Association Response Frame. This declaration includes at least one of the following information: supported power-saving methods, supported power-saving modes, delay required for mode switching, mode switching protection time, and / or whether protection time negotiation is supported.

[0061] Operation 2: When the AP decides to use dynamic power saving, it will send an Access Point Dynamic Power Saving Announcement (AP DPS Announcement). This announcement indicates the AP's target power saving mode, the operating parameters of the power saving mode, and the mode switching protection time, etc.

[0062] Operation 3: During the mode switching protection time in non-energy-saving mode, the AP remains in non-energy-saving mode, and the STA can negotiate or transmit energy-saving related parameters with the AP in non-energy-saving mode.

[0063] Operation 4: When the mode switching protection time in the non-energy-saving state ends, the AP will switch to the energy-saving mode and indicate the protection time of the energy-saving mode or state through signaling.

[0064] Operation 5: During the protection period of the energy-saving mode or state, the AP will maintain the current energy-saving mode state. If an ICF is received from a Non-AP STA during this period, the AP will decide the mode switching time after the protection period ends and notify it to switch back to non-energy-saving mode via a broadcast frame.

[0065] This solution introduces a mode switching protection time mechanism to ensure that the AP reduces the waste of channel resources and mode switching delay caused by frequent mode switching during the switching process between energy-saving and non-energy-saving modes, thereby improving energy efficiency and ensuring uninterrupted network service.

[0066] Figure 1D is a flowchart illustrating the AP dynamic power-saving mechanism based on protection time provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 1D, in some embodiments of this application, the AP dynamic power-saving mechanism based on protection time includes at least one of the following operations:

[0067] During the mode switching protection period, the AP will not immediately change its current operating mode or device state. As shown in Figure 1D, after sending the AP dynamic power-saving declaration, the AP remains in non-power-saving mode during this period. At least one operation during this protection period is as follows:

[0068] 1. Operation during mode switching protection time in non-energy-saving mode:

[0069] STAs that support AP dynamic energy-saving operation can negotiate energy-saving operation and energy-saving related parameters with AP.

[0070] Non-AP STAs can transmit data in non-energy-saving mode. If data transmission is not completed within the mode switching protection time, the AP will perform the mode switch after the current data transmission is completed, or indicate whether to cancel the current DPS mode switch operation or extend the mode switching protection time by resending the AP dynamic energy-saving declaration.

[0071] STAs that support APDPS operation can attach additional negotiation information to the data frame, including power-saving parameters and power-saving operations.

[0072] After receiving negotiation information from the STA, the AP will decide whether to perform energy-saving operations or update energy-saving parameters based on this information. After the mode switching protection period ends, the AP will switch from non-energy-saving mode to energy-saving mode.

[0073] 2. Operation during the mode switching protection time in energy-saving mode:

[0074] Even after the AP switches to energy-saving mode, the mode switch protection timer will continue to run. During this time period, the AP can perform at least one of the following operations:

[0075] The AP remains in sleep mode or state, and the mode switching protection time is less than or equal to the setting value of the maximum away time (MaxAwayDuration) parameter.

[0076] The AP maintains a listening mode or state, in which it receives ICFs from Non-AP STAs and records information such as the sender's identifier (ID) and address for subsequent scheduling.

[0077] The AP maintains a low-capability mode or state, in which it can use low-capability operating parameters to interact with the Non-AP STA via frames, including ICF, ICR, and data frames.

[0078] 3. Regarding FCS processing of ICF frames:

[0079] During the mode switching protection period, since the mode switching does not occur immediately, the ICF does not need to add an intermediate cutoff FCS.

[0080] When the mode switching protection time is set to 0 or the protection time expires, the AP will indicate the "Intermediate FCS Required" status. At this time, when the Peer STA sends the ICF, it needs to add the corresponding intermediate cutoff FCS according to the required delay time declared by the AP.

[0081] 4. Operation when the energy-saving mode switching protection time expires:

[0082] When the mode switching protection time of the energy-saving mode ends, the AP performs at least one of the following operations:

[0083] The AP switches from sleep mode or state back to non-power-saving mode.

[0084] Based on the ICF information received during the mode switching protection period, the AP decides whether to switch back from the monitoring mode or state, or the low-capacity mode or state, to the non-energy-saving mode, and notifies the mode switching result through a broadcast frame.

[0085] The AP triggers mode switching based on the ICF from the STA and provides feedback by sending an ICR.

[0086] By introducing a mode switching protection time mechanism, channel resource waste and mode switching delay caused by frequent AP mode switching can be effectively avoided, thereby improving energy efficiency and ensuring uninterrupted network communication services.

[0087] Solution 2: Inquiry and Feedback Mechanism

[0088] Figure 2A is a flowchart illustrating the communication method for energy-saving operation provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 2A, the communication method for energy-saving operation is executed at a first station. The communication method for energy-saving operation includes at least one of the following operations: Operation 201A: Sending energy-saving capability information indication to a second station; Operation 202A: Initiating or instructing a DPS query phase for the first station, including at least one of the following operations: the first station decides to perform DPS energy saving, triggers or polls the second station, allocates access resources for the second station, and / or collects feedback information from the second station; Operation 203A: Based on the feedback information collected during the DPS query phase of the first station, deciding the time point for DPS mode switching, DPS-related operation parameters, switching mode or state, and / or time parameters, broadcasting the DPS operation and parameters of the first station to the second station and entering energy-saving mode.

[0089] The execution order of Operations 201A, 202A, and 203A is not fixed. Capability indications and subsequent energy-saving operations do not necessarily occur sequentially. The timing of sending energy-saving capability information and initiating the DPS query phase can be flexibly chosen based on network conditions. For example, capability information indications can be sent when the association is established or updated during communication; the DPS query phase can be initiated at any suitable time, with the specific timing determined by the first site.

[0090] Figure 2B is a flowchart illustrating the communication method for energy-saving operation provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 2B, the communication method for energy-saving operation is executed at a second station. The communication method for energy-saving operation includes at least one of the following operations: Operation 201B: receiving an energy-saving capability information indication sent by a first station; Operation 202B: receiving a first station DPS query phase initiated or indicated by the first station, including at least one of the following operations: In the first station DPS query phase, the second station receives the first station DPS query phase initiated or indicated by the first station, and the second station sends feedback information to the first station to assist the first station in making decisions on the timing of DPS mode switching, DPS-related operation parameters, switching mode or state, and / or time parameters; The second station that has provided feedback information in the first station DPS query phase sends an initial control frame to the first station to trigger the first station to switch modes in the energy-saving mode, and the second station that has not provided feedback information additionally indicates the relevant information transmitted in the initial control frame.

[0091] The execution order between Operation 201B and Operation 202B is not fixed. Capability indications and subsequent energy-saving operations do not necessarily occur sequentially. The second station can flexibly receive energy-saving capability information and DPS queries from the first station based on network conditions. For example, capability information indications can be received during association establishment or dynamically updated during communication. Receiving DPS queries can occur at any appropriate time based on triggering by the first station.

[0092] Figures 2A and 2B primarily depict the behavior and rules of the DPS query phase. To more fully illustrate the mode switching triggering mechanism of ICF and ICR under energy-saving conditions, the following content explains the processing of the second station under different feedback states and the mode switching decision-making process of the first station.

[0093] After the DPS query phase is complete, the first site may enter power-saving mode. At this time, the second site can trigger the first site's mode switch by sending an ICF (Initial Communication Message). This depends on whether the second site provided feedback during the DPS query phase.

[0094] 1. Mode switching triggering process for the second site that has already provided feedback: The second site has already sent feedback information to the first site during the DPS query phase. This feedback includes the mode switching time and relevant DPS parameters. The second site sends an ICF (Initial Communication Message) to trigger the mode switch. Upon receiving the ICF, the first site directly executes the mode switch based on the feedback information collected during the query phase. After switching modes, the first site sends an ICR (Initial Communication Message) to the second site to confirm the switch completion. This process avoids redundant parameter exchanges, reduces communication overhead, speeds up mode switching, and thus improves network efficiency.

[0095] 2. Mode Switching Triggering Procedure for a Second Station Without Feedback: The second station fails to provide feedback to the first station during the DPS query phase. In this case, when sending the ICF (Initial Communication Message), the second station must attach relevant information indicating the current transmission, so that the first station can decide on the mode switching parameters. The second station sends the ICF, attaching relevant information about the current transmission (e.g., current channel state, service requirements, etc.). After receiving the ICF, the first station decides whether to perform a mode switch based on the attached information and the current network state. Based on the decision, the first station performs the mode switch or adjusts the DPS operation parameters and sends an ICR (Initial Communication Message) to the second station for confirmation. This procedure allows for dynamic adjustment of mode switching decisions in the absence of prior feedback, ensuring network flexibility and adaptability.

[0096] Figures 2A and 2B illustrate the behavior / rules during the query phase, explaining the interaction flow between the first and second stations in energy-saving operation communication in this embodiment. The flow covers the operational rules of the DPS query phase, as well as the ICF / ICR mode switching trigger mechanism under energy-saving conditions. This method allows the first and second stations to flexibly choose communication timing based on actual network conditions, improving the efficiency of energy-saving management and communication performance.

[0097] In some embodiments of this application, during the protection period in non-energy-saving mode, the second station is supported in negotiating and / or transmitting data with the first station in the non-energy-saving mode regarding the parameters, energy-saving operation, energy-saving mode, and energy-saving parameters related to the energy-saving operation declaration. In some embodiments of this application, during the protection period in energy-saving mode, different communication behaviors exist depending on the energy-saving mode switched by the first station. The energy-saving mode includes at least one of the following modes: low-capacity mode or state, listening mode or state, and / or sleep mode or state.

[0098] The first site may be, for example, an access point (AP). The second site may be, for example, a station (STA).

[0099] For example, when an AP declares its energy-saving capabilities, an AP that supports DPS will trigger a query to the STA before performing DPS operations. During the query phase, the STA will provide at least one of the following information: suggestions on the AP's energy-saving operation, mode, and parameters; availability or unavailability information; data buffering information; and reserved transmission opportunities.

[0100] The AP determines the DPS operation and parameters based on the information collected during the inquiry phase, and notifies the STA of the decision results.

[0101] After the AP enters power-saving mode, STAs that did not participate in the inquiry phase need to indicate their data flow or related data transmission information when requesting the AP to switch modes, in order to assist the AP in deciding when to switch modes. The AP can choose to agree, refuse, or postpone the request, and then report the result to the STA.

[0102] Figure 2C is a flowchart illustrating the query-based AP DPS mechanism provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 2C, in some embodiments of this application, the query-based AP DPS mechanism includes at least one of the following operations:

[0103] The AP can declare its power-saving capabilities through frames such as beacon frames, probe response frames, and (re)association response frames. The capability declaration includes at least one of the following information: supported power-saving methods, supported power-saving modes, latency required for mode switching, mode switching protection time, and / or whether protection time negotiation is supported.

[0104] When the AP decides to perform dynamic power-saving operations, it will trigger a query to the STA. During the query phase, the AP allocates access resources to the STA and collects feedback information from the STA. The feedback information includes at least one of the following: direct suggested values ​​for dynamic power-saving operations or power-saving parameters, predictable behavior, and / or reservations of transmission opportunities, etc.

[0105] Based on the information collected during the inquiry phase, the AP decides when to switch to the dynamic energy-saving mode and notifies the STA of the dynamic energy-saving operation and related parameters through a broadcast frame, while switching to the energy-saving mode.

[0106] During the period when the AP enters power-saving mode, STAs that do not provide feedback during the inquiry phase should indicate the corresponding data stream or related data information when sending ICF. Based on the information provided by the STA, the AP can decide whether to immediately switch modes and provide feedback to the STA via ICR, indicating at least one of the following: whether the AP will immediately switch modes, and / or whether it plans to schedule the STA to complete data transmission in a later time period, etc.

[0107] By introducing a query mechanism, the AP can collect feedback information from the STA before entering power-saving mode, thus making more accurate decisions on the mode switching time and avoiding channel resource waste and mode switching latency issues caused by frequent mode switching. At the same time, this mechanism can ensure the data transmission needs of the STA, improve the overall efficiency and quality of service of network communication, and achieve more efficient uninterrupted service.

[0108] Figure 2D is a flowchart illustrating the query-based AP DPS mechanism provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 2D, in some embodiments of this application, the query-based AP DPS mechanism includes at least one of the following operations:

[0109] When the AP decides to execute DPS operations, it will trigger or poll the STA. During the polling phase, the STA can provide feedback on at least one of the following: cache status information; availability or unavailability information for subsequent periods, such as the STA's power-saving information, IDC, data transmission requests, etc.; suggested values ​​for AP power-saving operations or power-saving parameters; and / or reserve subsequent transmission opportunities with the AP and corresponding operating parameters, etc.

[0110] The AP uses feedback information collected from STAs during the inquiry phase to determine the timing and corresponding mode parameters for dynamic energy-saving operations, and instructs these operations through the AP's dynamic energy-saving declaration. After the AP switches to energy-saving mode, STAs that provided feedback during the inquiry phase can directly trigger the AP's mode switch via ICF and ICR operations. STAs that did not provide feedback during the inquiry phase should additionally indicate the relevant data stream and data information for this transmission in the ICF to assist the AP in deciding when to terminate the energy-saving mode.

[0111] In ICR, the AP can indicate at least one of the following: whether to accept, reject, or postpone the mode switching request; and / or whether to schedule the STA sending the ICF to complete the data transmission after the mode switch to non-energy-saving mode.

[0112] If the AP decides not to schedule the STA, the STA should compete for access to complete data transmission after receiving notification that the AP has switched back to non-energy-saving mode.

[0113] By introducing a query feedback mechanism, the AP can collect feedback information from the STAs before switching to energy-saving mode, and make reasonable decisions on the timing of mode switching and operating parameters. This solution effectively avoids the waste of channel resources and mode switching latency caused by frequent AP mode switching. At the same time, this solution ensures the data transmission needs of the STAs and improves the overall communication efficiency and service continuity of the network.

[0114] The above two solutions can be used individually or in combination without limitation. The specific naming of frame structures, fields, etc., in this application embodiment is not unique; the names in the specification are merely examples. There are no restrictions on the names of functional entities such as AP, Non-AP STA, and DPS-Supporting STA; more abstract superordinate terms such as "first station" and "second station" can be used to describe them to ensure the universality and applicability of the technical solution. Through at least one of the above solutions, the embodiments of this application can effectively reduce channel resource waste and mode switching latency caused by frequent mode switching during AP DPS operation, while improving energy efficiency, reducing STA transmission latency, and improving network performance.

[0115] Some embodiments of this application design an AP DPS process based on mode switching protection time or a polling mechanism, including frame interaction process, indication information, and corresponding mode switching methods. When the AP performs DPS, a protection time is set for mode transition between non-energy-saving mode and energy-saving mode:

[0116] During the protection period from non-energy-saving mode to energy-saving mode, the STA can transmit data with the AP in non-energy-saving mode, negotiate energy-saving related modes and parameters, and combine data transmission with energy-saving negotiation wireless communication behavior to assist the AP in selecting a more suitable energy-saving time point.

[0117] During the protection period between power-saving mode and non-power-saving mode, the STA sending ICF will not immediately trigger a mode switch, thus avoiding frequent mode switching caused by the STA after the AP enters power-saving mode, which would affect energy efficiency. Furthermore, this protection-time-based method allows APs that are not part of the multi-link operation (MLD) or do not support cross-link operation to enter a sleep state to achieve energy saving.

[0118] Furthermore, this process supports initiating queries to STAs before the AP executes DPS to collect feedback information from the STAs. Feedback information may include at least one of the following: buffer status, data transmission requirements, and / or suggestions for energy-saving operations and parameters. This information will assist the AP in deciding on the appropriate time to save energy. After the AP enters energy-saving mode, STAs that did not provide feedback during the query phase can use ICF to carry relevant information about data packets or data streams to assist the AP in deciding on the appropriate time to terminate energy saving.

[0119] Based on the above process mechanism, the STA can provide feedback information when the AP performs DPS, avoiding the waste of wireless air interface resources and latency issues caused by mode switching due to the AP receiving a large number of repeated mode switching requests from STAs after making a single decision. This mechanism further improves the AP's energy efficiency and achieves uninterrupted service.

[0120] In some embodiments of this application, the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and / or sixth embodiments can be implemented in combination with each other, or the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and / or sixth embodiments can be implemented independently. In some embodiments of this application, the solutions of multiple embodiments can be combined or implemented independently.

[0121] First Implementation Example: AP Energy Saving Capability Information Indication:

[0122] In some embodiments of this application, the first station sends the energy-saving capability information indication to the second station when: the first station makes an energy-saving capability declaration with the second station, or when the first station reports an energy-saving capability based on a request from the second station.

[0123] In some embodiments of this application, the energy-saving capability information indication includes at least one of the following fields: an energy-saving support field, used to indicate whether the first station supports energy-saving operation; an energy-saving operation field, which exists and indicates the type of energy-saving operation supported by the first station when the energy-saving support field indicates that the first station supports the energy-saving operation; an energy-saving mode field, which indicates whether the first station enters a power management mode when the energy-saving support field indicates that the first station supports the energy-saving operation, wherein the first station switches between the energy-saving mode and the non-energy-saving mode in the power management mode; an energy-saving mode support field, which indicates whether the first station switches, selects, or negotiates an operation mode or device state in the power management mode when the energy-saving support field indicates that the first station supports the energy-saving operation; and an energy-saving mode switching delay field, which is used when the energy-saving support field indicates that the first station supports the energy-saving operation. During operation, the energy-saving mode switching delay field exists and indicates the delay information of the first station when performing the energy-saving operation; the mode switching type field is used together with the energy-saving mode switching delay field to indicate the delay information of the first station when performing the energy-saving operation; the mode switching protection support field is used to indicate whether it is supported to configure a protection time for the switching of the operation mode. During the mode switching protection time, the current mode is maintained and no mode switching will occur; the DPS query support field is used to indicate whether the first station supports initiating a query phase before performing DPS; and / or the DPS query information field is used to indicate the feedback message type of the second station suggested in the DPS query phase. That is, in the query phase, the first station sends relevant query frames, and the second station provides relevant information feedback according to the feedback message type indicated by the DPS query information field to assist the first station in deciding the operation parameters and / or operation time of DPS.

[0124] In some embodiments of this application, when the energy-saving operation field indicates a first value, the energy-saving operation category supported by the first site is first site scheduling energy saving; or when the energy-saving operation field indicates a second value, the energy-saving operation category supported by the first site is first site dynamic energy saving; or when the energy-saving operation field indicates a third value, the energy-saving operation category supported by the first site is first site semi-dynamic energy saving; or when the energy-saving operation field indicates a fourth value, the energy-saving operation category supported by the first site is first site hybrid energy saving, that is, an energy-saving operation combining first site scheduling energy saving and first site dynamic energy saving.

[0125] For example, during the association process between the AP and the Non-AP STA, or when the AP declares its energy-saving capabilities to the Non-AP STA, or when the AP reports its energy-saving capabilities based on a request from the Non-AP STA, the AP will indicate its own energy-saving capability information. Based on the process mechanisms of Solution 1 and Solution 2, it includes at least one of the following fields:

[0126] 1. Energy Saving Support (PS Support) field:

[0127] The PS Support field is used to indicate whether the AP supports power-saving operations.

[0128] If the PS Support field indicates that the AP does not support energy-saving operations, then there is no need to transmit other energy-saving related information.

[0129] If the PS Support field indicates that the AP supports energy-saving operations, then the Energy Saving Operation (PS Operation) field must be included, indicating the specific supported energy-saving operation category.

[0130] 2. PS Operation field:

[0131] When the PS Support field indicates that the AP supports energy-saving operations, the PS Operation field is used to further indicate the specific type of energy-saving operation supported by the AP. The PS Operation field can include various operation types, as shown in Table 1 example:

[0132] Table 1: The PS Operation field can include various operation types.

[0133] AP Scheduled Energy Saving: This refers to the AP performing energy-saving operations according to a pre-set schedule, such as entering sleep mode or low-capacity mode or state during specific time periods. AP Dynamic Energy Saving: This refers to the AP dynamically adjusting its energy-saving operations based on real-time requests from STAs or network conditions. AP Semi-Dynamic Energy Saving: This refers to the AP performing energy-saving operations according to scheduled energy saving for some time periods, and dynamically saving energy based on real-time network conditions for other time periods. AP Hybrid Energy Saving: This refers to the AP combining scheduled energy saving and dynamic energy saving operations, flexibly adjusting its energy-saving strategy to achieve high energy efficiency while meeting network communication performance requirements.

[0134] When the access point's energy-saving support field indicates that the AP supports energy-saving operation, the AP power management mode field can indicate whether the AP has entered power management mode. In this mode, the AP can switch between energy-saving mode / state and non-energy-saving mode / state.

[0135] 1. AP PS Mode Field: This field indicates whether the AP has entered power management mode. When the AP enters power management mode, it can switch between different power-saving modes and non-power-saving modes to achieve a balance between power saving and high-performance communication.

[0136] 2. PS Mode Support: When the PS Support field indicates that the AP supports power-saving operation, the PS Mode Support field indicates the operating mode or device state that the AP can switch, select, or negotiate in power management mode. Non-power-saving modes include Active State, On State, or Awake State, in which case the AP can communicate with Non-AP STAs or other access point sites. Power-saving modes or power-saving states may include listening mode or state, low-power listening mode or state, low-capacity mode or state, etc.

[0137] In some embodiments of this application, when the power-saving mode support field indicates a first value, the first station switches, selects, or negotiates an operating mode or device state to a sleep mode or state under the power management mode. In the sleep mode or state, the first station does not perform frame interaction or receive or send wireless communications. Or, when the power-saving mode support field indicates a second value, the first station switches, selects, or negotiates an operating mode or device state to a wake-up mode under the power management mode. In the wake-up mode, the first station performs frame interaction or receives or sends wireless communications. Or, when the power-saving mode support field indicates a third value, the first station switches, selects, or negotiates an operating mode or device state to a listening mode or state under the power management mode. In the listening mode or state, the first station performs listening operations. Or, when the power-saving mode support field indicates a fourth value... The first station switches, selects, or negotiates an operating mode or device state to the low-capability mode or state under the power management mode. In the low-capability mode or state, the first station performs frame interaction or wireless communication reception or transmission based on the operating parameters of the low-capability mode or state. The operating parameters include at least one of the following parameters: bandwidth (BW), modulation and coding scheme (MCS), number of spatial streams (Nss), and / or data rate. Alternatively, when the power saving mode supports a fifth value, the first station switches, selects, or negotiates an operating mode or device state to the high-capability mode under the power management mode. In the high-capability mode, the first station performs frame interaction or wireless communication reception or transmission based on the operating parameters of the high-capability mode. In the high-capability mode, the configuration of one or more of the operating parameters is superior to that of the low-capability mode or state.

[0138] For example, Table 2 serves as an example of using the PS Mode Support field for indication:

[0139] Table 2: Examples of indications using the PS Mode Support field:

[0140] Sleep State / Mode: The AP is in sleep state / mode and does not perform any wireless communication frame interaction. This mode is mainly used to maximize energy saving. Awake State / Mode: The AP is in wake state / mode and can perform frame interaction normally, receiving and sending wireless communication frames. Listening Mode or State: In this mode, the AP performs listening operations, including CCA, and receives ICFs initiated by Non-AP STAs to determine whether to switch modes. Low Capability Mode or State: In low capability mode or state, the AP uses lower operating parameters for communication to reduce power consumption, such as reducing bandwidth and data rate. High Capability Mode / State: In high capability mode, the AP uses higher operating parameters to provide better network performance and communication capabilities, such as greater bandwidth and higher data rate.

[0141] These different mode settings allow for a flexible balance between energy efficiency and communication performance, meeting the needs of various network scenarios.

[0142] In some embodiments of this application, the latency information is a fixed latency duration, or the latency information indicates different or gradient latency durations for switching between different modes. In some embodiments of this application, when the mode switching type field indicates a first value, the first station switches from sleep mode or state to wake-up mode, and the power-saving mode switching latency field indicates a first latency value; or when the mode switching type field indicates a second value, the first station switches from the low-capacity mode or state to the high-capacity mode, and the power-saving mode switching latency field indicates a second latency value; or when the mode switching type field indicates a third value, the first station switches from monitoring mode or state to the high-capacity mode, and the power-saving mode switching latency field indicates a third latency value; or when the mode switching type field indicates a fourth value, the first station switches from the sleep mode or state to the low-capacity mode or state, and the power-saving mode switching latency field indicates a fourth latency value. In some embodiments of this application, the relevant parameters of the energy-saving operation declaration include at least one of the following parameters: the energy-saving mode of the target switching of the first site, the operation parameters of the target switching of the first site, and / or the relevant parameters of the mode switching protection time.

[0143] The AP PS Mode Switch Delay field: When the AP's power-saving support field indicates that the AP supports power-saving operation, the AP PS Mode Switch Delay field indicates the latency (padding time) required for the AP to switch between modes during power-saving operation. This switching latency information can be a fixed value or can indicate different switching latency values ​​according to the switching requirements between different modes. To describe the switching latency information more accurately, an additional Mode Switch Type field can be introduced as shown in Table 3, which can be used in conjunction with the AP PS Mode Switch Delay field to indicate different mode switching situations and their corresponding latency values.

[0144] Table 3: Examples of how the Mode Switch Type field and the AP PS Mode Switch Delay field are used together to indicate different mode switching situations and their corresponding delay values:

[0145] The combined use of the Mode Switch Type and AP PS Mode Switch Delay fields helps the AP flexibly adjust latency values ​​when switching between different energy-saving modes, ensuring optimal energy efficiency and communication performance in various scenarios. Switching from sleep mode or state to on mode or low-capacity mode or state typically requires a longer latency, suitable for extended periods of energy saving. Switching from listening mode or state to high-capacity mode has a shorter latency for rapid response to the communication needs of Non-AP STAs. By dynamically adjusting the latency based on different mode switching types, channel resource waste can be effectively reduced, overall network service quality optimized, and uninterrupted service achieved.

[0146] In some embodiments of this application, the first station further indicates initial target DPS operation-related parameters in the query frame, including at least one of the following parameters: the target switching mode of the first station; the operation parameters of the target switching mode of the first station; and / or the initial time for the first station to switch to the energy-saving mode. In some embodiments of this application, the first station indicates the category of feedback information to be collected in the query frame, or defaults to providing feedback on all categories of the DPS query information field. In some embodiments of this application, when the DPS query support field indicates 1, during the first station's query phase, the first station sends a relevant query frame, and the second station provides corresponding information to assist the first station in deciding on the DPS operation parameters and / or operation time.

[0147] In some embodiments of this application, when the DPS query information field indicates a first value, the feedback message type of the second station is cache status information; or when the DPS query information field indicates a second value, the feedback message type of the second station is unavailable information of the second station, used to indicate that the second station reports its own inaccessibility time information; or when the DPS query information field indicates a third value, the feedback message type of the second station is transmission demand information of the second station; or when the DPS query information field indicates a fourth value, the feedback message type of the second station is DPS suggestion information of the first station; or when the DPS query information field indicates a fifth value, the feedback message type of the second station is transmission opportunity reservation information.

[0148] For example, when an AP declares or reports its own AP power-saving mode switching latency, it can indicate a longer latency value based on the actual required mode switching time. Specifically, when the actual required mode switching latency for the AP or multi-link device is t1, the AP can indicate a larger latency value t2 through this field, where t2 > t1. By reserving more sufficient mode switching time, a certain mode switching delay or mode hold-up effect can be achieved. Detailed methods are described in conjunction with ICF in the sixth embodiment.

[0149] 1. Mode Switching Protection Support: The Mode Switching Protection Support field indicates whether the AP supports configuring protection time for operation mode switching.

[0150] During the mode switching protection period, the AP will maintain the current mode and will not switch modes, ensuring communication stability during the switching process.

[0151] For detailed instructions regarding the mode switching protection time, please refer to the design description of the second embodiment.

[0152] 2. AP Dynamic Power Saving Query Support (AP DPS Query Support) field: The AP DPS Query Support field indicates whether the AP supports initiating a query phase before performing dynamic power saving operations.

[0153] When the value of this field is 1, it means that the AP supports sending relevant query frames during the query phase and assists in making decisions on dynamic energy-saving operation parameters and operation time by collecting feedback information from the STA.

[0154] 3. AP Dynamic Energy Saving Query Info (AP DPS Query Info) Field: The AP DPS Query Info field indicates the type of message the AP recommends the STA should provide during the AP dynamic energy saving query phase. During the query phase, the AP sends a query frame, and the STA provides relevant information according to the feedback message type indicated by the AP DPS Query Info field to assist the AP in deciding on dynamic energy saving operation parameters and operation time, etc. As shown in Table 4 below, there are at least one of the following methods for collecting feedback information during the query phase:

[0155] When the AP does not explicitly indicate the required auxiliary information in the query frame, all message categories listed in the AP DPS Query Info field by default can be used as feedback content for the STA.

[0156] The AP can explicitly indicate the type of auxiliary information required in the query frame. The AP can suggest multiple types of feedback information or a single type of feedback information, and this application does not limit this.

[0157] Table 4: Collection of feedback information during the inquiry phase:

[0158] During the dynamic energy-saving query phase, by collecting feedback information from STAs, the AP can optimize dynamic energy-saving operation parameters and operation time based on the actual network conditions, thereby achieving a better balance between energy saving and communication performance. Cache status information helps the AP understand the current cached data status of STAs, thus prioritizing urgent data transmission. STA unavailable information provides the duration of STA inaccessibility, facilitating the AP's rational scheduling of communication plans and avoiding unnecessary mode switching. STA transmission demand information ensures that the AP can meet the STA's quality of service requirements. AP DPS suggestion information allows STAs to make suggestions based on the target parameters provided by the AP, further optimizing energy-saving decisions. Transmission opportunity reservation information enables STAs to reserve future transmission opportunities in advance, ensuring efficient data transmission and energy-saving operation.

[0159] Second embodiment: Indication of mode switching protection time:

[0160] In some embodiments of this application, at least one field of the mode switching protection time is carried during frame interaction in the first site capability element, the energy-saving operation declaration, and when the first site and the second site negotiate energy-saving operation, for indicating or negotiating information related to the protection time. In some embodiments of this application, at least one field of the mode switching protection time includes: a mode switching protection support field, used to indicate whether the configuration of the mode switching protection time is supported; a mode switching protection duration field, used to indicate the duration of the mode switching protection time, during which no mode switching operation will be performed; a mode switching protection start field, used to indicate the start time of the mode switching protection time; a mode switching protection end field, used to indicate the end time of the mode switching protection time; an energy-saving protection window unit field, used to indicate the timing unit of the protection window after the first station declares dynamic energy-saving operation; a mode switching protection negotiation field, used to indicate whether the first station supports the second station in negotiating the declared mode switching protection time; an energy-saving mode switching delay field, used to indicate the delay information of the mode switching when the first station performs the energy-saving operation; and / or a mode switching protection field, used in conjunction with the energy-saving mode switching delay field to indicate which mode the current mode switching protection time is effective in.

[0161] In some embodiments of this application, the first station indicates the mode switching protection time through at least one of the following methods: indicating a uniform mode switching protection time, i.e., the first station indicates, updates, or negotiates a unique mode switching protection time applicable to protection of different operating modes; and / or indicating different mode switching protection times under different modes, i.e., the first station indicates, updates, or negotiates different protection times under different modes. In some embodiments of this application, when the mode switching protection field indicates a first value, the energy-saving mode switching delay field indicates a first mode switching protection time in high-capacity mode; or when the mode switching protection field indicates a second value, the energy-saving mode switching delay field indicates a second mode switching protection time in low-capacity mode or state; or when the mode switching protection field indicates a third value, the energy-saving mode switching delay field indicates a third mode switching protection time in monitoring mode or state; or when the mode switching protection field indicates a fourth value, the energy-saving mode switching delay field indicates a fourth mode switching protection time in sleep mode or state. In some embodiments of this application, the first site also indicates whether the first mode switching protection time, the second mode switching protection time, the third mode switching protection time, and / or the fourth mode switching protection time support negotiation through the mode switching protection negotiation field.

[0162] For example, fields related to mode switching protection time can be carried in the AP's capability elements, AP dynamic power-saving declarations, and frame exchanges during power-saving operation negotiations between the AP and STA. These fields are used to indicate or negotiate information related to mode switching protection time, ensuring stable network communication during mode switching and reducing the impact of handover latency.

[0163] Mode Switching Protection Support Field: This field indicates whether the AP supports configuring mode switching protection time. If this field indicates support, the STA can learn about the AP's protection time configuration capabilities during frame interaction.

[0164] The Mode Switch Protection Duration field indicates the duration for which the AP will not perform any mode switching operations during the mode switch protection period. During this period, the AP will maintain its current operating mode to ensure stable communication and avoid wasting channel resources caused by frequent switching.

[0165] The Mode Switch Protection Start field indicates the start time of the mode switch protection period, helping the STA accurately predict the AP's mode hold time.

[0166] The Mode Switch Protection End field indicates the end time of the mode switch protection period, specifying when the AP can resume normal mode switching operations.

[0167] The Protection Window Unit (PS) field indicates the timing unit for the protection window after the AP declares dynamic energy-saving operation. The timing unit can be milliseconds (ms), microseconds (μs), or other time units to ensure that the STA can accurately calculate the protection time.

[0168] Mode Switch Protection Negotiation field: This field indicates whether the AP supports the STA in negotiating the declared mode switch protection time. If supported, the STA can request adjustments to the start time, end time, or duration of the mode switch protection time via feedback information.

[0169] By introducing mode switching protection time-related fields into AP capability elements, AP dynamic power saving declarations, and AP-STA frame interactions, the communication stability and energy-saving efficiency of the network during mode switching can be effectively improved.

[0170] When the AP indicates the mode switching protection time, at least one of the following methods can be used:

[0171] Method 1: Specifying a Uniform Mode Switching Protection Time: A uniform protection time refers to a unique mode switching protection time that the AP specifies, updates, or negotiates. This time applies to all operating modes. The AP follows this protection time configuration when entering non-energy-saving mode or energy-saving mode. During the mode switching protection time, the AP will not perform any mode switching operations, ensuring communication stability.

[0172] Method 2: Indicating Different Mode Switching Protection Times for Different Operating Modes: As shown in Table 5, the AP can indicate, update, or negotiate different mode switching protection times based on different operating modes. By introducing an additional mode switching protection field, combined with the AP PS Mode Switch Delay field, the applicable operating mode for the mode switching protection time is clearly defined. The AP can indicate different protection times for different energy-saving or non-energy-saving modes, achieving a more flexible energy-saving strategy. Under this method, the Mode Switch Protection Negotiation field can indicate whether the mode switching protection time in the corresponding mode supports negotiation, thereby further increasing the flexibility of protection time configuration. This allows for the AP to decide fixed protection times for certain modes, such as sleep mode or state, while other modes accept protection time suggestions from the STA.

[0173] Table 5: Protection time for different mode switching modes:

[0174] This flexible configuration approach can achieve energy efficiency while ensuring the continuity of network communication, providing Wi-Fi technology with greater reliability and adaptability.

[0175] Third embodiment: Frame sequence during the protection period in non-energy-saving mode:

[0176] In some embodiments of this application, in the non-energy-saving mode, the first station configures the duration of the mode switching protection time to T1, where T1 is a value greater than the TXOP limit. The first station and the second station time T1 using a timer. Within T1, the first station maintains its current non-energy-saving mode and does not perform a mode switch, supporting the second station in the high-capacity mode to negotiate the energy-saving operation, the energy-saving mode, the energy-saving parameters, and / or the data transmission with the first station. In some embodiments of this application, after the first station and the second station negotiate the energy-saving operation, the energy-saving mode, and the energy-saving parameters, the first station decides to postpone the DPS timing and updates the DPS-related parameters and / or mode information by resending the energy-saving operation declaration. The first station indicates the duration of the mode switching protection time as T2 and constrains T2 to be a value less than or equal to the TXOP limit. The first station and the second station update the timer. In some embodiments of this application, during T2, the first station receives data sent by the second station via a data frame, the data frame carrying the negotiated value of the DPS-related parameters, and the first station uniformly indicates the successful reception of the data and / or the acceptance of the negotiation via a block confirmation BA frame.

[0177] In some embodiments of this application, after the newly configured mode switching protection time expires, the first station enters the energy-saving mode. In some embodiments of this application, channel access during the mode switching protection time is contention-based or triggered by the first station. The first station declares protection time information in the energy-saving operation declaration and allocates transmission resources to the second station it wants to schedule. In some embodiments of this application, the negotiation feedback from the first station to the second station includes at least one of the following indications: the first station receives the negotiation parameters and reports success; the first station modifies the negotiation parameters and reports a suggested negotiation value; and / or the first station rejects the negotiation and reports rejection.

[0178] For example, regarding Solution 1, during the mode switching protection period when the AP is in non-energy-saving mode, various frame interaction methods can be used, as shown in Figure 3. The duration of the mode switching protection period can be set to a time period at the Transmission Opportunity (TXOP) level, or it can exceed the TXOP Limit.

[0179] When the AP announces dynamic energy-saving parameters to the Non-AP STA via the AP energy-saving declaration frame, the parameters may include at least one of the following: AP target switching mode, AP target switching mode operation parameters, and / or mode switching protection time related parameters, as defined in the second embodiment.

[0180] While announcing the above parameters, the AP configures the mode switching protection time to a duration of T1, where T1 is a value greater than the TXOP Limit. Both the AP and STA should record this time period using timers. During the T1 time period, the AP will remain in non-energy-saving mode and will not perform a mode switching operation. Therefore, during this time period, the AP can support at least one of the following operations: data transmission initiated by STA1; negotiation of dynamic energy-saving parameters initiated by STA2. After the negotiation with STA2 ends, the AP can decide to postpone its dynamic energy-saving operation time based on network conditions. To do this, the AP updates the dynamic energy-saving parameters and related mode information by resending the AP Energy Saving Declaration Frame. In this update, the AP configures the mode switching protection time to T2 and constrains it to be less than or equal to the TXOP Limit. Both the AP and STA need to update their timers.

[0181] During time period T2, STA3 sends a data frame to AP, carrying negotiated values ​​for dynamic power-saving parameters. AP uses a Block Acknowledgment (BA) frame to indicate at least one of the following: successful reception of the data frame; acceptance of the negotiated parameters. After the latest configured mode-switching protection time expires (e.g., after time T2 expires), AP will switch to power-saving mode.

[0182] Channel access during the mode switching protection period can be contention-based, such as the transmission operations of STA1 and STA2; or it can be access point-triggered, where the AP announces protection time information in the AP power saving declaration frame and allocates transmission resources to the STAs that it wants to schedule, as shown in STA3.

[0183] This example illustrates the negotiation process between the STA and AP regarding dynamic energy-saving parameters, assuming the AP accepts the negotiation. Specifically, the AP's feedback to the STA may include at least one of the following: receiving the negotiated parameters and providing a "success" response; modifying the negotiated parameters and providing a suggested negotiated value; or rejecting the negotiation and providing a "reject" response.

[0184] The above frame sequence design can effectively improve the communication stability of the network during dynamic energy-saving operation, reduce the waste of channel resources during mode switching, and provide STAs with a more flexible negotiation mechanism.

[0185] Fourth Implementation Example: Behavior during the energy-saving mode protection period:

[0186] In some embodiments of this application, when the first site enters the sleep mode or state, the mode switching protection time in the energy-saving mode indicated by the first site is less than or equal to the duration indicated by the first site through the maximum away duration (Max Away Duration). In some embodiments of this application, when the first site is an auxiliary AP of an Access Point Multi-Link Device (AP MLD), the auxiliary AP, in its energy-saving operation declaration before entering the sleep mode or state, indicates whether to support wake-up operations by non-AP sites (STAs) across links and the corresponding mode switching protection time. The mode switching protection time in the sleep mode or state is less than or equal to the duration indicated by the auxiliary AP through Max Away Duration. In some embodiments of this application, if the first site indicates support for the second site to send an initial control frame to wake up the first site through other links, the first site can still maintain the sleep mode or state after the mode switching protection time expires until it receives the initial control frame wake-up request. In some embodiments of this application, if the first site indicates that it does not support the second site to send an initial control frame to wake up the first site through other links, the first site automatically switches back from the sleep mode or state to the non-energy-saving mode after the mode switching protection time expires.

[0187] In some embodiments of this application, when the first station enters a listening mode or state, the first station decides whether to schedule the second station, which sends an initial control frame requesting the first station to perform a mode switch, after the mode switching protection time expires. In some embodiments of this application, if the first station decides to schedule the second station, then after the mode switching protection time expires, the first station automatically switches from the listening mode or state to the non-energy-saving mode and sends a trigger frame to the second station to schedule the first station to complete the transmission. In some embodiments of this application, if the first station decides not to schedule the second station, then after the mode switching protection time expires, the first station remains in the listening mode or state and receives the initial control frame sent by the second station. In some embodiments of this application, when the first station enters the low-capacity mode or state, frame interaction between the first station and the second station in the low-capacity mode or state is supported, the frames including management frames, control frames, and / or data frames. In some embodiments of this application, the first station, based on the initial control frame sent by the second station, feeds back an initial control response frame to the second station with the operating parameters of the current low-capacity mode or state. In some embodiments of this application, the information indicated in the initial control response frame includes: whether the first station will immediately perform the mode switch when the mode switch protection time ends, that is, whether the second station needs to send the initial control frame again to trigger the mode switch after the protection time ends; and / or whether the first station will schedule the second station after the mode switch protection time ends.

[0188] For example, in Solution 1, during the mode switching protection time in energy-saving mode, the AP can take different communication behaviors depending on the energy-saving mode switched to by the AP.

[0189] 1. AP enters sleep mode or state: To achieve the most efficient energy saving, the AP can choose to enter sleep mode or state. In this case, the mode switching protection time indicated by the AP should be less than or equal to the duration indicated by the MaxAwayDuration parameter. Depending on the AP's device configuration, the specific behavior can be divided into the following two situations:

[0190] Scenario 1: The AP is an auxiliary AP of the AP multi-link device:

[0191] The AP dynamic power saving statement before the auxiliary AP enters sleep mode or state should indicate whether Non-AP STA is supported to wake up via other links, and the corresponding mode switching protection time.

[0192] If the AP indicates that it supports the STA sending an ICF to wake it up via another link, the AP can remain in sleep mode or state after the mode switch protection time expires until it receives an ICF wake-up request.

[0193] If the AP indicates that it does not support the STA sending ICF wake-up requests via other links, the AP should automatically switch from sleep mode or state back to non-energy-saving mode after the mode switching protection time expires.

[0194] Scenario 2: AP does not support MLO:

[0195] In this case, the AP should explicitly indicate the mode switching protection time, and the mode switching protection time in sleep mode or state should be less than or equal to the duration indicated by the MaxAwayDuration parameter. After the mode switching protection time expires, the AP should automatically switch back from sleep mode or state to non-energy-saving mode.

[0196] 2. AP enters listening mode or state:

[0197] When the AP enters listening mode or state, since the AP has declared the mode switching protection time for this power-saving mode in advance, the STA will usually send an ICF request to the AP to switch modes after the mode switching protection time expires. However, this invention does not restrict the STA's waiting behavior and also allows the STA to send an ICF within the mode switching protection time. In this case, the AP will not immediately switch modes but will continue to maintain listening mode or state within the mode switching protection time.

[0198] During this period, the AP will not respond to the ICR, but it can record the sender's address, identifier, and other information of the ICF, and decide whether to schedule the requesting STA after the mode switching protection time ends.

[0199] If the AP decides to schedule the STA, after the mode switching protection time expires, the AP will switch from monitoring mode or state to non-energy-saving mode and send a trigger frame to the STA to schedule it to complete data transmission.

[0200] If the AP decides not to schedule the STA, the AP can continue to monitor mode or state after the mode switch protection time expires, and the STA can still send ICFs to trigger the AP to switch modes.

[0201] 3. AP enters low-capability mode or state:

[0202] When the AP enters a low-capability mode or state, it is allowed to interact with the STA in a low-capability mode or state, including management frames, control frames, or data frames.

[0203] Similarly, the STA can send an ICF after the mode switching protection period expires, based on the AP's declaration, to trigger the AP to perform a mode switch. Alternatively, it can send an ICF earlier in this phase to request the AP to perform a mode switch. However, since the AP's mode switch is not immediately triggered during the mode switching protection period, the AP can provide initial ICR feedback to the STA based on the operating parameters of its current low-capability mode or state.

[0204] In the ICR, the AP can indicate at least one of the following: whether a mode switch will occur immediately after the mode switch protection period ends, i.e., whether the STA needs to send an ICF again to trigger a mode switch after the protection period ends; and whether the STA will be scheduled after the mode switch protection period ends to meet its transmission needs.

[0205] By designing behaviors under different energy-saving modes, APs can effectively improve communication efficiency during mode switching protection time, reduce resource waste during mode switching, and ensure network energy saving and communication stability.

[0206] Fifth Implementation Example: Interaction Behavior of Frames in the Query Phase

[0207] In some embodiments of this application, initiating or instructing the first site DPS query phase includes the first site initiating or instructing the first site DPS query phase to the second site by sending a query frame, wherein the query frame indicates relevant time information of the first site DPS query phase. In some embodiments of this application, the query frame includes at least one of the following fields: a query phase duration field, used to indicate the duration of the first site DPS query phase; a query phase start field, used to indicate the start time of the first site DPS query phase; a query phase end field, used to indicate the end time of the first site DPS query phase; a query phase unit field, used to indicate the time unit of the first site DPS query phase; and / or a query status validity period field, used to indicate the validity period of the first site DPS query phase, wherein the first site DPS query phase ends when no feedback is received from the second site after the validity period of the first site DPS query phase has expired. In some embodiments of this application, during the duration of the DPS query phase at the first station, the first station receives feedback from the second station on relevant information according to the feedback message type indicated by the DPS query information field, to assist the first station in deciding the timing of the DPS mode switch, the DPS-related operating parameters, the switching mode or state, and / or the time parameters. In some embodiments of this application, in the query frame, the first station further indicates initial target DPS operating parameters, including at least one of the following parameters: the target switching mode of the first station; the operating parameters of the target switching mode of the first station; and / or the initial time for the first station to switch to the energy-saving mode.

[0208] In some embodiments of this application, the first station indicates the category of feedback information to be collected in the query frame, or by default, all categories of the DPS query information field are fed back. In some embodiments of this application, when the DPS query support field indicates 1, during the first station's query phase, the first station sends a relevant query frame, and the second station feeds back corresponding information to assist the first station in deciding on the DPS's operating parameters and / or operating time. In some embodiments of this application, when the DPS query information field indicates a first value, the feedback message type of the second station is cache status information; or when the DPS query information field indicates a second value, the feedback message type of the second station is the second station's unavailability information, used to indicate that the second station feeds back its own inaccessibility time information; or when the DPS query information field indicates a third value, the feedback message type of the second station is the second station's transmission demand information; or when the DPS query information field indicates a fourth value, the feedback message type of the second station is the first station's DPS suggestion information; or when the DPS query information field indicates a fifth value, the feedback message type of the second station is transmission opportunity reservation information.

[0209] In some embodiments of this application, the collection of feedback information during the DPS query phase of the first site includes at least one of the following methods: the first site does not indicate the required auxiliary information in the query frame, and defaults to the message category in the DPS query information field as feedback information; and / or the first site indicates the required auxiliary information in the query frame, and the first site suggests multiple types of feedback information or a single type of feedback information. In some embodiments of this application, the feedback information collected based on the DPS query phase of the first site includes: after the first site indicates the time information of the DPS query phase of the first site through the query frame, both the first site and the second site start a timer, and during the duration of the timer, the first site receives a feedback frame sent by the second site. In some embodiments of this application, the first site receiving the feedback frame sent by the second site includes: the first site schedules a specific second site or a group of second sites through the query frame to support the scheduled specific second site or group of second sites in providing feedback on target information.

[0210] In some embodiments of this application, the feedback frame indicates at least one of the following information: one or more pieces of information in the DPS query information field that the first site is targeted to collect or is defaulted to; and / or one or more pieces of information in the DPS query information field that the first site is targeted to collect or is defaulted to are not present or cannot be calculated. In some embodiments of this application, the first site receiving the feedback frame sent by the second site includes: the first site broadcasting the query frame, wherein the query frame indicates relevant time information of the first site's DPS query phase and / or the first site's initial target DPS operation information. In some embodiments of this application, if the first site does not receive any feedback from the second site within the time indicated by the query status validity period field, it prematurely terminates the first site's DPS query phase and sends an energy-saving operation declaration to enter the energy-saving mode.

[0211] In some embodiments of this application, the energy-saving operation declaration indicates at least one of the following information: the energy-saving mode of the target switch of the first station, the operating parameters of the energy-saving mode, and / or the mode switch protection time. In some embodiments of this application, the cache status information and the transmission demand information of the second station assist the first station in deciding whether to postpone or cancel the current DPS operation, or change the energy-saving mode of the target switch. In some embodiments of this application, the unavailability information of the second station assists the first station in deciding whether the timing of the DPS operation coincides with the unavailability time of the second station. In some embodiments of this application, the first station adjusts the initially set DPS-related parameters with reference to the DPS suggestion information, and updates the DPS-related parameters when making the energy-saving operation declaration. In some embodiments of this application, the first station receives a transmission opportunity reservation request sent by the second station, and after the first station performs the energy-saving operation, the initial control frame sent by the second station triggers the first station to perform a mode switch. In some embodiments of this application, the first station supports the second station, which did not provide any information during the first station's DPS query phase, and when sending the initial control frame to trigger the mode switch, also indicates the flow or data-related information associated with this transmission.

[0212] For example, as shown in Figure 4, in the second solution, the AP indicates the start of the inquiry phase by sending an inquiry frame. The inquiry frame can be a variant of an existing management or control frame, such as a trigger frame or a beacon frame, or it can be a completely new frame. This invention does not limit this. In the inquiry frame, the AP indicates relevant timing information for the inquiry phase, specifically including at least one of the following fields:

[0213] The query phase duration field indicates the duration of the query phase. During this period, the STA can send dynamic energy-saving query information to the AP to assist the AP in making decisions on dynamic energy-saving parameters.

[0214] The Query Stage Start field indicates the start time of the query stage.

[0215] The Query Stage End field indicates the end time of the query stage.

[0216] The Query Stage Unit field indicates the time unit for the query stage.

[0217] The Query State Expired field indicates the duration of the query phase. If no feedback is received from the STA within this period, the query phase ends.

[0218] In the query frame, the AP may also indicate the initial target dynamic power-saving operation parameters, including at least one of the following parameters: AP target switching mode; AP target switching mode operation parameters; initial time for the AP to switch to power-saving mode.

[0219] As described in the first embodiment, the AP can indicate the category of feedback information to be collected in the query frame, or by default, all categories of AP dynamic power saving query information (AP DPS Query Info) can be fed back. After the query frame indicates the query phase time information, both the AP and the STA should start a timer to keep track. During the query phase duration, the STA sends a feedback frame in at least one of the following situations:

[0220] Scenario 1: AP schedules a specific STA or site group: When an AP schedules a specific STA or site group via an interrogation frame, the scheduled STA provides target information feedback. In this case, the feedback frame can indicate at least one of the following: one or more pieces of AP dynamic energy-saving interrogation information collected by the AP target; or, if AP dynamic energy-saving interrogation information does not exist or cannot be calculated, i.e., feedback information that cannot be provided.

[0221] Scenario 2: AP Broadcast Query Frame: When the AP broadcasts a query frame, indicating the query phase time information and / or initial target dynamic energy-saving operation information, STAs that have collected AP dynamic energy-saving query information can decide whether to respond via contention channel access. If the AP does not receive any feedback from any STA within the time indicated by Query State Expired, it can terminate the query phase early and send an AP dynamic energy-saving declaration to enter energy-saving mode.

[0222] As described in Table 4 of the first embodiment, the feedback frame sent by the STA may carry at least one of the following information to assist the AP in deciding on dynamic energy-saving parameters:

[0223] Buffer State Info and STA transmission demand information. This information can help the AP decide whether to postpone or cancel the current dynamic power-saving operation, or change the power-saving mode for target switching.

[0224] STA Unavailable information: This information can help the AP decide when to perform its dynamic power-saving operation to match the STA's inaccessibility time, thereby avoiding the AP receiving a large number of ICF wake-up requests during power-saving mode.

[0225] AP Dynamic Energy Saving Recommendation Information: APs can refer to the recommendation information provided by STAs to adjust their initial dynamic energy saving parameters and update the relevant parameters in subsequent AP dynamic energy saving statements.

[0226] Transmission opportunity reservation information: When the AP receives a transmission opportunity reservation request from the STA, it can allow the STA to trigger an immediate mode switch by sending an ICF after the AP performs power-saving operations. STAs that do not provide any feedback during the inquiry phase should additionally indicate the flow or data information related to this transmission in the feedback frame when sending an ICF to trigger a mode switch. See the sixth embodiment for details.

[0227] By designing the interrogation phase frame interaction behavior, the AP can effectively collect feedback information from the STA before dynamic energy-saving operations, thereby optimizing energy-saving strategies, reducing unnecessary mode or state switching, and improving the network's energy-saving efficiency and communication stability.

[0228] Sixth Implementation Example: AP Energy Saving Mode Switching and Indication Method

[0229] According to Solution 1 and / or Solution 2 of the embodiments of this application, when the first station enters the energy-saving mode, the second station can trigger the first station to switch modes by sending an initial control frame.

[0230] In some embodiments of this application, the initial control frame carries at least one of the following information: data rate, indicating the data rate required for this transmission; buffer load value, indicating the sender's current buffer load value; expiration time, indicating the expiration time of the data to be transmitted; category priority value, indicating the data access category priority value of the data transmitted by the sender in this transmission; Quality of Service (QoS) traffic capability bitmask, indicating the user priority value of the traffic transmitted by the sender in this transmission; delay limit, indicating the maximum duration required to complete this transmission; and / or operation level, indicating the operation level value requested by the sender for this transmission. In some embodiments of this application, the at least one piece of information carried in the initial control frame assists the first station in deciding whether to terminate the mode switching protection time early. In some embodiments of this application, when the first station receives the initial control frame sent by the second station to trigger the first station to perform mode switching, an intermediate cutoff bit (FCS) is added to the initial control frame according to the duration indicated by the energy-saving mode switching delay value, thereby reserving a certain padding time for the first station in the initial control frame for the mode switching. When the energy-saving mode switching delay value indicated or reported by the first station is greater than the actual required delay, the first station decides the start time of the mode switching within the padding time reserved in the initial control frame, and satisfies the requirement to send back an initial control response frame after the initial control frame is transmitted, at intervals of a short frame interval (SIFS) or other inter-frame intervals.

[0231] In some embodiments of this application, when the first station provides feedback via an initial control response frame, it decides whether to immediately perform a mode switch. The initial control response frame indicates at least one of the following: the first station immediately performs the mode switch and, after completing the mode switch, sends the initial control response frame with high-capacity operating parameters, providing feedback on the mode switch result, and performs subsequent data transmission in the high-capacity mode; the first station maintains the current energy-saving mode and sends the initial control response frame with the current low-capacity mode or state operating parameters, indicating a delay or rejection of the mode switch, requiring the second station to send the initial control frame again to trigger the mode switch; the first station maintains the current energy-saving mode and sends the initial control response frame with the current low-capacity mode or state operating parameters, indicating... The system may postpone mode switching and indicate the expected completion time of the mode switching, or the duration of the mode switching to be postponed, or instruct the second station to start timing after receiving the instruction information without retransmitting the initial control frame. By default, the first station will start or complete the mode switching at the corresponding indicated time. Alternatively, the first station may maintain its current energy-saving mode and send the initial control response frame with the current low-capacity mode or state operation parameters, indicating a postponement of mode switching and instructing that transmission scheduling will be performed on the initial control frame transmission after the expected mode switching is completed, and / or scheduling related to the transmission scheduling, or instruct the second station to start timing after receiving the instruction information without retransmitting the initial control frame or obtaining a transmission opportunity through channel contention, and wait for the first station to complete the scheduling of this frame interaction.

[0232] For example, in Solution 1 and / or Solution 2 of this application embodiment, when the AP enters power-saving mode, the STA can trigger the AP to switch modes by sending an ICF. In the ICF, the STA can carry at least one of the following information to assist the AP in deciding whether to immediately switch modes: Data Rate: Indicates the data rate required for this transmission, and may further indicate a maximum, minimum, or average value. Buffer Load: Indicates the current buffer load value of the STA. Expiration Time: Indicates the expiration time of the data to be transmitted. Access Class Priority: Indicates the priority value of the access class of the data transmitted by the STA this time. Quality of Service Traffic Capability Bitmask: Indicates the user priority value of the traffic transmitted by the ICF sender this time. Delay Limit: Indicates the maximum duration required to complete this transmission. Operation Level: Indicates the operation level value requested by the ICF sender for this transmission.

[0233] When the STA sends an ICF to the AP, it should refer to the duration indicated by the AP mode switching delay in Example 1 and add an intermediate cutoff bit to the ICF to reserve a certain amount of padding time for the AP to switch modes during the ICF frame transmission.

[0234] As described in the first embodiment, when the AP reports an AP mode switching delay value greater than its actual required delay, the AP can decide on the start time of the mode switch itself within the padding time period reserved in the ICF frame. For example, if the actual delay required for the AP to switch from a low-capability mode or state to a high-capability mode is x milliseconds, and the time indicated by the AP PS Mode Switch Delay field is y milliseconds, where y > x, then the STA will reserve y milliseconds of padding time for the AP when sending the ICF frame, so that the AP can complete the mode switch.

[0235] The application processor (AP) can begin mode switching immediately after resolving the intermediate cutoff bit and maintain the current mode for the remaining yx milliseconds. Alternatively, the AP can delay the mode switching by yx milliseconds after resolving the intermediate cutoff bit.

[0236] For Solution 2, when a STA does not provide feedback during the inquiry phase, it should send one or more of the above information when the AP sends an ICF to trigger its mode switch after entering power-saving mode, in order to assist the AP in deciding whether to switch modes immediately.

[0237] For Solution 1, the STA negotiates one or more of the above information in the ICF, which can help the AP decide whether to terminate the mode switching protection time in advance.

[0238] After receiving the ICF from the STA, the AP provides feedback via the ICR and decides whether to immediately perform a mode switch. The ICR may contain at least one of the following indications: 1. AP performs immediate mode switch: After completing the mode switch, the AP sends an ICR with high-capacity operating parameters and provides feedback on its mode switch result, then performs subsequent data transmission in high-capacity mode. 2. AP maintains current power-saving mode: The AP sends an ICR with low-capacity mode or state operating parameters, only indicating a delay or rejection of the mode switch. The STA needs to send another ICF to attempt to trigger the AP's mode switch. 3. AP delays mode switch and indicates the expected switch time: The AP sends an ICR with low-capacity mode or state operating parameters, indicating a delay in the mode switch, and may indicate its expected mode switch completion time t1, or the desired delay duration t1. Upon receiving this indication, the STA should start timing without sending another ICF; the AP will automatically complete the mode switch after t1 expires. 4. AP Delays Mode Switching and Indicates Expected Transmission Scheduling Time: The AP sends an ICR with operating parameters in a low-capacity mode or state, indicating a delayed mode switching and indicating that transmission scheduling will be performed on the STA sending the ICF after the expected mode switch is completed, or indicating a plan related to this transmission scheduling. Upon receiving this indication, the STA should start timing, without retransmitting the ICF or competing for a transmission opportunity through channel contention, and wait for the AP to schedule it to complete this frame exchange.

[0239] By using the auxiliary information carried in the ICF and the ICR feedback information of the AP, the communication efficiency of the network during dynamic energy-saving operation can be further improved, and unnecessary resource waste during mode switching can be effectively reduced, thus achieving efficient energy-saving management.

[0240] In summary, this application proposes a dynamic energy-saving process for access points based on mode switching protection time and a query mechanism. By setting a protection time between non-energy-saving and energy-saving modes, mode switching behavior is optimized, avoiding resource waste and latency issues caused by frequent switching. During the protection time, stations can communicate with the access point for data transmission, energy-saving mode negotiation, or transmission opportunity reservation, assisting the access point in deciding on a more suitable energy-saving time. Simultaneously, before executing dynamic energy-saving operations, the access point can collect station cache, transmission requirements, or energy-saving suggestions through query frames to optimize energy-saving strategies. In energy-saving mode, stations not participating in the query can carry data or data stream information through the initial control frame to assist the access point in deciding when to terminate energy saving. This mechanism effectively improves the energy-saving efficiency of access points, reduces resource waste caused by single decisions, and achieves uninterrupted service.

[0241] Figure 5 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 AP, or a STA. The communication device 500 shown in Figure 5 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.

[0242] Optionally, as shown in FIG5, 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.

[0243] Optionally, as shown in Figure 5, 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.

[0244] 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.

[0245] 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.

[0246] 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.

[0247] Figure 6 is a schematic structural diagram of a chip according to an embodiment of this application. The chip 600 shown in Figure 6 includes a processor 610, which can call and run computer programs from memory to implement the methods in the embodiments of this application.

[0248] Optionally, as shown in FIG6, 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.

[0249] 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.

[0250] 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.

[0251] 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.

[0252] 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.

[0253] 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.

[0254] 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.

[0255] 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.

[0256] 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.

[0257] This application also provides a computer program product, including computer program instructions.

[0258] 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.

[0259] 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.

[0260] 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.

[0261] 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. A communication method for energy-saving operation, executed at a first station, comprising: Send energy-saving capability information instructions to the second station; Send an energy-saving operation declaration to the second station, wherein, based on the energy-saving operation declaration, the first station maintains the current energy-saving mode or the current non-energy-saving mode during the mode switching protection period.

2. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to claim 1, wherein, During the protection period in non-energy-saving mode, the second station is supported in negotiating and / or transmitting data with the first station in the non-energy-saving mode regarding the relevant parameters of the energy-saving operation declaration, energy-saving operation, energy-saving mode, and energy-saving parameters.

3. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, During the protection period under the energy-saving mode, different communication behaviors exist depending on the energy-saving mode switched by the first station. The energy-saving mode includes at least one of the following modes: low-capacity mode or state, listening mode or state, and / or sleep mode or state.

4. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The situations in which the energy-saving capability information indication is sent to the second station include: When the first station declares its energy-saving capabilities to the second station, or when the first station reports its energy-saving capabilities based on a request from the second station, the first station sends the energy-saving capability information instruction to the second station.

5. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The energy-saving capability information indicator includes at least one of the following fields: The energy-saving support field is used to indicate whether the first site supports energy-saving operations; An energy-saving operation field exists and indicates the type of energy-saving operation supported by the first site when the energy-saving support field indicates that the first site supports the energy-saving operation. The energy-saving mode field indicates whether the first station enters the power management mode when the energy-saving support field indicates that the first station supports the energy-saving operation. In the power management mode, the first station switches between the energy-saving mode and the non-energy-saving mode. The energy-saving mode support field indicates that when the energy-saving support field indicates that the first station supports the energy-saving operation, the energy-saving mode support field indicates that the first station switches, selects or negotiates the operation mode or device status under the power management mode. The energy-saving mode switching delay field exists when the energy-saving support field indicates that the first station supports the energy-saving operation, and indicates the delay information of the first station when performing the energy-saving operation; the mode switching type field is used together with the energy-saving mode switching delay field to indicate the delay information of the first station when performing the energy-saving operation. The mode switching protection support field indicates whether it is supported to configure a protection time for switching operating modes. During the mode switching protection time, the current mode is maintained and no mode switching will occur. The DPS query support field is used to indicate whether the first site supports initiating a query phase before performing DPS. and / or The DPS Query Information field indicates the type of feedback message suggested by the second site during the DPS query phase.

6. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to claim 5, wherein, When the energy-saving operation field indicates a first value, the energy-saving operation category supported by the first site is first site scheduling energy saving; or When the energy-saving operation field indicates a second value, the energy-saving operation category supported by the first site is dynamic energy saving at the first site; or When the energy-saving operation field indicates a third value, the energy-saving operation category supported by the first site is semi-dynamic energy saving of the first site; or When the energy-saving operation field indicates the fourth value, the energy-saving operation category supported by the first site is the first site hybrid energy saving.

7. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to claim 5, wherein, When the energy-saving mode supports the field indicating the first value... The first station switches, selects, or negotiates an operating mode or device state to sleep mode or state under the power management mode. In the sleep mode or state, the first station does not perform frame interaction or receive or transmit wireless communication; or When the power-saving mode supports the field indicating a second value, the first station switches, selects, or negotiates the operating mode or device state to wake-up mode under the power management mode. In wake-up mode, the first station performs frame interaction or receives or transmits wireless communication; or When the energy-saving mode supports the field indicating a third value, the first station switches, selects, or negotiates the operation mode or device state to the monitoring mode or state under the power management mode. In the monitoring mode or state, the first station performs a monitoring operation. or When the power-saving mode supports the fourth value, the first station switches, selects, or negotiates the operating mode or device state to the low-capability mode or state under the power management mode. In the low-capability mode or state, the first station performs frame interaction or wireless communication reception or transmission based on the operating parameters of the low-capability mode or state. The operating parameters include at least one of the following parameters: bandwidth (BW), modulation and coding scheme (MCS), number of spatial streams (Nss), and / or data rate; or When the power saving mode supports the field indicating the fifth value, the first station switches, selects, or negotiates the operating mode or device state to the high-capacity mode under the power management mode. In the high-capacity mode, the first station performs frame interaction behavior or receives or transmits wireless communication based on the operating parameters of the high-capacity mode. In the high-capacity mode, the configuration of one or more parameters in the operating parameters is superior to that of the low-capacity mode or state.

8. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to claim 5, wherein, The latency information is a fixed latency duration, or the latency information indicates different or gradient latency durations for switching between different modes.

9. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to claim 5 or 8, wherein, When the mode switching type field indicates a first value, the first station switches from sleep mode or state to wake-up mode, and the energy-saving mode switching delay field indicates a first delay value; or When the mode switching type field indicates a second value, the first station switches from the low-capacity mode or state to the high-capacity mode, and the energy-saving mode switching delay field indicates a second delay value; or When the mode switching type field indicates a third value, the first station switches from the monitoring mode or state to the high-capacity mode, and the energy-saving mode switching delay field indicates a third delay value; or When the mode switching type field indicates a fourth value, the first station switches from the hibernation mode or state to the low-capacity mode or state, and the energy-saving mode switching delay field indicates a fourth delay value.

10. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to any one of claims 2 to 9, wherein, The relevant parameters of the energy-saving operation declaration include at least one of the following parameters: the energy-saving mode of the target switching of the first site, the operation parameters of the target switching of the first site, and / or the relevant parameters of the mode switching protection time.

11. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to claim 10, wherein, At least one field of the mode switching protection time is carried during the frame interaction process of the first site capability element, the energy-saving operation declaration, and the energy-saving operation negotiation between the first site and the second site, and is used to indicate or negotiate information related to the protection time.

12. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to claim 10, wherein, At least one field of the mode switching protection time includes: The mode switching protection support field indicates whether the configuration of the mode switching protection time is supported; The mode switching protection duration field is used to indicate the duration of the mode switching protection time during which no mode switching operation will be performed. The mode switching protection start field is used to indicate the start time of the mode switching protection period; The mode switching protection termination field is used to indicate the termination time of the mode switching protection period; The Energy Saving Protection Window Unit field is used to indicate the timing unit of the protection window after the first station declares dynamic energy saving operation; The mode switching protection negotiation field is used to indicate whether the first site supports the second site in negotiating the declared mode switching protection time; The energy-saving mode switching delay field is used to indicate the delay information of the mode switching when the first station performs the energy-saving operation; and / or The mode switching protection field is used in conjunction with the energy-saving mode switching delay field to indicate which mode the current mode switching protection time is in effect.

13. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to claim 11, wherein, The first site indicates the mode switching protection time by at least one of the following methods: Indicates a uniform mode switching protection time; and / or Indicates the protection time for different mode switching modes under different modes.

14. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to claim 13, wherein, When the mode switching protection field indicates a first value, the energy-saving mode switching delay field indicates the first mode switching protection time in high-capacity mode; or When the mode switching protection field indicates the second value, the energy-saving mode switching delay field indicates the second mode switching protection time in the low-capacity mode or state; or When the mode switching protection field indicates a third value, the energy-saving mode switching delay field indicates the third mode switching protection time in the monitoring mode or state; or When the mode switching protection field indicates the fourth value, the energy-saving mode switching delay field indicates the fourth mode switching protection time in the sleep mode or state.

15. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to claim 14, wherein, The first site also indicates, through the mode switching protection negotiation field, whether the first mode switching protection time, the second mode switching protection time, the third mode switching protection time, and / or the fourth mode switching protection time support negotiation.

16. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein, In the non-energy-saving mode, the first station configures the duration of the mode switching protection time to T1, where T1 is a value greater than the TXOP limit. The first station and the second station use a timer to count T1. Within T1, the first station maintains the current non-energy-saving mode and does not perform mode switching. The second station is supported in negotiating the energy-saving operation, the energy-saving mode, the energy-saving parameters, and / or the data transmission with the first station in the high-capacity mode.

17. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to claim 16, wherein, After the first station and the second station negotiate the energy-saving operation, the energy-saving mode, and the energy-saving parameters, the first station decides to postpone the DPS timing and updates the DPS-related parameters and / or mode information by resending the energy-saving operation declaration. The first station indicates the duration of the mode switching protection time as T2 and constrains T2 to be a value less than or equal to the TXOP limit. The first station and the second station update the timer.

18. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to claim 17, wherein, Within T2, the first station receives data sent by the second station via a data frame, the data frame carrying the negotiated value of the DPS-related parameters. The first station uses a block confirmation (BA) frame to uniformly indicate the successful reception of the data and / or the acceptance of the negotiation.

19. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to claim 18, wherein, After the newly configured mode switching protection time expires, the first site enters the energy-saving mode.

20. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to claim 18, wherein, Channel access during the mode switching protection period is either contention-based or triggered by the first station, which declares protection time information in the energy-saving operation declaration and allocates transmission resources to the second station that it wants to schedule.

21. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to claim 17, wherein, The negotiation feedback from the first site to the second site includes at least one of the following indications: The first station received the negotiated parameters and reported success. The first site modifies the negotiation parameters and provides feedback on the suggested negotiation value; and / or The first site rejected the negotiation and responded with a rejection.

22. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to any one of claims 3 to 21, wherein, When the first station enters the hibernation mode or state, the mode switching protection time in the energy-saving mode indicated by the first station is less than or equal to the duration indicated by the first station through the maximum away duration (Max Away Duration).

23. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to claim 22, wherein, When the first site is an access point multi-link device (AP MLD) auxiliary AP, the auxiliary AP indicates in its energy-saving operation statement before entering the sleep mode or state whether to support non-AP site (STA) to perform wake-up operation across links and the corresponding mode switching protection time. The mode switching protection time in the sleep mode or state is less than or equal to the duration indicated by the auxiliary AP through Max Away Duration.

24. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to claim 23, wherein, If the first station indicates that it supports the second station sending an initial control frame to wake up the first station via another link, then after the mode switching protection time expires, the first station will maintain the sleep mode or state until it receives the initial control frame wake-up request.

25. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to claim 23, wherein, If the first station indicates that it does not support the second station sending an initial control frame to wake up the first station via another link, the first station switches from the sleep mode or state back to the non-energy-saving mode after the mode switching protection time expires.

26. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to any one of claims 3 to 21, wherein, When the first station enters the listening mode or state, the first station decides whether to schedule the second station, which requests the first station to perform mode switching, after the mode switching protection time has expired.

27. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to claim 26, wherein, The first station makes the decision to schedule the second station. After the mode switching protection time expires, the first station switches from the monitoring mode or state to the non-energy-saving mode and sends a trigger frame to the second station to schedule the first station to complete the transmission.

28. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to claim 26, wherein, If the first station decides not to schedule the second station, then after the mode switching protection time expires, the first station will still maintain the monitoring mode or state and receive the initial control frame sent by the second station.

29. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to any one of claims 3 to 21, wherein, When the first station enters the low-capability mode or state, it supports frame interaction between the first station and the second station in the low-capability mode or state, the frames including management frames, control frames and / or data frames.

30. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to claim 29, wherein, The first station sends an initial control response frame back to the second station based on the initial control frame sent by the second station, with the operating parameters of the current low-capability mode or state.

31. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to claim 30, wherein, The information indicated in the initial control response frame includes: Whether the first station will perform the mode switch at the end of the mode switch protection time; and / or whether the first station will schedule the second station after the end of the mode switch protection time.

32. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to any one of claims 1 to 31, wherein, After the first station enters the energy-saving mode, the first station receives an initial control frame sent by the second station. The initial control frame is used to trigger the first station to switch modes.

33. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to claim 32, wherein, The initial control frame carries at least one of the following information: Data rate, used to indicate the data rate required for this transmission; The cache load value is used to indicate the current cache load value of the sender. Expiration time is used to indicate the expiration time of data to be transmitted; Category priority value, used to indicate the data access category priority value for this transmission by the sender; Quality of Service (QoS) traffic capability bitmask, used to indicate the user priority value of the traffic transmitted by the sender in this transmission; Delay limits are used to indicate the maximum time required for this transmission to complete. and / or Operation level, used to indicate the operation level value requested by the sender for this transmission.

34. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to claim 33, wherein, The information carried in the initial control frame at least once assists the first station in deciding whether to terminate the mode switching protection time in advance.

35. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to claim 32, wherein, When the first station receives the initial control frame sent by the second station, it adds an intermediate cutoff bit (FCS) to the initial control frame according to the duration indicated by the power saving mode switching delay value.

36. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to claim 35, wherein, When the energy-saving mode switching delay value indicated or reported by the first station is greater than the actual required delay, the first station decides the start time of the mode switching within the padding time reserved in the initial control frame, and satisfies the requirement to send back an initial control response frame after the initial control frame transmission is completed, at intervals of a short frame interval (SIFS) or other inter-frame intervals.

37. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to claim 32, wherein, When the first station provides feedback via the initial control response frame, it decides whether to perform a mode switch, indicating at least one of the following information via the initial control response frame: The first station performs the mode switch and, after completing the mode switch, sends the initial control response frame with high-capacity operation parameters to provide feedback on the mode switch result, and then performs subsequent data transmission in the high-capacity mode. The first station maintains the current energy-saving mode and sends the initial control response frame with the current low-capacity mode or state operation parameters, indicating that the mode switch is postponed or rejected. The second station needs to send the initial control frame again to trigger the mode switch. The first station maintains the current energy-saving mode and sends the initial control response frame with the current low-capacity mode or state operation parameters, indicating that the mode switch should be postponed and indicating the expected time for the mode switch to be completed, or indicating the duration for which the mode switch should be postponed, or indicating that the second station should start timing after receiving the indication information without having to send the initial control frame again. and / or The first station maintains the current energy-saving mode and sends the initial control response frame with the current low-capacity mode or state operation parameters, indicating that the mode switch should be postponed, and indicating that the transmission scheduling of the initial control frame will be performed after the expected mode switch is completed, and / or the scheduling related to the transmission scheduling, or indicating that the second station starts timing after receiving the indication information, without having to send the initial control frame again, and without having to obtain a transmission opportunity through channel contention, and waits for the first station to complete the scheduling of this frame interaction.

38. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to any one of claims 1 to 37, wherein, The negotiation of the energy-saving parameters includes the first station receiving an energy-saving negotiation request sent by the second station. The energy-saving negotiation request includes at least one of the following requests: a request for energy-saving mode and / or status, a request for operating parameters of the energy-saving mode and / or status, and / or a request for energy-saving operation time.

39. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to claim 38, wherein, The negotiation of the energy-saving parameters also includes the first station sending energy-saving negotiation feedback to the second station. The energy-saving negotiation feedback includes the first station accepting the energy-saving parameters, rejecting the energy-saving parameters, and / or modifying the energy-saving parameters requested by the second station.

40. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to claim 39, wherein, The first site also sends an update of the energy-saving operation statement to the second site.

41. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to any one of claims 1 to 40, wherein, During the protection period of the energy-saving mode, the first station maintains the energy-saving mode.

42. A communication method for energy-saving operation, executed at a first station, comprising: Send energy-saving capability information instructions to the second station; Initiating or instructing the first site to perform dynamic energy-saving DPS query phase includes at least one of the following operations: the first site decides to perform DPS energy saving, triggers or polls the second site, allocates access resources to the second site, and / or collects feedback information from the second site; Based on the feedback information collected during the DPS query phase of the first station, the system determines the timing of the DPS mode switch, the DPS-related operation parameters, the switching mode or state, and / or time parameters, and broadcasts the DPS operation and parameters of the first station to the second station and enters the energy-saving mode.

43. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to claim 42, wherein, Sending the energy-saving capability information instruction to the second station includes: When the first station declares its energy-saving capabilities to the second station, or when the first station reports its energy-saving capabilities based on a request from the second station, the first station sends the energy-saving capability information instruction to the second station.

44. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to claim 42 or 43, wherein, The energy-saving capability information indicator includes at least one of the following fields: The energy-saving support field is used to indicate whether the first site supports energy-saving operations; An energy-saving operation field exists and indicates the type of energy-saving operation supported by the first site when the energy-saving support field indicates that the first site supports the energy-saving operation. The energy-saving mode field indicates whether the first station enters the power management mode when the energy-saving support field indicates that the first station supports the energy-saving operation. In the power management mode, the first station switches between the energy-saving mode and the non-energy-saving mode. The energy-saving mode support field indicates that when the energy-saving support field indicates that the first station supports the energy-saving operation, the energy-saving mode support field indicates that the first station switches, selects or negotiates the operation mode or device status under the power management mode. The energy-saving mode switching delay field exists when the energy-saving support field indicates that the first station supports the energy-saving operation, and indicates the delay information of the first station when performing the energy-saving operation; The mode switching type field, together with the energy-saving mode switching delay field, indicates the delay information of the mode switching when the first station performs the energy-saving operation; The mode switching protection support field indicates whether it is supported to configure a protection time for switching operating modes. During the mode switching protection time, the current mode is maintained and no mode switching will occur. The DPS query support field is used to indicate whether the first site supports initiating a query phase before performing DPS. and / or The DPS Query Information field indicates the type of feedback message suggested by the second site during the DPS query phase.

45. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to any one of claims 42 to 44, wherein, Initiating or instructing the first site's DPS query phase includes the first site initiating or instructing the first site's DPS query phase to the second site by sending a query frame, wherein the query frame indicates the relevant time information of the first site's DPS query phase.

46. ​​The communication method for energy-saving operation according to claim 45, wherein, The query frame includes at least one of the following fields: The query phase duration field indicates the duration of the query phase for the first site's DPS. The query phase start field indicates the start time of the first site's DPS query phase; The query phase termination field indicates the termination time of the first site's DPS query phase; The query phase unit field indicates the time unit for the first site's DPS query phase; and / or The query status validity period field is used to indicate the validity period of the first site DPS query phase. When no feedback is received from the second site after the validity period of the first site DPS query phase has expired, the first site DPS query phase ends.

47. The energy-saving communication method according to claim 46, wherein, During the duration of the DPS query phase at the first site, the first site receives feedback from the second site in accordance with the feedback message type indicated by the DPS query information field.

48. The energy-saving communication method according to claim 46 or 47, wherein, In the query frame, the first station also indicates initial target DPS operation-related parameters, including at least one of the following parameters: The target switching mode of the first site; The operating parameters of the target switching mode of the first site; and / or The initial time when the first station switches to the energy-saving mode.

49. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to any one of claims 46 to 48, wherein, The first station indicates the category of feedback information collected by the target in the query frame, or determines that all categories of the DPS query information field are fed back.

50. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to any one of claims 46 to 49, wherein, When the DPS query support field indicates 1, during the first site query phase, the first site sends a relevant query frame, and the second site provides feedback with corresponding information to assist the first site in deciding the operation parameters and / or operation time of the DPS.

51. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to any one of claims 46 to 50, wherein, When the DPS query information field indicates the first value, the feedback message type of the second station is cache status information; or When the DPS query information field indicates the second value, the feedback message type of the second site is the unavailability information of the second site, which is used to indicate that the second site reports its own inaccessibility time information; or When the DPS query information field indicates a third value, the feedback message type of the second station is the transmission request information of the second station; or When the DPS query information field indicates the fourth value, the feedback message type of the second site is the DPS suggestion information of the first site; or When the DPS query information field indicates the fifth value, the feedback message type of the second site is transmission opportunity reservation information.

52. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to any one of claims 46 to 51, wherein, The collection of feedback information during the DPS inquiry phase of the first site includes at least one of the following methods: The first station does not indicate the required auxiliary information in the query frame, and determines the message category in the DPS query information field to be feedback information; and / or The first station indicates the required auxiliary information in the query frame, and the first station suggests multiple types of feedback information or a single type of feedback information.

53. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to any one of claims 46 to 52, wherein, The feedback information collected based on the DPS query phase of the first site includes: after the first site indicates the time information of the DPS query phase of the first site through the query frame, both the first site and the second site start a timer to keep track of the time. During the duration of the timer, the first site receives the feedback frame sent by the second site.

54. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to claim 53, wherein, The first station receives the feedback frame sent by the second station, including: The first station schedules a specific second station or group of second stations through the query frame to support the scheduled specific second station or group of second stations in providing feedback on target information.

55. The energy-saving communication method according to claim 54, wherein, The feedback frame indicates at least one of the following information: The first site target collects or determines one or more of the DPS query information fields; and / or One or more of the DPS query information fields collected or determined by the first site target do not exist or cannot be calculated.

56. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to claim 53, wherein, The first station receives the feedback frame sent by the second station, including: The first station broadcasts the query frame, wherein the query frame indicates relevant time information of the first station's DPS query phase and / or the first station's initial target DPS operation information.

57. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to claim 56, wherein, If the first station does not receive any feedback from the second station within the time indicated by the query status validity period field, the first station's DPS query phase is terminated early and an energy-saving operation declaration is sent to enter the energy-saving mode.

58. The energy-saving communication method according to claim 56, wherein, The energy-saving operation statement indicates at least one of the following information: the target energy-saving mode of the first site, the operating parameters of the energy-saving mode, and / or the mode switching protection time.

59. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to any one of claims 52 to 58, wherein, The cache status information and the transmission demand information of the second station help the first station decide whether to postpone or cancel the current DPS operation, or change the energy-saving mode of target switching.

60. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to any one of claims 52 to 59, wherein, The unavailability information of the second site assists the first site in deciding whether the timing of the DPS operation should coincide with the unavailability time of the second site.

61. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to any one of claims 52 to 60, wherein, The first site adjusts the initially set DPS-related parameters with reference to the DPS recommendation information, and updates the DPS-related parameters when making an energy-saving operation declaration.

62. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to any one of claims 52 to 61, wherein, The first station receives a transmission opportunity reservation request from the second station. After the first station performs energy-saving operation, the initial control frame sent by the second station triggers the first station to switch modes.

63. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to claim 62, wherein, The first station supports the second station, which did not provide any feedback during the first station's DPS query phase. When sending the initial control frame to trigger the mode switch, it also indicates the flow or data-related information associated with this transmission.

64. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to claim 62 or 63, wherein, The initial control frame carries at least one of the following information: Data rate, used to indicate the data rate required for this transmission; The cache load value is used to indicate the current cache load value of the sender. Expiration time is used to indicate the expiration time of data to be transmitted; Category priority value, used to indicate the data access category priority value for this transmission by the sender; Quality of Service (QoS) traffic capability bitmask, used to indicate the user priority value of the traffic transmitted by the sender in this transmission; Delay limits are used to indicate the maximum time required for this transmission to complete. and / or Operation level, used to indicate the operation level value requested by the sender for this transmission.

65. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to claim 64, wherein, The information carried in the initial control frame at least once assists the first station in deciding whether to terminate the mode switching protection time in advance.

66. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to claim 64, wherein, When the first station receives the initial control frame sent by the second station, it adds an intermediate cutoff bit (FCS) to the initial control frame according to the duration indicated by the power saving mode switching delay value. When the power saving mode switching delay value indicated or reported by the first station is greater than the actual required delay, the first station decides the start time of the mode switching within the padding time reserved in the initial control frame, and satisfies the requirement to send an initial control response frame after the initial control frame is transmitted, after which a short frame interval (SIFS) or other inter-frame interval is elapsed.

67. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to claim 64, wherein, When the first station provides feedback via the initial control response frame, it decides whether to perform a mode switch, indicating at least one of the following information via the initial control response frame: The first station performs the mode switch and, after completing the mode switch, sends the initial control response frame with high-capacity operation parameters to provide feedback on the mode switch result, and then performs subsequent data transmission in the high-capacity mode. The first station maintains the current energy-saving mode and sends the initial control response frame with the current low-capacity mode or state operation parameters, indicating that the mode switch is postponed or rejected. The second station needs to send the initial control frame again to trigger the mode switch. The first station maintains the current energy-saving mode and sends the initial control response frame with the current low-capacity mode or state operation parameters, indicating a delay in mode switching and indicating the expected time for mode switching to complete, or indicating the duration for which mode switching is to be delayed, or indicating that the second station starts timing after receiving the indication information without needing to send the initial control frame again. and / or The first station maintains the current energy-saving mode and sends the initial control response frame with the current low-capacity mode or state operation parameters, indicating that the mode switch should be postponed, and indicating that the transmission scheduling of the initial control frame will be performed after the expected mode switch is completed, and / or the scheduling related to the transmission scheduling, or indicating that the second station starts timing after receiving the indication information, without having to send the initial control frame again, and without having to obtain a transmission opportunity through channel contention, and waits for the first station to complete the scheduling of this frame interaction.

68. A communication method for energy-saving operation, executed at a second station, comprising: Receive energy-saving capability information indication sent by the first station; The second station receives an energy-saving operation declaration sent by the first station, wherein, based on the energy-saving operation declaration, during the mode switching protection time, the second station exhibits different communication behaviors depending on whether the first station maintains the current energy-saving mode or the current non-energy-saving mode.

69. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to claim 68, wherein, During the protection period in non-energy-saving mode, the second station negotiates and / or transmits data with the first station in the non-energy-saving mode regarding the relevant parameters, energy-saving operation, energy-saving mode, and energy-saving parameters of the energy-saving operation declaration.

70. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to claim 68 or 69, wherein, During the protection period in energy-saving mode, the second station requests the first station to switch modes in the low-capacity mode or state, and receives feedback from the first station regarding whether the first station agrees to, rejects, or postpones the second station's request.

71. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to any one of claims 68 to 70, wherein, The situations in which the energy-saving capability information indication is received from the first station include: When the second station receives the energy-saving capability declaration sent by the first station, or when the second station requests the first station to report the energy-saving capability, the second station receives the energy-saving capability information indication sent by the first station.

72. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to any one of claims 68 to 71, wherein, The energy-saving capability information indicator includes at least one of the following fields: The energy-saving support field is used to indicate whether the first site supports energy-saving operations; An energy-saving operation field exists and indicates the type of energy-saving operation supported by the first site when the energy-saving support field indicates that the first site supports the energy-saving operation. The energy-saving mode field indicates whether the first station enters the power management mode when the energy-saving support field indicates that the first station supports the energy-saving operation. In the power management mode, the first station switches between the energy-saving mode and the non-energy-saving mode. The energy-saving mode support field indicates that when the energy-saving support field indicates that the first station supports the energy-saving operation, the energy-saving mode support field indicates that the first station switches, selects or negotiates the operation mode or device status under the power management mode. The energy-saving mode switching delay field exists when the energy-saving support field indicates that the first station supports the energy-saving operation, and indicates the delay information of the first station when performing the energy-saving operation; The mode switching type field, together with the energy-saving mode switching delay field, indicates the delay information of the mode switching when the first station performs the energy-saving operation; The mode switching protection support field indicates whether it is supported to configure a protection time for switching operating modes. During the mode switching protection time, the current mode is maintained and no mode switching will occur. The DPS query support field is used to indicate whether the first site supports initiating a query phase before performing DPS. and / or The DPS Query Information field indicates the type of feedback message suggested by the second site during the DPS query phase.

73. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to claim 72, wherein, When the energy-saving operation field indicates a first value, the energy-saving operation category supported by the first site is first site scheduling energy saving; or When the energy-saving operation field indicates a second value, the energy-saving operation category supported by the first site is dynamic energy saving at the first site; or When the energy-saving operation field indicates a third value, the energy-saving operation category supported by the first site is semi-dynamic energy saving of the first site; or When the energy-saving operation field indicates the fourth value, the energy-saving operation category supported by the first site is the first site hybrid energy saving, which refers to the energy-saving operation that combines the first site scheduling energy saving with the first site dynamic energy saving.

74. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to claim 72, wherein, When the power saving mode supports the field indicating the first value, the first station switches, selects or negotiates the operation mode or device state to sleep mode or state under the power management mode. In the sleep mode or state, the first station is supported in not performing frame interaction behavior or not receiving or sending wireless communication. or When the power-saving mode supports the field indicating a second value, the first station is supported in switching, selecting, or negotiating an operating mode or device state to wake-up mode under the power management mode. In wake-up mode, the first station is supported in performing frame interaction or receiving or transmitting wireless communication. When the energy-saving mode supports the field indicating a third value, the first station is supported to switch, select or negotiate the operation mode or device state to the monitoring mode or state under the power management mode. In the monitoring mode or state, the first station performs a monitoring operation. or When the power-saving mode supports a fourth value in the field, the first station is supported in switching, selecting, or negotiating an operating mode or device state to the low-capability mode or state under the power management mode. In the low-capability mode or state, the first station is supported in performing frame interaction or receiving / transmitting wireless communication based on the operating parameters of the low-capability mode or state. The operating parameters include at least one of the following parameters: bandwidth (BW), modulation and coding scheme (MCS), number of spatial streams (Nss), and / or data rate; or When the power saving mode supports the field indicating the fifth value, the first station is supported to switch, select or negotiate the operation mode or device state to the high capability mode under the power management mode. In the high capability mode, the first station is supported to perform frame interaction behavior or receive or send wireless communication based on the operation parameters of the high capability mode. In the high capability mode, the configuration of one or more parameters in the operation parameters is better than that of the low capability mode or state.

75. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to claim 72, wherein, The latency information is a fixed latency duration, or the latency information indicates different or gradient latency durations for switching between different modes.

76. The energy-saving communication method according to claim 72 or 75, wherein, When the mode switching type field indicates a first value, the first station is supported to switch from sleep mode or state to wake-up mode, and the power saving mode switching delay field indicates a first delay value; or When the mode switching type field indicates a second value, the first station is supported to switch from the low-capacity mode or state to the high-capacity mode, and the energy-saving mode switching delay field indicates a second delay value; or When the mode switching type field indicates a third value, the first station is supported to switch from the monitoring mode or state to the high-capacity mode, and the energy-saving mode switching delay field indicates a third delay value; or When the mode switching type field indicates a fourth value, the first station is supported to switch from the hibernation mode or state to the low-capacity mode or state, and the energy-saving mode switching delay field indicates a fourth delay value.

77. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to any one of claims 69 to 76, wherein, The relevant parameters of the energy-saving operation declaration include at least one of the following parameters: the energy-saving mode of the target switching of the first site, the operation parameters of the target switching of the first site, and / or the relevant parameters of the mode switching protection time.

78. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to claim 77, wherein, At least one field of the mode switching protection time is carried during the frame interaction process of the first site capability element, the energy-saving operation declaration, and the energy-saving operation negotiation between the first site and the second site, and is used to indicate or negotiate information related to the protection time.

79. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to claim 77, wherein, At least one field of the mode switching protection time includes: The mode switching protection support field indicates whether the configuration of the mode switching protection time is supported; The mode switching protection duration field is used to indicate the duration of the mode switching protection time during which no mode switching operation will be performed. The mode switching protection start field is used to indicate the start time of the mode switching protection period; The mode switching protection termination field is used to indicate the termination time of the mode switching protection period; The Energy Saving Protection Window Unit field is used to indicate the timing unit of the protection window after the first station declares dynamic energy saving operation; The mode switching protection negotiation field is used to indicate whether the first site supports the second site in negotiating the declared mode switching protection time; The energy-saving mode switching delay field is used to indicate the delay information of the mode switching when the first station performs the energy-saving operation; and / or The mode switching protection field is used in conjunction with the energy-saving mode switching delay field to indicate which mode the current mode switching protection time is in effect.

80. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to claims 68 and 78, wherein, The second station receives the energy-saving capability information indication and / or energy-saving operation declaration, and receives the mode switching protection time indicated by the first station through at least one of the following methods: Indicates a uniform mode switching protection time; and / or Indicates the protection time for different mode switching modes under different modes.

81. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to claim 80, wherein, When the mode switching protection field indicates a first value, the energy-saving mode switching delay field indicates the first mode switching protection time in high-capacity mode; or When the mode switching protection field indicates the second value, the energy-saving mode switching delay field indicates the second mode switching protection time in the low-capacity mode or state; or When the mode switching protection field indicates a third value, the energy-saving mode switching delay field indicates the third mode switching protection time in the monitoring mode or state; or When the mode switching protection field indicates the fourth value, the energy-saving mode switching delay field indicates the fourth mode switching protection time in the sleep mode or state.

82. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to claim 81, wherein, The second station receives from the first station whether the first mode switch protection time, the second mode switch protection time, the third mode switch protection time, and / or the fourth mode switch protection time support negotiation, as indicated by the mode switch protection negotiation field.

83. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to any one of claims 68 to 82, wherein, In the non-energy-saving mode, the duration of the mode switching protection time is configured as T1, where T1 is a value greater than the TXOP limit. The first station and the second station use a timer to count T1. Within T1, the first station is supported in maintaining the current non-energy-saving mode without switching modes. The second station uses the high-capacity mode to negotiate the energy-saving operation, the energy-saving mode, the energy-saving parameters, and / or the data transmission with the first station.

84. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to claim 83, wherein, After the second station negotiates the energy-saving operation, the energy-saving mode, and the energy-saving parameters with the first station, it supports the first station in deciding to postpone the DPS timing. The DPS-related parameters and / or mode information are updated by resending the energy-saving operation declaration. The duration of the mode switching protection time is indicated as T2, and T2 is constrained to be a value less than or equal to the TXOP limit. The first station and the second station update the timer.

85. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to claim 84, wherein, Within T2, the second station sends data to the first station via a data frame, which carries the negotiated value of the DPS-related parameters. The first station uses a block confirmation (BA) frame to uniformly indicate the successful reception of the data and / or the acceptance of the negotiation.

86. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to claim 85, wherein, After the latest configured mode switching protection time expires, the second station receives the latest configured mode switching protection time sent by the first station.

87. The energy-saving communication method according to claim 85, wherein, Channel access during the mode switching protection period is either contention-based access or access triggered by the first station. It receives the protection time information of the energy-saving operation declaration sent by the first station and performs uplink transmission according to the transmission resources allocated by the first station.

88. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to claim 84, wherein, Receive negotiation feedback sent by the first site, the negotiation feedback including at least one of the following indications: The first station received the negotiated parameters and reported success. The first site modifies the negotiation parameters and provides feedback on the suggested negotiation value; and / or The first site rejected the negotiation and responded with a rejection.

89. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to any one of claims 68 to 88, wherein, During the protection period in the energy-saving mode, different communication behaviors exist depending on the energy-saving mode switched by the first station.

90. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to claim 89, wherein, When cross-link operation is supported, the second station sends an initial control frame to other affiliated APs that are not in the sleep mode or state on a link that is different from the link where the affiliated AP of the access point multi-link device AP MLD that is currently in the sleep mode or state is located.

91. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to claim 90, wherein, If the second station sends the initial control frame to wake up the first station via another link, then after the mode switching protection time expires, the second station determines the first station's sleep mode or state until the second station sends an initial control frame wake-up request to the first station.

92. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to claim 90, wherein, If the first station does not support the second station sending the initial control frame to wake up the first station via other links, after the mode switching protection time expires, the second station determines that the first station switches from the sleep mode or state back to the non-energy-saving mode.

93. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to claim 92, wherein, After the mode switching protection time expires, the second station accepts the scheduling of the first station to switch to the non-energy-saving mode.

94. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to claim 92, wherein, After the mode switching protection time expires, the second station sends the initial control frame again to the first station, which is maintaining the monitoring mode or state.

95. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to claim 92, wherein, The second station interacts with the first station, which has entered the low-capability mode or state, using frames including management frames, control frames, and / or data frames.

96. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to claim 95, wherein, The second station sends an initial control frame to the first station, and the second station receives an initial control response frame from the first station with the operating parameters of the current low-capacity mode or state.

97. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to claim 96, wherein, The information indicated in the initial control response frame includes: Whether the first station will perform the mode switch at the end of the mode switch protection time; and / or whether the first station will schedule the second station after the end of the mode switch protection time.

98. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to any one of claims 68 to 97, wherein, The second station sends an initial control frame to the first station that has entered the energy-saving mode. The initial control frame is used to trigger the first station to switch modes.

99. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to claim 98, wherein, The initial control frame carries at least one of the following information: Data rate, used to indicate the data rate required for this transmission; The cache load value is used to indicate the current cache load value of the sender. Expiration time is used to indicate the expiration time of data to be transmitted; Category priority value, used to indicate the data access category priority value for this transmission by the sender; Quality of Service (QoS) traffic capability bitmask, used to indicate the user priority value of the traffic transmitted by the sender in this transmission; Delay limits are used to indicate the maximum time required for this transmission to complete. and / or Operation level, used to indicate the operation level value requested by the sender for this transmission.

100. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to claim 99, wherein, The information carried in the initial control frame at least once assists the first station in deciding whether to terminate the mode switching protection time in advance.

101. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to claim 98, wherein, When the second station sends the initial control frame to the first station to trigger the first station to perform mode switching, an intermediate cutoff bit (FCS) is added to the initial control frame according to the duration indicated by the energy-saving mode switching delay value.

102. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to claim 101, wherein when the second station receives an indication or report from the first station that the energy-saving mode switching delay value is greater than the actual required delay, the second station receives an initial control response frame fed back by the first station.

103. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to claim 98, wherein, The second station receives feedback from the first station via an initial control response frame. This feedback determines whether to perform a mode switch, and the initial control response frame indicates at least one of the following information: The first station performs the mode switch and, after completing the mode switch, sends the initial control response frame with high-capacity operation parameters to provide feedback on the mode switch result, and then performs subsequent data transmission in the high-capacity mode. The first station maintains the current energy-saving mode and sends the initial control response frame with the current low-capacity mode or state operation parameters, indicating that the mode switch is postponed or rejected. The second station needs to send the initial control frame again to trigger the mode switch. The first station maintains the current energy-saving mode and sends the initial control response frame with the current low-capacity mode or state operation parameters, indicating that the mode switch should be postponed and indicating the expected time for the mode switch to be completed, or indicating the duration for which the mode switch should be postponed, or indicating that the second station should start timing after receiving the indication information without having to send the initial control frame again. and / or The first station maintains the current energy-saving mode and sends the initial control response frame with the current low-capacity mode or state operation parameters, indicating that the mode switch should be postponed, and indicating that the transmission scheduling of the initial control frame will be performed after the expected mode switch is completed, and / or the scheduling related to the transmission scheduling, or indicating that the second station starts timing after receiving the indication information, without having to send the initial control frame again, and without having to obtain a transmission opportunity through channel contention, and waits for the first station to complete the scheduling of this frame interaction.

104. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to any one of claims 68 to 103, wherein, The negotiation of the energy-saving parameters includes the second station sending an energy-saving negotiation request to the first station. The energy-saving negotiation request includes at least one of the following requests: a request for an energy-saving mode and / or status, a request for operating parameters of the energy-saving mode and / or status, and / or a request for energy-saving operation time.

105. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to claim 104, wherein, The negotiation of the energy-saving parameters also includes the second station receiving energy-saving negotiation feedback sent by the first station. The energy-saving negotiation feedback includes the first station accepting the energy-saving parameters, rejecting the energy-saving parameters, and / or modifying the energy-saving parameters requested by the second station.

106. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to claim 105, wherein, The second station also receives updates to the energy-saving operation statement sent by the first station.

107. A communication method for energy-saving operation, executed at a second station, comprising: Receive energy-saving capability information indication sent by the first station; Perform at least one of the following operations during the first site DPS query phase initiated or instructed by the first site: During the first site DPS query phase, the second site receives the first site DPS query phase instruction initiated or transmitted by the first site, and the second site sends feedback information to the first site. The second station, which provided the feedback information during the first station's DPS query phase, sends an initial control frame to the first station.

108. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to claim 107, wherein, The feedback information includes at least one of the following: Cache state information; Unavailable information is used to instruct the second site to report its own inaccessibility time. The transmission requirement information of the second station; DPS recommendation information for the first site; and / or Transmit opportunity reservation information.

109. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to claim 107 or 108, wherein, The relevant information transmitted in this transaction includes at least one of the following: Data rate, used to indicate the data rate required for this transmission; The cache load value is used to indicate the current cache load value of the sender. Expiration time is used to indicate the expiration time of data to be transmitted; Category priority value, used to indicate the data access category priority value for this transmission by the sender; Quality of Service (QoS) traffic capability bitmask, used to indicate the user priority value of the traffic transmitted by the sender in this transmission; Delay limits are used to indicate the maximum time required for this transmission to complete. and / or Operation level, used to indicate the operation level value requested by the sender for this transmission.

110. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to any one of claims 107 to 109, wherein, Receiving the energy-saving capability information indication sent by the first station includes: When the second station receives the energy-saving capability declaration from the first station, or when the second station requests an energy-saving capability report from the first station, the second station receives the energy-saving capability information indication sent by the first station.

111. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to any one of claims 107 to 110, wherein, The energy-saving capability information indicator includes at least one of the following fields: The energy-saving support field is used to indicate whether the first site supports energy-saving operations; An energy-saving operation field exists and indicates the type of energy-saving operation supported by the first site when the energy-saving support field indicates that the first site supports the energy-saving operation. The energy-saving mode field indicates whether the first station enters the power management mode when the energy-saving support field indicates that the first station supports the energy-saving operation. In the power management mode, the first station switches between the energy-saving mode and the non-energy-saving mode. The energy-saving mode support field indicates that when the energy-saving support field indicates that the first station supports the energy-saving operation, the energy-saving mode support field indicates that the first station switches, selects or negotiates the operation mode or device status under the power management mode. The energy-saving mode switching delay field exists when the energy-saving support field indicates that the first station supports the energy-saving operation, and indicates the delay information of the first station when performing the energy-saving operation; The mode switching type field, together with the energy-saving mode switching delay field, indicates the delay information of the mode switching when the first station performs the energy-saving operation; The mode switching protection support field indicates whether it is supported to configure a protection time for switching operating modes. During the mode switching protection time, the current mode is maintained and no mode switching will occur. The DPS query support field is used to indicate whether the first site supports initiating a query phase before performing DPS. and / or The DPS Query Information field indicates the type of feedback message suggested by the second site during the DPS query phase.

112. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to any one of claims 107 to 111, wherein, Receiving the first site DPS query phase initiated or indicated by the first site includes the second site receiving the first site DPS query phase initiated or indicated by the first site by sending a query frame, wherein the query frame indicates the relevant time information of the first site DPS query phase.

113. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to claim 112, wherein, The query frame includes at least one of the following fields: The query phase duration field indicates the duration of the query phase for the first site's DPS. The query phase start field indicates the start time of the first site's DPS query phase; The query phase termination field indicates the termination time of the first site's DPS query phase; The query phase unit field indicates the time unit for the first site's DPS query phase; and / or The query status validity period field is used to indicate the validity period of the first site DPS query phase. When no feedback is received from the second site after the validity period of the first site DPS query phase has expired, the first site DPS query phase ends.

114. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to claim 113, wherein, During the duration of the DPS query phase at the first site, the second site provides feedback on relevant information according to the feedback message type indicated by the DPS query information field.

115. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to claim 113 or 114, wherein, In the query frame, the second station also receives initial target DPS operation-related parameters indicated by the first station, including at least one of the following parameters: The target switching mode of the first site; The operating parameters of the target switching mode of the first site; and / or The initial time when the first station switches to the energy-saving mode.

116. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to any one of claims 113 to 115, wherein, The second station receives the target collection feedback information category indicated by the first station in the query frame, or determines that all categories of the DPS query information field should be fed back.

117. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to any one of claims 113 to 116, wherein, When the DPS query support field indicates 1, during the first site query phase, the second site receives the relevant query frame sent by the first site, and the second site feeds back corresponding information to assist the first site in deciding the operation parameters and / or operation time of the DPS.

118. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to any one of claims 113 to 117, wherein, When the DPS query information field indicates the first value, the feedback message type of the second station is cache status information; or When the DPS query information field indicates the second value, the feedback message type of the second site is the unavailability information of the second site, which is used to indicate that the second site reports its own inaccessibility time information; or When the DPS query information field indicates a third value, the feedback message type of the second station is the transmission request information of the second station; or When the DPS query information field indicates the fourth value, the feedback message type of the second site is the DPS suggestion information of the first site; or When the DPS query information field indicates the fifth value, the feedback message type of the second site is transmission opportunity reservation information.

119. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to any one of claims 113 to 118, wherein, The feedback information during the DPS inquiry phase of the first site includes at least one of the following methods: The second site determines that the message category in the DPS query information field is feedback information; and / or The second station receives the required auxiliary information indicated by the first station in the query frame, and the second station receives multiple types of feedback information or a single type of feedback information suggested by the first station.

120. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to any one of claims 113 to 119, wherein, The feedback information based on the DPS query phase of the first site includes: after the second site receives the time information of the DPS query phase of the first site indicated by the first site through the query frame, both the first site and the second site start a timer to keep track of the time. During the duration of the timer, the second site sends a feedback frame to the first site.

121. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to claim 120, wherein, The second station sends the feedback frame to the first station, including: The second station or the second station group receives the scheduling from the first station via the query frame.

122. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to claim 121, wherein, The feedback frame indicates at least one of the following information: The first site target collects or determines one or more of the DPS query information fields; and / or One or more of the DPS query information fields collected or determined by the first site target do not exist or cannot be calculated.

123. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to claim 120, wherein, The second station sends the feedback frame to the first station, including: The second station receives the query frame broadcast by the first station, wherein the query frame indicates relevant time information of the first station's DPS query phase and / or the first station's initial target DPS operation information.

124. The energy-saving communication method according to claim 123, wherein, If the second station provides feedback to the first station within the time indicated by the query status validity period field, it is determined that the first station terminates the first station DPS query phase in advance and sends an energy-saving operation declaration to enter the energy-saving mode.

125. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to claim 123, wherein, The energy-saving operation statement indicates at least one of the following information: the target energy-saving mode of the first site, the operating parameters of the energy-saving mode, and / or the mode switching protection time.

126. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to any one of claims 119 to 125, wherein, The cache status information and the transmission demand information of the second station help the first station decide whether to postpone or cancel the current DPS operation, or change the energy-saving mode of target switching.

127. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to any one of claims 119 to 126, wherein, The unavailability information of the second site assists the first site in deciding whether the timing of the DPS operation should coincide with the unavailability time of the second site.

128. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to any one of claims 119 to 127, wherein, The second station sends a transmission opportunity reservation request to the first station, and the second station also sends an initial control frame to the first station that has entered the energy-saving mode to trigger the first station to switch modes.

129. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to claim 128, wherein, The second station, which did not provide any information during the first station's DPS query phase, also indicates the flow or data-related information associated with this transmission when it sends the initial control frame to trigger the mode switch.

130. The energy-saving communication method according to claim 128 or 129, wherein, The initial control frame carries at least one of the following information: Data rate, used to indicate the data rate required for this transmission; The cache load value is used to indicate the current cache load value of the sender. Expiration time is used to indicate the expiration time of data to be transmitted; Category priority value, used to indicate the data access category priority value for this transmission by the sender; Quality of Service (QoS) traffic capability bitmask, used to indicate the user priority value of the traffic transmitted by the sender in this transmission; Delay limits are used to indicate the maximum time required for this transmission to complete. and / or Operation level, used to indicate the operation level value requested by the sender for this transmission.

131. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to claim 130, wherein, The information carried in the initial control frame at least once assists the first station in deciding whether to terminate the mode switching protection time in advance.

132. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to claim 130, wherein, When the second station sends the initial control frame to the first station to trigger the first station to perform mode switching, an intermediate cutoff bit (FCS) is added to the initial control frame according to the duration indicated by the energy-saving mode switching delay value.

133. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to claim 132, wherein, When the second station receives an indication or report from the first station that the energy-saving mode switching delay value is greater than the actual required delay, the second station determines the start time of the mode switching within the padding time reserved by the first station in the initial control frame, and satisfies the requirement that after the initial control frame is transmitted, a short frame interval (SIFS) or other inter-frame interval is elapsed, the second station sends an initial control response frame back to the first station.

134. The communication method for energy-saving operation according to claim 130, wherein, The initial control response frame indicates at least one of the following information: The first station performs the mode switch and, after completing the mode switch, sends the initial control response frame with high-capacity operation parameters to provide feedback on the mode switch result, and then performs subsequent data transmission in the high-capacity mode. The first station maintains the current energy-saving mode and sends the initial control response frame with the current low-capacity mode or state operation parameters, indicating that the mode switch is postponed or rejected. The second station needs to send the initial control frame again to trigger the mode switch. The first station maintains its current energy-saving mode and sends the initial control response frame with the current low-capacity mode or state operating parameters, indicating a delay in mode switching and specifying the expected time for mode switching completion, or the desired duration of delay, or instructing the second station to start timing upon receiving the indication without resending the initial control frame, thus determining that the first station will begin or complete mode switching at the corresponding indicated time; and / or The first station maintains the current energy-saving mode and sends the initial control response frame with the current low-capacity mode or state operation parameters, indicating that the mode switch should be postponed, and indicating that the transmission scheduling of the initial control frame will be performed after the expected mode switch is completed, and / or the scheduling related to the transmission scheduling, or indicating that the second station starts timing after receiving the indication information, without having to send the initial control frame again, and without having to obtain a transmission opportunity through channel contention, and waits for the first station to complete the scheduling of this frame interaction.

135. 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 134.

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