AP Power Save Service Period Signaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a growing need for a generalized Access Point (AP) power save mechanism that can effectively reduce power consumption in both mobile and stationary APs, as existing solutions like Notice of Absence are limited to specific mobile AP or soft AP devices and do not provide sufficient flexibility for all APs.
Innovation Solution
The proposed AP power save system introduces signaling mechanisms to advertise service periods during which APs and their Basic Service Sets (BSS) will be unavailable, allowing for flexible ON-OFF periods to be defined per AP, using updates to the Target Wake Time (TWT) element and short beacons to manage power usage efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If Notice of Absence mechanism is used for power save, then power consumption is reduced for mobile APs, but it is limited to specific mobile AP or soft AP devices and lacks generality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the Notice of Absence mechanism to work with both mobile APs and stationary APs by introducing a multi-link device architecture where the AP MLD can advertise service periods during which it will be unavailable. This universal approach allows the same power save mechanism to benefit different types of AP devices without requiring device-specific implementations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the operational time of the AP into service periods (when AP is operating) and non-service periods (when AP is not operating). By dividing the continuous operation into discrete time segments, the AP can systematically switch between active and power-saving states, enabling controlled power consumption reduction while maintaining service availability when needed.
2Reliability
If AP operates continuously to maintain service availability, then service reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic operation where the AP alternates between operating states and non-operating states. The AP MLD advertises service periods during which it will be available, and non-service periods when it will be unavailable. This periodic pattern allows the AP to consume power only when necessary for service delivery, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining reliability during service periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses preliminary action by having the AP MLD advertise its service periods in advance through signaling mechanisms. Clients can be notified beforehand when the AP will be available and when it will enter power-saving mode. This advance notification allows clients to prepare for potential service interruptions and schedule their communications accordingly, maintaining service reliability while enabling power savings.
Data Source
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AI summary
This disclosure describes systems, methods, and devices related to access point (AP) power save. A device may generate a frame comprising an indication associated with a service period, wherein the indication is to indicate a time when an AP and its basic service set (BSS) will be or not be operating. The device may cause to advertise the frame.