Multi-AP WLAN Power Saving with Awake-State Coordination
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a method and device to support a power saving mode in multi-AP operation in a wireless local area network (WLAN) system.
Innovation Solution
A first Access Point (AP) in a WLAN system receives a polling frame from a second AP to participate in a multi-AP operation, transmits a frame indicating participation, and performs frame exchange based on the multi-AP operation while maintaining an awake state during a designated duration, or sends a target wake time (TWT) request and receives a response to participate in a TWT service period with an awake state for power saving.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If Access Points operate in power saving mode to reduce energy consumption, then power efficiency is improved, but multi-AP operation capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic state transitions for Access Points between awake and doze states. APs can dynamically adjust their operational state based on traffic conditions and multi-AP coordination requirements, allowing the system to optimize power consumption while maintaining operational capability when needed. The AP transitions to doze state during low-activity periods and wakes up for coordinated transmissions or receptions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic wake-up mechanisms where Access Points in doze state wake up at predetermined intervals or triggered events to participate in multi-AP operations. This periodic activation allows APs to maintain power saving mode while still being available for coordinated transmissions, beamforming operations, or interference management tasks at scheduled times.
2Productivity
If Access Points remain in awake state to support multi-AP operation, then multi-AP operation performance is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements partial participation in multi-AP operations where not all Access Points need to be fully awake simultaneously. Only the necessary subset of APs required for specific coordinated operations (such as coordinated beamforming or interference management) are activated, while other APs can remain in power saving mode. This reduces overall power consumption while maintaining essential multi-AP functionality.
3Speed
If Access Points frequently wake up to check for multi-AP operation opportunities, then responsiveness to multi-AP opportunities is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary setup and configuration of multi-AP operation parameters before actual operations begin. APs exchange capability information and establish coordination protocols in advance, allowing them to enter deeper sleep states with predetermined wake-up triggers. This preliminary action reduces the need for frequent active checking while maintaining responsiveness to genuine multi-AP opportunities.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure discloses a method and an apparatus for supporting a power saving mode in a multi-AP operation in a wireless LAN system. A method performed by a first AP in a wireless LAN system, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, may comprise the steps of: receiving, from a second AP, a polling frame for identifying whether to participate in a multi-AP operation; transmitting, to the second AP, a frame including information indicating participation in the multi-AP operation in response to the polling frame, on the basis of the first AP being configured to maintain an awake state related to a power saving mode in a time interval for the multi-AP operation; receiving, from the second AP, a control frame including information related to initiation of the multi-AP operation; and performing frame exchange that is based on the multi-AP operation, on the basis of the information.