CN117651322B - Power management method, device, terminal and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

The embodiments of the present invention relate to the field of wireless communication technology, and disclose a power management method, device, terminal and storage medium. In the present invention, when the working state of a terminal in a multi-access point cooperation mode is a wake state, the power mode and working state of the access point in the multi-access point cooperation group are obtained; wherein the power mode includes an active mode and a power-saving mode, and the working state includes a sleep state and a wake state, and when the power mode is an active mode, the working state must be a wake state; when it is detected that there is cached data to be received in the access point in the multi-access point cooperation group, and the terminal and the access point are both in a wake state, a power-saving polling frame is sent to the access point where the cached data to be received exists, so as to receive the cached data. This allows the AP to enter the energy-saving mode and the sleep state, while ensuring that the terminal can provide normal services under such changes, filling the technical gap in this field while avoiding unnecessary waste of resources.

Description

A power management method, device, terminal and storage medium

Technical Field

The embodiments of the present invention relate to the field of wireless communication technology, and in particular to a power management method, device, terminal and storage medium.

Background technique

In current Wi-Fi systems, the power management of terminals is based on a Wireless Access Point (AP) device or a Multicast Listener Discover (MLD) device. The working state of a terminal in power saving mode is in doze or wake up. Terminals in non-power saving mode are in active mode. The basic idea of Wi-Fi energy saving is that if there is downlink data from a terminal, the associated AP will cache the data first. The AP periodically uses beacons to broadcast its cache status to the corresponding nodes. When the terminal wakes up after dormancy, it detects the beacon to see if it has its own data. If it has its own data, it stays awake and the terminal will request data. In this way, the node knows whether there is its own cached data in the AP cache. If there is no terminal data in the AP cache, the terminal continues to sleep.

Wi-Fi 7 introduces multi-connection device MLD, and many of its power management parameter settings are raised to the MLD level, rather than the AP level or connection (link) level attached to MLD. In a sense, MLD is equivalent to a super AP, and its power management is promoted to the MLD, simplifying power management.

In future Wi-Fi systems, such as the Wi-Fi 8 UHR currently under discussion, multiple access point coordination (multiple AP coordination) is used. Specific working methods include Cooperative-Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (C-OFDMA), C-spatial reuse, C-Beamforming, and Joint transmission. It is generally believed that C-APs will form a collaborative group with a group head. Wi-Fi8 also supports high-reliability services. Therefore, the power management of the terminal needs to be designed in this context, or new features need to be introduced to meet the needs of C-AP and high reliability.

A C-AP (coordinated-AP or multiple AP coordination) can be called a multiple AP coordination group, or a multiple AP coordination group, multiple AP-coordination, C-AP group, C-AP group. Among them, there is a master access point, or a master access point. There are also two slave access points, slave access points. The master access point coordinates the behavior of multiple access points, information transmission, etc. The C-AP group can work in master-slave mode (master-slave device mode, also called master-servant mode).

In the context of C-AP, at least one AP will serve a terminal and interact with it. On the one hand, each AP has its own parameters, and the C-AP group will also have its own parameters (to be designed). At the same time, since each AP transmits different services, the support for high reliability and low latency makes the power management of the terminal complicated. A terminal may communicate with multiple collaborative APs, so it is more necessary to pay attention to power management.

The inventors have discovered that there are at least the following problems in the power management of terminals and APs in the related art: currently only the terminal side can enter energy-saving mode and sleep state, while in the context of multiple connections or multiple AP collaboration, the method of making the AP enter the sleep state is still a technical gap in this field, resulting in multiple connections or multiple AP collaboration, when a certain AP remains active when it is idle, resulting in a large amount of resource waste.

Summary of the invention

The purpose of the embodiments of the present invention is to provide a power management method, device, terminal and storage medium, so that the AP can enter the energy-saving mode and sleep state, while ensuring that the terminal can provide normal services under such changes, filling the technical gap in this field while avoiding unnecessary waste of resources.

To solve the above technical problems, an embodiment of the present invention provides a power management method, comprising: when the working state of the terminal in the multi-access point cooperation mode is the awake state, obtaining the power mode and working state of the access point in the multi-access point cooperation group; wherein the power mode includes an active mode and a power saving mode, the working state includes a sleep state and a awake state, and when the power mode is the active mode, the working state must be the awake state; when it is detected that there is cached data to be received in the access point in the multi-access point cooperation group, and the terminal in the multi-access point cooperation mode and the access point in the multi-access point cooperation group are both in the awake state, sending a power-saving polling frame to the access point where the cached data to be received exists, so as to receive the cached data.

An embodiment of the present invention further provides a power management device, comprising: a mode acquisition module, used to acquire the power mode and working state of the access point in the multi-access point cooperation group when the working state of the terminal in the multi-access point cooperation mode is the awake state; wherein the power mode includes an active mode and a power-saving mode, and the working state includes a sleep state and a awake state, and when the power mode is the active mode, the working state must be the awake state; a data receiving module, used to send a power-saving polling frame to the access point where the cached data to be received exists, so as to receive the cached data, when it is detected that there is cached data to be received in the access point in the multi-access point cooperation group, and the terminal in the multi-access point cooperation mode and the access point in the multi-access point cooperation group are both in the awake state.

An embodiment of the present invention also provides a terminal, comprising: at least one processor; and a memory communicatively connected to the at least one processor; wherein the memory stores instructions executable by the at least one processor, and the instructions are executed by the at least one processor so that the at least one processor can execute the above-mentioned power management method.

An embodiment of the present invention further provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program, and the computer program implements the above-mentioned power management method when executed by a processor.

In the implementation manner of the present invention, when the working state of the terminal in the multi-access point cooperation mode is the awake state, the power mode and working state of the access point in the multi-access point cooperation group are obtained; the power mode includes active mode and energy-saving mode, and the working state includes sleep state and awake state. When the power mode is active mode, the working state must be awake; when it is detected that there is cached data to be received in the access point in the multi-access point cooperation group, and both the access point and the access point are in the awake state, a power-saving polling frame is sent to the access point where the cached data to be received exists, so as to receive the cached data. This allows the AP to enter the energy-saving mode and the sleep state, while ensuring that the terminal can provide normal services under such changes, filling the technical gap in this field while avoiding unnecessary waste of resources.

In addition, when the working states of the terminal in the multi-access point cooperation mode and the access point in the multi-access point cooperation group are both awake, the first information beacon sent by the access point in the multi-access point cooperation group is received; the listening interval is set through the second information beacon corresponding to the multi-access point cooperation group in the first information beacon, and/or the third information beacon corresponding to the access point in the multi-access point cooperation group in the first information beacon; and the listening interval is sent to the access point in the multi-access point cooperation group through a connection response frame. The listening interval is included in the (Re)Association Request frame when the terminal accesses the AP. The Listen Interval field is sent by the node to the AP through the connection response frame (Association Request frame). The AP knows the wake-up time of the terminal, and only when the terminal wakes up will it indicate the buffer state for the terminal in the Beacon frame. The listening interval refers to the number of Beacon intervals between two wake-ups of the workstation. It tells the AP how often a terminal in energy-saving mode wakes up to listen to Beacon frames. A longer listening interval allows the station to shut down the transceiver for a longer period of time. The longer the power is turned off, the more power can be saved. Each terminal can set its own listening interval. The new Listen Interval field is designed to be changeable to accommodate C-AP group reconfiguration, C-AP group member selection and reselection. For a terminal capable of accessing a C-AP group, its Listen interval needs to consider the working conditions and business conditions of the C-AP group and member APs at the same time, and set a specific value to achieve the corresponding energy saving effect.

In addition, after the listening interval is set, when the working states of the terminal in the multi-access point cooperation mode and the access points in the multi-access point cooperation group are both in the awake state, and the current power mode of the terminal in the multi-access point cooperation mode is the energy-saving mode, and there is an association relationship with multiple access points in the multi-access point cooperation group, the working state of the attached non-AP STA during the listening interval is set to the awake state according to the listening interval, so that the attached non-AP STA receives the beacon sent by the access point in the multi-access point cooperation group during the listening interval. This ensures that service information will not be lost due to sleep and the working cycle will not be extended.

In addition, when the working states of the terminal and the access point are both awake, according to the first maximum idle time between the terminal in the multi-access point cooperation mode and the access point with which an association relationship exists in the multi-access point cooperation group, or the second maximum idle time between the multi-access point cooperation group and the access point in the multi-access point cooperation group, a third maximum idle time between the terminal and the multi-access point cooperation group is configured, and when no interaction is performed with the access point in the multi-access point cooperation group during the third maximum idle time, the multi-access point cooperation group and the access point with which an association relationship exists in the multi-access point cooperation group are simultaneously disassociated, or a preset fourth maximum idle time is configured, and when no interaction is performed with the access point in the multi-access point cooperation group during the fourth maximum idle time, the multi-access point cooperation group is disassociated. For a terminal capable of accessing a C-AP group or collaborating with multiple APs, the concepts of connecting to a multi-access point collaboration group (C-AP group) and connecting to a C-AP group member AP are considered. Then, a series of situations are considered, such as whether a new maximum idle period (MAX idle period) is needed to maintain its association with the C-AP group, whether multiple C-AP group member APs retain their own independent MAX idle period, and whether the MAX idle period of the C-AP group Member conflicts with the Max idle period of the C-AP group. Corresponding adjustments are made for these situations in this way.

In addition, when the working states of the access point and the access point are both in the awake state or active mode, the WNM sleep capability negotiation is performed with the access points in the multi-access point cooperation group to enter the WNM sleep mode; according to the first maximum idle time and the third maximum idle time, or according to the first maximum idle time and the fourth maximum idle time, the WNM sleep intervals corresponding to the access points associated with the multi-access point cooperation group are sequentially configured, and the WNM sleep intervals are sent to the access points in the multi-access point cooperation group. The WNM sleep mode is an extended power saving mode, which sends a request to the AP to indicate the length of time it may sleep. During this period, it is not necessary to wake up in each DTIM (full name: Delivery Traffic Indication Message, DTIM is a special TIM, which not only caches unicast information, but also indicates the multicast information cached by the AP, and TIM is the full name of Traffic Indication Message) to listen to beacons, and it can wake up at intervals of several DTIMs. This can reduce power consumption and maintain association when there is no business transmission or reception.

In addition, after obtaining the power mode and working state of the access point in the multi-access point cooperation group, the sleep cycle of the access point in the multi-access point cooperation group is obtained; the sleep cycle of the working state of the terminal in the multi-access point cooperation mode is set from the sleep state to the awake state according to the sleep cycle of the access point; when it is detected that there is cached data to be received in the access point in the multi-access point cooperation group, and the working state of the terminal in the multi-access point cooperation mode is the awake state, and the access point is in the sleep state, a wake-up frame is sent to the access point to switch the working state of the access point from the sleep state to the awake state. The terminal can flexibly change the energy-saving mode of the multi-AP cooperation group. At the same time, terminal service continuity is guaranteed.

In addition, before sending the wake-up frame to the access point, the forced wake-up information of the access point in the multiple access point cooperation group is verified to ensure that the access point in the multiple access point cooperation group can respond to the wake-up frame.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

One or more embodiments are exemplarily described by pictures in the corresponding drawings, and these exemplified descriptions do not constitute limitations on the embodiments. Elements with the same reference numerals in the drawings represent similar elements, and unless otherwise stated, the figures in the drawings do not constitute proportional limitations.

FIG1 is a flow chart of a power management method provided according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG2 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a power management device according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic structural diagram of a terminal according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed ways

To make the purpose, technical scheme and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that in the embodiments of the present invention, many technical details are proposed in order to enable the reader to better understand the present application. However, even without these technical details and various changes and modifications based on the following embodiments, the technical scheme claimed in the present application can be implemented. The division of the following embodiments is for the convenience of description, and should not constitute any limitation on the specific implementation of the present invention. The various embodiments can be combined and referenced with each other without contradiction.

An embodiment of the present invention relates to a power management method, which can be applied to a terminal in a multi-access point cooperation mode, which can be a terminal device such as a mobile phone, a computer, etc. In this embodiment, when the working state of the terminal in the multi-access point cooperation mode is the awake state, the power mode and working state of the access point in the multi-access point cooperation group are obtained; the power mode includes an active mode and a power-saving mode, and the working state includes a sleep state and a wake state. When the power mode is the active mode, the working state must be the awake state; when it is detected that there is cached data to be received in the access point in the multi-access point cooperation group, and both the access point and the access point are in the awake state, a power-saving polling frame is sent to the access point where the cached data to be received exists, so as to receive the cached data. This allows the AP to enter the energy-saving mode and the sleep state, while ensuring that the terminal can provide normal services under such changes, filling the technical gap in this field while avoiding unnecessary waste of resources. The implementation details of the power management method of this embodiment are described in detail below. The following content is only the implementation details provided for the convenience of understanding, and is not necessary for the implementation of this solution.

As shown in FIG1 , in step 101, when the terminal in the multi-access point cooperation mode is in the awake state, the power mode and working state of the access point in the multi-access point cooperation group are obtained; the power mode includes the active mode and the energy-saving mode, and the working state includes the sleep state and the awake state. When the power mode is the active mode, the working state must be the awake state; in the active mode, the terminal or access point (AP) can send and receive frames at any time and is always in the awake state. In the energy-saving mode (power saving mode), the terminal or access point enters the awake state to send and receive frames, otherwise the terminal or access point (AP) is in the sleep state and does not send or receive any frames.

In one example, the terminal can notify the AP in the multi-access point cooperative group (C-APgroup) when the power mode is switched. When the terminal needs to switch the power mode, the terminal needs to notify the corresponding AP. Use the power management subfield in the frame control field. Take the following examples: In one example, in the multi-AP cooperative working mode, a terminal can be connected to multiple access points, and the terminal is associated with multiple access points. The cooperative working mode can be C-OFDMA, C-Spatial Reuse, C-Beamforming, Joint transmission, etc. Because a terminal needs to communicate with multiple APs in a C-AP group at the same time. In some cases, for ease of management, the terminal has only one power mode at the same time. In some cases, such as when the terminal communicates with two APs at the same time, when the terminal needs to change the power mode, it needs to notify the two APs that the power mode is about to change. The terminal does not necessarily have to send the power mode change information to the two APs, but can also send it to any communicating AP or associated AP. For example, when the AP notifies other associated APs through the air interface that the terminal is about to change the power mode. Other APs make corresponding processing. For example, if the terminal switches to the energy-saving mode, it needs to buffer the bus (BUs) data. If the terminal changes to active mode, the AP needs to transmit all data in the buffer. In one example, the terminal can send power mode change information to all communicating APs or associated APs, and the terminal notifies all APs through the air interface that the terminal is about to change the power mode. All APs make corresponding processing. For example, if the terminal changes to power saving mode, it needs to buffer BUs data. If the terminal changes to active mode, the AP needs to transmit all data in the buffer. In one example, the terminal sends power mode change information to the head of the multi-access point cooperation group (C-AP grouphead). The terminal notifies the C-AP group head through the air interface that the terminal is about to change the power mode. The C-AP group head notifies the member APs to make corresponding processing. For example, if the terminal changes to power save mode, the member AP needs to buffer BUs data. If the terminal changes to active mode, the member AP needs to transmit all data in the buffer. In one example, when a terminal works in C-AP, it needs to complete the entire frame exchange process before changing the power mode. A terminal associated with a C-AP group cannot change the power mode without receiving an Ack, block ack or using a BlockAckReq frame from the C-AP group.

Regarding the adjustment of the power mode and working state on the AP side, in one example, an AP is identified by the dot11CAPPMActivated field. If dot11CAPPMActivated is false or does not exist, the AP is in active mode. Otherwise, it means that the AP can be in power save mode in a C-AP group, or the AP can be in power save mode in the case of multiple AP coordination. An AP with dot11CAPPMActivated equal to true can be in awake or asleep state.

In one example, a new beacon is defined for C-AP group broadcast related information, and the name may be C-AP Beacon. In one example, the restricted access AP set element is as follows:

In some cases, the restricted access AP set element is a time window that describes access to at least one specific AP in the C-AP group within a certain period of time. The restricted access AP set includes whether it is periodic, the start time, and accessible AP information, such as BSSID, MAC address, etc.

In some cases, the Restricted access AP set looks like this:

Access to a specific AP group within a certain period of time is composed of AP set definition, start time, and periodic operation parameters. The periodic operation parameters are the period of operation, such as the target beacon transmission time (TBBT), including the wake up interval, which is the duration of being awake and the duration of being asleep.

In some cases, the Restricted access AP set is a BSSID that describes access to at least one specific AP in the C-AP group during a certain period of time.

In some cases, the composition of the Restricted access AP set is determined by the wake-up and sleep cycles of the member APs in the C-AP group. For example, APs with the same wake-up and sleep durations or close to each other are grouped together to form an access AP set, which is reserved for terminals to access at specific times.

In one example, the restricted access AP set element of the current AP is transmitted by other APs that are affiliated with the same MLD and included in some frames. In some cases, the other APs are in non-power saving mode.

In some cases, the C-AP group head determines the power saving AP parameters in the C-AP group, including the sleep interval and start time. The C-AP group head sends a negotiation frame to negotiate the power saving parameters. The member AP sends a response frame to determine the negotiated power saving parameters. In some cases, the above parameters are transmitted on an AP or connection that is not in powersaving mode. In some cases, the AP is the group head AP and cannot be in powersaving mode. One of the links of the group head AP is the primary link to transmit the power saving parameters and signaling of APs in other power saving modes.

In the case of C-AP group, the power saving parameter corresponding to a terminal in power saving mode is C-AP group member level. The AP is in power saving mode. The terminal needs to wake up or sleep with the AP at the corresponding time. Or wake up in advance before the AP wakes up to prepare to receive beacons or C-AP Beacons.

In some cases, the AP capability dot11CAPPMActivated is included in at least one of the following frames: probe request response frame, (re)association response frame, beacon frame. Or the probe request response frame, (re)association response frame, beacon frame redesigned for the C-AP group.

In one example, if an AP is in active mode and previously sent a frame to a terminal with PM bit set to 0, the AP should send a frame with PM bit set to 1 and enter powersaving mode after receiving the ACK frame from the terminal. In some cases, the AP belongs to a C-AP group. In some cases, the AP is attached to an access point multi-connection device.

In one example, if an AP is in active mode, the AP previously sent a frame with the PM bit set to 0 to a terminal. Then the AP should send a frame with the PM bit set to 1 and then enter the power saving mode. In some cases, the AP belongs to a C-AP group. In some cases, the frame with the PM bit set to 1 is sent by the C-AP group head to the terminal, and the AP then enters the power saving mode. In some cases, the frame with the PM bit set to 1 is sent by the C-AP group head to the terminal, and after the C-AP group head receives an ACK from the terminal, the C-AP group head notifies the AP, and the AP then enters the power saving mode. In some cases, the content of the C-AP group head notifying the AP is that the C-AP group head receives an ACK from the terminal. In some cases, the content of the C-AP group head notifying the AP is that the AP enters the power saving mode. In some cases, the frame with the PM bit set to 1 is sent by other APs that are also attached to the access point multi-connection device, and after the other AP receives an ACK from the terminal, the AP enters the power saving mode.

In one example, if an AP is in active mode, the AP previously sent a frame with the PM bit set to 0 to a terminal. The AP should then send a frame with the PM bit set to 1 and then switch to power saving mode. In some cases, the AP belongs to a C-AP group. The frame with the PM bit set to 1 is sent to the terminal by other member APs in the C-AP group instead of the AP. The other APs notify the AP that the frame with the PM bit set to 1 has been sent, and then the AP switches to power saving mode. In some cases, after receiving an ACK frame from the terminal, the other APs notify the AP that they have received an ACK from the terminal. The AP then switches to power saving mode.

In an example, if an AP is in active mode and belongs to a C-AP group, and the AP previously sent a frame to a terminal with the PM bit set to 0, the AP should switch to power saving mode after sending a frame with the PM bit set to 1.

In the above embodiments, in some cases, the frames with PM bit 0 and the frames with PM bit 1 are broadcast frames, which are sent to all terminals associated with the AP.

In the above embodiments, in some cases, the frame with the PM bit being 1 is a broadcast frame, which is sent to all terminals associated with the AP.

In the above embodiments, in some cases, the AP that transmits the frame with PM bit being 1 and the AP that previously transmitted the frame with PM bit being 0 belong to the same MLD.

In one example, a frame with a PM bit of 1 is a broadcast frame, which contains an indication that the AP enters power saving mode. The PM bit is 1, which contains the time when the AP enters power saving mode (in some cases, it is called power saving mode delay), such as an integer number of TBTTs later. In some cases, an indication of the presence or absence of a subfield containing the time when the AP enters power saving mode is included {0 does not exist, 1 exists}. In some cases, the above information is included in a frame with a PM bit of 0. In some cases, the frame is a unicast frame, a multicast frame, or a broadcast frame. In some cases, the frame is transmitted by the AP, and in some cases, the frame is transmitted by the Group head AP of the C-AP group to which the AP belongs. In some cases, the frame is transmitted by an AP in non-power saving mode in the C-AP group to which the AP belongs.

In one example, after obtaining the power mode and working state of the access point in the multi-access point cooperation group, the sleep cycle of the access point in the multi-access point cooperation group is obtained; the sleep cycle for switching the current working state from the sleep state to the awake state is set according to the sleep cycle of the access point; when it is detected that there is cached data to be received in the access point in the multi-access point cooperation group, and the current working state is the awake state, and the access point is in the sleep state, a wake-up frame is sent to the access point to switch the working state of the access point from the sleep state to the awake state.

In one example, the period during which the terminal enters the awake state by itself is referred to as the sleep period, and the period during which the terminal enters the active state by itself is referred to as the energy-saving period. The power management sleep period of the terminal can only be greater than the sleep period of an energy-saving AP. Whether the energy-saving period of the terminal can be greater than the sleep period of the energy-saving AP is a capability of the terminal. In some cases, whether the energy-saving period of the terminal can be greater than the sleep period of the energy-saving AP is a capability of the AP. This capability is included in the beacon, the probe response frame, and the association frame.

In some cases, the terminal cannot wake up when the energy-saving AP is asleep, and prompts the AP to wake up. It is a capability that the energy-saving AP can be awakened when it is asleep. This capability is included in the beacon, probe response frame, and association frame. Before sending a wake-up frame to the access point, verify the forced wake-up information of the access point in the multi-access point cooperation group to ensure that the access point in the multi-access point cooperation group can respond to the wake-up frame.

In some cases, multiple APs can be in energy-saving mode at the same time, and the energy-saving mode is broadcasted by the primary link AP to the corresponding terminals. In some cases, the wake-up information for waking up the sleeping AP can be included in the PS-POLL frame or the QoS null fame. In some cases, the wake-up frame is sent to the group head. In some cases, the wake-up frame is sent to the AP that needs to be awakened. In some cases, these APs are in listening mode and can only listen but not send data. In some cases, multiple APs are attached to an access point multi-connection device.

In some cases, there is only one multi-connection device in a multi-AP collaboration group. In some cases, there is only one multi-connection device in a multi-AP collaboration group. There are no other access point devices.

In some cases, the wake-up frame is sent to an AP MLD access point multi-connection device, and all APs affiliated with the access point are woken up by default. In some cases, the wake-up frame is sent to an access point multi-connection device, and only the AP of the connection that currently receives the wake-up frame is woken up. In some cases, the terminal sends the wake-up frame to an access point multi-connection device through other connections. The wake-up frame contains the link AP and mac address of the wake-up target AP, and wakes up the target AP through other connections.

In some cases, the wake-up frame, or the frame containing AP wake-up information, contains a bitmap indicating which links of the multi-connected device need to be awakened. For example, if the corresponding bit of the Bitmap is 1, it means that it needs to be awakened, and if it is 0, it means that it does not need to be awakened. For example, if the third bit is 1, it means that the attached AP corresponding to link ID 3 needs to be awakened.

In some cases, no additional wake-up information is needed. When a multi-connected non-AP terminal reports a buffer status report (BSR) through a trigger or an unsolicited BSR, it indicates that there is a sudden service of the corresponding service level Access category. For example, if there is a sudden low-latency service, the connection of the corresponding service is woken up through the negotiated TID-to-link mapping. The reported BSR implicitly acts as a wake-up frame, and if some or all of the corresponding APs are in sleep state, these APs are woken up.

In some cases, the AP to which the access point multi-connection device is attached cannot be forced to wake up when it is asleep, and can only switch between wake up and sleep according to the agreed cycle. Whether the AP can be forced to wake up is a capability, which is included in the beacon, probe response frame, association frame, or the send vector (TxVector), or the receive vector (RxVector). At this time, some terminals with high-priority services can choose not to connect to the AP or not map the service to the connection where the AP is located during TID-to-link mapping.

In some cases, whether the AP of an access point multi-connection device can be forced to wake up when it is in sleep mode is a capability that can be configured. The configuration can be included in a multi-link element, or as a newly defined field or MIB entry, included in beacon, probe response frame, association frame, or TxVector, or RxVector. For example, for an AP with multiple access points attached, if the entry is 0, it means that the AP can be forced to wake up, otherwise the AP can be forced to wake up.

In some cases, AP energy saving is a capability, which is included in beacon, probe response frame, association frame, or TxVector, or RxVector. In some cases, AP energy saving refers to energy saving of a multi-connection device attached to an access point. Similarly, the device energy saving is a capability included in beacon, probe response frame, association frame, or TxVector, or RxVector, which describes the energy saving capability of certain APs attached to the multi-connection device of the access point. It is said that the AP supports energy saving, and the corresponding field or element entry is set to 1, otherwise it is 0. In some cases, if the multi-connection device of the access point does not describe the energy saving status of the AP to which it is attached, it is assumed that the AP to which it is attached cannot work in energy saving mode.

In some cases, if the access point multi-connection device contains the Restrictedaccess AP set corresponding to its subordinate AP, it is assumed that the subordinate AP can work in the energy-saving mode. Otherwise, its subordinate AP does not work in the energy-saving mode.

In some cases, the terminal is a non-access point multi-connection device, and some of the terminal's affiliated non-AP STAs are in sleep mode, and other affiliated non-AP STAs are in active mode. The non-AP STA in active mode is responsible for monitoring the connected access point multi-connection devices. If some non-AP STAs affiliated to the terminal suddenly have uplink services, they are reported to the access point multi-connection device through the active AP. Request the access point to activate the corresponding affiliated AP (the AP is in sleep mode) to receive low-latency services. In some cases, the activation request information sent by the terminal to the multi-connection access point includes the link ID of the AP that needs to be activated. In some cases, the activation request information sent by the terminal to the multi-connection access point includes a bitmap, and the corresponding bit is 1, corresponding to the link ID of the AP that needs to be activated.

In step 102, when the terminal in the multi-access point cooperation mode detects that there is cached data to be received in the access point in the multi-access point cooperation group, and the terminal in the multi-access point cooperation mode and the access points in the multi-access point cooperation group are both in the awake state, the terminal sends a power-saving polling frame to the access point where the cached data to be received exists, so as to receive the cached data.

If the terminal wakes up at the time of transmitting a beacon or a newly defined beacon for a C-AP, and finds that an AP belonging to the C-AP group has cached its data, the terminal sends a power-saving polling frame (PS-Pollframe) to the corresponding AP. The AP then transmits the buffered BU.

In one example, if any AP in the C-AP group has data for the terminal cached, the indication corresponding to the partial frame field of the terminal in the beacon is 1. Then the terminal sends a PS-Poll frame to any AP (member AP, or group head AP) in the C-AP. In one example, the AP that receives the PS-Poll frame reports the content to the C-AP group head, and the C-AP group head notifies all member APs in the group that if there is data cached for the terminal, it will be transmitted. After any AP in the C-AP group receives the PS-Poll frame, it reports it to the C-AP group head. The C-AP group head notifies the APs in the group to transmit the cached data of the terminal to the terminal.

In one example, if the "More Data" subfield in the downlink is 1, the STA may send an additional MPDU addressed solely by the Power Save Poll frame, containing all or part of the AC without using the BU that enables delivery. If the More Data subfield in the downlink is 1, the STA may send an additional MAC Protocol Data Unit (MPDU) addressed solely by the Trigger frame, containing all or part of the set of business units (BUs) of services (Access Control, AC) that enable delivery.

In the above-mentioned AP and terminal power management methods, the maximum idle period (MAX idle period), WNM (wireless network management) sleep mode and listen interval in power management (power management) of the terminal can also be improved, as summarized as follows:

The Listen Interval is included in the (Re)Association Requestframe when the terminal accesses the AP. The Listen Interval field is sent by the node to the AP through the Association Request frame. The AP knows the wake-up time of the terminal, and only when the terminal wakes up will it indicate the Buffer status for the terminal in the Beacon frame. The Listen Interval refers to the number of Beacon intervals between two wake-ups of the workstation. It tells the AP how often a terminal in energy-saving mode wakes up to listen to Beacon frames. A longer Listen Interval allows the workstation to shut down the transceiver for a longer time. The longer the power is turned off, the more power can be saved. Each terminal can set its own Listen Interval. In the case of multi-AP collaboration, for a terminal capable of accessing the C-AP group, its Listen Interval needs to consider the working conditions and business conditions of the C-AP group and member APs at the same time, and set a specific value. In one example, when the working states of a terminal in a multi-access point cooperation mode and an access point in a multi-access point cooperation group are both awake, a first information beacon sent by an access point in the multi-access point cooperation group is received; a listening interval is set through a second information beacon corresponding to the multi-access point cooperation group in the first information beacon, and/or a third information beacon corresponding to the access point in the multi-access point cooperation group in the first information beacon; and the listening interval is sent to the access point in the multi-access point cooperation group through a connection response frame.

In one example, the Listen interval of the terminal is the C-AP Group member AP level. The terminal sets the Listen interval value based on the beacon of the Group member AP corresponding to the C-AP it is connected to. In one example, the Group member AP beacon contains the information of the C-AP. The terminal wakes up only at the corresponding Listen interval.

In one example, the Listen interval of the terminal is at the C-AP Group level. The member APs of the C-AP Group all use the same TBTT. The terminal sets the Listen interval value based on the beacon of the C-AP Group member AP of the C-AP group. In one example, the beacon of the C-AP Group member AP contains the service information of the corresponding terminal of the C-AP. The terminal wakes up only at the corresponding Listen interval.

In one example, the Listen interval of the terminal is at the C-AP Group level. A new Beacon is defined for the C-AP Group to broadcast C-AP information. The terminal uses the TBTT of the new beacon as a reference, and the terminal negotiates with the C-AP grouphead to set the Listen interval value. The terminal wakes up only at the corresponding Listen interval.

In one example, the terminal listens to the beacon of the connected AP and the new beacon of the C-AP group at the same time. In this case, the terminal has two listen intervals to listen to the beacon of the connected AP and the new beacon of the C-AP group respectively. A new dedicated field or element is defined for the listen interval of the C-AP group and included in the (re)association frame.

In one example, after setting the listening interval, when the working states of the terminal in the multi-access point cooperation mode and the access points in the multi-access point cooperation group are both in the awake state, and the current power mode of the terminal in the multi-access point cooperation mode is the energy-saving mode, and there is an association relationship with multiple access points in the multi-access point cooperation group, the working state of the attached non-AP STA during the listening interval is set to the awake state according to the listening interval, so that the attached non-AP STA can receive beacons sent by the access points in the multi-access point cooperation group during the listening interval.

If the terminal is connected to multiple APs/MLDs and is in power saving mode, at least one non-AP STA connected to the terminal should wake up to receive the corresponding beacon frame during its listen interval. The listen interval starts (calculated) from the TBTT of other non-AP STAs of the MLD attached to the same C-AP group, or the last awake TBTT of the same non-AP STA.

In some cases, the terminal is a non-access point multi-connection device. Some non-AP STAs attached to the terminal are in sleep mode. Other attached non-AP STAs are in active mode, and the non-AP STA in active mode is responsible for monitoring the connected access point multi-connection devices. The access point multi-connection device sends information to the non-AP STA in active mode attached to the terminal. If some non-AP STAs in sleep mode suddenly have downlink low-latency services arriving, the non-AP STAs in sleep mode are activated. Similarly, if some non-AP STAs attached to the terminal suddenly have uplink services, they are reported to the access point multi-connection device through the active AP.

The Listen Interval field is variable in some cases. The parameters on the AP side may change due to C-AP group reconfiguration, C-AP group member reselection, etc. Therefore, the Listen Interval field should be variable to adapt to this change.

In one example, an unsolicited (re) associated response frame is sent. A listen interval rejection frame indicates that the C-AP group thinks the current listen interval is too long. When the C-AP group thinks the current listen interval is too long, it triggers a corresponding C-AP re-association to indicate that the listen interval is too long.

In one example, a new status code in the associated response frame is defined to send an unsolicited (re)associated response frame indicating that the listen interval is too short. When the C-AP group feels that the current listen interval is too short, it triggers the corresponding C-AP re-association to indicate that the listen interval is too short.

In one example, the impact of association is connection interruption. In order to avoid the impact of connection interruption, a listen interval can be suggested to the terminal by the data frame/management frame of another AP. In one example, the suggested value of the listen interval of the current AP is configured by another AP associated with the terminal. In one example, the suggested value of the listen interval is included in the (re) associated response frame of another AP.

In one example, the terminal maintains two listen intervals, one for the currently connected AP and one for the C-AP group. When the terminal is disassociated from the C-AP group or disconnected, the corresponding listen interval automatically becomes invalid. The terminal only retains/rolls back the listen interval of the currently connected AP.

In one example, the terminal maintains two listen intervals, one for the currently connected AP and one for the C-AP group. When the terminal disassociates from the AP or disconnects, the corresponding listen interval automatically becomes invalid. The terminal only retains the listen interval of the current C-AP.

The maximum idle time means that when a terminal is associated with an AP or MLD, if there is no data sent to the AP/MLD within a certain period of time, or there is no response to the data packet/management frame (Data frame, PS-Pollframe, or Management frame) sent by the AP/MLD, the AP/MLD will confirm that the terminal is offline. This feature can save power consumption of the terminal.

First, we analyze whether the C-AP group needs a similar maximum idle time. In other words, is it necessary to completely create a new element (the fourth maximum idle time) to disconnect the terminal from the C-AP group, or is it only necessary to set the current third maximum idle time of the terminal through the existing first maximum idle time between the terminal and the AP and the second maximum idle time between the terminal and other C-AP group member APs. Here we explain it in implicit and explicit ways. Implicit means reusing the existing Max idle period value of the relevant AP as the value of the third maximum idle time of the terminal with respect to the C-AP group. Explicit means a design based on defining new elements for C-AP.

In one example, the terminal of the C-AP group does not need a MAX idle period. When the working states of the terminal and the access point are both active, the third maximum idle time between the terminal and the multi-access point cooperation group is configured according to the first maximum idle time between the terminal in the multi-access point cooperation mode and the access point with which it is associated in the multi-access point cooperation group, or the second maximum idle time between the multi-access point cooperation group and the access point in the multi-access point cooperation group. When there is no interaction with the access point in the multi-access point cooperation group during the third maximum idle time, the multi-access point cooperation group and the access point with which it is associated in the multi-access point cooperation group are simultaneously disassociated.

In one example, implicitly: the third maximum idle period (corresponding element name: MAX idle period) between a C-AP group and a terminal is consistent with the value of the BSS maximum idle period (BSS max idle period) (corresponding to the first maximum idle period) between the terminal and the C-AP group member AP. The member AP of the C-AP group has its corresponding BSS maximum idle period (BSS MAX idle period) as an AP. Multiple C-AP groupmember APs have multiple corresponding BSS MAX idle period values, and the member AP (presets, pre) the value configured by the terminal association. In one example, the MAX idle period of the C-AP group is implicitly defined and consistent with the value of the maximum BSS max idle period between the terminal and the C-APgroup member AP. In the broadcast frame, (Re)Association Response frame, or the newly defined (Re)Association Responseframe for the C-AP group, the maximum idle duration information of the C-AP group, such as the Max Idle Period element, is not included. Or there is no design similar to the maximum idle duration information. Directly assume/assume that the MAX idle period of the C-AP group is consistent with the (preset) configured maximum BSS MAX idle period value of the member AP. When the terminal does not maintain active frame (keepalive frame) transmission time exceeding this value or exceeds this value without any data interaction, the member AP is disassociated from the terminal, that is, the C-AP group is disassociated from the terminal at the same time. The advantage of doing this is that the association relationship between the terminal and the C-AP group can be maintained to the greatest extent. The signaling overhead caused by re-association is reduced. The MAX idle period can obtain a relatively large value, saving terminal energy overhead.

In one example, it is consistent with the value of the minimum BSS max idle period of C-AP group member AP. In one example, the MAX idle period of the C-AP group is implicitly defined and consistent with the value of the minimum BSS max idle period configured for the C-AP group member AP (preset) to associate with the terminal. In the broadcast frame, or (Re)Association Response frame, or the newly defined (Re)Association Responseframe for the C-AP group, the maximum idle duration information of the C-AP group, such as the Max Idle Period element, is not included. Or there is no design similar to the minimum idle duration information. It is directly assumed/assumed that the MAX idle period of the C-AP group is consistent with the member AP (preset) to associate with the terminal, and the minimum BSS MAX idle period value is configured. The advantage of this is that the requirements of high-reliability services such as services transmitted by C-AP can be maintained to the maximum extent. Reduce the delay caused by excessive MAX idle period.

In one example, the terminal first associates to an AP, and the AP assists in accessing the C-AP group. The BSS Max Idle Period element value configured when the auxiliary AP associates with the terminal is used as the maximum idle time between the terminal and the C-AP group. Here, assisting access to the C-AP group means that the AP refers to handing over the terminal to the C-AP group; or the AP itself and the associated terminal join the C-AP group at the same time. In one example, the auxiliary AP notifies the C-AP group head of this setting through a management frame containing a BSS Max Idle Period element, where the BSS Max Idle Period value in the BSS Max Idle Period element is the value set by the AP to the associated terminal. In one example, the terminal establishes an association with another member access point through a management frame ((re)association frame). When joining the C-AP group, the (re)association frame contains the legacy BSS MAX idle period element, where the BSS MAX idle period is used as a reference value for the MAX idle period of the C-AP group and the terminal. The C-AP group can accept or reject the reference value through a response frame. Among them, the legacy BSS MAX idleperiod element is the BSS MAX idle periodelement already in the IEEE Std 802.11™-2020 standard.

The MAX idle period of a C-AP group is consistent with the value of the minimum BSS max idle period of memberAP. When the terminal does not transmit keep alive frames for a period exceeding the value of BSS max idle period of member AP, it disassociates from the member AP and the C-AP group at the same time.

In one example, disassociating the terminal from the C-AP group does not mean that all APs are disassociated from the terminal. When the BSS MAX idle period between at least one access point and the terminal is greater than the MAXidle period value of the C-AP group, after the C-AP group is disassociated from the terminal, the terminal can still maintain association with at least one other access point with a larger BSS MAX idle period (greater than the C-AP Max idle period).

Next, let's discuss the situation where the terminal of the C-AP group needs to create a new MAX idle period (explicit). At this time, the preset fourth maximum idle time is configured. If there is no interaction with the access point in the multi-access point cooperation group during the fourth maximum idle time, the terminal is disassociated from the multi-access point cooperation group.

In one example, a new fourth maximum idle period is defined (element name: Max idle period element) and the Max Idle Period value is at the C-AP group level.

In an example, the Max idle period element corresponding to the C-AP group is defined as

At this time, the Max idle period element consists of the element ID, length, maximum idle time (Maxidle period), idle options (Idle Options), and group ID (Group ID). It can be seen that this is based on the original BSS max idle period element plus the group ID (Group ID) identifier, indicating that the element belongs to the C-AP group. The Group ID is the identification ID of the C-AP group. The Group ID does not necessarily have only one octect. One octect is just an example. In an example, the max idle element contains at least the C-AP group ID.

In one example, a special value is assigned to the legacy BSS max idle Element to indicate that the element belongs to the C-AP group, and the Element ID is reused. For example, the Element ID is all 0 (Octect) or all 1 (Octect). In one example, the method of reusing the Element ID is a combination of a special value and a Group ID, such as a binary number where the first bit is 0 + group ID, and the group ID is a 7-bit binary number, or the upper 7 bits of the binary number of the group ID, or the lower 7 bits of the group ID.

In an example, an existing or newly designed (re)association response frame ((Re)AssociationResponse frame) for C-AP continues to use (include) a legacy BSS maximum idle element, and the legacy BSS maximum idle element is set to the maximum or minimum value of the BSS Max idle period configured by all member APs (preset) associated with the terminal in the C-AP group, or the value corresponding to the BSS Max idleperiod (preset) associated with the terminal by the C-AP group head.

In one example, the (Re)Association Response frame that is already available or newly designed for C-AP continues to use (contain) the existing legacy BSS Max idle period element to indicate the maximum idle time for the terminal to associate with the C-AP. If the terminal is capable of accessing, needs to access or is about to access the C-AP group, the terminal uses the value in the legacyBSS Max idle period element as the maximum idle time for its association with the C-AP.

In one example, two sets of BSS maximum idle times (BSS Max idle period element) are maintained simultaneously if the legacy (Re)Association Response frame contains both the legacy BSS Max idle period element (access AP) and the newly defined C-AP Max idle period element.

If the terminal is capable of accessing, needs to access or is about to access the C-AP group, the terminal accesses the C-AP group. At this time, the terminal simultaneously maintains two sets of access BSS Max idle period and C-AP group Max idle period.

In this case, when the BSS Max idle period is greater than the C-AP group Max idle period, and when the C-AP group member APs do not receive a protected/unprotected keep alive frame within the C-AP group Max idle time, the C-AP group can disassociate with the terminal. If a keepalive frame is received within the BSS Max idle period, it remains associated with the corresponding AP.

In this case, in one example, the BSS Max idle period is less than the C-AP group Max idleperiod. When the C-AP group member APs do not receive the protected/unprotected keep alive frame within the C-AP group Max idle time, the C-AP group can disassociate with the terminal. If the keepalive frame is not received within the BSS Max idleperiod, the corresponding AP disassociates from the terminal. The terminal remains associated with other member APs in the C-AP group that have a larger BSS Max idle period that can be set to maintain the association with the C-AP group.

A terminal maintains association with multiple APs/AP MLDs/C-AP groups and maintains multiple corresponding BSS Max idle periods/C-AP group Max idle periods.

In an example, multiple APs or C-AP groups share a BSS, then the multiple APs use the BSS Max idle period or C-AP Max idle period set for the terminal by the first access AP/C-AP group.

In one example, the terminal maintains a Max idle period for each AP and C-AP group associated with it. The BSS Max idle period set by each AP C-AP group for the terminal associated with it is independent of each other.

The value of C-AP max idle period is non-AP STA specific. The advantage of this is that the AP or C-AP group can flexibly schedule and manage terminals according to different terminal capabilities, services, and other characteristics, especially terminals in energy-saving mode.

In one example, when the C-AP group member APs do not receive the protected/unprotected keep alive frame within the C-AP group Max idle period, the C-AP group can be disassociated from the terminal, and the C-AP group member AP is also disassociated from the terminal. In one example, the C-AP group Max idle is the C-AP group level. That is, all C-AP group members use the same max idle period, which is the max idle period of the C-AP group. The benefit of doing this is to simplify the design, reduce the burden on the terminal, and only focus on the situation of the C-AP group.

Regarding the WNM sleep mode, in the case of multi-AP collaboration, there may be new designs such as new beacons or highly reliable service transmission. The WNM sleep mode needs to be enhanced to meet these requirements. In particular, the establishment process of the WNM sleep mode.

In one example, when the working states of the access point and the access point are both awake, WNM sleep capability negotiation is performed with the access points in the multi-access point cooperation group to enter the WNM sleep mode;

In one example, when a terminal is in a C-AP group, working in WNM sleep mode is a terminal capability, which is included in TxVector. At the same time, whether the C-AP group can be in WNM mode is also a capability. Only when the C-AP group, or all member APs of the C-AP, explicitly support WNM sleep mode, can the terminal transmit a WNMSleep Mode Request frame to the C-AP group to request to enable WNM Sleep Mode.

The terminal is connected to a C-AP group. Does the connection provided by each C-AP group member AP need the same WNM sleep mode period? This question leads to several possible situations, which are explained with examples:

In one example, APs belonging to a C-AP group have the same WNM sleep model capability. When a terminal associated with the C-AP group is connected to multiple member APs, the member APs use the same WNM sleep mode period/configuration parameters for the terminal.

In one example, a terminal is connected to two APs. When the terminal communicates with the two APs, different WNMsleep intervals are used. The advantage of this solution is that different APs can negotiate with the terminal to determine different WNM sleep intervals based on different service characteristics. The terminal can wake up at the corresponding WNM sleep interval to communicate with the relevant AP.

In one example, if the terminal wakes up at the same time in the WNM sleep interval of two APs, the terminal preferentially selects the corresponding AP according to the service priority to send data or data request frame. If the service priorities of the two corresponding APs are the same, the terminal randomly selects an AP to send data or data request frame.

Next, we discuss the situations in which request frames and response frames can be transmitted across connections:

When a terminal sends a WNM mode request frame to a C-AP group, the C-AP group can send a response frame through one of its member APs, member AP. The C-AP group can receive the request frame and send the response frame to different member APs. The advantage of this is that it can be flexibly scheduled to adapt to different collaboration modes.

In one example, a new WNM Sleep Mode Request frame and WNM Sleep Mode Response frame are defined exclusively for the C-AP group. The above steps simplify the WNM process, and there is no need to send a WNM request frame first.

According to the first maximum idle time and the third maximum idle time, or according to the first maximum idle time and the fourth maximum idle time, WNM sleep intervals corresponding to the access points associated with the multi-access point cooperation group are sequentially configured, and the WNM sleep intervals are sent to the access points in the multi-access point cooperation group.

Generally, the C-AP WNM Sleep Interval needs to be smaller than the maxidle period of the connected AP.

In an example, if C-AP max idle period (corresponding to the third or fourth maximum idle period above) ≦ C-AP WNM Sleep Interval ≦ BSS max idle period (corresponding to the first maximum idle period above), the terminal needs to re-associate with the corresponding C-AP group when it wakes up. In an example, C-AP max idle period ≦C-AP WNM Sleep Interval ≦ BSS max idle period. After the terminal wakes up, it has been disassociated from the C-AP group, but it may still remain associated with the current AP. If the terminal still needs to link to the C-AP group, it needs to perform the re-association step of the C-AP group.

If BSS max idle period ≦ C-AP WNM Sleep Interval ≦ C-AP max idleperiod. The terminal associates to other APs in the corresponding C-AP group when it wakes up. In an example, BSS max idleperiod ≦ C-AP WNM Sleep Interval ≦ C-AP max idle period. After the terminal wakes up, it has been disassociated from the C-AP current AP, but it may still be associated with the C-AP group. If the terminal still needs to link to the AP, it needs to perform the re-association step.

In this embodiment, when the working state of the terminal in the multi-access point cooperation mode is the awake state, the power mode and working state of the access point in the multi-access point cooperation group are obtained; the power mode includes the active mode and the energy-saving mode, and the working state includes the sleep state and the awake state. When the power mode is the active mode, the working state must be the awake state; when it is detected that there is cached data to be received in the access point in the multi-access point cooperation group, and the terminal in the multi-access point cooperation mode and the access point in the multi-access point cooperation group are both in the awake state, a power-saving polling frame is sent to the access point where the cached data to be received exists, so as to receive the cached data. This allows the AP to enter the energy-saving mode and the sleep state, while ensuring that the terminal can provide normal services under such changes, filling the technical gap in this field while avoiding unnecessary waste of resources.

The steps of the above method are divided only for clear description. When implemented, they can be combined into one step or some steps can be split and decomposed into multiple steps. As long as they include the same logical relationship, they are all within the scope of protection of this application; adding insignificant modifications to the algorithm or process or introducing insignificant designs without changing the core design of the algorithm and process are all within the scope of protection of this application.

Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a power management device, as shown in Figure 2, including: a mode acquisition module 201, which is used to acquire the power mode and working state of the access point in the multi-access point cooperation group when the working state of the terminal in the multi-access point cooperation mode is the awake state; wherein the power mode includes an active mode and a power saving mode, and the working state includes a sleep state and a awake state, and when the power mode is the active mode, the working state must be the awake state; a data receiving module 202, which is used to send a power saving polling frame to the access point where the cached data to be received exists when it is detected that there is cached data to be received in the access point in the multi-access point cooperation group, and the terminal in the multi-access point cooperation mode and the access point in the multi-access point cooperation group are both in the awake state, so as to receive the cached data.

In one example, the device further includes: a listening interval module, which is used to receive a first information beacon sent by an access point in the multi-access point cooperation group when the working states of the terminal in the multi-access point cooperation mode and the access point in the multi-access point cooperation group are both in the awake state; set the listening interval through the second information beacon corresponding to the multi-access point cooperation group in the first information beacon, and/or the third information beacon corresponding to the access point in the multi-access point cooperation group in the first information beacon; and send the listening interval to the access point in the multi-access point cooperation group through a connection response frame.

In one example, the device further includes: an interval receiving module, which is used to, after setting the listening interval, set the working state of the attached non-AP STA during the listening interval to the awake state according to the listening interval, when the working states of the terminal in the multi-access point cooperation mode and the access points in the multi-access point cooperation group are both in the awake state, and the current power mode of the terminal in the multi-access point cooperation mode is the energy-saving mode, and there is an association relationship with multiple access points in the multi-access point cooperation group, so that the attached non-AP STA can receive beacons sent by the access points in the multi-access point cooperation group during the listening interval.

In one example, the device further includes: an idle time module, which is used to configure a third maximum idle time between the terminal in the multi-access point cooperation mode and the access point with which an association relationship exists in the multi-access point cooperation group according to the first maximum idle time between the terminal in the multi-access point cooperation mode and the access point with which an association relationship exists in the multi-access point cooperation group, or the second maximum idle time between the multi-access point cooperation group and the access point in the multi-access point cooperation group, when no interaction is performed with the access point in the multi-access point cooperation group during the third maximum idle time, then simultaneously disassociate with the multi-access point cooperation group and the access point with which an association relationship exists in the multi-access point cooperation group, or configure a preset fourth maximum idle time, and disassociate with the multi-access point cooperation group when no interaction is performed with the access point in the multi-access point cooperation group during the fourth maximum idle time.

In one example, the apparatus further includes: a WNM sleep module, configured to perform WNM sleep capability negotiation with the access points in the multi-access point cooperation group to enter the WNM sleep mode when the working states of the access point and the access point are both in the awake state;

According to the first maximum idle time and the third maximum idle time, or according to the first maximum idle time and the fourth maximum idle time, sequentially configure the WNM sleep intervals corresponding to the access points associated with the multiple access point cooperation group, and send the WNM sleep intervals to the access points in the multiple access point cooperation group.

In one example, the device further includes: a forced wake-up module, which is used to obtain the sleep cycle of the access point in the multi-access point cooperation group after obtaining the power mode and working state of the access point in the multi-access point cooperation group; set the sleep cycle for switching the current working state from the sleep state to the awake state according to the sleep cycle of the access point; when it is detected that there is cached data to be received in the access point in the multi-access point cooperation group, and the current working state is the awake state, and the access point is in the sleep state, send a wake-up frame to the access point to switch the working state of the access point from the sleep state to the awake state.

In one example, the device further includes: a wake-up capability confirmation module, which is used to verify the forced wake-up information of the access point in the multi-access point cooperation group before sending the wake-up frame to the access point to ensure that the access point in the multi-access point cooperation group can respond to the wake-up frame.

In this embodiment, when the working state of the terminal in the multi-access point cooperation mode is the awake state, the power mode and working state of the access point in the multi-access point cooperation group are obtained; the power mode includes the active mode and the energy-saving mode, and the working state includes the sleep state and the awake state. When the power mode is the active mode, the working state must be the awake state; when it is detected that there is cached data to be received in the access point in the multi-access point cooperation group, and the terminal in the multi-access point cooperation mode and the access point in the multi-access point cooperation group are both in the awake state, a power-saving polling frame is sent to the access point where the cached data to be received exists, so as to receive the cached data. This allows the AP to enter the energy-saving mode and the sleep state, while ensuring that the terminal can provide normal services under such changes, filling the technical gap in this field while avoiding unnecessary waste of resources.

It is not difficult to find that this embodiment is a device embodiment corresponding to the above method embodiment, and this embodiment can be implemented in conjunction with the above method embodiment. The relevant technical details mentioned in the above method embodiment are still valid in this embodiment, and in order to reduce repetition, they are not repeated here. Accordingly, the relevant technical details mentioned in this embodiment can also be applied in the above method embodiment.

It is worth mentioning that all modules involved in this embodiment are logic modules. In practical applications, a logic unit can be a physical unit, a part of a physical unit, or a combination of multiple physical units. In addition, in order to highlight the innovative part of the present invention, this embodiment does not introduce units that are not closely related to solving the technical problem proposed by the present invention, but this does not mean that there are no other units in this embodiment.

Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a terminal, as shown in Figure 3, comprising at least one processor 301; and a memory 302 communicatively connected to the at least one processor; wherein the memory 302 stores instructions executable by the at least one processor 301, and the instructions are executed by the at least one processor 301 so that the at least one processor 301 can execute the power management method as described above.

The memory 302 and the processor 301 are connected in a bus manner, and the bus may include any number of interconnected buses and bridges, and the bus connects various circuits of one or more processors 301 and the memory 302 together. The bus can also connect various other circuits such as peripheral devices, voltage regulators, and power management circuits, which are well known in the art and are therefore not further described herein. The bus interface provides an interface between the bus and the transceiver. The transceiver can be one element or multiple elements, such as multiple receivers and transmitters, providing a unit for communicating with various other devices on a transmission medium. The data processed by the processor 301 is transmitted on a wireless medium through an antenna, and further, the antenna also receives data and transmits the data to the processor 301.

The processor 301 is responsible for managing the bus and general processing, and can also provide various functions, including timing, peripheral interfaces, voltage regulation, power management and other control functions. The memory 302 can be used to store data used by the processor 301 when performing operations.

Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program, which implements the above method embodiment when executed by a processor.

That is, those skilled in the art can understand that all or part of the steps in the above-mentioned embodiment method can be completed by instructing the relevant hardware through a program, and the program is stored in a storage medium, including several instructions to enable a device (which can be a single-chip microcomputer, chip, etc.) or a processor to execute all or part of the steps of the method described in each embodiment of the present application. The aforementioned storage medium includes: U disk, mobile hard disk, read-only memory (ROM, Read-Only Memory), random access memory (RAM, Random Access Memory), disk or optical disk and other media that can store program codes.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the above-mentioned embodiments are specific examples for implementing the present invention, and in actual applications, various changes may be made thereto in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims (8)

1. A power management method applied to a terminal in a multi-access point cooperative mode, the method comprising:

when the working state of the terminal in the multi-access point cooperation mode is an awake state, acquiring the power mode and the working state of the access point in the multi-access point cooperation group;

The power mode comprises an active mode and an energy-saving mode, the working state comprises a sleep state and an awake state, and the working state is necessarily the awake state when the power mode is the active mode;

When detecting that the buffer data to be received exists in the access points in the multi-access point cooperation group, and the terminal in the multi-access point cooperation mode and the access points in the multi-access point cooperation group are both in an awake state, sending a power-saving polling frame to the access points with the buffer data to be received so as to receive the buffer data;

Wherein the method further comprises:

When the working states of the terminal in the multi-access point cooperation mode and the access points in the multi-access point cooperation group are all awake, receiving a first information beacon sent by the access points in the multi-access point cooperation group;

Setting a monitoring interval through a second information beacon corresponding to the multi-access point cooperation group in the first information beacon and/or a third information beacon corresponding to an access point in the multi-access point cooperation group in the first information beacon;

transmitting the listening interval to access points in the multi-access point cooperation group through a connection response frame;

Wherein the method further comprises:

After the listening interval is set, when the working states of the terminal in the multi-access point cooperation mode and the access points in the multi-access point cooperation group are both awake, and the current power mode of the terminal in the multi-access point cooperation mode is an energy-saving mode and an association relationship exists between the terminal and a plurality of access points in the multi-access point cooperation group, the working state of the affiliated non-AP STA in the listening interval is set to be the awake state according to the listening interval, so that the affiliated non-AP STA receives beacons sent by the access points in the multi-access point cooperation group in the listening interval.

2. The method of power management according to claim 1, wherein the method further comprises:

When the working state of the access point is the awake state, according to the first maximum idle time between the terminal in the multi-access point cooperation mode and the access point in the multi-access point cooperation group with association relation or the second maximum idle time between the multi-access point cooperation group and the access point in the multi-access point cooperation group, configuring the third maximum idle time between the multi-access point cooperation group and the access point, when the terminal in the multi-access point cooperation mode is not interacted with the access point in the multi-access point cooperation group in the third maximum idle time period, the terminal is simultaneously disassociated with the access point in the multi-access point cooperation group and the access point in the multi-access point cooperation group with association relation,

Or alternatively, the first and second heat exchangers may be,

And configuring a preset fourth maximum idle time, and disassociating the access point in the multi-access point cooperation group when the access point in the multi-access point cooperation group is not interacted in the fourth maximum idle time.

3. The method of power management according to claim 2, wherein the method further comprises:

when the working state of the access point is the awake state, the WNM sleep capability negotiation is carried out with the access point in the multi-access point cooperation group so as to enter a WNM sleep mode;

And according to the first maximum idle time and the third maximum idle time or the first maximum idle time and the fourth maximum idle time, sequentially configuring WNM sleep intervals corresponding to the access points with association relations in the multi-access point cooperation group, and sending the WNM sleep intervals to the access points in the multi-access point cooperation group.

4. The method of power management according to claim 1, wherein the method further comprises:

after the power mode and the working state of the access points in the multi-access point cooperation group are acquired, the sleep period of the access points in the multi-access point cooperation group is acquired;

Setting a sleep period for switching the working state of the terminal in the multi-access point cooperation mode from a sleep state to an awake state according to the sleep period of the access point;

when detecting that the buffer data to be received exists in the access points in the multi-access point cooperation group, and the working state of the terminal in the multi-access point cooperation mode is an awake state, and the access points are in a sleep state, a wake-up frame is sent to the access points so as to switch the working state of the access points from the sleep state to the awake state.

5. The method of power management according to claim 4, further comprising:

And before the wake-up frame is sent to the access point, verifying forced wake-up information of the access points in the multi-access point cooperation group to ensure that the access points in the multi-access point cooperation group can respond to the wake-up frame.

6. A power management apparatus, comprising:

the mode acquisition module is used for acquiring the power mode and the working state of the access point in the multi-access point cooperation group when the working state of the terminal in the multi-access point cooperation mode is an awake state;

the power mode comprises an active mode and an energy-saving mode, the working state comprises a sleep state and an awake state, and the working state is necessarily the awake state when the power mode is the active mode;

The data receiving module is used for sending a power-saving polling frame to the access point with the to-be-received cache data to receive the cache data when the cache data to be received exist in the access point in the multi-access point cooperation group and the terminal in the multi-access point cooperation mode and the access point in the multi-access point cooperation group are both in an awake state;

When the working states of the terminal in the multi-access point cooperation mode and the access points in the multi-access point cooperation group are all awake, receiving a first information beacon sent by the access points in the multi-access point cooperation group;

Setting a monitoring interval through a second information beacon corresponding to the multi-access point cooperation group in the first information beacon and/or a third information beacon corresponding to an access point in the multi-access point cooperation group in the first information beacon;

transmitting the listening interval to access points in the multi-access point cooperation group through a connection response frame;

After the listening interval is set, when the working states of the terminal in the multi-access point cooperation mode and the access points in the multi-access point cooperation group are both awake, and the current power mode of the terminal in the multi-access point cooperation mode is an energy saving mode and there is an association relationship with a plurality of access points in the multi-access point cooperation group, the working state of the affiliated non-AP STA in the listening interval is set to be the awake state according to the listening interval, so that the affiliated non-AP STA receives beacons sent by the access points in the multi-access point cooperation group in the listening interval.

7. A terminal, comprising:

At least one processor; and

A memory communicatively coupled to the at least one processor; wherein,

The memory stores instructions executable by the at least one processor to enable the at least one processor to perform the power management method of any one of claims 1 to 5.

8. A computer readable storage medium storing a computer program, wherein the computer program when executed by a processor implements the power management method of any one of claims 1 to 5.