WO2023128057A1

WO2023128057A1 - Method and apparatus for power management of access point

Info

Publication number: WO2023128057A1
Application number: PCT/KR2022/003469
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mayank Kumar SAHU; Kavin Kumar Thangadorai; Radhika Mundra
Original assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 2022-01-03
Filing date: 2022-03-11
Publication date: 2023-07-06

Abstract

Embodiments herein provide a method for a wakeup time management of an AP (100) by an electronic device (300). The method includes receiving a TWT from the plurality of stations (200a-200n). Further, the method includes determining a common TWT in which each station of the plurality of stations (200a-200n) are in a sleep state. Further, the method includes determining the wake-up time of the AP (100) for at least one of broadcasting the beacon to at least one station not connected to the electronic device (300) and participating a TWT session to receive or send data from the stations connected to the electronic device (300). Further, the method includes switching the AP (100) to a sleep mode based on the common TWT in which each station of the plurality of stations (200a-200n) are in the sleep state and the wake-up time of the AP (100).

Description

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR POWER MANAGEMENT OF ACCESS POINT

The present disclosure relates to a wireless network, and more specifically related to a method and an electronic device forpower management of an access point (AP) using target wake time.

In general, a target wake time mechanism appeared in the IEEE 802.11ah “컒ireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) HaLow”standard published in 2017, a low-power standard is specifically designed to support the large-scale deployment of Internet of things (IoT) infrastructure - such as stations and sensors - that intelligently coordinate signal sharing. A Target Wake Time (TWT) feature further evolved with the IEEE 802.11ax standard, as stations and sensors are now only required to wake and communicate with specific Beacon(s) transmitting instructions for the TWT broadcast sessions they belong to. There are two types of TWT modes:

Individual TWT: Individually agreed TWT session periods are negotiated between a pair of devices. In order to initiate a TWT session, first there is a negotiation phase in which the AP and a target station agree on a common set of parameters.

Broadcast TWT: The AP will be in charge. The AP will send TWT parameters in a beacon frame using the TWT element. The TWT element might be sent in other management frames. The AP will provide the schedule to all the clients that supports broadcast TWT in every beacon interval.

FIG. 1 is an example graph (S10) in which an individual TWT mode operation is depicted, according to prior art. A client (e.g., electronic device or the like) wants to establish a TWT agreement. The client communicates its waking schedule information to the AP. The AP devises a schedule and delivers TWT values to the client. The client wakes up and transmit a frame according to the schedule. The AP send the client the next TWT information on when to wake up again (in an explicit mode). The client wakes up again at the next scheduled time to send a frame and receive a new TWT information. When TWT implicit (periodic) is used, the client calculates the next TWT by adding a fixed value to the current TWT value.

FIG. 2 is an example graph (S20) in which a broadcast TWT mode operation with Target Beacon Transmission Time (TBTT) is depicted, according to prior art. As shown in the FIG. 2, the AP will be in charge. The AP will send TWT parameters in the beacon frame using the TWT element. The TWT element might be sent in other management frames as well such as the (Re)association frame or a probe response frame.

The clients will use the TWT parameters from the most recently received TWT element carried in the management frames of its associated AP to request to participate the broadcast TWT and it can also negotiate the broadcast TWT parameters.

In particular, STAs can negotiate the interval of listening beacon frames (i.e., the listen interval) with the AP via the TWT request frame which is optional in case of broadcast TWT. The AP can change the broadcast TWT parameters such as TWT, TWT Interval etc.

FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram (S30) illustrating a broadcast TWT negotiation with the TBTT, according to prior art. At S32, the AP (100) includes broadcast TWTs IE in management frames (such as Beacons, Probe Response etc.) and broadcasts the TWTs IE in the management frames to the STA (200). At S34, the STA (200) can send the request frame to request to participate in the broadcast TWT. The STA (200) can also send suggest frame for suggesting the TWT parameters. At S36, the AP (100) can accept or reject the request or suggestion from the STA (200). If suggestion frame sends by the STA (200) then the AP (100) can send alternate frame for alternate broadcast TWT parameters OR the AP (100) can send dictate frame if no possibility for further negotiating them. At S38, the negotiation continues until the AP (100) sends the accept frame to the STA (200).

At S40, the STA can send request frame to request for Target Beacon Transmission Time (TBTT) and listen interval. At S42, the AP (100) can send either accept frame for accepting the TBTT, Alternate, the frame for suggesting alternate TBTT, or reject frame for rejecting the request. At S44, the negotiation continues until the AP (100) send the accept frame to the STA (200).

Thus, it is desired to address the above mentioned disadvantages or other shortcomings or at least provide a useful alternative.

The principal object of the embodiments herein is to provide a method and an electronic device for a wakeup time management of an AP.

Another object of the embodiments herein is to provide for longer battery life for an electronic device and AP/mobile hotspot (MHS) when using the AP/MHS. When a maximum number of devices are connected to the MHS/AP, the proposed method can be used to increase a sleep time of the AP by broadcasting the discovery beacons at the wakeup time period. The method can be used to dynamically adjust listen interval of all electronic device based on traffic pattern of current station to increase sleep time for the MHS without affecting throughput.

Another object of the embodiments herein is to that all the connected electronic devices are operating in a broadcast TWT then the AP will switch to power saving mode when all connected station (i.e., STA) is in the sleep (i.e., MHS will sleep in a common sleep time) and the MHS switch to a normal mode only to transmit beacon or participating in a TWT session. The MHS will adjust the broadcast TWT parameters such that the MHS can groups the electronic device to wake up at same or multiple intervals of other so that to increase MHS sleep time. When the user of the electronic device sets some limit in connected devices number and number of connected stations is equal to the limit set by the user then the MHS can skip those beacon which are not meant for connected stations i.e., when all connected station are in the sleep state.

Another object of the embodiments herein is to achieve the power saving in the MHS/AP without using any proximity communication.

Another object of the embodiments herein is to dynamic adjustment of listen interval and TWT parameters of all client based on traffic pattern such that to increase the sleep time for MHS without affecting throughput.

For example, a method can provide for longer battery for an electronic device and AP/mobile hotspot(MHS) life when using the AP/MHS.

For example, when a maximum number of devices are connected to the MHS/AP, a method can be used to increase a sleep time of the AP by broadcasting the discovery beacons at the wakeup time period.

For example, a method can be used to dynamically adjust listen interval of all electronic device based on traffic pattern of current station to increase sleep time for the MHS without affecting throughput.

For example, a method can achieve the power saving in the MHS/AP without using any proximity communication.

For example, a method can dynamicaaly adjust listen interval and TWT parameters of all client based on traffic pattern such that to increase the sleep time for MHS without affecting throughput.

The embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, throughout which like reference letters indicate corresponding parts in the various figures. The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following description with reference to the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is an example graph in which an individual TWT mode operation is depicted, according to prior art;

FIG. 2 is an example graph in which a broadcast TWT mode operation with a TBTT is depicted, according to prior art;

FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram illustrating a broadcast TWT negotiation with the TBTT, according to prior art;

FIG. 4 is an overview of a system for a wakeup time management of an AP, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein;

FIG. 5 shows various hardware components of an electronic device for the wakeup time management of the AP, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein;

FIGS. 6A-6C is a flow chart illustrating a method for the wakeup time management of the AP, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein;

FIG. 7 is an example graph in which an intelligent MHS-TWT power saving mode operation is depicted, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein;

FIG. 8 is an example graph in which a station 1 (STA1) has lesser listen interval as compare to a station 2 (STA2) based on traffic pattern, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein;

FIG. 9 is an example flow chart illustrating a method for the wakeup time management of the AP, when a user of the electronic device doesn't set connected devices limit or when user of the electronic device sets the connected electronic devices limit but number of connected electronic devices is less than the set limit, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein;

FIG. 10 is an example illustration in which a user of the electronic device doesn't set connected devices limit or when user of the electronic device sets the connected electronic devices limit but number of connected electronic devices is less than the set limit, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein;

FIG. 11 is an example graph in which when number of connected devices is equal to limit which is set by the user of the electronic device then no other device is going to connect and MHS already has prior knowledge which of these beacon frame is not going to receive by any of the connected device, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein;

FIG. 12 is an example flow chart illustrating a method for the wakeup time management of the AP, when user of the electronic device sets the connected devices limit and number of connected devices is equal to set limit, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein;

FIG. 13 is an example illustration in which when user of the electronic device sets the connected devices limit and number of connected devices is equal to set limit, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein;

FIG. 14 shows various hardware components of the AP, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein; and

FIG. 15 is a flow chart illustrating a method for the wakeup time management of the AP, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein.

Accordingly, the embodiment herein is to provide a method for a wakeup time management of an AP. The method includes establishing, by an electronic device, a connection with a plurality of stations using the AP. Further, the method includes receiving, by the electronic device, a TWT from the plurality of stations. Further, the method includes determining, by the electronic device, a common TWT in which each station of the plurality of stations are in a sleep state. Further, the method includes determining, by the electronic device, the wake-up time of the AP for at least one of broadcasting the beacon to at least one station not connected to the electronic device and participating a TWT session to receive or send data from the stations connected to the electronic device. Further, the method includes switching, by the electronic device, the AP to a sleep mode based on the common TWT in which each station of the plurality of stations are in the sleep state and the wake-up time of the AP.

In an embodiment, further, the method includes detecting, by the electronic device, the wakeup time of the AP for one of the TWT session to receive or send data from the stations connected to the electronic device and broadcasting the beacon to at least one station not connected to the electronic device. Further, the method includes determining, by the electronic device, that the plurality of stations connected with the AP does not meets a predefined limit of connected devices. Further, the method includes waking-up, by the electronic device, the AP from the sleep mode for one of the TWT session to receive or send data from the stations connected to the electronic device and broadcasting the beacon to at least one station not connected to the electronic device.

In an embodiment, further, the method includes detecting, by the electronic device, the wakeup time of the AP for one of the TWT session to receive or send data from the stations connected to the electronic device and broadcasting the beacon to at least one station not connected to the electronic device. Further, the method includes determining, by the electronic device, that the plurality of stations connected with the AP meets a predefined limit of connected devices. Further, the method includes performing, by the electronic device, one of: waking-up the AP from the sleep mode for the TWT session to receive or send data from the stations connected to the electronic device when the wakeup time for the TWT session is detected, and skipping broadcast of the beacon to at least one station not connected to the electronic device from the AP when the wakeup time for broadcasting the beacon is detected.

In an embodiment, skipping broadcast of the beacon to at least one station not connected to the electronic device from the AP includes determining, by the electronic device, whether the plurality of stations are in the sleep mode; and performing, by the electronic device, one of: skipping broadcast of the beacon from the AP in response to determining that the plurality of stations are in the sleep mode; and waking-up the AP from the sleep mode to broadcast the beacon in response to determining that at least one station from the plurality of stations is not in the sleep mode.

In an embodiment, further, the method includes determining, by the electronic device, to modify one of the common TWT in which each station of the plurality of stations are in the sleep state, and the wake-up time of the AP for broadcasting the beacon to at least one station not connected to the electronic device. Further, the method includes determining, by the electronic device, a traffic pattern from each station from the plurality of stations connected to the electronic device. Further, the method includes modifying, by the electronic device, one of the common TWT in which each station of the plurality of stations are in the sleep state, and the wake-up time of the AP for broadcasting the beacon to at least one station not connected to the electronic device based on the traffic pattern from each station from the plurality of stations connected to the electronic device.

Accordingly, the embodiment herein is to provide an electronic device for managing a wakeup time of an AP. The electronic device includes a wake-up time controller connected to a memory and a processor. The wake-up time controller is configured to establish a connection with a plurality of stations using the AP. Further, the wake-up time controller is configured to receive a TWT from the plurality of stations. Further, the wake-up time controller is configured to determine a common TWT in which each station of the plurality of stations are in a sleep state. Further, the wake-up time controller is configured to determine the wake-up time of the AP for at least one of broadcasting the beacon to at least one station not connected to the electronic device and participating a TWT session to receive or send data from the stations connected to the electronic device. Further, the wake-up time controller is configured to switch the AP to a sleep mode based on the common TWT in which each station of the plurality of stations are in the sleep state and the wake-up time of the AP.

Accordingly, the embodiment herein is to provide a method for managing a wakeup time of an AP. The method includes broadcasting, by the AP, a plurality of beacons indicating its availability and receiving, by the AP, a connection request from a plurality of stations. Further, the method includes negotiating, by the AP, a wake-up time period with each of the plurality of stations. Further, the method includes checking, by the AP, whether the plurality of stations connected to the AP is above a threshold. Further, the method includes switching, by the AP, to a sleep state for a time period other than the wake-up time period and broadcasting the plurality of beacons during the wake-up time period.

Accordingly, the embodiment herein is to provide an AP for managing a wakeup time of the AP. The AP includes a wake-up time controller connected to a memory and a processor. The wake-up time controller is configured to broadcast a plurality of beacons indicating its availability and receive a connection request from a plurality of stations. Further, the wake-up time controller is configured to negotiate a wake-up time period with each of the plurality of stations. Further, the wake-up time controller is configured to check whether the plurality of stations connected to the AP is above a threshold. Further, the wake-up time controller is configured to switch to a sleep state for a time period other than the wake-up time period and broadcasting the plurality of beacons during the wake-up time period.

These and other aspects of the embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating preferred embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.

The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. Also, the various embodiments described herein are not necessarily mutually exclusive, as some embodiments can be combined with one or more other embodiments to form new embodiments. The term “”as used herein, refers to a non-exclusive or, unless otherwise indicated. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein can be practiced and to further enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.

As is traditional in the field, embodiments may be described and illustrated in terms of blocks which carry out a described function or functions.　These blocks, which may be referred to herein as managers, units, modules, hardware components or the like, are physically implemented by analog and/or digital circuits such as logic gates, integrated circuits, microprocessors, microcontrollers, memory circuits, passive electronic components, active electronic components, optical components, hardwired circuits and the like, and may optionally be driven by firmware. The circuits may, for example, be embodied in one or more semiconductor chips, or on substrate supports such as printed circuit boards and the like.　The circuits constituting a block may be implemented by dedicated hardware, or by a processor (e.g., one or more programmed microprocessors and associated circuitry), or by a combination of dedicated hardware to perform some functions of the block and a processor to perform other functions of the block.　Each block of the embodiments may be physically separated into two or more interacting and discrete blocks without departing from the scope of the disclosure.　Likewise, the blocks of the embodiments may be physically combined into more complex blocks without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

Unlike conventional methods, the proposed method can be used to provide for longer battery life for the electronic device and the AP when using mobile hotspot (MHS). When a maximum number of devices are connected to a Hotspot/Access Point (AP), the proposed method can be used to increase a sleep time of the AP by broadcasting the discovery beacons at the wakeup time period. The method can be used to dynamically adjust listen interval of all electronic device based on traffic pattern of current station to increase sleep time for the MHS without affecting throughput.

In the proposed method, all the connected electronic device is operating in the broadcast TWT then AP will switch to power saving mode when all connected STA is in the sleep (i.e., MHS will sleep in common sleep time) and MHS switch to normal mode only to transmit beacon or participating in a TWT session. The MHS will adjust the broadcast TWT parameters such that the MHS can groups the electronic device to wake up at same or multiple intervals of other so that to increase MHS sleep time. When the user of the electronic device sets some limit in connected devices number and number of connected stations is equal to the limit set by the user then the MHS can skip those beacon which are not meant for connected stations i.e., when all connected station are in the sleep state.

The method can be used for power saving in the MHS where the MHS is a backhaul in a cellular network. No dedicated time for data transfer to other APs because the propose method is for the MHS. The STA has its predetermine TWT session period. As proposed method is based on TWT therefore no contention. The method can be used for power saving in mobile hotspot without using any proximity communication.

Referring now to the drawings and more particularly to FIGS. 4 through 15, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown preferred embodiments.

FIG. 4 is an overview of a system (1000) for a wakeup time management of an AP (100), according to an embodiment as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the system (1000) includes an AP (100), a plurality of stations (200a-200n) and an electronic device (300). The electronic device (300) can be, for example, but not limited to a smart phone, a smart watch, an internet of things (IoT) device, an immersive device, a virtual reality device, a tablet, an intelligent controller, an intelligent router, a robot assistant or any appliance, and a smart TV. The AP (100) can be a part of the electronic device (300) or be completely controlled by the electronic device (300).

The electronic device (300) is configured to establish the connection with the plurality of stations (200a-200n) using the AP (100). After establishing the connection, the electronic device (300) is configured to receive a TWT from the plurality of stations (200a-200n). Further, the electronic device (300) is configured to determine a common TWT in which each station of the plurality of stations (200a-200n) are in a sleep state. Based on the determination, the electronic device (300) is configured to determine the wake-up time of the AP (100) for broadcasting the beacon to the station not connected to the electronic device (300) and participate a TWT session to receive or send data from the stations connected to the electronic device (300). Further, the electronic device (300) is configured to switch the AP (100) to a sleep mode based on the common TWT in which each station of the plurality of stations (200a-200n) are in the sleep state and the wake-up time of the AP (100).

Further, the electronic device (300) is configured to detect the wakeup time of the AP (100) for one of the TWT session to receive or send data from the stations connected to the electronic device (300) and broadcast the beacon to the station not connected to the electronic device (300). Further, the electronic device (300) is configured to determine that the plurality of stations (200a-200n) connected with the AP (100) does not meet the predefined limit of connected devices. Further, the electronic device (300) is configured to wakeup the AP (100) from the sleep mode for one of the TWT session to receive or send data from the stations connected to the electronic device (300) and broadcast the beacon to the station not connected to the electronic device (300).

Further, the electronic device (300) is configured to detect the wakeup time of the AP (100) for one of the TWT session to receive or send data from the stations connected to the electronic device (300) and broadcast the beacon to the station not connected to the electronic device (300). Further, the electronic device (300) is configured to determine that the plurality of stations (200a-200n) connected with the AP (100) meets a predefined limit of connected devices. Further, the electronic device (300) is configured to wake-up the AP (100) from the sleep mode for the TWT session to receive or send data from the stations connected to the electronic device (300) when the wakeup time for the TWT session is detected. Alternatively, the electronic device (300) is configured to skip broadcast of the beacon to a station not connected to the electronic device (300) from the AP (100) when the wakeup time for broadcasting the beacon is detected.

In an embodiment, the electronic device (300) is configured to determine whether the plurality of stations (200a-200n) are in the sleep mode. The electronic device (300) is configured to skip broadcast of the beacon from the AP (100) in response to determining that the plurality of stations (200a-200n) are in the sleep mode. The electronic device (300) is configured to wake-up the AP (100) from the sleep mode to broadcast the beacon in response to determining that the station from the plurality of stations (200a-200n) is not in the sleep mode.

Further, the electronic device (300) is configured to determine to modify one of the common TWT in which each station of the plurality of stations (200a-200n) are in the sleep state, and the wake-up time of the AP (100) for broadcasting the beacon to the station not connected to the electronic device (300). Further, the electronic device (300) is configured to determine a traffic pattern from each station from the plurality of stations (200a-200n) connected to the electronic device (300). Further, the electronic device (300) is configured to modify one of the common TWT in which each station of the plurality of stations (200a-200n) are in the sleep state, and the wake-up time of the AP (100) for broadcasting the beacon to the station not connected to the electronic device (300) based on the traffic pattern from each station from the plurality of stations (200a-200n) connected to the electronic device (300).

FIG. 5 shows various hardware components of the electronic device (300) for the wakeup time management of the AP (100), according to an embodiment as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the electronic device (300) includes a processor (310), a communicator (320), a memory (330), and a wake-up time controller (340). The processor (310) is coupled with the communicator (320), the memory (330), and the wake-up time controller (340).

The wake-up time controller (340) is configured to establish the connection with the plurality of stations (200a-200n) using the AP (100). After establishing the connection, the wake-up time controller (340) is configured to receive the TWT from the plurality of stations (200a-200n). Further, the wake-up time controller (340) is configured to determine the common TWT in which each station of the plurality of stations (200a-200n) are in the sleep state. Based on the determination, the wake-up time controller (340) is configured to determine the wake-up time of the AP (100) for broadcasting the beacon to the station not connected to the electronic device (300) and participating the TWT session to receive or send data from the stations connected to the electronic device (300). Further, the wake-up time controller (340) is configured to switch the AP (100) to the sleep mode based on the common TWT in which each station of the plurality of stations (200a-200n) are in the sleep state and the wake-up time of the AP (100).

Further, the wake-up time controller (340) is configured to detect the wakeup time of the AP (100) for one of the TWT session to receive or send data from the stations connected to the electronic device (300) and broadcasting the beacon to the station not connected to the electronic device (300). Further, the wake-up time controller (340) is configured to determine that the plurality of stations (200a-200n) connected with the AP (100) does not meet the predefined limit of connected devices. Further, the wake-up time controller (340) is configured to wakeup the AP (100) from the sleep mode for one of the TWT session to receive or send data from the stations connected to the electronic device (300) and broadcast the beacon to the station not connected to the electronic device (300).

Further, the wake-up time controller (340) is configured to detect the wakeup time of the AP (100) for one of the TWT session to receive or send data from the stations connected to the electronic device (300) and broadcast the beacon to the station not connected to the electronic device (300). Further, the wake-up time controller (340) is configured to determine that the plurality of stations (200a-200n) connected with the AP (100) meets the predefined limit of connected devices. Further, the wake-up time controller (340) is configured to wake-up the AP (100) from the sleep mode for the TWT session to receive or send data from the stations connected to the electronic device (300) when the wakeup time for the TWT session is detected. Alternatively, the wake-up time controller (340) is configured to skip broadcast of the beacon to the station not connected to the electronic device (300) from the AP (100) when the wakeup time for broadcasting the beacon is detected.

In an embodiment, the wake-up time controller (340) is configured to determine whether the plurality of stations (200a-200n) are in the sleep mode. The wake-up time controller (340) is configured to skip broadcast of the beacon from the AP (100) in response to determining that the plurality of stations (200a-200n) are in the sleep mode. The wake-up time controller (340) is configured to wake-up the AP (100) from the sleep mode to broadcast the beacon in response to determining that the station from the plurality of stations (200a-200n) is not in the sleep mode.

Further, the wake-up time controller (340) is configured to determine to modify one of the common TWT in which each station of the plurality of stations (200a-200n) are in the sleep state, and the wake-up time of the AP (100) for broadcasting the beacon to the station not connected to the electronic device (300). Further, the wake-up time controller (340) is configured to determine a traffic pattern from each station from the plurality of stations (200a-200n) connected to the electronic device (300). Further, the wake-up time controller (340) is configured to modify one of the common TWT in which each station of the plurality of stations (200a-200n) are in the sleep state, and the wake-up time of the AP (100) for broadcasting the beacon to the station not connected to the electronic device (300) based on the traffic pattern from each station from the plurality of stations (200a-200n) connected to the electronic device (300).

Further, the processor (310) is configured to execute instructions stored in the memory (330) and to perform various processes. The communicator (320) is configured for communicating internally between internal hardware components and with external devices via one or more networks. The memory (330) also stores instructions to be executed by the processor (310). The memory (330) may include non-volatile storage elements. Examples of such non-volatile storage elements may include magnetic hard discs, optical discs, floppy discs, flash memories, or forms of electrically programmable memories (EPROM) or electrically erasable and programmable (EEPROM) memories. In addition, the memory (330) may, in some examples, be considered a non-transitory storage medium. The term “”may indicate that the storage medium is not embodied in a carrier wave or a propagated signal. However, the term “”should not be interpreted that the memory (330) is non-movable. In certain examples, a non-transitory storage medium may store data that can, over time, change (e.g., in Random Access Memory (RAM) or cache).

Although the FIG. 5 shows various hardware components of the electronic device (300) but it is to be understood that other embodiments are not limited thereon. In other embodiments, the electronic device (300) may include less or more number of components. Further, the labels or names of the components are used only for illustrative purpose and does not limit the scope of the invention. One or more components can be combined together to perform same or substantially similar function in the electronic device (300).

FIGS. 6A-6C is a flow chart (S600) illustrating a method for the wakeup time management of the AP (100), according to an embodiment as disclosed herein. The operations (S602-S632) are performed by the wake-up time controller (340). At S602, the method includes establishing the connection with the plurality of stations (200a-200n) using the AP (100). At S604, the method includes negotiating the TWT from the plurality of stations (200a-200n). At S606, the method includes determining the common TWT in which each station of the plurality of stations (200a-200n) are in the sleep state.

At S608, the method includes determining the wake-up time of the AP (100) for broadcasting the beacon to the station not connected to the electronic device (300) and participating the TWT session to receive or send data from the stations connected to the electronic device (300).

At S610, the method includes determining whether the connected station limit is set by the user? If the connected station limit is set by the user then, at S612, the method includes determining whether the plurality of stations (200a-200n) connected with the AP (100) meets a predefined limit of connected devices.

If the plurality of stations (200a-200n) connected with the AP (100) does not meet the predefined limit of connected devices, at S614, the method includes detecting the wakeup time of the AP (100) for one of the TWT session to receive or send data from the stations (200a-200n) connected to the electronic device (300) and broadcasting the beacon to at least one station (200a-200n) not connected to the electronic device (300).

At S616, the method includes waking up the AP (100) from the sleep mode for one of the TWT session to receive or send data from the stations (200a-200n) connected to the electronic device (300) and broadcasting the beacon to at least one station (200a-200n) not connected to the electronic device (300). At S618, the method includes switching the AP (100) to the sleep mode based on the common TWT in which each station of the plurality of stations (200a-200n) are in the sleep state and the wake-up time of the AP (100).

If the plurality of stations (200a-200n) connected with the AP (100) meets the predefined limit of connected devices then, at S620, the method includes detecting the wakeup time of the AP (100) for one of the TWT session to receive or send data from the stations (200a-200n) connected to the electronic device (300) and broadcasting the beacon to at least one station (200a-200n) not connected to the electronic device (300).

At S622, the method includes waking-up the AP (100) from the sleep mode for the TWT session to receive or send data from the stations (200a-200n) connected to the electronic device (300) when the wakeup time for the TWT session is detected. At S624, the method includes skipping broadcast of the beacon to at least one station (200a-200n) not connected to the electronic device (300) from the AP (100) when the wakeup time for broadcasting the beacon is detected. At S626, the method includes switching the AP (100) to the sleep mode based on the common TWT in which each station of the plurality of stations (200a-200n) are in the sleep state and the wake-up time of the AP (100).

At S628, the method includes determining to modify one of the common TWT in which each station of the plurality of stations (200a-200n) are in the sleep state, and the wake-up time of the AP (100) for broadcasting the beacon to at least one station (200a-200n) not connected to the electronic device (300). At S630, the method includes determining the traffic pattern from each station from the plurality of stations (200a-200n) connected to the electronic device (300). At S632, the method includes modifying one of the common TWT in which each station of the plurality of stations (200a-200n) are in the sleep state, and the wake-up time of the AP (100) for broadcasting the beacon to at least one station (200a-200n) not connected to the electronic device (300) based on the traffic pattern from each station from the plurality of stations (200a-200n) connected to the electronic device (300).

FIG. 7 is an example graph (S700) in which an intelligent MHS-TWT power saving mode operation is depicted, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein.

Extended the electronic device TWT feature to achieve MHS power save. In Wi-Fi hotspot mode all the connected clients (e.g., electronic devices (300)) to operate in the TWT mode. The method can be used to dynamic adjustment of listen interval and TWT parameters of all client based on traffic pattern such that to increase the sleep time for MHS without affecting throughput. When number of connected station is equal to limit set by the user, so that the MHS can skip those beacon when all station is sleeping in order to avoid unnecessary wake up of the MHS i.e., to increase continuous sleep time.

FIG. 8 is an example graph (S800) in which the station 1 (i.e., STA1) has lesser listen interval as compare to the station 2 (i.e., STA2) based on the traffic pattern, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein. The STA1 has lesser listen interval as compare to the STA2 (based on traffic pattern). The MHS also sleep in common sleep time. The FIG. 8 describes about the condition when connected devices are less than the max connected device condition limit. The MHS device transmits the beacon as per beacon interval.

The STA1 and STA2 negotiated beacon listen interval and TWT session parameters with MHS device. As per negotiated beacon listen interval STA1 and STA2 wakes up accordingly to listen beacon frames (shown as listen interval for STA1 and STA2). The first TWT session is for STA1 data transmission (i.e., uplink or downlink as per MHS schedule). The second TWT session is shared by both STA1 and STA2 for data transmission. The TWT sessions are determined according to the traffic pattern and these sessions can be grouped or not according to client's traffic pattern.

FIG. 9 is an example flow chart (S900) illustrating a method for the wakeup time management of the AP (100), when the user of the electronic device (300) doesn't set connected devices limit or when the user of the electronic device (300) sets the connected electronic devices limit but number of connected electronic devices (300) is less than the set limit, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein. The operations (S902-S912) are performed by the wake-up time controller (340).

At S902, the method includes determining whether all connected STAs (200a-200n) are operating in the TWT. If all connected STAs (200a-200n) are not operating in the TWT, the method performs the step S902. If all connected STAs (200a-200n) are operating in the TWT then, at S904, the method includes determining whether the time is for TWT session or for beacon? If the time is not for TWT session or for beacon then, at S908, the method operates in the MHS sleep mode. If the time is for TWT session or for beacon then, at S906, the MHS wakes up for the TWT session or the beacon transmission. At S910, the method includes determining whether the electronic device (300) is required to change listen interval and TWT parameters. If the electronic device (300) is not required to change listen interval and the TWT parameters then, at S908, the method operates in the MHS sleep mode. If the electronic device (300) is required to change listen interval and the TWT parameters then, at S912, the method includes changing the listen interval/TWT parameters.

FIG. 10 is an example illustration (S1000) in which the user of the electronic device (300) has an option in UI to set the limit on number of devices that can connect to MHS. The user of the electronic device (300) has option in UI where the user can set the max client limit that can be connected to MHS. For some devices max limit is set as N by default based on chipset restrictions and it is configurable. The user can configure any value below N as max limit but cannot set more than N.

FIG. 11 is an example graph (S1100) in which when number of connected devices is equal to limit which is set by the user of the electronic device (300) then no other device is going to connect and MHS already has prior knowledge which of these beacon frame is not going to receive by any of the connected device, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein.

When number of connected devices is equal to limit which is set by the user of the electronic device (300) then no other device is going to connect and the MHS already has prior knowledge which of these beacon frame is not going to receive by any of the connected device so that the method can be used to avoid transmitting these beacon in order to increase sleep time for MHS.

FIG. 12 is an example flow chart (S1200) illustrating a method for the wakeup time management of the AP (100), when user of the electronic device (300) sets the connected devices limit and number of connected devices is equal to set limit, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein. The operations (S1202-S1218) are performed by the wake-up time controller (340).

At S1202, the method includes determining whether all connected STAs (200a-200n) are operating in the TWT. If all connected STAs (200a-200n) are not operating in the TWT, the method again performs the step S1202. If all connected STAs (200a-200n) are operating in the TWT then, at S1204, the method includes determining whether the time is for TWT session or for beacon? If the time is not for TWT session or for beacon then, at S1208, the method includes determining whether the time is for the TWT session. If the time is not for TWT session, then at S1210, the method operates in the MHS sleep mode.

If the time is for TWT session, then at S1212, the method performs the MHS wake up for TWT session or the beacon transmission. If the time is for the TWT session or for beacon then, at S1206, the method includes determining whether all STA (200a-200n) is sleeping? (not going to wake up for the beacon). If all STA (200a-200n) are sleeping then, at S1218, the method skips beacon transmission (i.e., MHS sleep mode). If all STA (200a-200n) is not sleeping then, at S1212, the method performs the MHS wake up for the TWT session or the beacon transmission.

At S1214, the method includes determining whether the electronic device (300) is required to change listen interval and TWT parameters. If the electronic device (300) is not required to change listen interval and the TWT parameters then, at S1210, the method operates in the MHS sleep mode. If the electronic device (300) is required to change listen interval and the TWT parameters then, at S1216, the method includes changing the listen interval/TWT parameters.

FIG. 13 is an example illustration (S1300) in which when user of the electronic device (300) sets the connected devices limit and number of connected devices is equal to set limit, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein. The user of the electronic device (300) has option in UI where they can set the max client limit that can be connected to MHS. For some devices max limit is set as N by default based on chipset restrictions and it is configurable. The user can configure any value below N as max limit but cannot set more than N. Here the user set the limit on connected devices to MHS and number of devices connected to MHS is equal to set limit.

FIG. 14 shows various hardware components of the AP (100), according to an embodiment as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the AP (100) includes a processor (110), a communicator (120), a memory (130), and a wake-up time controller (140). The processor (110) is coupled with the communicator (120), the memory (130), and the wake-up time controller (140).

The wake-up time controller (140) is configured to broadcast the plurality of beacons indicating its availability and receive the connection request from the plurality of stations (200a-200n). Further, the wake-up time controller (140) is configured to negotiate the wake-up time period with each of the plurality of stations (200a-200n). Further, the wake-up time controller (140) is configured to check whether the plurality of stations (200a-200n) connected to the AP (100) are above a threshold. Further, the wake-up time controller (140) is configured to switch to a sleep state for the time period other than the wake-up time period and broadcasting the plurality of beacons during the wake-up time period.

Further, the processor (110) is configured to execute instructions stored in the memory (130) and to perform various processes. The communicator (120) is configured for communicating internally between internal hardware components and with external devices via one or more networks. The memory (130) also stores instructions to be executed by the processor (110). The memory (130) may include non-volatile storage elements. Examples of such non-volatile storage elements may include magnetic hard discs, optical discs, floppy discs, flash memories, or forms of electrically programmable memories (EPROM) or electrically erasable and programmable (EEPROM) memories. In addition, the memory (130) may, in some examples, be considered a non-transitory storage medium. The term “”may indicate that the storage medium is not embodied in a carrier wave or a propagated signal. However, the term “컉on-transitory”should not be interpreted that the memory (130) is non-movable. In certain examples, a non-transitory storage medium may store data that can, over time, change (e.g., in Random Access Memory (RAM) or cache).

Although the FIG. 14 shows various hardware components of the AP (100) but it is to be understood that other embodiments are not limited thereon. In other embodiments, the AP (100) may include less or more number of components. Further, the labels or names of the components are used only for illustrative purpose and does not limit the scope of the invention. One or more components can be combined together to perform same or substantially similar function in the AP (100).

FIG. 15 is a flow chart (S1500) illustrating a method for the wakeup time management of the AP (100), according to an embodiment as disclosed herein. The operations (S1502-S1510) are performed by the wake-up time controller (140).

At S1502, the method includes broadcasting the plurality of beacons indicating its availability. At S1504, the method includes receiving the connection request from the plurality of stations (200a-200n). At S1506, the method includes negotiating the wake-up time period with each of the plurality of stations (200a-200n). At S1508, the method includes checking whether the plurality of stations (200a-200n) connected to the AP (100) are above the threshold. At S1510, the method includes switching to the sleep state for the time period other than the wake-up time period and broadcasting the plurality of beacons during the wake-up time period.

The various actions, acts, blocks, steps, or the like in the flow charts (S600, S900, S1200 and S1500) may be performed in the order presented, in a different order or simultaneously. Further, in some embodiments, some of the actions, acts, blocks, steps, or the like may be omitted, added, modified, skipped, or the like without departing from the scope of the invention.

The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the scope of the embodiments as described herein.

Claims

A method for a wakeup time management for an Access Point (AP) (100), the method comprising:

establishing, by an electronic device (300), a connection with a plurality of stations (200a-200n) using the AP (100);

negotiating, by the electronic device (300), a Target Wake Time (TWT) from the plurality of stations (200a-200n);

determining, by the electronic device (300), a common TWT in which each station of the plurality of stations (200a-200n) are in a sleep state;

determining, by the electronic device (300), the wake-up time of the AP (100) for at least one of broadcasting the beacon to at least one station not connected to the electronic device (300) and participating a TWT session to receive or send data from the stations connected to the electronic device (300); and

switching, by the electronic device (300), the AP (100) to a sleep mode based on the common TWT in which each station of the plurality of stations (200a-200n) are in the sleep state and the wake-up time of the AP (100).
The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the method comprises:

detecting, by the electronic device (300), the wakeup time of the AP (100) for one of the TWT session to receive or send data from the stations connected to the electronic device (300) and broadcasting the beacon to at least one station not connected to the electronic device (300);

determining, by the electronic device (300), that the plurality of stations (200a-200n) connected with the AP (100) does not meets a predefined limit of connected devices; and

waking-up, by the electronic device (300), the AP (100) from the sleep mode for one of the TWT session to receive or send data from the stations connected to the electronic device (300) and broadcasting the beacon to at least one station not connected to the electronic device (300).
The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the method comprises:

detecting, by the electronic device (300), the wakeup time of the AP (100) for one of the TWT session to receive or send data from the stations connected to the electronic device (300) and broadcasting the beacon to at least one station not connected to the electronic device (300);

determining, by the electronic device (300), that the plurality of stations (200a-200n) connected with the AP (100) meets a predefined limit of connected devices; and

performing, by the electronic device (300), one of:

waking-up the AP (100) from the sleep mode for the TWT session to receive or send data from the stations connected to the electronic device (300) when the wakeup time for the TWT session is detected, and

skipping broadcast of the beacon to at least one station not connected to the electronic device (300) from the AP (100) when the wakeup time for broadcasting the beacon is detected.
The method as claimed in claim 3, wherein skipping broadcast of the beacon to at least one station not connected to the electronic device (300) from the AP (100) comprises:

determining, by the electronic device (300), whether the plurality of stations (200a-200n) are in the sleep mode; and

performing, by the electronic device (300), one of:

skipping broadcast of the beacon from the AP (100) in response to determining that the plurality of stations (200a-200n) are in the sleep mode; and

waking-up the AP (100) from the sleep mode to broadcast the beacon in response to determining that at least one station from the plurality of stations (200a-200n) is not in the sleep mode.
The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the method comprises:

determining, by the electronic device (300), to modify one of the common TWT in which each station of the plurality of stations (200a-200n) are in the sleep state, and the wake-up time of the AP (100) for broadcasting the beacon to at least one station not connected to the electronic device (300);

determining, by the electronic device (300), a traffic pattern from each station from the plurality of stations (200a-200n) connected to the electronic device (300); and

modifying, by the electronic device (300), one of the common TWT in which each station of the plurality of stations (200a-200n) are in the sleep state, and the wake-up time of the AP (100) for broadcasting the beacon to at least one station not connected to the electronic device (300) based on the traffic pattern from each station from the plurality of stations (200a-200n) connected to the electronic device (300).
An electronic device (300) for managing a wakeup time of an Access Point (AP), wherein the electronic device (300) comprises:

a memory (330);

a processor (310); and

a wake-up time controller (340), connected to the memory (330) and the processor (310), configured to:

establish a connection with a plurality of stations (200a-200n) using the AP (100);

negotiate a Target Wake Time (TWT) from the plurality of stations (200a-200n);

determine a common TWT in which each station of the plurality of stations (200a-200n) are in a sleep state;

determine the wake-up time of the AP (100) for at least one of broadcasting the beacon to at least one station not connected to the electronic device (300) and participating a TWT session to receive or send data from the stations connected to the electronic device (300); and

switch the AP (100) to a sleep mode based on the common TWT in which each station of the plurality of stations (200a-200n) are in the sleep state and the wake-up time of the AP (100).
The electronic device (300) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the wake-up time controller (340) is configured to:

detect the wakeup time of the AP (100) for one of the TWT session to receive or send data from the stations connected to the electronic device (300) and broadcasting the beacon to at least one station not connected to the electronic device (300);

determine that the plurality of stations (200a-200n) connected with the AP (100) does not meets a predefined limit of connected devices; and

wakeup the AP (100) from the sleep mode for one of the TWT session to receive or send data from the stations connected to the electronic device (300) and broadcasting the beacon to at least one station not connected to the electronic device (300).
The electronic device (300) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the wake-up time controller (340) is configured to:

detect the wakeup time of the AP (100) for one of the TWT session to receive or send data from the stations connected to the electronic device (300) and broadcasting the beacon to at least one station not connected to the electronic device (300);

determine that the plurality of stations (200a-200n) connected with the AP (100) meets a predefined limit of connected devices; and

perform one of:

wake-up the AP (100) from the sleep mode for the TWT session to receive or send data from the stations connected to the electronic device (300) when the wakeup time for the TWT session is detected, and

skip broadcast of the beacon to at least one station not connected to the electronic device (300) from the AP (100) when the wakeup time for broadcasting the beacon is detected.
The electronic device (300) as claimed in claim 8, wherein skip broadcast of the beacon to at least one station not connected to the electronic device (300) from the AP (100) comprises:

determine whether the plurality of stations (200a-200n) are in the sleep mode; and

perform one of:

skip broadcast of the beacon from the AP (100) in response to determining that the plurality of stations (200a-200n) are in the sleep mode; and

wake-up the AP (100) from the sleep mode to broadcast the beacon in response to determining that at least one station from the plurality of stations (200a-200n) is not in the sleep mode.
The electronic device (300) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the wake-up time controller (340) is configured to:

determine to modify one of the common TWT in which each station of the plurality of stations (200a-200n) are in the sleep state, and the wake-up time of the AP (100) for broadcasting the beacon to at least one station not connected to the electronic device (300);

determine a traffic pattern from each station from the plurality of stations (200a-200n) connected to the electronic device (300); and

modify one of the common TWT in which each station of the plurality of stations (200a-200n) are in the sleep state, and the wake-up time of the AP (100) for broadcasting the beacon to at least one station not connected to the electronic device (300) based on the traffic pattern from each station from the plurality of stations (200a-200n) connected to the electronic device (300).
A method for managing a wakeup time of an Access Point (AP) (100), wherein the method comprises:

broadcasting, by the AP (100), a plurality of beacons indicating its availability;

receiving, by the AP (100), a connection request from a plurality of stations (200a-200n);

negotiating, by the AP (100), a wake-up time period with each of the plurality of stations (200a-200n);

checking, by the AP (100), whether the plurality of stations (200a-200n) connected to the AP (100) are above a threshold; and

switching, by the AP (100), to a sleep state for a time period other than the wake-up time period and broadcasting the plurality of beacons during the wake-up time period.