Power save proxy in communication networks

摘要

Power save proxy functionality can be implemented to enable power save devices to switch to a power save mode and still receive communications from legacy communication devices. A first communication device determines that a second communication device is in a power save mode. The first communication device designates itself as a power save proxy for the second communication device that is in the power save mode. In response to detecting packets that are transmitted from a legacy communication device to the second communication device, the first communication device transmits a control message to the second communication device to request the second communication device to exit the power save mode, transmits a hold control message to the legacy communication device to request the legacy communication device to temporarily stop transmitting packets to the second communication device, or stores the packets intended for the second communication device.

主权项

1. A method comprising:
determining, at a first communication device, a future time when a second communication device of a communication network is scheduled to switch to a power save mode; determining that the first communication device is designated as a power save proxy for the second communication device while the second communication device is in the power save mode; generating, at the first communication device, a first notification indicating the future time when the second communication device is scheduled to switch to the power save mode; transmitting the first notification from the first communication device to a third communication device; detecting, at the first communication device, a packet transmitted from the third communication device and intended for the second communication device while the second communication device is in the power save mode and after the first notification was transmitted to the third communication device, wherein the third communication device does not support the power save mode; and transmitting a first control message from the first communication device to the second communication device that requests the second communication device to exit the power save mode to allow the second communication device to receive one or more subsequent packets from the third communication device, in response to said detecting the packet.