Scheduled peer power save mode

Abstract

Embodiments of scheduled peer power save systems, devices, and methods are disclosed. For example, methods of saving power for stations configured to communicate via a direct link are provided. Embodiments of scheduled peer power save systems, devices and methods are disclosed. For example, methods of saving power for stations configured to communicate via a direct link are provided. In one embodiment, among others, a method comprises waking up, at a station and peer station, before a scheduled wakeup interval. The scheduled wakeup interval is defined relative to common timing reference at the station and the peer station. Further, in the absence of a service period between the station and the peer station, the station and the peer station stay awake until at least a predefined time period has elapsed or a predefined number of idle slots have elapsed.

At least the following is claimed: 
     
         1 . A method comprising:
 activating a wakeup schedule at a first station,   the wakeup schedule comprising an interval and a number of backoff slots,   the wakeup schedule scheduling a start of a wake time at each subsequent interval occurring after activating the wakeup schedule,   wherein each wake time has a duration of at least the number of backoff slots being declared idle by a clear channel assessment mechanism,   wherein the clear channel assessment mechanism declares a backoff slot idle based on a sufficient absence of activity or energy on a channel;
 entering a sleep state at the first station after an end of one of the wake times and before a start of the subsequent wake time; and 
 entering a wake state at the first station before the start of each wake time. 
   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the wakeup schedule further comprises specifying a deactivation count. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , further comprising deactivating the wakeup schedule at the first station when no data is transmitted or received during the deactivation count subsequent wake times. 
     
     
         4 . A station, comprising:
 a transceiver; and   a processor coupled to the transceiver, the processor configured by executable instructions to:
 activate a wakeup schedule, the wakeup schedule comprising an interval and a number of backoff slots, the wakeup schedule scheduling a start of a wake time at each subsequent interval occurring after activating the wakeup schedule, wherein each wake time has a duration of at least the number of backoff slots being declared idle by a clear channel assessment mechanism, wherein the clear channel assessment mechanism declares a backoff slot idle based on a sufficient absence of activity or energy on a channel; 
 enter a sleep state after an end of one of the wake times and before a start of the subsequent wake time; and 
 enter a wake state before the start of each wake time. 
   
     
     
         5 . The station of  claim 4 , wherein the wakeup schedule further comprises specifying a deactivation count. 
     
     
         6 . The station of  claim 5 , wherein the processor is further configured to deactivate the wakeup schedule when no data is transmitted or received during the deactivation count subsequent wake times.