Patent Publication Number: US-2022217639-A1

Title: Low power scheduling

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     This application is a continuation of patent application Ser. No. 16/510,763 filed in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on Jul. 12, 2019, which is a continuation of patent application Ser. No. 14/927,174 filed in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on Oct. 29, 2015, which claims priority to and the benefit of provisional patent application No. 62/073,520 filed in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on Oct. 31, 2014, the entire content of each of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Field of the Disclosure 
     Aspects of the disclosure relate generally to wireless communication, and more specifically, but not exclusively, to scheduling for a low power mode. 
     Description of Related Art 
     Wireless communication networks are widely deployed to provide various communication services such as telephony, video, data, messaging, broadcasts, and so on. Such networks, which are usually multiple access networks, support communication for multiple users by sharing the available network resources. 
     As the demand for mobile broadband access continues to increase, research and development continue to advance wireless communication technologies not only to meet the growing demand for mobile broadband access, but to advance and enhance the user experience. For example, it is desirable to reduce the power consumption of mobile devices. Reduced power consumption leads to longer battery life, which is an important factor affecting user (e.g., smart phone user) experience. 
     SUMMARY 
     The following presents a simplified summary of some aspects of the disclosure to provide a basic understanding of such aspects. This summary is not an extensive overview of all contemplated features of the disclosure, and is intended neither to identify key or critical elements of all aspects of the disclosure nor to delineate the scope of any or all aspects of the disclosure. Its sole purpose is to present various concepts of some aspects of the disclosure in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later. 
     In one aspect, the disclosure provides a method of communication, comprising: sending an indication that an access terminal supports a selection of different ones of a plurality of power modes; sending an indication that, for a first power mode of the plurality of power modes, the access terminal supports one or more of: dynamic switching between reduced hybrid automatic repeat request, H-ARQ, signaling and normal H-ARQ signaling; or dynamic switching between low power discontinuous reception, DRX, and normal DRX; sending or receiving a request for the access terminal to switch to the first power mode; and transitioning to the first power mode as a result of the sending or receiving of the request. 
     Another aspect of the disclosure provides an apparatus configured for communication that includes a memory device and a processing circuit coupled to the memory device. The processing circuit is configured to: send an indication that an access terminal supports a selection of different ones of a plurality of power modes; send an indication that, for a first power mode of the plurality of power modes, the access terminal supports one or more of: dynamic switching between reduced hybrid automatic repeat request, H-ARQ, signaling and normal H-ARQ signaling; or dynamic switching between low power discontinuous reception, DRX, and normal DRX; send or receive a request for the access terminal to switch to the first power mode; and transition to the first power mode as a result of the sending or receiving of the request. 
     Another aspect of the disclosure provides a method of communication, comprising: receiving an indication that an access terminal supports a selection of different ones of a plurality of power modes; receiving an indication that, for a first power mode of the plurality of power modes, the access terminal supports one or more of: a frame structure; dynamic switching between reduced hybrid automatic repeat request, H-ARQ, signaling and normal H-ARQ signaling; or dynamic switching between low power discontinuous reception, DRX, and normal DRX; determining whether the access terminal is to transition to the first power mode; and communicating a request for the access terminal to switch to the first power mode. 
     In one aspect, the disclosure provides an apparatus configured for communication that includes a memory device and a processing circuit coupled to the memory device. The processing circuit is configured to: receive an indication that an access terminal supports a selection of different ones of a plurality of power modes; receive an indication that, for a first power mode of the plurality of power modes, the access terminal supports one or more of: a frame structure; dynamic switching between reduced hybrid automatic repeat request, H-ARQ, signaling_and normal H-ARQ signaling; or dynamic switching between low power discontinuous reception, DRX, and normal DRX; determine whether the access terminal is to transition to the first power mode; and communicate a request for the access terminal to switch to the first power mode. 
     These and other aspects of the disclosure will become more fully understood upon a review of the detailed description, which follows. Other aspects, features, and implementations of the disclosure will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, upon reviewing the following description of specific implementations of the disclosure in conjunction with the accompanying figures. While features of the disclosure may be discussed relative to certain implementations and figures below, all implementations of the disclosure can include one or more of the advantageous features discussed herein. In other words, while one or more implementations may be discussed as having certain advantageous features, one or more of such features may also be used in accordance with the various implementations of the disclosure discussed herein. In similar fashion, while certain implementations may be discussed below as device, system, or method implementations it should be understood that such implementations can be implemented in various devices, systems, and methods. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram illustrating an example of an access network in which one or more aspects of the disclosure may find application. 
         FIG. 2  is a block diagram illustrating an example of a first device in communication with a second device in a communication system according to some aspects of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates examples of dynamic frame structure signaling in accordance with some aspects of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a first example of mode change signaling in accordance with some aspects of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a second example of mode change signaling in accordance with some aspects of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates an example of a dynamic frame structure in accordance with some aspects of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates an example of a scheduling process in accordance with some aspects of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates another example of a scheduling process in accordance with some aspects of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a block diagram of an example hardware implementation for an apparatus (e.g., an electronic device) that can support scheduling in accordance with some aspects of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 10  illustrates an example of a process for transitioning between power modes in accordance with some aspects of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a block diagram of an example hardware implementation for another apparatus (e.g., an electronic device) that can support scheduling in accordance with some aspects of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 12  illustrates an example of a process that supports transitioning between power modes in accordance with some aspects of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 13  is a schematic diagram of a wireless communication network within which one or more aspects of the disclosure may be implemented. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The disclosure relates in some aspects to an energy-aware architecture that supports a low power scheduling mode. In some aspects, a media access control (MAC) design for a base station (e.g., an enhanced Node B (eNB)) and associated access terminals (e.g., user equipment (UEs)) can take the power needs of the access terminals into account when scheduling the access terminals. In some aspects, an access terminal may support a particular frame structure for a low power mode. Accordingly, scheduling of the access terminal may include use of the particular frame structure during low power mode. 
     The disclosure relates in some aspects to signaling for supporting low power scheduling. For example, an access terminal may signal its low power capabilities to a base station. In addition, either the access terminal or the base station may request a transition between power modes (e.g., normal power mode to low power mode, or vice versa). 
     The disclosure relates in some aspects to operations for supporting low power scheduling. For example, an access terminal and/or a base station may determine whether the access terminal will switch power modes based on one or more criteria. 
     The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of various configurations and is not intended to represent the only configurations in which the concepts described herein may be practiced. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of various concepts. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these concepts may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well known structures and components are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring such concepts. 
     The various concepts presented throughout this disclosure may be implemented across a broad variety of communication systems, network architectures, and communication standards. Referring to  FIG. 1 , by way of example and without limitation, an access network  100  is shown in simplified form. The access network  100  can be implemented according to various network technologies including, without limitation, fifth generation (5G) technology, fourth generation (4G) technology, third generation (3G) technology, and other network architectures. Thus, various aspects of the disclosure may be extended to networks based on 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) (in FDD, TDD, or both modes), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Evolution-Data Optimized (EV-DO), Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), IEEE 802.20, Ultra-Wideband (UWB), Bluetooth, and/or other suitable systems. The actual telecommunication standard, network architecture, and/or communication standard employed will depend on the specific application and the overall design constraints imposed on the system. 
     The access network  100  includes multiple cellular regions (cells), including cells  102 ,  104 , and  106 , each of which may include one or more sectors. Cells may be defined geographically, e.g., by coverage area. In a cell that is divided into sectors, the multiple sectors within a cell can be formed by groups of antennas with each antenna responsible for communication with ATs in a portion of the cell. For example, in a cell  102 , antenna groups  112 ,  114 , and  116  may each correspond to a different sector. In cell  104 , antenna groups  118 ,  120 , and  122  may each correspond to a different sector. In a cell  106 , antenna groups  124 ,  126 , and  128  may each correspond to a different sector. 
     The cells  102 ,  104 , and  106  may include several access terminals (ATs) that may be in communication with one or more sectors of each cell  102 ,  104 , or  106 . For example, ATs  130  and  132  may be in communication with an access point (AP)  142 , ATs  134  and  136  may be in communication with an AP  144 , and ATs  138  and  140  may be in communication with an AP  146 . Also, ATs  132  and  141  as well as other ATs may communicate via direct signaling (e.g., device-to-device (D2D) signaling) as indicated, for example, by the communication symbol  148 . In various implementations, an AP may be referred to or implemented as a base station, a NodeB, an eNodeB, and so on; while an AT may be referred to or implemented as a user equipment (UE), a mobile station, and so on. 
       FIG. 2  is a block diagram of system  200  including a first device  210  in communication with a second device  250 , where the first device  210  and the second device  250  may be configured to provide functionality as taught herein. For example, the first device  210  and the second device  250  could be any of the devices in  FIG. 1 . In various operating scenarios, the first device  210  and/or the second device  250  may be a transmitter or transmitting device, or a receiver or receiving device, or both. 
     In a communication from the first device  210  to the second device  250 , a controller or processor (controller/processor)  240  may receive data from a data source  212 . Channel estimates may be used by the controller/processor  240  to determine the coding, modulation, spreading, and/or scrambling schemes for a transmitter  232 . These channel estimates may be derived from a reference signal transmitted by the second device  250  or from feedback from the second device  250 . The transmitter  232  may provide various signal conditioning functions including amplifying, filtering, and modulating frames onto a carrier for transmission over a wireless medium through antennas  234 A— 234 N. The antennas  234 A— 234 N may include one or more antennas, for example, including beam steering bidirectional adaptive antenna arrays, multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) arrays, or any other suitable transmission/reception technologies. 
     At the second device  250 , a receiver  254  receives the transmission through antennas  252 A— 252 N (e.g., representing one or more antennas) and processes the transmission to recover the information modulated onto the carrier. The information recovered by the receiver  254  is provided to a controller or processor (controller/processor)  290 . The controller/processor  290  descrambles and despreads the symbols, and determines the most likely signal constellation points transmitted by the first device  210  based on the modulation scheme. These soft decisions may be based on channel estimates computed by the controller/processor  290 . The soft decisions are then decoded and deinterleaved to recover the data, control, and reference signals. Cyclic redundancy check (CRC) codes are then checked to determine whether the frames were successfully decoded. The data carried by the successfully decoded frames will then be provided to a data sink  272 , which represents applications running in the second device  250  and/or various user interfaces (e.g., a display). Control signals carried by successfully decoded frames will be processed by the controller/processor  290 . When frames are unsuccessfully decoded, the controller/processor  290  may also use an acknowledgement (ACK) and/or negative acknowledgement (NACK) protocol to support retransmission requests for those frames. 
     In the link from the second device  250  to the first device  210 , data from a data source  278  and control signals from the controller/processor  290  are provided. The data source  278  may represent applications running in the second device  250  and various user interfaces (e.g., a keyboard). Similar to the functionality described in connection with the transmission by the first device  210 , the controller/processor  290  provides various signal processing functions including CRC codes, coding and interleaving to facilitate forward error correction (FEC), mapping to signal constellations, spreading with orthogonal variable spreading factors (OVSFs), and scrambling to produce a series of symbols. Channel estimates, derived by the controller/processor  290  from a reference signal transmitted by the first device  210  or from feedback contained in a midamble transmitted by the first device  210 , may be used to select the appropriate coding, modulation, spreading, and/or scrambling schemes. The symbols produced by the controller/processor  290  will be utilized to create a frame structure. The controller/processor  290  creates this frame structure by multiplexing the symbols with additional information, resulting in a series of frames. The frames are then provided to a transmitter  256 , which provides various signal conditioning functions including amplification, filtering, and modulating the frames onto a carrier for transmission over the wireless medium through the antennas  252 A- 252 N. 
     The transmission is processed at the first device  210  in a manner similar to that described in connection with the receiver function at the second device  250 . A receiver  235  receives the transmission through the antennas  234 A- 234 N and processes the transmission to recover the information modulated onto the carrier. The information recovered by the receiver  235  is provided to the controller/processor  240 , which parses each frame. The controller/processor  240  performs the inverse of the processing performed by the controller/processor  290  in the second device  250 . The data and control signals carried by the successfully decoded frames may then be provided to a data sink  239 . If some of the frames were unsuccessfully decoded by the controller/processor  240 , the controller/processor  240  may also use a positive acknowledgement (ACK) and/or negative acknowledgement (NACK) protocol to support retransmission requests for those frames. 
     The controllers/processors  240  and  290  may be used to direct the operation at the first device  210  and the second device  250 , respectively. For example, the controllers/processors  240  and  290  may provide various functions including timing, peripheral interfaces, voltage regulation, power management, and other control functions. The computer readable media of memories  242  and  292  may store data and software for the first device  210  and the second device  250 , respectively. 
     In accordance with various aspects of the disclosure, an element, or any portion of an element, or any combination of elements may be implemented with the controllers/processors  240  and  290  (e.g., that may each include one or more processors). The controllers/processors  240  and  290  are responsible for general processing, including the execution of software stored in the memory  242  or  292 . The software, when executed by the controllers/processors  240  and  290 , causes the controllers/processors  240  and  290  to perform the various functions described below for any particular apparatus. The memory  242  or  292  may also be used for storing data that is manipulated by the controllers/processors  240  and  290  when executing software. 
     In various aspects of the disclosure, an apparatus may be utilized in a wireless communication network, as a scheduling entity (e.g., an AP) and/or as a non-scheduling or subordinate entity (e.g., a UE). In any case, the apparatus may communicate with one or more wireless entities over an air interface. In any wireless communication network, channel conditions corresponding to the air interface will change over time. 
     Many networks accordingly use one or more rate control loops to dynamically adapt to the channel. For example, a transmitting device may configure one or more transmission parameters, including but not limited to a modulation and coding scheme (MCS), a transmission power, etc., to target a desired error rate at the receiving device. The receiving device that is receiving a packet-switched data stream typically checks the integrity of packets (e.g., using a cyclic redundancy check or CRC, a checksum, PHY layer channel coding pass/fail status, etc.) and may report back to the transmitting device using an acknowledgment or non-acknowledgment. This integrity check and reporting frequently, though not always, takes the form of an automatic repeat request (ARQ) and/or hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) algorithm. In other examples, any suitable algorithm or means of providing feedback information or response transmissions from the receiving device to the transmitting device may be used, such as reports relating to channel quality. 
     Low Power Mode Architecture 
     The disclosure relates in some aspects to an energy-aware architecture (e.g., a MAC architecture) that supports a low power scheduling mode. Such an architecture could support a different number of power modes (e.g., two or more power modes) in different implementations. 
     The disclosure relates in some aspects to a dynamic frame structure for supporting different power modes. For example, communicating devices may use a first frame structure for a first power mode (e.g., a normal power mode, a high power mode, etc.) and use a second frame structure for a second power mode (e.g., a lower power mode, a low power mode, etc.). 
       FIG. 3  illustrates an example of a communication system  300  that supports such a dynamic frame structure. The communication system  300  includes a first device  302  and a second device  304  that may communicate in different power modes (e.g., at least one of the devices may occasionally transition to a lower power mode). In some implementations, the first device  302  is an access terminal (e.g., a UE) and the second device  304  is an access point (e.g., an eNB). In some implementations, the first device  302  and the second device  304  are peer devices. At some point in time (e.g., when the first device  302  and the second device  304  initially associate with each other), the first device  302  and the second device  304  signal support  306  for the dynamic frame structure. For example, the first device  302  may send a message to the second device  304  where the message indicates the frame structure to be used for a low power mode. Thus, subsequent communication  308  during the low power mode (e.g., when the first device  302  is operating in the low power mode) may use the designated dynamic frame structure. 
     Several example aspects of the disclosure will be described with reference to  FIGS. 4-8 . For purposes of illustration, these figures may illustrate various components in the context of scheduling for 3GPP technology. It should be appreciated, however, that the teachings herein may employ other types of devices and be implemented using other types of radio technologies and architectures. Also, various operations may be described as being performed by specific types of components (e.g., eNBs, base stations, client devices, peer-to-peer devices, UEs, and so on). It should be understood that these operations can be performed by other types of devices. To reduce the complexity of these figures, only few example components are shown. However, the teachings herein can be implemented using a different number of components or other types of components. 
     A network can help a UE save energy if the network MAC architecture is energy-aware. In a topology where an efficient scheduling MAC entity is present, e.g., a 5G cellular network or evolution of LTE, the scheduling could take into account a UE&#39;s power saving features support and the UE&#39;s need to save power. 
     For purposes of illustration, two power modes for UEs will be described in the discussion that follows. A low power mode UE refers to a UE that is being served with a power-saving scheduling scheme. A normal (e.g., power-agnostic) mode UE refers to a UE being served with another scheduling scheme for which energy is not a criterion. For example, one or more of throughput performance, latency, or spectral efficiency could be the primary scheduling criteria for a normal mode UE. It should be appreciated that at different points in time a given UE could be a low power mode UE or a normal mode UE depending, for example, on the current communication requirements of the UE. 
     In a cellular network, MAC scheduling typically runs on the base station (e.g., an eNB in LTE), and the scheduling is to control access to the shared transmission medium among one or more UEs. Therefore, the topology of a base station and UEs are typically one-to-many. The teachings herein are not limited to such a topology, however. For example, the teachings herein may be applicable to peer-to-peer devices, mesh devices, and other devices. 
     In some scenarios, it might not be practical to allow all UEs to be scheduled in low power mode, even if all of them prefer to save power. In this case, a base station may select a subset of UEs for low power mode scheduling, and use normal mode scheduling for the rest of the UEs. 
     Some implementations employ more than one power profile (e.g., a list of the power saving features to utilize) for a UE. For example, profiles that are more energy-efficient could be application dependent. 
     The disclosure relates in some aspects to signaling to support low power scheduling. A base station (e.g., an eNB) can learn a UE&#39;s capabilities for low power features via signaling from the UE. In some implementations, this signaling involves passing parameters in a UE capability message from the UE to the network. In some implementations, this is done relatively infrequently. For example, such a message may be sent once during initial UE context setup and/or updated per radio resource control (RRC) connection setup. As mentioned above, a UE capability may consist of more than one power saving profiles in some cases. 
     A switch from one power mode to another can be triggered by an ENB or a UE.  FIGS. 4 and 5  illustrate examples of signaling  400  and  500 , respectively, for each of these scenarios. 
     In the signaling  400  of  FIG. 4 , a UE  402  sends a UE capability message  404  to an eNB  406  to inform the eNB  406  of the power saving profile(s) supported by the UE  402 , if any. As discussed in more detail below, at some point in time, the UE  402  may send a request  408  for a power mode change to the eNB  406 . In response, the eNB  406  may send a message  410  acknowledging (ACK) or declining the request. 
     In the signaling  500  of  FIG. 5 , a UE  502  sends a UE capability message  504  to an eNB  506  to inform the eNB  506  of the power saving profile(s) supported by the UE  502 , if any. As discussed in more detail below, at some point in time, the eNB  506  may send a request  508  for a power mode change to the UE  502 . The UE  502  may optionally send a message  510  acknowledging (ACK) or declining the request. 
     A power mode switch can take various forms depending on the number of power modes supported. In cases where two power modes are supported, a power mode switch includes a transition from a normal mode to a low power mode, or vice versa. In cases where more than two power modes are supported, a power mode switch can consist of a transition from a normal mode to any of a plurality of low power modes or a transition from one of the low power modes to any of the other low power modes or the normal mode. 
     A network may default to either a normal scheduling mode or low power scheduling mode. Thus, in the former case, an initial power mode transition will be from a normal mode to a low power mode. In the latter case, an initial power mode transition will be from a low power mode to a normal mode. At some later point in time, there generally will be a transition back to the default mode. 
     Transition to Low Power Mode—UE Triggered 
     In some scenarios, a transition to a low power mode is triggered by a UE. One or more conditions may trigger a UE to request a low power scheduling mode and a preferred power saving profile. These conditions could be configured by the operator in advance (e.g., during registration of a device), during provisioning of the device, or based on factory settings for the device. Several non-limiting examples of such conditions follow. 
     Battery Level. A low battery level condition at a UE may trigger the UE to request a switch to a low power mode. 
     Application Requirements. In the event the applications currently running on a UE do not require high performance (e.g., the applications employ a low data rate and/or delay tolerant traffic), the UE may request a switch to a low power mode. 
     Context. If the UE is context aware (e.g., the UE is able to determine whether or not it is at home, at the office, on a trip, or otherwise traveling), certain contexts may trigger the UE to request a switch to a low power mode. For example, an assumption may be made that a UE that is on the move might not have access to AC power. In this case, the UE may request a switch to a low power mode. 
     Usage. A UE may monitor its usage patterns (e.g., prediction of power demand) to determine whether to switch to a low power mode. For example, if low usage is typically seen at certain times of day and/or at certain locations, the UE may request a switch to a low power mode under those conditions. 
     Once an eNB receives a request to switch to a low power mode from a UE, the eNB determines whether it should accept the UE for low power scheduling mode. Thus, as indicated in the signaling  400  of  FIG. 4 , the eNB may send an acknowledgement or decline message to the UE in response to the request. 
     Several non-limiting examples of criteria for determining whether to accept or reject the UE follow. 
     Number of Low Power UEs. A given eNB may have a limit on the number of UEs within that eNB&#39;s coverage that are allowed to be in low power mode at the same time. Thus, if the number of UEs already in low power mode exceeds the threshold amount, the eNB may reject the UE&#39;s request to enter the low power mode. 
     Sector Loading. In some cases, supporting UEs in low power mode may be spectrally inefficient. For example, a given eNB might only support a limited quantity of resources (e.g., physical resource blocks). Some of these resources may be allocated to UEs operating in low power mode. However, these UEs might not be using the allocated resources efficiently. Thus, an eNB may elect to restrict support for low power mode in the event the number of available resources at the eNB falls below a threshold level. 
     In the event that requests for low power mode from multiple UEs are pending, an eNB could prioritize and/or process the requests jointly based on criteria such as fairness, potential power saving, etc. Thus, the eNB could queue the requests and perform joint optimization for UE selection. 
     In the event the eNB accepts the UE for low power mode, within the preferred low power profile, the eNB further determines if all or a subset of power saving features supported by the UE should be utilized. 
     Transition to Low Power Mode—eNB Triggered 
     In some scenarios, a transition to a low power mode is triggered by the network (e.g., an eNB). For example, for an eNB triggered low power mode, an eNB may command a UE to expect a low power scheduling mode. The UE may optionally acknowledge the command. See, for example, the signaling  500  of  FIG. 5 . 
     In some implementations, the UE may optionally decline a request to enter low power mode sent by an eNB. This may occur, for example, if any of the conditions that warrant a transition from a low power mode (discussed below) exist at the UE. 
     Transition to Normal Mode—UE Triggered 
     In some cases, a transition from a low power mode to a normal mode is triggered by a UE. For example, a UE may explicitly request normal (e.g., power-agnostic) mode for higher performance, better latency, etc., depending on a similar set of conditions as discussed above in conjunction with the transition to a low power mode, but in an inverse way. These conditions could be configured by the operator in advance (e.g., during registration of device), during provisioning of the device, or based on factory settings for the device. Several non-limiting examples of such conditions follow. 
     Battery Level. A high battery level condition at a UE may trigger the UE to request a switch to a normal mode. 
     Application Requirements. In the event the applications currently running on a UE do require high performance (e.g., the applications employ a high data rate and/or delay intolerant traffic), the UE may request a switch to a normal mode. 
     Context. If the UE is context aware (e.g., the UE is able to determine whether or not it is at home, at the office, on a trip, or otherwise traveling), certain contexts may trigger the UE to request a switch to a normal mode. For example, an assumption may be made that a UE that is at home or at the office might have access to AC power. In this case, the UE may request a switch to a normal mode. 
     Usage. A UE may monitor its usage patterns (e.g., prediction of power demand) to determine whether to switch to a normal mode. For example, if high usage is typically seen at certain times of day and/or at certain location, the UE may request a switch to a normal mode under those conditions. 
     Once an eNB receives a request to switch to a normal mode from a UE, the eNB determines whether it should accept the UE for normal scheduling mode. Thus, as indicated in the signaling  400  of  FIG. 4 , the eNB may send an acknowledgement or decline message to the UE in response to the request. 
     Transition to Normal Mode—eNB Triggered 
     In some scenarios, a transition to a normal mode is triggered by the network (e.g., an eNB). For example, for an eNB triggered normal mode, an eNB may command a UE to expect a normal scheduling mode. Several non-limiting examples of such conditions follow. 
     Reprioritization of low power mode UEs, triggered by new requests from UEs for low power mode. The network could request some UEs to transition out of low power mode such that other requesting UEs could be allowed to transition into low power mode. The criteria for such reprioritization could be based on fairness, optimization for potential aggregate power saving, or other factors. 
     Reprioritization of low power mode UEs, due to periodic maintenance. The network could request some UEs to transition out of low power mode, and request some other UEs to transition into low power mode. The criteria for such reprioritization could be based on fairness, optimization for potential aggregate power saving, or other factors. 
     The UE may optionally acknowledge the command See, for example, the signaling  500  of  FIG. 5 . 
     In some implementations, the UE may optionally decline a request to enter normal mode sent by an eNB. This may occur, for example, if any of the conditions that warrant a transition to a low power mode (discussed above) exist at the UE. 
     Power Saving Features 
     Several examples of power saving features that may be employed for a low power scheduling mode follow. A given UE may support one or more of these or other power saving features. 
     Modulation and Coding (MCS). Different MCSs may have different impact on power consumption. Thus, for low power mode, a UE may use energy-efficient coding (e.g., a convolutional code). 
     MIMO and Transmission Mode. In some scenarios, the use of multiple input multiple out (MIMO) signaling may be power inefficient. For example, in some cases, a UE may be able to achieve a desired data rate by using a high order constellation. In the event the high order constellation is more energy efficient than MIMO, the UE may use the high order constellation instead of MIMO. Also, certain MIMO and transmission mode schemes allow the use of a low complexity receiver that may have lower power consumption. For example, some schemes may use a linear minimum means square error (MMSE) receiver instead of a maximum-likelihood (ML) receiver to demodulate the MIMO spatial streams. 
     In some scenarios, the use of multiple antennas may be power inefficient. For example, in some cases, a UE may be able to achieve a desired data rate by using a single antenna. In the event use of the single antenna is more energy efficient than the use of multiple antennas (e.g., the required data throughput is low), the UE may use a single antenna instead of multiple antennas (e.g., if doing so does not unduly expand the timeline). 
     Reduced Carrier Aggregation (CA). In some scenarios, the use of CA may be power inefficient. For example, in some cases, a UE may be able to achieve a desired data rate without CA. In the event not using CA is more energy efficient than using CA, the UE may elect to not use CA. 
     Reduced H-ARQ signaling data rate. Energy efficiency can be increased by reducing the signaling rate used for hybrid automatic repeat request (H-ARQ). This signaling rate may be reduced, for example, by bundling the acknowledgements (ACKs). 
     Low Power Discontinuous Reception (DRX). DRX may be adapted to reduce power consumption. For example, a larger DRX cycle (longer latency) may be employed to increase sleep time. Also, a first device could send a “go-away” signal to a second device to tell the second device that the first device will be asleep for a certain period of time or to tell the second device to go to sleep for a certain period of time. 
     Enhanced Microsleep. Microsleep is a feature that allows, for example, the scheduled entity (e.g., a terminal) to go into sleep mode within a TTI when the control channel indicates that there is no downlink (DL) assignment or uplink (UL) grant. To further reduce power consumption, the scheduled entity could report its sleep capabilities (e.g., different levels of sleep supported and corresponding minimum sleep durations) to the scheduling entity (e.g., an eNB), so that the scheduling entity could schedule in ways that maximize the application of microsleep, such as use of time division multiplexing (TDM) scheduling instead of frequency division multiplexing (FDM). Moreover, the scheduling entity could switch to a longer TTI format or use explicit signaling to facilitate longer and deeper sleep for more power savings. An example of explicit signaling includes a message to guarantee to the scheduled entity (e.g., a terminal) that it will not be scheduled for the next N TTIs, where N could be determined in accordance with the quality of service (QoS) requirement and reported sleep capabilities. 
     Dynamic Frame Structure 
     The disclosure relates in some aspects to the use of a dynamic frame structure with power saving features that may be employed for different scheduling modes. A given device may support various configurations of such a dynamic frame structure. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates an example of a frame structure  600  (e.g., a unified framework) that can support low power scheduling in accordance with the teachings herein. Flexible TTI, flexible pilot, and flexible control overhead are employed to achieve a desired tradeoff between latency, power, and memory usage. For example, different TTIs lengths could be used for different users, applications, etc. The quantities and dimensions used in  FIG. 6  are for purposes of illustration only. Other implementations could use other timing, bandwidth, and allocations. 
     The disclosure relates in some aspects to the use of a frame structure that allows for dynamic bandwidth (BW) switching for control/data multiplexing. For example, a control segment may be narrowband, while a data segment is wideband. Also, adaptive BW may be employed for the data segment, with an agile center frequency and associated null tone overhead. 
     The disclosure relates in some aspects to the use of a frame structure that allows for narrowband control and data transmission. This structure may facilitate power efficiency for very low latency (e.g., transmission time interval (TTI) time scale) traffic and/or low/medium data rate traffic. Again, adaptive BW with associated null tone overhead may be employed. 
     The effectiveness of a given power saving feature may be implementation dependent. Example methods to control/select which power saving features to use may include, without limitation: 1) An original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and/or a network operator determining power saving effectiveness and pruning some features (e.g., relatively ineffective features) out of the UE capability; and 2) Including, in the UE capability list, the potential power savings (e.g., which could be approximated and categorized) along with the power saving features to enable an eNB to prioritize the use of the features. For example, a UE may quantify (e.g., in percentage, in absolute quantity values, etc.) how effectively a given feature saves power. 
     An eNB may select the features to be used for a given transition to lower power mode for a UE based on how effectively the different features save power. As a specific example, if a UE is running a chat program that uses small chunks of data, narrowband transmission may be selected since this mode may be more effective at saving power under these conditions. In contrast, if a UE is using a video application that uses large amounts of data, wideband transmission may be selected since this mode may more efficiently use power under these conditions. 
     The abbreviations that follow are used in  FIG. 6 . P represents at least one pilot and control symbol. PD represents at least one pilot and data symbol. C &amp; C represents at least one cell-specific reference signal (CRS) and control symbol region. CTRL represents at least one UE reference signal (UERS) control channel. TRAF (TRAF [1, 2, or 3]) represents at least one UERS data channel. 
     An example of a low overhead mode is shown with reference to TRAF  1  (UERS Traffic  1 ). A first pilot and data symbol  602  in slot 0 of the first subframe precedes a first UERS data channel  604  in the first and second subframes. In addition, a second pilot and data symbol  606  in slot 0 of the third subframe precedes a second UERS data channel  608  in the third and fourth subframes. 
     This mode involves a relatively long TTI (two subframes), cross-TTI pilot filtering (e.g., so the pilot density is lower over time), low overhead (e.g., relative to the amount of data transmitted), and relatively high performance (e.g., large data transfers and/or high throughput). Other implementations of a low overhead mode might involve only of subset of these factors. Also, other implementations of a low overhead mode might involve other factors. 
     An example of a low power mode is shown with reference to TRAF  2  (UERS Traffic  2 ). A first CRS and CTRL symbol region  610  is at slot 0 of the first subframe and a second CRS and CTRL symbol region  612  is at slot 0 of the third subframe. A pilot and data symbol  614  precedes a UERS data channel  616  in the fourth subframe. 
     This mode involves a common reference signal (RS) and control for wakeup and decode, whereby traffic is scheduled in the next TTI. For example, a UE may wake up and, in narrowband, only decode the TDM pilots (e.g., CRS and CTRL). As indicated, this control area may be narrow both in terms of time and frequency. See the second CRS and CTRL symbol region  612 . If there is no grant for the UE, the UE may therefore go quickly back to sleep to save power. If there is a grant, the UE may open up its RF for wideband communication during the next TTI (e.g., to receive the pilot and data symbol  614  and the UERS data channel  616 ). Other implementations of a low power mode might involve only a subset of the above factors. Also, other implementations of a low power mode might involve other factors. 
     An example of a low latency mode is shown with reference to TRAF  3  (UERS Traffic  3 ). In the first subframe, a first pilot and control symbol  618  in slot 0 precedes a first UERS control channel  620 . In addition, a first pilot and data symbol  622  in slot 0 precedes a first UERS data channel  604 , while a second pilot and data symbol  626  in slot 6 precedes a second UERS data channel  628 . In the second subframe, a second pilot and control symbol  630  in slot 0 precedes a second UERS control channel  632 . In addition, a third pilot and data symbol  634  in slot 0 precedes a third UERS data channel  636 , while a fourth pilot and data symbol  638  in slot 6 precedes a fourth UERS data channel  640 . 
     This mode involves per-TTI control grant and ACK/NAK feedback. This mode also supports narrowband processing, whereby a UE is allowed to operate within a relatively large section of bandwidth, even though the UE only uses a portion of the bandwidth at a time (e.g., the UE could hop between different frequency bands from one TTI to the next). In this case, the control processing can be narrowband as well. Other implementations of a low latency mode might involve only a subset of these factors. Also, other implementations of a low latency mode might involve other factors. 
     With the above in mind, an example of the low overhead mode will be treated in more detail with continued reference to the example of TRAF  1  in  FIG. 6 . Low overhead mode can be used for UEs that support large data volume. Such UEs may be, for example, less delay sensitive and/or tend to have a full buffer. In this example, the TTI is selected to be relatively long (e.g., 1 millisecond) with less pilot overhead per TTI, and cross TTI pilot filtering (e.g., using pilots from multiple TTIs for channel estimation) enabled. Such a mode can have relatively low pilot overhead and good performance with moderate latency. In some implementations, the UE decodes the control information every TTI duty cycle to save power. That is, the control information may be decoded less frequently in this case. 
     An example of the low power mode will be treated in more detail with continued reference to the example of TRAF  2  in  FIG. 6 . 
     The low power mode may be advantageous for microsleep. A UE may decode control information in a TDM and narrowband (NB) common-RS based control region for fast control decoding. To save power, the UE may go back to microsleep if no grant is decoded. Enhanced microsleep could be associated with low power mode operations. 
     The low power mode may be advantageous for dynamic bandwidth switching. A UE may decode control information in a center NB region. Then, when a grant is decoded, the UE may open up the wideband RF for data demodulation. The data channel can be scheduled later (e.g., one TTI later) than the control channel to reserve time for RF switching. 
     An example of the low latency mode and the narrowband mode will be treated in more detail with continued reference to the example of TRAF  3  in  FIG. 6 . 
     In an example of a low latency mode, a UE may monitor control and data per TTI to decode delay-sensitive data. The control channel could be staggered across TTIs to reduce decoding latency. Such a low latency mode could be used, for example, if the decoding latency requirement is very low. As indicted, shorter TTIs are used in this mode. 
     In an example of a narrowband (NB) mode UE, a UE is configured to decode control and data in a dedicated bandwidth of the entire wide band. The UE may hop to another carrier frequency to decode control and/or data in response to a request or eNB configuration. Demodulation reference signal (DMRS)-based control may be used to ensure localized NB processing of control, as well as reduced pilot overhead. The control channel could be staggered across TTIs to allow for data and control pipelining, and to reduce buffering requirements. The NB control/data mode allows a UE with NB RF capability to share a chunk of bandwidth from a much wider bandwidth. 
     Example Processes 
       FIG. 7  illustrates a process  700  for supporting scheduling in accordance with some aspects of the disclosure. The process  700  may take place within a processing circuit (e.g., the processing circuit  910  of  FIG. 9 ), which may be located in an access terminal, a base station, or some other suitable apparatus. Of course, in various aspects within the scope of the disclosure, the process  700  may be implemented by any suitable apparatus capable of supporting scheduling-related operations. 
     At block  702 , an apparatus (e.g., a UE) transmits an indication of low power mode capability supported by an access terminal. For example, a UE may send this information to an eNB via a UE capability message. 
     In some aspects, the low power mode capability may include at least one power saving feature. In some aspects, the at least one power saving feature may include at least one of: a frame structure, a frame structure for dynamic bandwidth switching for control and data multiplexing, a frame structure for narrowband control and data transmission, a modulation and coding scheme, a convolutional coding scheme, antenna selection, multiple input multiple output (MIMO) transmission mode, non-MIMO transmission mode, carrier aggregation, no carrier aggregation, reduced hybrid automatic repeat request (H-ARQ) signaling, low power discontinuous reception (DRX), or enhanced microsleep. In some aspects, the frame structure for dynamic bandwidth switching for control and data multiplexing includes a narrowband control segment and a wideband data segment. In some aspects, the frame structure supports adaptive bandwidth for a data segment. In some aspects, the low power mode capability includes at least one indication of potential power saving associated with the at least one power saving feature. 
     In some aspects, the low power mode capability may include a plurality of power saving features and a plurality of indications of potential power saving associated with the power saving features. In this case, the process  700  may further include prioritizing the power saving features based on the indications of potential power saving. 
     At block  704 , the apparatus communicates a request for the access terminal to switch to a low power mode. 
     In some aspects, the communication of the request includes transmitting the request. For example, a UE may transmit such a request to an eNB. In this case, an acknowledgement to the request may be received (e.g., from an eNB) in response to the request. 
     In some aspects, the communication of the request includes receiving the request. For example, a UE may receive such a request from an eNB. In this case, an acknowledgement may be transmitted in response to the receipt of the request (e.g., the UE may transmit an acknowledgement to the eNB). 
     In some aspects, the low power mode capability of block  702  may include a plurality of power saving features. In this case, the process  700  may further include selecting at least one of the power saving features for the low power mode. 
     At block  706 , the apparatus transitions to the low power mode as a result of the communication of the request at block  704 . In some aspects, this transition may be triggered as a result of transmitting the request or receiving the request. 
     In scenarios where the communicating of the request at block  704  involves receiving the request and an acknowledgement is transmitted in response to the request, the transition to the low power mode may be triggered as a result of transmitting the acknowledgement. 
     In scenarios where the communicating of the request at block  704  involves transmitting the request and an acknowledgement to the request is received, the transition to the low power mode may be triggered as a result of receiving the acknowledgement. 
     In some aspects, the transition to the low power mode may be triggered based on at least one criterion. In some aspects, the at least one criterion may include at least one of: a battery level, an application requirement, a traffic requirement, access terminal context, or access terminal usage. 
       FIG. 8  illustrates a process  800  for supporting scheduling in accordance with some aspects of the disclosure. The process  800  may take place within a processing circuit (e.g., the processing circuit  1110  of  FIG. 11 ), which may be located in a base station, an access terminal, or some other suitable apparatus. Of course, in various aspects within the scope of the disclosure, the process  800  may be implemented by any suitable apparatus capable of supporting scheduling-related operations. 
     At block  802 , an apparatus (e.g., an eNB) receives an indication of low power mode capability supported by an access terminal. For example, an eNB may receive this information via a UE capability message. 
     In some aspects, the low power mode capability may include at least one power saving feature. In some aspects, the at least one power saving feature may include at least one of: a frame structure, a frame structure for dynamic bandwidth switching for control and data multiplexing, a frame structure for narrowband control and data transmission, a modulation and coding scheme, a convolutional coding scheme, antenna selection, multiple input multiple output (MIMO) transmission mode, non-MIMO transmission mode, carrier aggregation, no carrier aggregation, reduced hybrid automatic repeat request (H-ARQ) signaling, low power discontinuous reception (DRX), or enhanced microsleep. In some aspects, the frame structure for dynamic bandwidth switching for control and data multiplexing includes a narrowband control segment and a wideband data segment. In some aspects, the frame structure supports adaptive bandwidth for a data segment. In some aspects, the low power mode capability includes at least one indication of potential power saving associated with the at least one power saving feature. 
     In some aspects, the low power mode capability may include a plurality of power saving features and a plurality of indications of potential power saving associated with the power saving features. In this case, the process  800  may further include prioritizing the power saving features based on the indications of potential power saving. 
     At block  804 , the apparatus determines whether the access terminal is to transition to a low power mode. In some cases, this determination is made unilaterally by the eNB. In some cases, this determination is made in response to a request from the UE. 
     In some aspects, the determination is based on at least one of: a quantity of access terminals currently operating in low power mode, traffic loading, time of day, or resource availability at an access point (e.g., at a base station such as an eNB). 
     In some aspects, the low power mode capability of block  802  includes a plurality of power saving features. In this case, the process  800  may further include selecting at least one of the power saving features for the low power mode. 
     At block  806 , the apparatus transmits a message indicative of the determination of block  804 . For example, the message may be a request from an eNB to a UE or an acknowledgement of a request received by an eNB from a UE. 
     In some aspects, the message includes a request to the access terminal to transition to the low power mode. 
     In scenarios where a request from the access terminal to transition to the low power mode is received (e.g., a UE is requesting that it be allowed to operate in a low power mode), the message of block  806  may be an acknowledgement of the request. 
     First Example Apparatus 
       FIG. 9  is an illustration of an apparatus  900  that may support scheduling according to one or more aspects of the disclosure. The apparatus  900  could embody or be implemented within a mobile device, an access point, or some other type of device that supports wireless communication. In various implementations, the apparatus  900  could embody or be implemented within an access terminal, an access point, or some other type of device. In various implementations, the apparatus  900  could embody or be implemented within a mobile phone, a smart phone, a tablet, a portable computer, a server, a personal computer, a sensor, an entertainment device, a medical device, or any other electronic device having circuitry. The apparatus  900  includes a communication interface (e.g., at least one transceiver)  902 , a storage medium  904 , a user interface  906 , a memory device  908 , and a processing circuit  910 . 
     These components can be coupled to and/or placed in electrical communication with one another via a signaling bus or other suitable component, represented generally by the connection lines in  FIG. 9 . The signaling bus may include any number of interconnecting buses and bridges depending on the specific application of the processing circuit  910  and the overall design constraints. The signaling bus links together various circuits such that each of the communication interface  902 , the storage medium  904 , the user interface  906 , and the memory device  908  are coupled to and/or in electrical communication with the processing circuit  910 . The signaling bus may also link various other circuits (not shown) such as timing sources, peripherals, voltage regulators, and power management circuits, which are well known in the art, and therefore, will not be described any further. 
     The communication interface  902  may be adapted to facilitate wireless communication of the apparatus  900 . For example, the communication interface  902  may include circuitry and/or programming adapted to facilitate the communication of information bi-directionally with respect to one or more communication devices in a network. In some implementations, the communication interface  902  may be configured for wire-based communication. In some implementations, the communication interface  902  may be coupled to one or more antennas  912  for wireless communication within a wireless communication system. The communication interface  902  can be configured with one or more standalone receivers and/or transmitters, as well as one or more transceivers. In the illustrated example, the communication interface  902  includes a transmitter  914  and a receiver  916 . 
     The memory device  908  may represent one or more memory devices. As indicated, the memory device  908  may maintain scheduling-related information  918  along with other information used by the apparatus  900 . In some implementations, the memory device  908  and the storage medium  904  are implemented as a common memory component. The memory device  908  may also be used for storing data that is manipulated by the processing circuit  910  or some other component of the apparatus  900 . 
     The storage medium  904  may represent one or more computer-readable, machine-readable, and/or processor-readable devices for storing programming, such as processor executable code or instructions (e.g., software, firmware), electronic data, databases, or other digital information. The storage medium  904  may also be used for storing data that is manipulated by the processing circuit  910  when executing programming. The storage medium  904  may be any available media that can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose processor, including portable or fixed storage devices, optical storage devices, and various other mediums capable of storing, containing or carrying programming. 
     By way of example and not limitation, the storage medium  904  may include a magnetic storage device (e.g., hard disk, floppy disk, magnetic strip), an optical disk (e.g., a compact disc (CD) or a digital versatile disc (DVD)), a smart card, a flash memory device (e.g., a card, a stick, or a key drive), a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), a programmable ROM (PROM), an erasable PROM (EPROM), an electrically erasable PROM (EEPROM), a register, a removable disk, and any other suitable medium for storing software and/or instructions that may be accessed and read by a computer. The storage medium  904  may be embodied in an article of manufacture (e.g., a computer program product). By way of example, a computer program product may include a computer-readable medium in packaging materials. In view of the above, in some implementations, the storage medium  904  may be a non-transitory (e.g., tangible) storage medium. 
     The storage medium  904  may be coupled to the processing circuit  910  such that the processing circuit  910  can read information from, and write information to, the storage medium  904 . That is, the storage medium  904  can be coupled to the processing circuit  910  so that the storage medium  904  is at least accessible by the processing circuit  910 , including examples where at least one storage medium is integral to the processing circuit  910  and/or examples where at least one storage medium is separate from the processing circuit  910  (e.g., resident in the apparatus  900 , external to the apparatus  900 , distributed across multiple entities, etc.). 
     Programming stored by the storage medium  904 , when executed by the processing circuit  910 , causes the processing circuit  910  to perform one or more of the various functions and/or process operations described herein. For example, the storage medium  904  may include operations configured for regulating operations at one or more hardware blocks of the processing circuit  910 , as well as to utilize the communication interface  902  for wireless communication utilizing their respective communication protocols. 
     The processing circuit  910  is generally adapted for processing, including the execution of such programming stored on the storage medium  904 . As used herein, the terms “code” or “programming” shall be construed broadly to include without limitation instructions, instruction sets, data, code, code segments, program code, programs, programming, subprograms, software modules, applications, software applications, software packages, routines, subroutines, objects, executables, threads of execution, procedures, functions, etc., whether referred to as software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description language, or otherwise. 
     The processing circuit  910  is arranged to obtain, process and/or send data, control data access and storage, issue commands, and control other desired operations. The processing circuit  910  may include circuitry configured to implement desired programming provided by appropriate media in at least one example. For example, the processing circuit  910  may be implemented as one or more processors, one or more controllers, and/or other structure configured to execute executable programming Examples of the processing circuit  910  may include a general purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic component, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general purpose processor may include a microprocessor, as well as any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. The processing circuit  910  may also be implemented as a combination of computing components, such as a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a number of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, an ASIC and a microprocessor, or any other number of varying configurations. These examples of the processing circuit  910  are for illustration and other suitable configurations within the scope of the disclosure are also contemplated. 
     According to one or more aspects of the disclosure, the processing circuit  910  may be adapted to perform any or all of the features, processes, functions, operations and/or routines for any or all of the apparatuses described herein. For example, the processing circuit  910  may be configured to perform any of the steps, functions, and/or processes described with respect to  FIGS. 3-8 and 10 . As used herein, the term “adapted” in relation to the processing circuit  910  may refer to the processing circuit  910  being one or more of configured, employed, implemented, and/or programmed to perform a particular process, function, operation and/or routine according to various features described herein. 
     The processing circuit  910  may be a specialized processor, such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) that serves as a means for (e.g., structure for) carrying out any one of the operations described in conjunction with  FIGS. 3-8 and 10 . The processing circuit  910  may serve as one example of a means for transmitting and/or a means for receiving. 
     According to at least one example of the apparatus  900 , the processing circuit  910  may include one or more of a circuit/module for sending  920 , a circuit/module for communicating  922 , a circuit/module for transitioning  924 , a circuit/module for receiving  926 , a circuit/module for selecting  928 , or a circuit/module for prioritizing  930 . 
     The circuit/module for sending  920  may include circuitry and/or programming (e.g., code for sending  932  stored on the storage medium  904 ) adapted to perform several functions relating to, for example, sending information to another apparatus. Initially, the circuit/module for sending  920  obtains the information to be sent (e.g., from the memory device  908 , or some other component). In some implementations, the information to be sent may include an indication of a frame structure supported by an access terminal for a first power mode of a plurality of power modes. In some implementations, the information to be sent may include an indication that the access terminal supports selection of frame structure for different ones of the plurality of power modes. In some implementations, the information to be sent may include an indication that the access terminal supports selection of modulation and coding scheme (MCS) for different ones of the plurality of power modes. In some implementations, the information to be sent may include an indication that the access terminal supports selection of multiple input multiple output (MIMO) transmission mode for different ones of the plurality of power modes. In some implementations, the information to be sent may include an indication that the access terminal supports selection of carrier aggregation level for different ones of the plurality of power modes. In some implementations, the information to be sent may include an indication that the access terminal supports, for different ones of the plurality of power modes, at least one of: different convolutional coding schemes; different antenna selections; dynamic switching between reduced hybrid automatic repeat request (H-ARQ) signaling and normal H-ARQ signaling; dynamic switching between low power discontinuous reception (DRX) and normal DRX; or enhanced microsleep. In some implementations, the information to be sent may include an acknowledgement that is sent in response to receipt of a request. 
     The circuit/module for sending  920  may format the information to be sent (e.g., in a message, according to a protocol, etc.). In some scenarios, the circuit/module for sending  920  causes the information to be sent via a wireless communication medium. To this end, the circuit/module for sending  920  may send the data to the communication interface  902  (e.g., to the transmitter  914 ) or some other component for transmission. In some implementations, the communication interface  902  includes the circuit/module for sending  920  and/or the code for sending  932 . 
     The circuit/module for communicating  922  may include circuitry and/or programming (e.g., code for communicating  934  stored on the storage medium  904 ) adapted to perform several functions relating to, for example, communicating information. In some implementations, communicating information involves sending information (e.g., as described herein). In some implementations, communicating information involves receiving information (e.g., as described herein). In some implementations, the information to be communicated may include a request for the access terminal to switch to the first power mode. In some implementations, the information to be communicated may include at least one indication of a plurality of power saving features. In some implementations, the information to be communicated may include at least one indication of a plurality of power saving features and at least one indication of potential power saving associated with the power saving features. In some implementations, the information to be communicated may include a request for the access terminal to switch from the first power mode to a second power mode. In some implementations, the communication interface  902  includes the circuit/module for communicating  922  and/or the code for communicating  934 . 
     In some implementations, the communicating involves the circuit/module for communicating  922  receiving information directly from a device that transmitted the information or receiving information from a component of the apparatus  900  (e.g., the receiver  916 , the memory device  908 , or some other component). In this case, the circuit/module for communicating  922  may process (e.g., decode) the received information. The circuit/module for communicating  922  then outputs the received information to a component of the apparatus  900  (e.g., the memory device  908 , the circuit/module for transitioning  924 , or some other component). 
     In some implementations, the communicating involves sending information to another component of the apparatus  900  (e.g., the transmitter  914 ) for transmission to another device or sending information directly to an ultimate destination (e.g., if the circuit/module for communicating  922  includes a transmitter). In this case, the circuit/module for communicating  922  initially obtains information to be communicated. The circuit/module for communicating  922  may process (e.g., encode) the information to be transmitted. The circuit/module for communicating  922  then causes the information to be transmitted. For example, the circuit/module for communicating  922  can directly transmit the information or pass the information to the transmitter  914  for subsequent radio frequency (RF) transmission. 
     The circuit/module for transitioning  924  may include circuitry and/or programming (e.g., code for transitioning  936  stored on the storage medium  904 ) adapted to perform several functions relating to, for example, transitioning to a particular power mode (e.g., the first power mode, a second power mode, etc.). Initially, the circuit/module for transitioning  924  receives a signal (e.g., an indication) that triggers the transition (e.g., from the circuit/module for communicating  922 , the memory device  908 , the communication interface  902 , or some other component). In some implementations, a transition to the first power mode results from the communication of a request (e.g., by the circuit/module for communicating  922 ). In some implementations, a transition to the first power mode is triggered as a result of the sending of an acknowledgement (e.g., by the circuit/module for communicating  922  or the circuit/module for sending  920 ). In some implementations, a transition to the first power mode is triggered as a result of the receipt of an acknowledgement (e.g., by the circuit/module for communicating  922  or the circuit/module for receiving  926 ). In some implementations, a transition to a second power mode results from the communication of a request (e.g., by the circuit/module for communicating  922 ). 
     The circuit/module for receiving  926  may include circuitry and/or programming (e.g., code for receiving  938  stored on the storage medium  904 ) adapted to perform several functions relating to, for example, receiving information. In some implementations, the information may include an acknowledgement to a request. Initially, the circuit/module for receiving  926  obtains the information directly from a device (e.g., a base station) that transmitted the information or from a component of the apparatus  900  (e.g., the receiver  916 , the memory device  908 , or some other component). In some implementations, the circuit/module for receiving  926  identifies a memory location of a value in the memory device  908  and invokes a read of that location. In some implementations, the circuit/module for receiving  926  processes (e.g., decodes) the obtained information. The circuit/module for receiving  926  then outputs the information to a component of the apparatus  900  (e.g., to the memory device  908 , the circuit/module for transitioning  924 , or some other component). In some implementations, the receiver  916  includes the circuit/module for receiving  926  and/or the code for receiving  938 . 
     The circuit/module for selecting  928  may include circuitry and/or programming (e.g., code for selecting  940  stored on the storage medium  904 ) adapted to perform several functions relating to, for example, selecting at least one power saving feature for a power mode. In some implementations, the power mode is the first power mode (e.g., a low power mode). Initially, the circuit/module for selecting  928  obtains indications of a plurality of power modes. For example, the circuit/module for selecting  928  may obtain this information from a component of the apparatus  900  (e.g., from the memory device  908 , the communication interface  902 , or some other component) or directly from an entity that maintains the information. In some implementations, the circuit/module for selecting  928  obtains this information from a database (e.g., a network database or a database local to the apparatus  900 ). The circuit/module for selecting  928  then selects one or more of the power saving features based on one or more criterion (e.g., based on a traffic type to be communicated). The circuit/module for selecting  928  may then output an indication of the selection to a component of the apparatus  900  (e.g., the memory device  908 , the circuit/module for prioritizing  930 , or some other component). 
     The circuit/module for prioritizing  930  may include circuitry and/or programming (e.g., code for prioritizing  942  stored on the storage medium  904 ) adapted to perform several functions relating to, for example, prioritizing power saving features. In some implementations, the prioritization is based on at least one indication of potential power saving associated with power saving features. Initially, the circuit/module for prioritizing  930  obtains the indication(s) of potential power saving. For example, the circuit/module for prioritizing  930  may obtain this information from a component of the apparatus  900  (e.g., from the memory device  908 , the communication interface  902 , or some other component) or directly from an entity that maintains the information. In some implementations, the circuit/module for prioritizing  930  obtains this information from a database (e.g., a network database or a database local to the apparatus  900 ). The circuit/module for prioritizing  930  then prioritizes the power saving features (e.g., based on a fairness criterion, potential power savings, the amount of power savings, impact on traffic QoS, etc.). The circuit/module for prioritizing  930  may then output an indication of the prioritization to a component of the apparatus  900  (e.g., the memory device  908 , the circuit/module for communicating  922 , the circuit/module for transitioning  924 , or some other component). 
     As mentioned above, programming stored by the storage medium  904 , when executed by the processing circuit  910 , causes the processing circuit  910  to perform one or more of the various functions and/or process operations described herein. For example, the storage medium  904  may include one or more of the code for sending  932 , the code for communicating  934 , the code for transitioning  936 , the code for receiving  938 , the code for selecting  940 , or the code for prioritizing  942 . 
     Example Process 
       FIG. 10  illustrates a process  1000  for supporting scheduling in accordance with some aspects of the disclosure. The process  1000  may take place within a processing circuit (e.g., the processing circuit  910  of  FIG. 9 ), which may be located in an access terminal, a base station, or some other suitable apparatus. Of course, in various aspects within the scope of the disclosure, the process  1000  may be implemented by any suitable apparatus capable of supporting scheduling-related operations. 
     At block  1002 , an apparatus (e.g., an access terminal) sends an indication of a frame structure supported by an access terminal for a first power mode of a plurality of power modes. For example, a UE may send this information to an eNB via a UE capability message. 
     In some aspects, the plurality of power modes include a low power mode and a normal power mode. The low power mode may be associated with lower power consumption than the normal power mode. In some implementations, the first power mode is the low power mode. 
     The access terminal may support different types of frame structures. In some aspects, the access terminal supports another frame structure for a second power mode of the plurality of power modes; and the frame structure supported by the access terminal for the first power mode specifies a first bandwidth allocation that is smaller than a second bandwidth allocation specified by the other frame structure. In some aspects, the access terminal supports another frame structure for a second power mode of the plurality of power modes; and the frame structure supported by the access terminal for the first power mode specifies a first transmission time interval (TTI) that is shorter than a second TTI specified by the other frame structure. 
     The frame structure supported by the access terminal for the first power mode may support various operations for the first power mode. In some aspects, the frame structure supported by the access terminal for the first power mode supports dynamic bandwidth switching for control and data multiplexing. In some aspects, the frame structure supported by the access terminal for the first power mode supports narrowband control and data transmission. 
     The apparatus may optionally send at least one indication of other capability or configuration of the access terminal Several examples of the sending of such an indication follow. In some aspects, the process  1000  includes sending an indication that the access terminal further supports selection of frame structure for different ones of the plurality of power modes. In some aspects, the process  1000  includes sending an indication that the access terminal further supports selection of modulation and coding scheme (MCS) for different ones of the plurality of power modes. In some aspects, the process  1000  includes sending an indication that the access terminal further supports selection of multiple input multiple output (MIMO) transmission mode for different ones of the plurality of power modes. In some aspects, the process  1000  includes sending an indication that the access terminal further supports selection of carrier aggregation level for different ones of the plurality of power modes. In some aspects, the process  1000  includes sending an indication that the access terminal further supports, for different ones of the plurality of power modes, at least one of: different convolutional coding schemes; different antenna selections; dynamic switching between reduced hybrid automatic repeat request (H-ARQ) signaling and normal H-ARQ signaling; dynamic switching between low power discontinuous reception (DRX) and normal DRX, or enhanced microsleep. 
     At block  1004 , the apparatus communicates (e.g., sends or receives) a request for the access terminal to switch to the first power mode. 
     In some aspects, the communication of the request includes sending the request. For example, a UE may transmit such a request to an eNB. In this case, an acknowledgement (e.g., a positive acknowledgement or a negative acknowledgement) to the request may be received (e.g., from an eNB) in response to the request. 
     In some aspects, the communication of the request includes receiving the request. For example, a UE may receive such a request from an eNB. In this case, an acknowledgement (e.g., a positive acknowledgement or a negative acknowledgement) may be transmitted in response to the receipt of the request. For example, the UE may transmit an acknowledgement to the eNB. 
     At block  1006 , the apparatus transitions to the first power mode as a result of the communication of the request at block  1004 . In some aspects, this transition to the first power mode may be triggered as a result of sending the request or receiving the request. 
     In scenarios where the communicating of the request at block  1004  involves receiving the request and an acknowledgement is sent in response to the receipt of the request, the transition to the first power mode may be triggered as a result of the sending of the acknowledgement. 
     In scenarios where the communicating of the request at block  1004  involves sending the request and an acknowledgement to the request is received, the transition to the first power mode may be triggered as a result of the receipt of the acknowledgement. 
     In some aspects, the transition to the low power mode may be triggered based on at least one criterion. In some aspects, the at least one criterion may include at least one of: a battery level, an application requirement, a traffic requirement, access terminal context, or access terminal usage. 
     In some aspects, the process  1000  further includes communicating at least one indication of a plurality of power saving features; and selecting at least one of the power saving features for the first power mode. In this case, the selection may be based on power saving effectiveness. 
     In some aspects, the process  1000  further includes communicating at least one indication of a plurality of power saving features and at least one indication of potential power saving associated with the power saving features; and prioritizing the power saving features based on the at least one indication of potential power saving. 
     In some aspects, the process  1000  further includes communicating another request for the access terminal to switch from the first power mode to a second power mode; and transitioning to the second power mode as a result of the communication of the other request. 
     Second Example Apparatus 
       FIG. 11  is an illustration of an apparatus  1100  that may support scheduling according to one or more aspects of the disclosure. The apparatus  1100  could embody or be implemented within an access point, a mobile device, a network node, or some other type of device that supports wireless communication. In various implementations, the apparatus  1100  could embody or be implemented within a base station, an access terminal, a network node, or some other type of device. In various implementations, the apparatus  1100  could embody or be implemented within a mobile phone, a smart phone, a tablet, a portable computer, a server, a personal computer, a sensor, an entertainment device, a medical device, or any other electronic device having circuitry. 
     The apparatus  1100  includes a communication interface (e.g., at least one transceiver)  1102 , a storage medium  1104 , a user interface  1106 , a memory device  1108  (e.g., storing scheduling-related information  1118 ), and a processing circuit (e.g., at least one processor)  1110 . In various implementations, the user interface  1106  may include one or more of: a keypad, a display, a speaker, a microphone, a touchscreen display, of some other circuitry for receiving an input from or sending an output to a user. The communication interface  1102  may be coupled to one or more antennas  1112 , and may include a transmitter  1114  and a receiver  1116 . In general, the components of  FIG. 11  may be similar to corresponding components of the apparatus  900  of  FIG. 9 . 
     According to one or more aspects of the disclosure, the processing circuit  1110  may be adapted to perform any or all of the features, processes, functions, operations and/or routines for any or all of the apparatuses described herein. For example, the processing circuit  1110  may be configured to perform any of the steps, functions, and/or processes described with respect to  FIGS. 3-8 and 12 . As used herein, the term “adapted” in relation to the processing circuit  1110  may refer to the processing circuit  1110  being one or more of configured, employed, implemented, and/or programmed to perform a particular process, function, operation and/or routine according to various features described herein. 
     The processing circuit  1110  may be a specialized processor, such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) that serves as a means for (e.g., structure for) carrying out any one of the operations described in conjunction with  FIGS. 3-8 and 12 . The processing circuit  1110  may serve as one example of a means for transmitting and/or a means for receiving. 
     According to at least one example of the apparatus  1100 , the processing circuit  1110  may include one or more of a circuit/module for receiving  1120 , a circuit/module for determining whether an access terminal is to transition  1122 , a circuit/module for sending  1124 , a circuit/module for communicating  1126 , a circuit/module for selecting  1128 , a circuit/module for prioritizing power saving features  1130 , a circuit/module for determining that access terminals are contending  1132 , a circuit/module for prioritizing access terminals  1134 , or a circuit/module for determining which access terminals will be allowed  1136 . 
     The circuit/module for receiving  1120  may include circuitry and/or programming (e.g., code for receiving  1138  stored on the storage medium  1104 ) adapted to perform several functions relating to, for example, receiving information. In some implementations, the information may include an indication of a frame structure supported by an access terminal for a first power mode of a plurality of power modes. In some implementations, the information may include a request from the access terminal to transition to the first power mode. In some implementations, the information may include an indication that the access terminal supports selection of frame structure for different ones of the plurality of power modes. In some implementations, the information may include an indication that the access terminal supports selection of modulation and coding scheme (MCS) for different ones of the plurality of power modes. In some implementations, the information may include an indication that the access terminal supports selection of multiple input multiple output (MIMO) transmission mode for different ones of the plurality of power modes. In some implementations, the information may include an indication that the access terminal supports selection of carrier aggregation level for different ones of the plurality of power modes. In some implementations, the information may include an indication that the access terminal supports, for different ones of the plurality of power modes, at least one of: different convolutional coding schemes; different antenna selections; dynamic switching between reduced hybrid automatic repeat request (H-ARQ) signaling and normal H-ARQ signaling; dynamic switching between low power discontinuous reception (DRX) and normal DRX; or enhanced microsleep. 
     The circuit/module for receiving  1120  may obtain the information directly from a device (e.g., an access terminal) that transmitted the information or from a component of the apparatus  1100  (e.g., the receiver  1116 , the memory device  1108 , or some other component). In some implementations, the circuit/module for receiving  1120  identifies a memory location of a value in the memory device  1108  and invokes a read of that location. In some implementations, the circuit/module for receiving  1120  processes (e.g., decodes) the obtained information. The circuit/module for receiving  1120  then outputs the information to a component of the apparatus  1100  (e.g., to the memory device  1108 , the circuit/module for determining whether an access terminal is to transition  1122 , or some other component). In some implementations, the receiver  1116  includes the circuit/module for receiving  1120  and/or the code for receiving  1138 . 
     The circuit/module for determining whether an access terminal is to transition  1122  may include circuitry and/or programming (e.g., code for determining whether an access terminal is to transition  1140  stored on the storage medium  1104 ) adapted to perform several functions relating to, for example, determining whether an access terminal is to transition (e.g., determining whether to allow the access terminal to transition) to a particular power mode (e.g., the first power mode, a second power mode, etc.). In some scenarios, this determination is triggered by receipt of a request from an access terminal to transition to the first power mode (e.g., as received by the circuit/module for receiving  1120 , or some other component). 
     The circuit/module for determining whether an access terminal is to transition  1122  may obtain (e.g., from the circuit/module for communicating  1122 , the memory device  1108 , the communication interface  1102 , or some other component) at least one criterion that controls the transition. In some implementations, the at least one criterion relates to at least one of: a quantity of access terminals currently operating in the first power mode, traffic loading, time of day, or resource availability at an access point. For example, as discussed herein, a transition to the first power mode may be triggered, allowed, or disallowed based on how may access terminals currently served by an eNB are in the first power mode, etc. In some aspects, an eNB may be aware of a UE&#39;s sleep capabilities (and latencies) and thereby schedule the UE in a way that would be more energy efficient while still meeting QoS/latency requirements (e.g., by scheduling the UE to sleep for a number of subframes and guaranteeing that the UE does not need to check for a subsequent allocation for the specified number of subframes). Through the use of pre-scheduling (and semi-persistent scheduling), a UE can know the schedule in advance (e.g., in contrast to a timer-based scheme). Therefore, more blocks of time can be scheduled for low power mode, and this scheduling can be performed earlier. Also, a UE can be scheduled to go to sleep immediately (e.g., in contrast to a timer-based scheme), if desired. The circuit/module for determining whether an access terminal is to transition  1122  then outputs an indication of the determination to a component of the apparatus  1100  (e.g., to the memory device  1108 , the circuit/module for sending  1124 , or some other component). 
     The circuit/module for sending  1124  may include circuitry and/or programming (e.g., code for sending  1142  stored on the storage medium  1104 ) adapted to perform several functions relating to, for example, sending information to another apparatus. Initially, the circuit/module for sending  1124  obtains the information to be sent (e.g., from the memory device  1108 , or some other component). In some implementations, the information to be sent may include a message indicative of the determination made by the circuit/module for determining whether an access terminal is to transition  1122 . In some implementations, the information to be sent may include a message indicative of a determination of whether the access terminal is to transition from the first power mode to a second power mode (e.g., based on an indication from the circuit/module for determining whether an access terminal is to transition  1122 ). 
     The circuit/module for sending  1124  may format the information to be sent (e.g., in a message, according to a protocol, etc.). In some scenarios, the circuit/module for sending  1124  causes the information to be sent via a wireless communication medium. To this end, the circuit/module for sending  1124  may send the data to the communication interface  1102  (e.g., to the transmitter  1114 ) or some other component for transmission. In some implementations, the communication interface  1102  includes the circuit/module for sending  1124  and/or the code for sending  1142 . 
     The circuit/module for communicating  1126  may include circuitry and/or programming (e.g., code for communicating  1144  stored on the storage medium  1104 ) adapted to perform several functions relating to, for example, communicating information. In some implementations, communicating information involves sending information (e.g., as described herein). In some implementations, communicating information involves receiving information (e.g., as described herein). In some implementations, the information to be communicated may include at least one indication of a plurality of power saving features. In some implementations, the information to be communicated may include at least one indication of potential power saving associated with the plurality of power saving features. In some implementations, the information to be communicated may include at least one indication of a plurality of power saving features and at least one indication of potential power saving associated with the power saving features. In some implementations, the communication interface  1102  includes the circuit/module for communicating  1126  and/or the code for communicating  1144 . 
     In some implementations, the communicating involves the circuit/module for communicating  1126  receiving information directly from a device that transmitted the information or receiving information from a component of the apparatus  1100  (e.g., the receiver  1116 , the memory device  1108 , or some other component). In this case, the circuit/module for communicating  1126  may process (e.g., decode) the received information. The circuit/module for communicating  1126  then outputs the received information to a component of the apparatus  1100  (e.g., the memory device  1108 , the circuit/module for selecting  1128 , the circuit/module for prioritizing power saving features  1130 , or some other component). 
     In some implementations, the communicating involves sending information to another component of the apparatus  1100  (e.g., the transmitter  1114 ) for transmission to another device or sending information directly to an ultimate destination (e.g., if the circuit/module for communicating  1126  includes a transmitter). In this case, the circuit/module for communicating  1126  initially obtains information to be communicated. The circuit/module for communicating  1126  may process (e.g., encode) the information to be transmitted. The circuit/module for communicating  1126  then causes the information to be transmitted. For example, the circuit/module for communicating  1126  can directly transmit the information or pass the information to the transmitter  1114  for subsequent radio frequency (RF) transmission. 
     The circuit/module for selecting  1128  may include circuitry and/or programming (e.g., code for selecting  1146  stored on the storage medium  1104 ) adapted to perform several functions relating to, for example, selecting at least one power saving feature for a power mode. In some implementations, the power mode is the first power mode (e.g., a low power mode). Initially, the circuit/module for selecting  1128  obtains indications of a plurality of power modes. For example, the circuit/module for selecting  1128  may obtain this information from a component of the apparatus  1100  (e.g., from the memory device  1108 , the circuit/module for communicating  1126 , the communication interface  1102 , or some other component) or directly from an entity that maintains the information. In some implementations, the circuit/module for selecting  1128  obtains this information from a database (e.g., a network database or a database local to the apparatus  1100 ). The circuit/module for selecting  1128  then selects one or more of the power saving features based on one or more criterion (e.g., based on the amount of power savings a given feature provides for the access terminals being served by an eNB). The circuit/module for selecting  1128  may then output an indication of the selection to a component of the apparatus  1100  (e.g., the memory device  1108 , the circuit/module for prioritizing power saving features  1130 , or some other component). 
     The circuit/module for prioritizing power saving features  1130  may include circuitry and/or programming (e.g., code for prioritizing power saving features  1148  stored on the storage medium  1104 ) adapted to perform several functions relating to, for example, prioritizing power saving features. In some implementations, the prioritization is based on at least one indication of potential power saving associated with power saving features. Initially, the circuit/module for prioritizing power saving features  1130  obtains the indication(s) of potential power saving. For example, the circuit/module for prioritizing power saving features  1130  may obtain this information from a component of the apparatus  1100  (e.g., from the memory device  1108 , the circuit/module for communicating  1126 , the communication interface  1102 , or some other component) or directly from an entity that maintains the information. In some implementations, the circuit/module for prioritizing power saving features  1130  obtains this information from a database (e.g., a network database or a database local to the apparatus  1100 ). The circuit/module for prioritizing power saving features  1130  then prioritizes the power saving features (e.g., based on the amount of power savings, impact on traffic QoS, etc.). The circuit/module for prioritizing power saving features  1130  may then output an indication of the prioritization to a component of the apparatus  1100  (e.g., the memory device  1108 , the circuit/module for communicating  1122 , the circuit/module for determining which access terminals will be allowed  1136 , or some other component). 
     The circuit/module for determining that access terminals are contending  1132  may include circuitry and/or programming (e.g., code for determining that access terminals are contending  1150  stored on the storage medium  1104 ) adapted to perform several functions relating to, for example, determining that a plurality of access terminals are contending to operate in a particular power mode (e.g., the first power mode, a second power mode, etc.). Initially, the circuit/module for determining that access terminals are contending  1132  obtains information (e.g., requests to transition to the first power mode) that indicates that access terminals are contending (e.g., from the circuit/module for communicating  1126 , the memory device  1108 , the communication interface  1102 , or some other component). The circuit/module for determining that access terminals are contending  1132  then outputs an indication of the determination to a component of the apparatus  1100  (e.g., to the memory device  1108 , the circuit/module for prioritizing access terminals  1134 , or some other component). 
     The circuit/module for prioritizing access terminals  1134  may include circuitry and/or programming (e.g., code for prioritizing access terminals  1152  stored on the storage medium  1104 ) adapted to perform several functions relating to, for example, assigning a priority to access terminals. In some implementations, the prioritization is based on at least one of: a fairness criterion or potential power savings. Initially, the circuit/module for prioritizing access terminals  1134  obtains a list of access terminals (e.g., access terminals currently being served and/or to be served by an eNB) and information about the access terminals (e.g., the types of traffic carried by the access terminals, power consumption of the access terminals in different power modes, previously assigned priority information, etc.). The circuit/module for prioritizing access terminals  1134  may obtain this information from a component of the apparatus  1100  (e.g., from the memory device  1108 , the communication interface  1102 , the circuit/module for determining that access terminals are contending  1132 , or some other component) or directly from an entity that maintains the information. In some implementations, the circuit/module for prioritizing access terminals  1134  obtains this information from a database (e.g., a network database or a database local to the apparatus  1100 ). The circuit/module for prioritizing access terminals  1134  then prioritizes the access terminals (e.g., based on the above criteria). The circuit/module for prioritizing access terminals  1134  may then output an indication of the prioritization to a component of the apparatus  1100  (e.g., the memory device  1108 , the circuit/module for communicating  1122 , the circuit/module for determining which access terminals will be allowed  1136 , or some other component). 
     The circuit/module for determining which access terminals will be allowed  1136  may include circuitry and/or programming (e.g., code for determining which access terminals will be allowed  1154  stored on the storage medium  1104 ) adapted to perform several functions relating to, for example, determining which access terminals will be allowed to operate in a particular power mode (e.g., the first power mode, a second power mode, etc.) based on prioritization of the access terminals. Initially, the circuit/module for determining which access terminals will be allowed  1136  obtains prioritization information (e.g., from the circuit/module for prioritizing access terminals  1134 , the memory device  1108 , or some other component). The circuit/module for determining which access terminals will be allowed  1136  selects one or more access terminals based on this prioritization (e.g., subject to a maximum number of allowed access terminals or some other criteria as discussed herein). The circuit/module for determining which access terminals will be allowed  1136  then outputs an indication of the determination to a component of the apparatus  1100  (e.g., to the memory device  1108 , or some other component). 
     As mentioned above, programming stored by the storage medium  1104 , when executed by the processing circuit  1110 , causes the processing circuit  1110  to perform one or more of the various functions and/or process operations described herein. For example, the storage medium  1104  may include one or more of the code for receiving  1138 , the code for determining whether an access terminal is to transition  1140 , the code for sending  1142 , the code for communicating  1144 , the code for selecting  1146 , the code for prioritizing power saving features  1148 , the code for determining that access terminals are contending  1150 , the code for prioritizing access terminals  1152 , or the code for determining which access terminals will be allowed  1154 . 
     Example Process 
       FIG. 12  illustrates a process  1200  for supporting scheduling in accordance with some aspects of the disclosure. The process  1200  may take place within a processing circuit (e.g., the processing circuit  1110  of  FIG. 11 ), which may be located in a base station, an access terminal, or some other suitable apparatus. Of course, in various aspects within the scope of the disclosure, the process  1200  may be implemented by any suitable apparatus capable of supporting scheduling-related operations. 
     At block  1202 , an apparatus (e.g., an eNB) receives an indication of a frame structure supported by an access terminal (e.g., a UE) for a first power mode of a plurality of power modes. For example, an eNB may receive this information via a UE capability message. 
     In some aspects, the plurality of power modes include a low power mode and a normal power mode. The low power mode may be associated with lower power consumption than the normal power mode. In some implementations, the first power mode is the low power mode. 
     The access terminal may support different types of frame structures. In some aspects, the access terminal supports another frame structure for a second power mode of the plurality of power modes; and the frame structure supported by the access terminal for the first power mode specifies a first bandwidth allocation that is smaller than a second bandwidth allocation specified by the other frame structure. In some aspects, the access terminal supports another frame structure for a second power mode of the plurality of power modes; and the frame structure supported by the access terminal for the first power mode specifies a first transmission time interval (TTI) that is shorter than a second TTI specified by the other frame structure. 
     The frame structure supported by the access terminal for the first power mode may support various operations for the first power mode. In some aspects, the frame structure supported by the access terminal for the first power mode supports dynamic bandwidth switching for control and data multiplexing. In some aspects, the frame structure supported by the access terminal for the first power mode supports narrowband control and data transmission. 
     The apparatus may receive at least one indication of other capability or configuration of the access terminal. The apparatus may use such an indication to determine how to communicate with the access terminal (e.g., in support of a low power mode of operation). Several examples of the receipt of such an indication follow. In some aspects, the process  1000  includes receiving an indication that the access terminal further supports selection of frame structure for different ones of the plurality of power modes. In some aspects, the process  1000  includes receiving an indication that the access terminal further supports selection of modulation and coding scheme (MCS) for different ones of the plurality of power modes. In some aspects, the process  1000  includes receiving an indication that the access terminal further supports selection of multiple input multiple output (MIMO) transmission mode for different ones of the plurality of power modes. In some aspects, the process  1000  includes receiving an indication that the access terminal further supports selection of carrier aggregation level for different ones of the plurality of power modes. In some aspects, the process  1000  includes receiving an indication that the access terminal further supports, for different ones of the plurality of power modes, at least one of: different convolutional coding schemes; different antenna selections; dynamic switching between reduced hybrid automatic repeat request (H-ARQ) signaling and normal H-ARQ signaling; dynamic switching between low power discontinuous reception (DRX) and normal DRX; or enhanced microsleep. 
     At block  1204 , the apparatus determines whether the access terminal is to transition to the first power mode. In some cases, this determination is made unilaterally by the apparatus. In some cases, this determination is made in response to a request from the access terminal. 
     In some aspects, the determination is based on at least one of: a quantity of access terminals currently operating in the first power mode, traffic loading, time of day, or resource availability at an access point (e.g., at a base station such as an eNB). 
     In some aspects, the process  1200  may further include determining that a plurality of access terminals are contending to operate in the first power mode; prioritizing the access terminals; and determining which of the access terminals will be allowed to operate in the first power mode based on the prioritization. Here, the prioritization may be based on at least one of: a fairness criterion or potential power saving. 
     At block  1206 , the apparatus sends (e.g., transmits) a message indicative of the determination of block  1204 . For example, the message may be a request from an eNB to a UE or an acknowledgement of a request received by an eNB from a UE. 
     In some aspects, the message includes a request to the access terminal to transition to the first power mode. For example, an eNB may trigger a transition to a low power mode at a UE (e.g., due to signaling conditions in a cell). 
     In some aspects, the process  1200  may further include receiving a request from the access terminal to transition to the first power mode (e.g., a UE is requesting that it be allowed to operate in a low power mode). In this case, the determination of block  1204  may be performed as a result of the receipt of the request. In addition, the message sent at block  1206  may include a positive or negative acknowledgement of the request. 
     In some aspects, the process  1200  may further include communicating (e.g., sending or receiving) at least one indication of a plurality of power saving features, and selecting at least one of the power saving features for the first power mode. Here, the plurality of power saving features may include at least one of: a frame structure, a frame structure for dynamic bandwidth switching for control and data multiplexing, a frame structure for narrowband control and data transmission, a modulation and coding scheme, a convolutional coding scheme, antenna selection, multiple input multiple output (MIMO) transmission mode, non-MIMO transmission mode, carrier aggregation, no carrier aggregation, reduced hybrid automatic repeat request (H-ARQ) signaling, low power discontinuous reception (DRX), or enhanced microsleep. Also, in this case, the process  1200  may further include communicating at least one indication of potential power saving associated with the plurality of power saving features. 
     In some aspects, the process  1200  may further include communicating (e.g., sending or receiving) at least one indication of a plurality of power saving features and at least one indication of potential power saving associated with the power saving features; and prioritizing the power saving features based on the at least one indication of potential power saving. 
     In some aspects, the process  1200  may further include determining whether the access terminal is to transition from the first power mode to a second power mode; and sending a message indicative of the determination of whether the access terminal is to transition from the first power mode to the second power mode. 
     Example Network 
       FIG. 13  is a schematic illustration of a wireless communication network  1300  including multiple communication entities as it may appear in some aspects of the disclosure. As described herein, a scheduling entity or an entity being scheduled (e.g., as illustrated in  FIG. 1  or  FIG. 2 ) may reside in, or be a part of, a base station, a smart phone, a small cell, or other entity. Subordinate entities or mesh nodes may reside in, or be a part of, a smart alarm, a remote sensor, a smart phone, a telephone, a smart meter, a PDA, a personal computer, a mesh node, and/or a tablet computer. Of course, the illustrated devices or components are merely examples, and any suitable node or device may appear within a wireless communication network within the scope of the present disclosure. 
     ADDITIONAL ASPECTS 
     One or more of the components, steps, features and/or functions illustrated in the figures may be rearranged and/or combined into a single component, step, feature or function or embodied in several components, steps, or functions. Additional elements, components, steps, and/or functions may also be added without departing from novel features disclosed herein. The apparatus, devices, and/or components illustrated in the figures may be configured to perform one or more of the methods, features, or steps described herein. The novel algorithms described herein may also be efficiently implemented in software and/or embedded in hardware. 
     It is to be understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the methods disclosed is an illustration of example processes. Based upon design preferences, it is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the methods may be rearranged. The accompanying method claims present elements of the various steps in a sample order, and are not meant to be limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented unless specifically recited therein. Additional elements, components, steps, and/or functions may also be added or not utilized without departing from the disclosure. 
     While features of the disclosure may have been discussed relative to certain implementations and figures, all implementations of the disclosure can include one or more of the advantageous features discussed herein. In other words, while one or more implementations may have been discussed as having certain advantageous features, one or more of such features may also be used in accordance with any of the various implementations discussed herein. In similar fashion, while example implementations may have been discussed herein as device, system, or method implementations, it should be understood that such example implementations can be implemented in various devices, systems, and methods. 
     Also, it is noted that at least some implementations have been described as a process that is depicted as a flowchart, a flow diagram, a structure diagram, or a block diagram. Although a flowchart may describe the operations as a sequential process, many of the operations can be performed in parallel or concurrently. In addition, the order of the operations may be re-arranged. A process is terminated when its operations are completed. In some aspects, a process may correspond to a method, a function, a procedure, a subroutine, a subprogram, etc. When a process corresponds to a function, its termination corresponds to a return of the function to the calling function or the main function. One or more of the various methods described herein may be partially or fully implemented by programming (e.g., instructions and/or data) that may be stored in a machine-readable, computer-readable, and/or processor-readable storage medium, and executed by one or more processors, machines and/or devices. 
     Those of skill in the art would further appreciate that the various illustrative logical blocks, modules, circuits, and algorithm steps described in connection with the implementations disclosed herein may be implemented as hardware, software, firmware, middleware, microcode, or any combination thereof. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability, various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps have been described above generally in terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware or software depends upon the particular application and design constraints imposed on the overall system. 
     Within the disclosure, the word “exemplary” is used to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation or aspect described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects of the disclosure. Likewise, the term “aspects” does not require that all aspects of the disclosure include the discussed feature, advantage or mode of operation. The term “coupled” is used herein to refer to the direct or indirect coupling between two objects. For example, if object A physically touches object B, and object B touches object C, then objects A and C may still be considered coupled to one another—even if they do not directly physically touch each other. For instance, a first die may be coupled to a second die in a package even though the first die is never directly physically in contact with the second die. The terms “circuit” and “circuitry” are used broadly, and intended to include both hardware implementations of electrical devices and conductors that, when connected and configured, enable the performance of the functions described in the disclosure, without limitation as to the type of electronic circuits, as well as software implementations of information and instructions that, when executed by a processor, enable the performance of the functions described in the disclosure. 
     As used herein, the term “determining” encompasses a wide variety of actions. For example, “determining” may include calculating, computing, processing, deriving, investigating, looking up (e.g., looking up in a table, a database or another data structure), ascertaining, and the like. Also, “determining” may include receiving (e.g., receiving information), accessing (e.g., accessing data in a memory), and the like. Also, “determining” may include resolving, selecting, choosing, establishing, and the like. 
     The previous description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects. Thus, the claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein, but are to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language of the claims, wherein reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless specifically so stated, but rather “one or more.” Unless specifically stated otherwise, the term “some” refers to one or more. A phrase referring to “at least one of” a list of items refers to any combination of those items, including single members. As an example, “at least one of: a, b, or c” is intended to cover: a; b; c; a and b; a and c; b and c; and a, b and c. All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various aspects described throughout this disclosure that are known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the claims. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the claims. No claim element is to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112, sixth paragraph, unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for” or, in the case of a method claim, the element is recited using the phrase “step for.” 
     Accordingly, the various features associate with the examples described herein and shown in the accompanying drawings can be implemented in different examples and implementations without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Therefore, although certain specific constructions and arrangements have been described and shown in the accompanying drawings, such implementations are merely illustrative and not restrictive of the scope of the disclosure, since various other additions and modifications to, and deletions from, the described implementations will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. Thus, the scope of the disclosure is only determined by the literal language, and legal equivalents, of the claims which follow.