Patent ID: 11064435

Abstract:
Aspects of the disclosure provide methods and apparatuses for data communication. In some embodiments, an apparatus for data communication between a host and a plurality of station devices includes an interface circuit, a medium access controller (MAC) circuit, a control circuit, and a streaming circuit. The interface circuit is configured to receive a data packet from the host, and the data packet includes a bitmap addressing the data packet to one of the plurality of station devices. The medium access controller (MAC) circuit is configured to detect a sleep status of the one of the plurality of station devices. The control circuit is configured to adjust a bit mask based on the sleep status of the one of the plurality of station devices, so that the bit mask indicates the sleep status the one of the plurality of station devices. The streaming circuit is coupled between the interface circuit and the MAC circuit. The streaming circuit is configured to receive the data packet addressed to station devices, determine the sleep status of the one of the plurality of station devices based on the bit mask and the bitmap in the data packet, and transmit the data packet to the MAC circuit when the sleep status of the one of the plurality of station devices is in a wake state, otherwise, transmit the data packet to the control circuit when the sleep status of the one of the plurality of station devices is in a sleep state.