PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-11770731-B2
Application Number: US-201916555356-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Target wake time traffic differentiation and service period extension

Abstract:
Some embodiments of this disclosure include apparatuses and methods for implementing a target wake time (TWT) scheme that includes traffic differentiation and service period extension. For example some embodiments relate to an electronic device including a transceiver and one or more processors communicatively coupled to the transceiver. The one or more processors receive an indication of traffic associated with an application. The one or more processors determine information associated with the traffic and configure the TWT scheme associated with the traffic based at least in part on the determined information. The one or more processors further communicate initial information associated with the TWT scheme to an access point of a wireless network. The initial information associated with the TWT scheme can include at least one of traffic direction information, traffic pattern information, a traffic identifier (TID), or an access category, indication (ACID).

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An electronic device, comprising:
 a transceiver configured to communicate over a wireless network; and 
 one or more processors communicatively coupled to the transceiver and configured to:
 receive, from an application of the electronic device, an indication of traffic associated with the application, wherein the traffic is to be communicated using an access point over the wireless network; 
 determine information associated with the traffic; 
 configure a target wake time (TWT) scheme associated with the traffic based at least in part on the determined information associated with the traffic; and 
 transmit, using the transceiver, a TWT request comprising initial information associated with the TWT scheme to the access point of the wireless network, 
 wherein the initial information associated with the TWT scheme comprises at least one of traffic direction information, traffic pattern information, a traffic identifier (TID), or an access category indication (ACID). 
 
 
     
     
       2. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein to configure the TWT scheme the one or more processors are configured to:
 generate an initial information element, wherein the initial information element includes the initial information associated with the TWT scheme. 
 
     
     
       3. The electronic device of  claim 2 , wherein the initial information element comprises at least one of:
 a first field corresponding to the traffic pattern information, 
 a first subfield of a second field corresponding to the traffic direction information, or 
 a second subfield of the second field corresponding to the TID or the ACID. 
 
     
     
       4. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein to configure the TWT scheme the one or more processors are configured to:
 generate an initial TWT element, wherein the initial TWT element includes the initial information associated with the TWT scheme. 
 
     
     
       5. The electronic device of  claim 4 , wherein the initial TWT element comprises at least one of:
 a first field corresponding to the traffic pattern information, 
 a first subfield of a second field corresponding to the traffic direction information, or 
 a second subfield of the second field corresponding to the TID or the ACID. 
 
     
     
       6. The electronic device of  claim 4 , wherein:
 the traffic pattern information comprises a traffic generation interval and a traffic rate, and 
 the initial TWT element comprises a first field corresponding to the traffic generation interval and a second field corresponding to the traffic rate. 
 
     
     
       7. The electronic device of  claim 4 , wherein:
 the initial TWT element comprises two subfields corresponding to the traffic direction information, 
 the two subfields are set to a first value to indicate that the initial information associated with the TWT scheme is for uplink traffic, 
 the two subfields are set to a second value to indicate that the initial information associated with the TWT scheme is for downlink traffic, and 
 the two subfields are set to a third value to indicate that the initial information associated with the TWT scheme is for bidirectional traffic. 
 
     
     
       8. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more processors are further configured to:
 receive a response from the access point including subsequent information associated with the TWT scheme; and 
 communicate, based on the response, one or more packets associated with the traffic using the TWT scheme. 
 
     
     
       9. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more processors are further configured to:
 receive a packet from the access point before an initial end point of a service period associated with the TWT scheme; 
 determine that a More Data field in a media access control (MAC) header associated with the packet is set to a first value; and 
 expand the service period beyond the initial end point based on the first value, wherein the electronic device is in an active mode during the expanded service period. 
 
     
     
       10. The electronic device of  claim 9 , wherein the one or more processors are further configured to:
 receive a second packet from the access point after the initial end point of the service period; 
 determine that a More Data field in a MAC header associated with the second packet is set to a second value; and 
 transition to a power save mode based on the second value. 
 
     
     
       11. A method, comprising:
 receiving, from an application of an electronic device, an indication of traffic associated with the application, wherein the traffic is to be communicated using an access point over a wireless network; 
 determining information associated with the traffic, wherein the information comprises at least one of traffic direction information, traffic pattern information, a traffic identifier (TID), or an access category indication (ACID); 
 configuring a target wake time (TWT) scheme associated with the traffic based at least in part on the determined information; 
 generating an initial TWT element associated with the TWT scheme; and 
 transmitting the initial TWT element to the access point of the wireless network, 
 wherein the initial TWT element comprises at least one of the traffic direction information, the traffic pattern information, the TID, or the ACID. 
 
     
     
       12. The method of  claim 11 , wherein the initial TWT element comprises at least one of:
 a first field corresponding to the traffic pattern information, 
 a first subfield of a second field corresponding to the traffic direction information, or 
 a second subfield of the second field corresponding to the TID or ACID. 
 
     
     
       13. The method of  claim 11 , wherein:
 the traffic pattern information comprises a traffic generation interval and a traffic rate, and 
 the initial TWT element comprises a first field corresponding to the traffic generation interval and a second field corresponding to the traffic rate. 
 
     
     
       14. The method of  claim 11 , wherein:
 the initial TWT element comprises two subfields corresponding to the traffic direction information, 
 the two subfields are set to a first value to indicate that TWT parameters are for uplink traffic, 
 the two subfields are set to a second value to indicate that the TWT parameters are for downlink traffic, and 
 the two subfields are set to a third value to indicate that the TWT parameters are for bidirectional traffic. 
 
     
     
       15. The method of  claim 11 , further comprising:
 receiving a response from the access point including a subsequent TWT element associated with the TWT scheme; and 
 communicating, based on the response, one or more packets associated with the traffic using the TWT scheme. 
 
     
     
       16. The method of  claim 11 , further comprising:
 receiving a packet from the access point before an initial end point of a service period associated with the TWT scheme; 
 determining that a More Data field in a media access control (MAC) header associated with the packet is set to a first value; and 
 expanding the service period beyond the initial end point based on the first value, wherein the electronic device is in an active mode during the expanded service period. 
 
     
     
       17. The method of  claim 16 , further comprising:
 receiving a second packet from the access point after the initial end point of the service period; 
 determining that a More Data field in a MAC header associated with the second packet is set to a second value; and 
 transitioning to a power save mode based on the second value. 
 
     
     
       18. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by a processor of an electronic device, cause the processor to perform operations, the operations comprising:
 determining information associated with traffic of an application of the electronic device, wherein the traffic is to be communicated over a wireless network and wherein the information comprises at least one of traffic direction information, traffic pattern information, a traffic identifier (TID), or an access category indication (ACID); 
 configuring a target wake time (TWT) scheme associated with the traffic based at least in part on the determined information; 
 generating an initial TWT element associated with the TWT scheme; and 
 communicating the initial TWT element to an access point of the wireless network, 
 wherein the initial TWT element comprises:
 a first field corresponding to the traffic pattern information associated with the traffic, 
 a first subfield of a second field corresponding to the traffic direction information associated with the traffic, and 
 a second subfield of the second field corresponding to the TID or ACID associated with the traffic. 
 
 
     
     
       19. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of  claim 18 , wherein the operations further comprising:
 receiving a response from the access point including information associated with the TWT scheme; and 
 communicating, based on the response, one or more packets associated with the traffic using the TWT scheme. 
 
     
     
       20. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of  claim 18 , wherein the operations further comprising:
 receiving a packet from the access point before an initial end point of a service period associated with the TWT scheme; 
 determining that a More Data field in a media access control (MAC) header associated with the packet is set to a first value; 
 expanding the service period beyond the initial end point based on the first value, wherein the electronic device is in an active mode during the expanded service period; 
 receiving a second packet from the access point after the initial end point of the service period; 
 determining that a More Data field in a MAC header associated with the second packet is set to a second value; and 
 transitioning to a power save mode based on the second value.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/752,095, filed on Oct. 29, 2018, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Field 
     The described embodiments generally relate to channel access in wireless communications. 
     Related Art 
     Target wake time (TWT) is a power saving mechanism that can be used with communication techniques compatible with institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standards (such as, but not limited to IEEE 802.11ax). For example, the TWT scheme (or technique) can be used within a wireless local area Network (WLAN). In this example, an access point (AP) and one or more stations (STAs) can negotiate a specific time or a set of times for the stations to access a medium. The TWT scheme can be used to control the amount of contention over the medium by allowing the station to set up a periodic active/sleep (power save) schedule with the access point. Using the TWT scheme, the station does not need to send explicit power save and active transition notifications to the access point, which was traditionally done through, for example, setting a power management (PM) indication bit in a media access control (MAC) header of a MAC frame. In a congested environment, the successful transmission of PM indication bit may take long time, and thus the use of the TWT scheme allows the station to transition between an active mode and a sleep mode in a responsive manner, improving power consumption and latency. 
     SUMMARY 
     Some embodiments of this disclosure include apparatuses and methods for implementing an improved target wake time (TWT) scheme (or technique). The improved TWT scheme can include information associated with the traffic for which TWT is set up, traffic differentiation, and service period extension. 
     Some embodiments relate to an electronic device. The electronic device includes a transceiver configured to communicate over a wireless network and one or more processors communicatively coupled to the transceiver. The one or more processors receive an indication of traffic associated with an application, where the application desires to communicate with the wireless network and the traffic is to be communicated over the wireless network. The one or more processors determine information associated with the traffic and configure a target wake time (TWT) scheme associated with the traffic based at least in part on the determined information associated with the traffic. The one or more processors communicate initial information associated with the TWT scheme to an access point of the wireless network. The initial information associated with the TWT scheme includes at least one of traffic direction information, traffic pattern information, a traffic identifier (TID), or an access category indication (ACID). Configuring the TWT scheme may include generating at least one of an initial TWT element or an initial information element that includes the initial information associated with the TWT scheme. 
     Some embodiments relate to a method including receiving an indication of traffic associated with an application of an electronic device, where the application desires to communicate with a wireless network and the traffic is to be communicated over the wireless network. The method further includes determining information associated with the traffic and configuring a target wake time (TWT) scheme associated with the traffic based at least in part on the determined information. The method also includes generating an initial TWT element associated with the TWT scheme and communicating the initial TWT element to an access point of the wireless network. The initial TWT element includes at least one of traffic direction information, traffic pattern information, a traffic identifier (TID), or an access category indication (ACID). 
     Some embodiments relate to a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions. When the instructions are executed by a processor of an electronic device, the instructions cause the processor to perform operations including determining information associated with traffic of an application of the electronic device, where the application desires to communicate with a wireless network and the traffic is to be communicated over the wireless network. The operations further include configuring a target wake time (TWT) scheme associated with the traffic based at least in part on the determined information, generating an initial TWT element associated with the TWT scheme, and communicating the initial TWT element to an access point of the wireless network. The initial TWT element comprises at least one of a first field corresponding to the traffic pattern information associated with the traffic, a first subfield of a second field corresponding to traffic direction information associated with the traffic, or a second subfield of the second field corresponding to a traffic identifier (TID) or an access category indication (ACID) associated with the traffic 
     This Summary is provided merely for purposes of illustrating some embodiments to provide an understanding of the subject matter described herein. Accordingly, the above-described features are merely examples and should not be construed to narrow the scope or spirit of the subject matter in this disclosure. Other features, aspects, and advantages of this disclosure will become apparent from the following Detailed Description, Figures, and Claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
       The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form part of the specification, illustrate the present disclosure and, together with the description, further serve to explain the principles of the disclosure and enable a person of skill in the relevant art(s) to make and use the disclosure. 
         FIG.  1    illustrates an example system implementing a TWT scheme with traffic differentiation and service period extension, according to some embodiments of the disclosure. 
         FIG.  2    illustrates a block diagram of an example wireless system of an electronic device implementing a TWT scheme with traffic differentiation and service period extension, according to some embodiments of the disclosure. 
         FIG.  3    illustrates example operations of communication between a station and an access point, according to some embodiments of the disclosure. 
         FIG.  4    illustrates an exemplary TWT flow, according to some embodiments of the disclosure. 
         FIGS.  5 A- 5 C  illustrate an exemplary TWT element format for implementing TWT scheme with traffic differentiation and service period extension, according to some embodiments of the disclosure. 
         FIGS.  6 A- 6 B  illustrate exemplary TWT flows for flexible service period extension, according to some embodiments of the disclosure. 
         FIG.  7    illustrates an example frame format, according to some embodiments of the disclosure. 
         FIG.  8    illustrates an example method for a wireless system that supporting implementing a TWT scheme with traffic differentiation, according to some embodiments of the disclosure. 
         FIG.  9    illustrates an example method  900  for implementing a TWT scheme with a flexible service period extension mechanism, according to some embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG.  10    is an example computer system for implementing some embodiments or portion(s) thereof. 
     
    
    
     The present disclosure is described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, generally, like reference numbers indicate identical or functionally similar elements. Additionally, generally, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the drawing in which the reference number first appears. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Some embodiments of this disclosure include apparatuses and methods for implementing an improved target wake time (TWT) scheme. The improved TWT scheme can include traffic differentiation and service period extension. 
     TWT is a mechanism that enables, for example, an electronic device (e.g., an access point) to negotiate and/or define a specific time or a set of times for other electronic devices (e.g., a station) to access a medium. As discussed in more detail, after a TWT schedule is configured, the access point (AP) can transmit packets to and/or receive packets from the station (STA) during scheduled period(s). Accordingly, the station can be awake during the scheduled periods to transmit and/or receive the packets and can be asleep or perform other activities outside of the scheduled periods. 
     According to some embodiments, the TWT scheme can be designed such that a TWT request from a station (STA) to an access point (AP) can include an explicit indication to indicate whether the TWT parameters are for uplink and downlink traffic, only for downlink traffic, or only for uplink traffic. Additionally or alternatively, the TWT scheme can be designed such that the TWT request from the STA to the AP can include an explicit indication to indicate the traffic direction. For example, the TWT request can indicate whether the TWT parameters are for a one-directional traffic (only for uplink traffic or only for downlink traffic) or for a bidirectional/symmetrical traffic. In these embodiments, the AP can use the TWT parameters and expand these parameters. For example, the AP can expand the parameters to almost twice the TWT parameters if traffic is indicated as bidirectional/symmetrical. 
     According to some embodiments, the STA, using the TWT scheme, can add an indication of the traffic pattern to the TWT request. The indication of the traffic pattern can include, but is not limited to, application traffic generation interval, traffic rate, or the like. Additionally or alternatively, the STA, using the TWT scheme, can add an indication of a specific traffic identifier (TID), an indication of a specific traffic, and/or an indication of an access category (ACID) associated with the TWT. In this example, the TWT asleep/awake schedule can be associated with the type of application that will use the TWT scheme. In some example, the TWT scheme can allow the AP to extend service period(s) automatically. 
       FIG.  1    illustrates an example system  100  implementing a TWT scheme (or technique) with traffic differentiation and service period extension, according to some embodiments of the disclosure. Example system  100  is provided for the purpose of illustration only and does not limit the disclosed embodiments. System  100  may include, but is not limited to, access point (AP)  110 , stations (STA)  120 , and network  130 . Stations  120   a - 120   c  may include, but are not limited to, Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) stations such as wireless communication devices, smart phones, laptops, desktops, tablets, personal assistants, monitors, televisions, and the like. Access point (AP)  110  may include but is not limited to WLAN electronic devices such as a wireless router, a wearable device (e.g., a smart watch), a wireless communication device (e.g., a smart phone), or a combination thereof. Network  130  may be the Internet and/or a WLAN. Station  120 &#39;s communications are shown as wireless communications  140 . The communication between AP  110  and STA  120  can take place using wireless communications  140   a - 140   c . The wireless communications  140   a - 140   c  can be based on a wide variety of wireless communication techniques. These techniques can include, but are not limited to, techniques based on IEEE 802.11, such as IEEE 802.11v, IEEE 802.11ax, etc. standards. 
     According to some embodiments, AP  110  and STAs  120  are configured to implement the TWT scheme with traffic differentiation and service period extension. AP  110  is configured to negotiate and/or define a specific time or a set of times for STAs  120  to access a medium. For example, STA  120   a  transmits a request to AP  110  to schedule the TWT. The request to AP  110  can include a TWT element including TWT parameters that STA  120   a  uses to negotiate with AP  110 . According to some embodiments, STA  120   a  transmits the request including the TWT element after receiving an indication from an application running on STA  120   a . According to some examples, the application can include user applications such as, but not limited to, Siri™, FaceTime™, radio streaming, video streaming, remote control, and the like. The indication from the application can specify that the application desires to communicate with the wireless network of AP  110  (e g., communicate application&#39;s traffic over the wireless network if AP  110 ). STA  120   a  can customize the TWT element in the request based on the application&#39;s traffic such that STA  120   a  and AP  110  can implement the TWT scheme with traffic differentiation and service period extension. 
     After receiving the request from STA  120   a , AP  110  can determine and/or finalize the TWT parameters based at least on, for example, requests received from STAs  120 , the quality of the medium to be accessed by AP  110  and STAs  120 , different traffic information and requirements, and the like. After determining (and/or finalizing) the TWT parameters, AP  110  can send a response to STA  120   a . The response includes a TWT element with the determined TWT parameters. STA  120   a  and AP  110  can use the TWT parameters to implement the TWT scheme. 
       FIG.  2    illustrates a block diagram of an example wireless system  200  of an electronic device implementing a TWT scheme with traffic differentiation and service period extension, according to some embodiments of the disclosure. System  200  may be any of the electronic devices (e.g., AP  110 , STA  120 ) of system  100 . System  200  includes central processing unit (CPU)  210 , transceiver  220 , communication interface  230 , communication infrastructure  240 , memory  250 , operating system  252 , application  254 , and antenna  260 . Illustrated systems are provided as exemplary parts of wireless system  200 , and system  200  can include other circuit(s) and subsystem(s). Also, although the systems of wireless system  200  are illustrated as separate components, the embodiments of this disclosure can include any combination of these, less, or more components. 
     Memory  250  may include random access memory (RAM) and/or cache, and may include control logic (e.g., computer software) and/or data. Memory  250  may include other storage devices or memory such as, but not limited to, a hard disk drive and/or a removable storage device/unit. According to some examples, operating system  252  can be stored in memory  250 . Operating system  252  can manage transfer of data from memory  250  and/or one or more applications  254  to CPU  210 , transceiver  220 , and/or communication interface  230 . In some examples, operating system  252  maintains one or more network protocol stacks (e.g., Internet protocol stack, cellular protocol stack, and the like) that can include a number of logical layers. At corresponding layers of the protocol stack, operating system  252  includes control mechanism and data structures to perform the functions associated with that layer. 
     According to some examples, application  254  can be stored in memory  250 . Application  254  can include applications (e.g., user applications) used by wireless system  200  and/or a user of wireless system  200 . The applications in application  254  can include applications such as, but not limited to, Siri™, FaceTime™, radio streaming, video streaming, remote control, and/or other user applications. 
     Alternatively or in addition to the operating system, system  200  can include communication infrastructure  240 . Communication infrastructure  240  provides communication between, for example, CPU  210 , transceiver  220 , communication interface  230 , and memory  250 . In some implementations, communication infrastructure  240  may be a bus. CPU  210  together with instructions stored in memory  250  performs operations enabling wireless system  200  of system  100  to implement the TWT scheme with traffic differentiation and service period extension as described herein. 
     Transceiver  220  transmits and receives communications signals that support TWT functions, according to some embodiments, and may be coupled to antenna  260 . Antenna  260  may include one or more antennas that may be the same or different types. Communication interface  230  allows system  200  to communicate with other devices that may be wired and/or wireless. Transceiver  220  and/or communication interface  230  can include processors, controllers, radios, sockets, plugs, and like circuits/devices used for connecting to and communication on networks. According to some examples, transceiver  220  and/or communication interface  230  include one or more circuits to connect to and communicate on wired and/or wireless networks. Transceiver  220  and/or communication interface  230  can include a cellular subsystem, a WLAN subsystem, and/or a Bluetooth™ subsystem, each including its own radio transceiver and protocol(s) as will be understood by those skilled arts based on the discussion provided herein. In some implementations, transceiver  220  and/or communication interface  230  can include more or fewer systems for communicating with other devices. 
     Cellular subsystem (not shown) can include one or more circuits (including a cellular transceiver) for connecting to and communicating on cellular networks. The cellular networks can include, but are not limited to, 3G/4G/5G networks such as Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), Long-Term Evolution (LTE), and the like. Bluetooth™ subsystem (not shown) can include one or more circuits (including an Bluetooth™ transceiver) to enable connection(s) and communication based on, for example, Bluetooth™ protocol, the Bluetooth™ Low Energy protocol, or the Bluetooth™ Low Energy Long Range protocol. WLAN subsystem (not shown) can include one or more circuits (including a WLAN transceiver) to enable connection(s) and communication over WLAN networks such as, but not limited to, networks based on standards described in IEEE 802.11. 
     According to some embodiments, CPU  210 , alone or in combination with memory  250 , transceiver  220 , and/or communication interface  230 , implements the TWT scheme with traffic differentiation and service period extension. For example, CPU  210  receives an indication from an application in application  254  regarding the application&#39;s desire to communicate through a wireless network associated with an access point (e.g., AP  110 ) (e.g., communicate the application&#39;s traffic over the wireless network associated with the access point). CPU  210  also receives an indication of the application&#39;s traffic, according to some embodiments. CPU  210 , alone or in combination with memory  250 , transceiver  220 , and/or communication interface  230 , negotiates with AP  110  to set up a TWT corresponding to the application&#39;s traffic. For example, CPU  210  generates a TWT request with TWT parameters corresponding to the application&#39;s traffic, and causes the TWT request to be transmitted to AP  110 . According to some embodiments, the TWT request can include an explicit indication whether the TWT parameters are for uplink and downlink traffic, only for downlink traffic, or only for uplink traffic. Additionally or alternatively, the TWT request can include an explicit indication about the traffic direction. For example, the TWT request can indicate whether the TWT parameters are for a one-directional traffic (only for uplink traffic or only for downlink traffic) or for a bidirectional/symmetrical traffic. 
     According to some embodiments, the TWT request can include an indication of the application&#39;s traffic pattern. The indication of the traffic pattern can include, but is not limited to, application traffic generation interval, traffic rate, or the like. Additionally or alternatively, the TWT request can include an indication of a specific traffic identifier (TID), an indication of a specific traffic, and/or an indication of access category (ACID) associated with the TWT. In some examples, system  200  and AP  110  can use the TWT scheme to allow the AP  110  to extend the service period(s) automatically. 
       FIG.  3    illustrates example operations of communication between a station and an access point, according to some embodiments of the disclosure.  FIG.  3    may be described with regard to elements of  FIG.  1   . Operation  300  of  FIG.  3    may represent the communication between station  120   a  and access point  110 . 
     According to some embodiments, station (STA)  120   a  transmits request  301  to access point (AP)  110  to set up a target wake time (TWT) for transmitting and/or receiving data. In general, the data communicated between STA  120   a  and AP  110  in the disclosed embodiments may be conveyed in packets or frames that are transmitted and received by radios in STA  120   a  and AP  110  in accordance with a communication protocol such as an Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standard, Bluetooth™ (from the Bluetooth Special Interest Group of Kirkland, Wash.), a cellular-telephone communication protocol, and/or another type of wireless interface (such as a peer-to-peer communication technique). Some of the embodiments are discussed with respect to wireless local area Network (WLAN), but the embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to WLAN. 
     According to some embodiments, request  301  can include a TWT element generated by STA  120   a  for negotiations with AP  110  to configure a TWT schedule. The TWT element can have a TWT schedule that is suitable for STA  120   a  and/or for its traffic. The TWT schedule indicates the time(s) for STA  120   a  to transmit and/or receive packets. In some examples, AP  110  can receive the TWT element from STA  120   a  and can confirm the TWT schedule in the TWT element. AP  110  can transmit response  303  to STA  120   a  confirming the TWT schedule. For example, response  303  can include a packet including the confirmation. Additionally or alternatively, response  303  can include a TWT element based on the TWT element in request  301  to confirm the TWT schedule. In some embodiments, AP  110  may make changes to the TWT schedule in the TWT element of request  301 . For example, AP  110  can make changes to the TWT schedule in the TWT element of request  301  based at least on the information in the TWT element of request  301 , other TWT requests received from other stations, capabilities of AP  110 , the quality of medium, and the like. AP  110  can transmit response  303  to STA  120   a . Response  303  can include a TWT element including the modified TWT schedule. Using request  301  and response  303 , STA  120   a  and AP  110  can implement the TWT scheme with traffic differentiation and service period extension. 
       FIG.  4    illustrates an exemplary TWT flow  400 , according to some embodiments of the disclosure. TWT flow  400  can be based on the TWT schedule negotiated between a station and an access point.  FIG.  4    may be described with regard to elements of  FIG.  1   . 
     TWT flow  400  includes TWT start time  401  that indicates when the TWT scheme starts, e.g., for STA  120   a . According to some embodiments, this TWT scheme is specific to an application on STA  120   a  requesting to transmit and/or receive packets through AP  110 . TWT flow  400  further includes service periods (SPs)  403   a ,  403   b , and  403   c . Service periods  403  are the time windows where STA  120   a  will be awake (e.g., in active mode) because STA  120   a  may transmit and/or receive packets during these service periods  403 . Service periods  403  can have any duration, such as time duration  405 . According to some examples, service periods  403   a ,  403   b , and  403   c  have the same time duration  405 . Alternatively, two or more of service periods  403   a ,  403   b , and  403   c  can have different durations. TWT flow  400  also includes repetition intervals  407 . A repetition interval  407  may be the interval between the respective start times of consecutive service periods (e.g., the interval between the start time of service period  403   a  and the start time of service period  403   b ). When a TWT service period is not ongoing, STA  120   a  can be asleep (e.g., power save mode) or can perform other activities as STA  120   a  does not expect to transmit and/or receive packets associated with this TWT scheme. 
       FIGS.  5 A- 5 C  illustrate an exemplary TWT element format for implementing a TWT scheme with traffic differentiation and service period extension, according to some embodiments of the disclosure.  FIGS.  5 A- 5 C  may be described with regard to elements of  FIGS.  1  and  3   . The TWT element format illustrates the format of the TWT element transmitted by, for example, STA  120   a  in, for example, request  301 . Additionally or alternatively, the TWT element format can be the format of the TWT element transmitted by, for example, AP  110  in, for example, response  301 . 
       FIG.  5 A  illustrates TWT element  500 . TWT element  500  can include different fields such as, but not limited to, any/all of element identifier (ID)  501 , length  502 , control  503 , and TWT parameter information  504 . The numbers under each field of TWT element  500  represent an exemplary size of the respective field of TWT element  500  in octets. In other implementations, other sizes can be used. TWT element  500  can be used for implementing the TWT scheme with traffic differentiation and service period extension. 
       FIG.  5 B  illustrates the format of TWT parameter information  504 , according to some embodiments. As illustrated in  FIG.  5 B , TWT parameter information  504  can include, but is not limited to, any/all of request type  511 , target wake time  512 , TWT group assignment  513 , nominal minimum TWT wake duration  514 , TWT wake interval mantissa  515 , TWT channel  516 , and optional null data packet (NDP) paging  517 . The numbers under each field of TWT parameter information  504  represent exemplary size of the respective field of TWT parameter information  504  in octets. In other implementations, other sizes can be used. These fields of TWT parameter information  504  define and configure the TWT schedule for implementing the TWT scheme with traffic differentiation and service period extension between STA  120   a  and AP  110 . 
     According to some embodiments, request type  511  can include one or more subfields. For example, as illustrated in  FIG.  5 C , request type  511  can include, but is not limited to, any/all of TWT request subfield  531  (with length of, for example, 1 bit), TWT setup command subfield  532  (with length of, for example, 3 bits), reserved subfield  533  (with length of, for example, 1bit), implicit subfield  534  (with length of, for example, 1 bit), flow type subfield  535  (with length of, for example, 1 bit), TWT flow identifier  536  (with length of, for example, 3 bits), TWT wake interval exponent subfield  537  (with length of, for example, 5 bits), and TWT protection subfield  538  (with length of, for example, 1 bit). According to some examples, the TWT request subfield  531  of request type  511  can be set to “1” to indicate that TWT element  500  is being sent from a TWT requesting electronic device to a TWT responding electronic device (for example, TWT element  500  is part of request  301  of  FIG.  3 A .) The TWT request subfield  531  of request type  511  can be set to “0” to indicate that TWT element  500  is being sent from a TWT responding electronic device to a TWT requesting electronic device (for example, TWT element  500  is part of response  303  of  FIG.  3 A .) 
     According to some embodiments, STA  120   a  can use TWT element  500  to signal traffic direction indication. For example, when STA  120   a  receives an indication of traffic from one of its applications, STA  120   a  can signal information about the traffic (e.g., traffic direction) to AP  110  using TWT element  500 . According to some embodiments, STA  120   a  can use reserved subfield  533  and/or implicit subfield  534  of request type  511  of TWT element  500  to signal the traffic direction. As a non-limiting example, reserved subfield  533  and implicit subfield  534  can be set to “00” to indicate that the TWT parameters are only for uplink traffic, can be set to “01” to indicate that the TWT parameters are only for downlink traffic, or can be set to “10” to indicate that the TWT parameters are for both uplink and downlink traffic. In this example, “11” can be reserved for other uses. As another non-limiting example, reserved subfield  533  (or implicit subfield  534 ) can be set to “0” to indicate that the TWT parameters are for one-directional traffic (e.g., only for uplink traffic) and can be set to “1” to indicate that the TWT parameters are for a bidirectional/symmetrical traffic. 
     Additionally or alternatively, other fields and/or subfields in TWT parameter information  504  of TWT element  500  and/or request type  511  of TWT element  500  can be used and/or re-purposed for signaling traffic direction. In some examples, a new subfield can be added to request type  511  of TWT element  500  for signaling traffic direction. In other examples, a new field can be added to TWT parameter information  504  of TWT element  500  for signaling traffic direction. 
     Although these examples are discussed with respect to TWT element  500 , similar traffic direction information can be signaled using other signaling formats such as, but not limited to, a frame or an element such as a vendor specific information element (IE), in addition to or alternative to TWT element  500 . For example, field(s) in the vendor specific IE can be re-purposed for traffic direction information. Additionally or alternative, one or more new field(s) can be defined and/or added in the vendor specific IE for traffic direction information. According to some embodiments, an association between the TE and the specific TWT schedule can be done through, for example, TWT flow identifier (ID)  536 . For example, a specific TWT element can include the parameters associated with the specific TWT schedule (e.g., a TWT start time, the number of service period(s), duration(s) associated with the service period(s), repetition interval(s), and the like) and the IF can include the traffic direction information. An identifier in the IE associates the IE with the specific TWT element (e.g., using TWT flow identifier (ID)  536 ). 
     By signaling the traffic direction information to AP  110  during the negotiation and scheduling of the TWT scheme, AP  110  will have knowledge of the traffic direction. AP  110  can use the traffic direction information in determining the TWT schedule and the TWT parameters. For example, if an initiating application in STA  120   a  has symmetric bidirectional traffic, but STA  120   a  does not account for the downlink traffic when calculating the TWT parameters in the requesting TWT element, AP  110  can use the traffic direction information (indicating symmetric bidirectional traffic) in the requesting TWT element to modify the TWT parameters to account for both uplink and downlink traffic. For example, AP  110  can expand the TWT parameters in the requesting TWT element (e.g., to substantially twice) based at least in part on the traffic direction information to account for both uplink and downlink traffic. Accordingly, the modified TWT parameters can be adequate to accommodate both uplink and downlink traffic demand and therefore, improve latency and efficiency in the communication between STA  120   a  and AP  110 . 
     According to some embodiments, STA  120   a  can use TWT element  500  to signal a traffic pattern indication. For example, when STA  120   a  receives an indication of traffic from one of its applications, STA  120   a  can signal information about the traffic (e.g., traffic pattern) to AP  110  using TWT element  500 . According to some embodiments, STA  120   a  can use nominal minimum TWT wake duration field  514  and/or TWT wake interval mantissa field  515  of TWT parameter information  504  of TWT element  500  to signal the traffic pattern information. The traffic pattern information can include information associated with the initiating application&#39;s traffic including, but not limited to, application traffic generation interval, traffic rate, and the like, according to some examples. As a non-limiting example, STA  120   a  can use nominal minimum TWT wake duration field  514  of TWT parameter information  504  of TWT element  500  to signal the traffic rate. In this non-limiting example, the station can use TWT wake interval mantissa field  515  of TWT parameter information  504  of TWT element  500  to signal the application traffic generation interval. 
     Additionally or alternatively, other fields and/or subfields in TWT parameter information  504  of TWT element  500  and/or request type  511  of TWT element  500  can be used and/or re-purposed for signaling traffic pattern. 
     In some embodiments, a new subfield can be added to request type  511  of TWT element  500  for signaling the traffic pattern. In some examples, a new field can be added to TWT parameter information  504  of TWT element  500  for signaling the traffic pattern. The added new field for signaling the traffic pattern can include, for example, two subfields. Although these examples are discussed with respect to TWT element  500 , similar traffic pattern information can be signaled using other signaling formats such as, but not limited to, a frame or an element such as a vendor specific IE, alternatively or in addition to TWT element  500 . For example, field(s) in the vendor specific IF can be re-purposed for traffic pattern information. Additionally or alternatively, one or more new field(s) can be defined and/or added in the vendor specific IE for traffic pattern information. According to some embodiments, an association between the IE and the specific TWT schedule can be done through, for example, TWT flow identifier (ID)  536 . For example, a specific TWT element can include the parameters associated with the specific TWT schedule (e.g., a TWT start time, the number of service period(s), duration(s) associated with the service period(s), repetition interval(s), and the like) and the IE can include the traffic pattern information. An identifier in the IE associates the IE with the specific TWT element (e.g., using TWT flow identifier (ID)  536 ). 
     By signaling the traffic pattern information to AP  110  during the negotiation and scheduling of the TWT scheme, AP  110  will have knowledge of the traffic pattern. AP  110  can use the traffic pattern information in determining the TWT schedule and the TWT parameters. For example, AP  110  can modify the TWT parameters in the requesting TWT element based at least in part on the traffic pattern information. Accordingly, the modified TWT parameters can be adequate to accommodate the specific traffic demand and therefore, improve latency and efficiency in the communication between STA  120   a  and AP  110 . 
     According to some embodiments, STA  120   a  can use TWT element  500  to signal traffic identifier (TID) and/or access category indication (ACID). For example, when STA  120   a  receives an indication of a traffic from one of its applications, STA  120   a  can signal information about the traffic (e.g., TID and/or ACID) to AP  110  using TWT element  500 . According to some embodiments, STA  120   a  can use TWT flow identifier  536  of request type  511  of TWT element  500  to signal TID and/or ACID. However, other fields and/or subfields in TWT parameter information  504  of TWT element  500  and/or request type  511  of TWT element  500  can be used and/or re-purposed for signaling TID and/or ACID. 
     Additionally or alternatively, a new subfield can be added to request type  511  of TWT element  500  for signaling TID and/or ACID. In some examples, a new field can be added to TWT parameter information  504  of TWT element  500  for signaling TID and/or ACID. Although these examples are discussed with respect to TWT element  500 , similar information (TID and/or ACID) can be signaled using other signaling formats such as, but not limited to, a frame or an element such as a vendor specific IE, alternatively or in addition to TWT element  500 . For example, field(s) in the vendor specific IE can be re-purposed for TID and/or ACID. Additionally or alternatively, one or more new fields can be defined and/or added in the vendor specific IE for TID and/or ACID. According to some embodiments, an association between the IE and the specific TWT schedule can be done through, for example, TWT flow identifier (ID)  536 . For example, a specific TWT element can include the parameters associated with the specific TWT schedule (e.g., a TWT start time, the number of service period(s), duration(s) associated with the service period(s), repetition interval(s), and the like) and the IF can include TID and/or ACID. An identifier in the IE associates the IE with the specific TWT element (e.g., using TWT flow identifier (ID)  536 ). 
     According to some embodiments, STA  120   a  is configured to set up multiple TWT schemes with the access point when multiple applications on STA  120   a  have traffic. For example, the station can set up one TWT scheme for each corresponding application or for a set of corresponding applications. Additionally or alternatively, if an application has different types of traffic, STA  120   a  can set up different TWT schemes corresponding to particular types of traffic of the application. By using TID and/or ACID and signaling TID and/or ACID to AP  110  using TWT element  500 , STA  120   a  and AP  110  can agree to transmit packets associated with each traffic instance on its corresponding TWT scheme (with its corresponding TID and/or ACID), according to some embodiments. As a non-limiting example, if a first application on STA  120   a  has audio traffic and a second application (same as or different from the first application) on STA  120   a  has video traffic, STA  120   a  can set up a first TWT scheme with a first TWT schedule and a first set of TWT parameter(s) (including, but not limited to, a first TID and/or ACID) for the audio traffic and can set up a second TWT scheme with a second TWT schedule and a second set of TWT parameter(s) (including, but not limited to, a second TID and/or ACID) for the video traffic. By using TID and/or ACID and signaling TID and/or ACID to AP  110  using TWT element  500 , STA  120   a  and AP  110  can agree to transmit audio packets on the first TWT scheme set up for the audio traffic and transmit video packets on the second TWT scheme set up for the video traffic. 
     According to some embodiments, the TID and/or ACID are specific to one traffic instance and/or one traffic type. As a non-limiting example, TWT element  500  having a TID=1 to set up a TWT scheme can indicate that packets associated with traffic with TID  1  can be transmitted during this TWT scheme. Additionally or alternatively, the TID and/or ACID can indicate any traffic that has the same or higher priority than the indicated TIP and/or ACID can be transmitted during the TWT scheme. As a non-limiting example, TWT element  500  having an ACID=2 to set up a TWT scheme indicates that packets associated with traffic having ACID=0.1, or 2 can be transmitted during this TWT scheme, (where “0” is the highest priority). Additionally or alternatively, STA  120   a  can use TWT element  500  to signal a combined TID and/or a combined ACID. For example, a combined TID and/or a combined ACID can designate a combination of certain TIDs and/or ACIDs. As a non-limiting example, TWT element  500  having a combined TID=8 to set up a TWT scheme can indicate that packets associated with traffic having TID  0  and YID  1  can be transmitted during this TWT scheme. 
       FIGS.  6 A- 6 B  illustrate exemplary TWT flows for flexible service period extension, according to some embodiments of the disclosure. TWT flows  600  and  620  can be based on the TWT schedule negotiated between a station and an access point.  FIGS.  6 A- 6 B  may be described with regard to elements of  FIG.  1   . 
       FIG.  6 A  illustrates TWT flow  600 , which includes TWT start time  601  indicating when the TWT scheme starts, e.g., for STA  120   a . TWT flow  600  further includes service periods  603   a ,  603   b , and  603   c . Service periods  603  are the time windows where STA  120   a  will be awake (e.g., in active mode) because STA  120   a  may transmit and/or receive packets during these service periods  603 . In one example, the access point (e.g., AP  110 ) transmits queued downlink packet(s) during service period  603   a , but AP  110  cannot finish transmitting the queued downlink packet(s) during service period  603   a  in this example. Accordingly, in this example, AP  110  may use the “More Data” field in the MAC header in the last packet sent to STA  120   a  during service period  603   a  to inform the STA  120   a  that one or more packets are to be sent. In this example, however, STA  120   a  is considered in sleep mode (e.g., power save mode) after the end point  609  of service period  603   a . After receiving the “More Data” field in the MAC header in the last packet during service period  603   a , STA  120   a  may send a response  611  in which the power management (PM) indication bit is set to “0” (to indicate that STA  120   a  is now in awake mode (e.g., active mode)) before AP  110  can transmit the rest of the queued downlink packet(s) during period  613 . After AP  110  sends the rest of the queued downlink packet(s) and indicates the end of the queued downlink traffic, STA  120   a  can send another response  615  in which the power management (PM) indication bit is set to “1” before STA  120   a  can transition to the sleep mode (e.g., power save mode). The transmission of the responses including the PM indication bit consumes energy at STA  120   a  and consumes communication time between STA  120  and AP  110 , specifically in a congested transmission environment. 
       FIG.  6 B  illustrates TWT flow  620  for a TWT scheme with flexible service period extension mechanism, according to some embodiments. When STA  120   a  is in the process of associating with AP  110  to join the wireless network of AP  110 , STA  120   a  can inform AP  110  that STA  120   a  is configured to support flexible service period extension. In other words, STA  120   a  can indicate to AP  110  that STA  120   a  is configured for enforced awake operation by AP  110 . For example, one or more bits (and/or fields) can be added (and/or re-purposed) in a high efficiency (HE) capability information element communicated from STA  120   a  to AP  110  to indicate STA  120   a &#39;s capability to support flexible service period extension. 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  6 B , MT flow  620  includes TWT start time  621  indicating when the TWT scheme starts, e.g., for STA  120   a . TWT flow  620  further includes extended service period  623   a  and service periods  623   b ,  623   c . In one example, when the access point (e.g., AP  110 ) transmits queued downlink packet(s) during service period  603   a  of  FIG.  6 A , but AP  110  cannot finish transmitting the downlink packet(s) during service period  603   a  of  FIG.  6 A , AP  110  may request/enforce STA  120   a  to remain awake after end point  609  of service period  603   a  of  FIG.  6 A . If STA  120   a  has indicated its capability to support flexible service period extension and AP  110  uses the “More Data” field in the MAC header in the last packet sent to STA  120   a  during service period  603   a  of  FIG.  6 A , STA  120   a  is configured to extend the service period to extended service period  623   a . In other words, STA  120   a  stays in awake mode (e.g., active mode) during the extended service period  623   a  (e.g., after end point  609  of service period  603  of  FIG.  6 A ) until the “More Data” field of the packet sent by AP  110  is set to “0”. Therefore, without consuming energy and communication time, the service period can be extended to accommodate the one or more remaining queued downlink packet(s). 
       FIG.  7    illustrates an example frame format, which can be communicated between STA  120   a  and AP  110  using the TWT scheme with traffic differentiation and service period extension, according to some embodiments of the disclosure. For example,  FIG.  7    illustrates an exemplary format of physical layer convergence protocol data unit (PPM)  701 . PPDU  701  can include packets and/or frames communicated between a station (e.g., STA  120   a ) and an access point (e.g., AP  110 ) or other packets and/or frames discussed herein, according to some examples. PPM  701  includes one or more MAC protocol data unit (MPDU) subframes  702   a - c  and preamble  703 . Preamble  703  can include a physical layer preamble and/or physical layer header. Preamble  703  can include information used for carrier acquisition, synchronization, channel estimation, communicating frame specific parameters (e.g., coding rate, frame length, etc.), or other purposes. 
     MPDU subframe  702  can include fields such as, but not limited to, MPDU delimiter  704 , MPDU  707 , and padding  706 . MPDU delimiter  704  can include information on MPDU length, cyclic redundancy checks (CRC), and/or a unique pattern. Padding  706  can include frame check sequence (FCS) for error-detection and/or additional padding (e.g., 0 to 3 bytes) to compensate for different lengths of different MPDUs. MPDU  707  can include media access control (MAC) header  705 , MAC service data unit (MSDU) and/or aggregated MSDU (A-MDSU)  713 , and frame check sequence (FCS)  715 , according to some embodiments. If MPDU  707  includes A-MSDU  713 , A-MSDU  713  can include one or more A-MSDU subframes, where each A-MSDU subframe can include an A-MSDU subframe header, an MSDU, and a padding, according to some embodiments. According to some examples, the packets and/or frames communicated between STA  120   a  and AP  110  are encoded within one or more MPDUs  707 . 
     In some examples MAC header  705  can include fields such as, but not limited to, frame control, duration field, address(es), sequence control, and quality of service (QoS) control as understood by a person of ordinary skill in art. The frame control of MAC header  705  can include More Data field  709  discussed above with respect to  FIGS.  6 A- 6 B . The QoS control of MAC header  705  can include a field  711  indicating the traffic identifier (TID). In a non-limiting example, TID field  711  of QoS control can include four bits. The TID can indicate the stream of frames to which MSDU  713  belongs. According to some embodiments, an electronic device (e.g., STA  120   a ) can transmit multiple streams of frames with different QoS requirements. The TID is used to differentiate between the multiple streams of frames. According to some examples, the TID can also identify user priority (UP) and/or traffic Access Category (AC) of QoS, for example, for MSDU  713 . As a non-limiting example, the wireless network of AP  110  can provide 8 user priorities and 4 QoS Access Categories. Other numbers of user priorities and/or QoS Access Categories can be used in other implementations. 
     It is noted that frame format of PPDU  701  is provided as one example, and the embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to this example. 
       FIG.  8    illustrates an example method  800  for a wireless system supporting implementing TWT scheme with traffic differentiation, according to some embodiments of the disclosure. As a convenience and not a limitation,  FIG.  8    may be described with regard to elements of  FIGS.  1 - 5   . Method  800  may represent the operation of station (STA)  120   a  of  FIG.  1    implementing TWT scheme with traffic differentiation. Method  800  may also be performed by system  200  of  FIG.  2    and/or computer system  1000  of  FIG.  10   . But method  800  is not limited to the specific embodiments depicted in those figures and other systems may be used to perform the method as will be understood by those skilled in the art. It is to be appreciated that not all operations may be needed, and the operations may not be performed in the same order as shown in  FIG.  8   . 
     At  802 , STA  120   a  receives an indication of traffic associated with an application. For example, a client application on STA  120   a  requests for communication using access point (AP)  110 . CPU  210 , alone or in combination with transceiver  220  and/or communication interface  230 , may receive the request and the indication of the traffic from a client application on application  254  of memory  250 . 
     At  804 , STA  120   a  determines and/or receives information associated with the traffic. The information associated with the traffic can include, but is not limited to, traffic direction information, traffic pattern information (e.g., application traffic generation interval, traffic rate, traffic type, and the like), traffic identifier (TID), access category indication (ACID), or the like. 
     At  806 , STA  120   a  configures a target wake time (TWT) scheme associated with the traffic. For example, STA  120   a  determines the parameters associated with the TWT scheme for the traffic (e.g., configures the TWT schedule). These parameters can include, but are not limited to, a TWT start time indicating when the TWT scheme begins, the number of service period(s), duration(s) associated with the service period(s), repetition interval(s) indicating an interval for repeating the service period(s), and the like. STA  120   a  can use the information associated with the traffic to configure the TWT scheme. The TWT scheme can be customized to the traffic, according to some examples. 
     According to some embodiments, in configuring the TWT scheme, STA  120   a  generates an initial TWT element for negotiations with AP  110 . The initial TWT element includes initial TWT parameters determined by STA  120   a . Additionally, the initial TWT element can include information associated with the traffic. The information associated with the traffic can include, but is not limited to, traffic direction information, traffic pattern information (e.g., application traffic generation interval, traffic rate, and the like), traffic identifier (TID), access category indication (ACID), or the like. STA  120   a  generates the initial TWT element as discussed above with respect to  FIGS.  5 A- 5 B . Additionally or alternatively, in configuring the TWT scheme, STA  120   a  generates an initial information element (IE) (e.g., a vendor specific IE) for negotiations with AP  110 . The initial IE may include initial TWT parameters determined by STA  120   a . Additionally, the initial IE can include information associated with the traffic. The information associated with the traffic can include, but is not limited to, traffic direction information, traffic pattern information (e.g., application traffic generation interval, traffic rate, and the like), traffic identifier (TID), access category indication (ACID), or the like. STA  120   a  generates the initial IE as discussed above with respect to  FIGS.  5 A- 5 B . 
     At  808 , STA  120   a  communicates initial information associated with the TWT scheme to AP  110 . The initial information can include the initial TWT element, the initial  1 E, or other signaling formats generated at  806 . According to some examples, STA  120   a  transmits request  301  of  FIG.  3    to AP  110 . Request  301  can include the initial information associated with the TWT scheme (e.g., the initial TWT element and/or the initial IE.) 
     At  810 , STA  120   a  receives a response from AP  110 . For example, STA  120   a  receives response  303 . Response  303  can include information associated with the TWT scheme. For example, response  303  can include another TWT element (and/or another IE) including TWT parameters. In some embodiments, the TWT parameters are the same as the initial TWT parameters in the initial TWT element (and/or the initial IE) transmitted by STA  120   a . In these examples, AP  110  has approved/confirmed the initial TWT parameters without any changes. If AP  110  approves the initial TWT parameters without any change, AP  110  can transmit a confirmation indications instead of (or in addition to) transmitting the TWT element. 
     Alternatively, AP  110  may change one or more of the initial TWT parameters of the initial TWT element (and/or the initial IE) transmitted by STA  120   a . In these examples, AP  110  may transmit, in response  303 , a TWT element (and/or an IE) including the revised TWT parameters. 
     After the TWT scheme is set up between STA  120   a  and AP  110  using the approved or revised TWT parameters, STA  120   a  may transmit and/or receive packet(s) associated with the traffic using the TWT scheme, at  812 . 
       FIG.  9    illustrates an example method  900  for implementing a TWT scheme with a flexible service period extension mechanism, according to some embodiment of the disclosure. As a convenience and not a limitation,  FIG.  9    is described with respect to  FIGS.  1 - 8   . Method  900  may represent the operation of station (STA)  120   a  of  FIG.  1    implementing TWT scheme with traffic differentiation. Method  900  may also be performed by system  200  of  FIG.  2    and/or computer system  1000  of  FIG.  10   . But method  900  is not limited to the specific embodiments depicted in those figures and other systems may be used to perform the method as will be understood by those skilled in the art. It is to be appreciated that not all operations may be needed, and the operations may not be performed in the same order as shown in  FIG.  9   . 
     Additionally, method  900  can be performed in conjunction with method  800  of  FIG.  8   . For example, operation  906  of method  900  can be performed using method  800  of  FIG.  8   . 
     At  902 , a station (e.g., STA  120   a ) detects and associates with an access point (e.g., AP  110 ) to join the wireless network of AP  110 . At  904 , STA  120   a  informs AP  110  that STA  120   a  supports flexible service period extension. In other words, STA  120   a  can indicate to AP  110  that STA  120   a  is configured for enforced awake operation by AP  110 . For example, one or more bits (and/or fields) can be added (and/or re-purposed) in a high efficiency (HE) capability information element communicated from STA  120   a  to AP  110  to indicate STA  120   a &#39;s capability to support flexible service period extension. 
     At  906 , STA  120   a  and AP  110  configure a target wake time (TWT) scheme. According to some embodiments,  906  can be performed using method  800  of  FIG.  8   . 
     During the service period(s) of the TWT scheme, STA  120   a  may communicate with AP  110 . In one example, when AP  110  transmits queued downlink packet(s) during a service period (e.g., service period  603   a  of  FIG.  6 A ) but AP  110  cannot finish transmitting the downlink packet(s) during that service period, AP  110  may request/enforce STA  120   a  to remain awake after the end point of that service period (e.g., end point  609  of service period  603   a  of  FIG.  6 A .) Since STA  120   a  has indicated its capability to support flexible service period extension at  904 , AP  110  uses the “More Data” field in the MAC header in the last packet sent to STA  120   a  during the service period (e.g., service period  603   a  of  FIG.  6 A ) to extend the service period to an extended service period. 
     In other words, at  908 , STA  120   a  receives the last packet sent during that service period and examines the “More Data” field in the MAC header of the last packet. STA  120   a  determines that the “More Data” field in the MAC header in the last packet is set to a first value (e.g., “1”). At  910 , STA  120   a  extends the service period until the “More Data” field of a packet received during the extend service period is set to a second value (e.g., “0”.) In other words, STA  120   a  stays in awake mode (e.g., active mode) during the extended service period (e.g., extend service period  623   a  of  FIG.  6 B —after end point  609  of service period  603  of  FIG.  6 A ) until the “More Data” field of a packet sent by AP  110  is set to the second value (e.g., “0”). In this example, STA  120   a  may receive a packet from AP  110  after end point  609  of service period  603 , STA  12   a  may determine that a “More Data” field in a MAC header associated with the receive packet is set to the second value (e.g., “0”), and STA  120   a  may transition to sleep mode (e.g., power save mode.) 
     Various embodiments can be implemented, for example, using one or more computer systems, such as computer system  1000  shown in  FIG.  10   . Computer system  1000  can be any well-known computer capable of performing the functions described herein such as devices  110 ,  120  of  FIG.  1   , or  200  of  FIG.  2   . Computer system  1000  includes one or more processors (also called central processing units, or CPUs), such as a processor  1004 . Processor  1004  is connected to a communication infrastructure  1006  (e.g., a bus.) Computer system  1000  also includes user input/output device(s)  1003 , such as monitors, keyboards, pointing devices, etc., that communicate with communication infrastructure  1006  through user input/output interface(s)  1002 . Computer system  1000  also includes a main or primary memory  1008 , such as random access memory (RAM). Main memory  1008  may include one or more levels of cache. Main memory  1008  has stored therein control logic (e.g., computer software) and/or data. 
     Computer system  1000  may also include one or more secondary storage devices or memory  1010 . Secondary memory  1010  may include, for example, a hard disk drive  1012  and/or a removable storage device or drive  1014 . Removable storage drive  1014  may be a floppy disk drive, a magnetic tape drive, a compact disk drive, an optical storage device, tape backup device, and/or any other storage device/drive. 
     Removable storage drive  1014  may interact with a removable storage unit  1018 . Removable storage unit  1018  includes a computer usable or readable storage device having stored thereon computer software (control logic) and/or data. Removable storage unit  1018  may be a floppy disk, magnetic tape, compact disk, DVD, optical storage disk, and/any other computer data storage device. Removable storage drive  1014  reads from and/or writes to removable storage unit  1018  in a well-known manner. 
     According to some embodiments, secondary memory  1010  may include other means, instrumentalities or other approaches for allowing computer programs and/or other instructions and/or data to be accessed by computer system  1000 . Such means, instrumentalities or other approaches may include, for example, a removable storage unit  1022  and an interface  1020 . Examples of the removable storage unit  1022  and the interface  1020  may include a program cartridge and cartridge interface (such as that found in video game devices), a removable memory chip (such as an EPROM or PROM) and associated socket, a memory stick and USB port, a memory card and associated memory card slot, and/or any other removable storage unit and associated interface. 
     Computer system  1000  may further include a communication or network interface  1024 . Communication interface  1024  enables computer system  1000  to communicate and interact with any combination of remote devices, remote networks, remote entities, etc, (individually and collectively referenced by reference number  1028 ). For example, communication interface  1024  may allow computer system  1000  to communicate with remote devices  1028  over communications path  1026 , which may be wired and/or wireless, and which may include any combination of LANs, WANs, the Internet, etc. Control logic and/or data may be transmitted to and from computer system  1000  via communication path  1026 . 
     The operations in the preceding embodiments can be implemented in a wide variety of configurations and architectures. Therefore, some or all of the operations in the preceding embodiments may be performed in hardware, in software or both. In some embodiments, a tangible, non-transitory apparatus or article of manufacture includes a tangible, non-transitory computer useable or readable medium having control logic (software) stored thereon is also referred to herein as a computer program product or program storage device. This includes, but is not limited to, computer system  1000 , main memory  1008 , secondary memory  1010  and removable storage units  1018  and  1022 , as well as tangible articles of manufacture embodying any combination of the foregoing. Such control logic, when executed by one or more data processing devices (such as computer system  1000 ), causes such data processing devices to operate as described herein. 
     Based on the teachings contained in this disclosure, it will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art(s) how to make and use embodiments of the disclosure using data processing devices, computer systems and/or computer architectures other than that shown in  FIG.  10   . In particular, embodiments may operate with software, hardware, and/or operating system implementations other than those described herein. 
     It is to be appreciated that the Detailed Description section, and not the Summary and Abstract sections, is intended to be used to interpret the claims. The Summary and Abstract sections may set forth one or more, but not all, exemplary embodiments of the disclosure as contemplated by the inventor(s), and thus, are not intended to limit the disclosure or the appended claims in any way. 
     While the disclosure has been described herein with reference to exemplary embodiments for exemplary fields and applications, it should be understood that the disclosure is not limited thereto. Other embodiments and modifications thereto are possible, and are within the scope and spirit of the disclosure. For example, and without limiting the generality of this paragraph, embodiments are not limited to the software, hardware, firmware, and/or entities illustrated in the figures and/or described herein. Further, embodiments (whether or not explicitly described herein) have significant utility to fields and applications beyond the examples described herein. 
     Embodiments have been described herein with the aid of functional building blocks illustrating the implementation of specified functions and relationships thereof. The boundaries of these functional building blocks have been arbitrarily defined herein for the convenience of the description. Alternate boundaries can be defined as long as the specified functions and relationships (or equivalents thereof) are appropriately performed. In addition, alternative embodiments may perform functional blocks, steps, operations, methods, etc. using orderings different from those described herein. 
     References herein to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “an example embodiment,” or similar phrases, indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it would be within the knowledge of persons skilled in the relevant art(s) to incorporate such feature, structure, or characteristic into other embodiments whether or not explicitly mentioned or described herein. 
     The breadth and scope of the disclosure should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20190829
Publication Date: 20230926
Grant Date: 20230926
Priority Date: 20181029
Inventors: LI, GUOQING
YU, YANG
KASTEN, WELLY
RANA, SHEHLA S.
FIKIRLIER, METE
MEKALA, KARTHIK R.
DOMINGUEZ, CHARLES F.
LIU, YONG
KUMAR, RAJNEESH
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H04W28/0221", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04W52/0216", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04W52/0229", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04W52/0206", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04W52/0216", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04W28/0221", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04W52/0229", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04W28/0221", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04W28/10", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y02D30/70", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04W52/0229", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04W52/0216", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04W52/0206", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 70326228