Wake-up radio protocol for wireless communications

An apparatus comprising:

• a wireless module configured to transmit and receive wireless data in accordance with a wireless communication protocol;
• and
• a wakeup radio comprising a receiver and a processing device, the processing device configured to:
• compare a radio frequency (RF) signal received by the receiver to a wakeup word;
• and
• if the RF signal matches the wakeup word, send a wake signal to the wireless module to cause the wireless module to transition from a power saving mode to an active mode.

A method comprising:

• receiving data to be wirelessly transmitted to a wireless client;
• identifying a wakeup word associated with the wireless client;
• transmitting a traffic indication message to the wireless client to inform the wireless client that the data is about to be delivered;
• and
• prior to transmitting the traffic indication message, broadcasting the wakeup word to cause the wireless client to wake from a power saving mode.