Scheduled peer power save mode

A method of saving power for stations configured to communicate via a direct link, the method comprising:

• receiving, at a station, a frame destined for a peer station;
• and
• sending, from the station, an indication frame that causes a wakeup schedule to be set up and activated at the station and the peer station, the wakeup schedule comprising one or more scheduled wakeup intervals during which the station and the peer station are awake and able to exchange the frame over the direct link,
• wherein the indication frame comprises information that defines a timing of the one or more scheduled wakeup intervals relative to a timing reference received by the station and the peer station from an access point (AP),
• wherein the indication frame is sent via the AP to the peer station.

A device configured to communicate with a peer station via a direct link, the device comprising:

• a processor;
• and
• a memory component that stores executable instructions that are executable by the processor, the processor being configured by the executable instructions to cause an indication frame to be sent that causes a wakeup schedule to be set up and activated at the device and the peer station, the wakeup schedule comprising one or more scheduled wakeup intervals during which the device and the peer station are awake and able to exchange frames over the direct link, wherein the indication frame comprises information that defines a timing of the one or more scheduled wakeup intervals relative to a timing reference received by the device and the peer station from an access point (AP),
• wherein the processor is further configured by the executable instructions to cause the indication frame to be sent via the AP to the peer station, and
• wherein the processor is further configured by the executable instructions to cause the indication frame to be sent when no scheduled wakeup has occurred for at least a duration equal to an indication window or when no wakeup schedule is currently active between the device and the peer station.