Method, apparatus, device and storage medium for establishing direct link

Abstract

The application discloses a method, device and equipment for establishing a direct link and a storage medium. The method comprises the following steps: a second multi-link device receives a direct link establishment request message from a first multi-link device on a first link, wherein the direct link establishment request message contains a first multi-link information element, and the first multi-link information element contains information of a link for which a direct link is requested to be established; if the direct link establishment request message indicates that a direct link is requested to be established on a second link, the second multi-link device enables a transceiver operating on the second link, and sends a direct link establishment response message to the first multi-link device on one or each link of the second link, wherein the direct link establishment response message indicates whether the request is agreed. The application enables a multi-link terminal to establish a connection on a multi-link supported by the terminal itself in addition to a connection with an access point, improves transmission rate between terminals, and reduces transmission delay.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of wireless communication, and more particularly to a method, apparatus, device, and storage medium for establishing a direct link. Background Technology

[0002] 802.11be systems, also known as Extremely High Throughput (EHT) systems, achieve extremely high throughput through a range of system features and multiple mechanisms. With the continued growth in the use of Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs), providing wireless data services in many environments, such as homes, businesses, and hotspots, is becoming increasingly important. In particular, video traffic will continue to be a major traffic type in many WLAN deployments. The throughput requirements for these applications are constantly evolving due to the emergence of 4K and 8K video (uncompressed rates of 20Gbps). New high-throughput, low-latency applications such as virtual reality or augmented reality, gaming, remote offices, and cloud computing will proliferate (e.g., latency of less than 5 milliseconds for real-time gaming).

[0003] Given the high throughput and stringent real-time latency requirements of these applications, users expect higher throughput, greater reliability, less latency and jitter, and higher power efficiency when supporting their applications via WLAN. 802.11be systems are designed to ensure WLAN competitiveness by further increasing overall throughput and reducing latency, while ensuring backward compatibility and coexistence with older technology standards. 802.11 compliant devices operate in the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz bands. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Terminals can reduce data transmission relay links, improve transmission speed, and reduce transmission latency by establishing direct connection links, also known as direct links. If a terminal supporting multi-link features is connected to a traditional single-link access point, the multi-link feature will be disabled, and it will only be used as a single-link device. However, when both terminals that need to establish a direct link are multi-link devices, the direct link will still be established only on the currently operating link, just like a single-link device, and the terminal's own multi-link feature will not be effectively utilized. In view of this, the present invention provides a method, apparatus, device, and storage medium for establishing direct links, enabling multi-link terminals connected to a single-link access point to establish connections on their supported multi-links.

[0005] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a method for establishing a direct link, comprising:

[0006] The second multi-link device receives a direct link establishment request message from the first multi-link device on the first link. The direct link establishment request message contains a first multi-link information element, which contains information about the link for which a direct link is requested to be established. Both the first multi-link device and the second multi-link device are connected to the access point only on the first link.

[0007] If the direct link establishment request message indicates a request to establish a direct link on the second link, the second multi-link device enables a transceiver operating on the second link to send a direct link establishment response message to the first multi-link device on one or each of the second links. The direct link establishment response message indicates whether the request is accepted, wherein the second link is a different link from the first link.

[0008] In one possible implementation, before the second multi-link device receives a direct link establishment request message from the first multi-link device on the first link, the following steps are also included:

[0009] The second multi-link device receives a direct link discovery request message from the first multi-link device on the first link. The direct link discovery request message contains a second multi-link information element, which contains information about the links that the first multi-link device can establish direct links with.

[0010] If the direct link discovery request message indicates that the first multi-link device can establish a direct link on a link other than the first link, and the second multi-link device agrees to establish a direct link on a link other than the first link, then the second multi-link device sends a direct link discovery response message to the first multi-link device on the first link. The direct link discovery response message contains a third multi-link information element, which contains information about the link on which the second multi-link device can establish a direct link.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the direct link establishment request message further indicates a link activation delay duration, and the second multi-link device activation operation on the transceiver on the second link includes:

[0012] The second multi-link device enables the transceiver to operate on the second link within the link activation delay time indicated in the direct link establishment request message.

[0013] One possible implementation also includes:

[0014] The second multi-link device sends a first message to the access point on the first link. The first message indicates the transmission duration of data transmission on the direct link between the second multi-link device and the first multi-link device, so as to prevent the access point from sending data to the second multi-link device and / or the first multi-link device within the transmission duration.

[0015] One possible implementation also includes:

[0016] When the second multi-link device needs to transmit data with the first multi-link device on a direct link, the second multi-link device sends a first data packet to the access point on the first link. The first data packet indicates that the second multi-link device enters power saving mode.

[0017] When the second multi-link device finishes transmitting data with the first multi-link device on the direct link, the second multi-link device sends a second data packet to the access point on the first link. The second data packet indicates that the second multi-link device should exit the power saving mode.

[0018] One possible implementation also includes:

[0019] The second multi-link device sends a direct link transmission request message to the first multi-link device on the direct link established with the first multi-link device, and sends a timed sleep indication message to the access point on the first link. The direct link transmission request message and the timed sleep indication message indicate the start time, period, and duration of data transmission on the direct link between the second multi-link device and the first multi-link device, so as to avoid the access point sending data to the second multi-link device and / or the first multi-link device when the second multi-link device and the first multi-link device are transmitting data on the direct link.

[0020] In one possible implementation, if the direct link establishment request message indicates a request to establish a direct link on the second link, then the second multi-link device sends a direct link establishment response message to the first multi-link device on each link in the second link. The direct link establishment request message further includes a first random number generated by the first multi-link device, the address of the first multi-link device or a first logical entity, the address of the second multi-link device or a second logical entity, and the basic service set identifier of the access point. The direct link establishment response message further includes a second random number generated by the second multi-link device, a first random number, the address of a third logical entity, and the address of a fourth logical entity. The first and second logical entities are respectively logical entities operating on the first link in the first and second multi-link devices, respectively, and the third and fourth logical entities are respectively logical entities operating on the link transmitting the direct link establishment response message in the first and second multi-link devices.

[0021] The method further includes:

[0022] The second multi-link device receives a direct link establishment confirmation message from the first multi-link device on each link in the second link. The direct link establishment confirmation message contains a second random number, a first random number, the address of a third logical entity, and the address of a fourth logical entity.

[0023] The second multi-link device generates a key for direct link data transmission based on the first random number, the second random number, the address of the third logical entity, and the address of the fourth logical entity.

[0024] Secondly, the present invention provides a method for establishing a direct link, comprising:

[0025] The first multi-link device sends a direct link establishment request message to the second multi-link device on the first link. The direct link establishment request message indicates a request to establish a direct link on the second link. Both the first multi-link device and the second multi-link device are connected to the access point only on the first link. The second link is a link different from the first link.

[0026] The first multi-link device enables operation of a transceiver on the second link to receive a direct link establishment response message from the second multi-link device on one or each link of the second link, the direct link establishment response message indicating whether the request is accepted.

[0027] In one possible implementation, before the first multi-link device sends a direct link establishment request message to the second multi-link device on the first link, the following steps are also included:

[0028] The first multi-link device sends a direct link discovery request message to the second multi-link device on the first link. The direct link discovery request message indicates that the first multi-link device can establish a direct link on a link other than the first link.

[0029] The first multi-link device receives a direct link discovery response message from the second multi-link device on the first link. The direct link discovery response message indicates that the second multi-link device can establish a direct link in a link other than the first link.

[0030] In one possible implementation, the direct link establishment request message further indicates a link activation delay duration, which is used to instruct the second multi-link device to activate the transceiver operating on the second link within the link activation delay duration;

[0031] The first multi-link device enables operation of the transceiver on the second link by:

[0032] The first multi-link device enables the transceiver to operate on the second link within the link activation delay period.

[0033] One possible implementation also includes:

[0034] The first multi-link device sends a first message to the access point on the first link. The first message indicates the transmission duration of data transmission on the direct link between the first multi-link device and the second multi-link device, so as to prevent the access point from sending data to the first multi-link device and / or the second multi-link device within the transmission duration.

[0035] One possible implementation also includes:

[0036] When the first multi-link device needs to transmit data with the second multi-link device on a direct link, the first multi-link device sends a first data packet to the access point on the first link. The first data packet indicates that the first multi-link device enters power saving mode.

[0037] When the first multi-link device finishes transmitting data with the second multi-link device on the direct link, the first multi-link device sends a second data packet to the access point on the first link. The second data packet indicates that the first multi-link device should exit the power saving mode.

[0038] One possible implementation also includes:

[0039] The first multi-link device sends a direct link transmission request message to the second multi-link device on the direct link established with the second multi-link device, and sends a timed sleep indication message to the access point on the first link. The direct link transmission request message and the timed sleep indication message indicate the start time, period, and duration of data transmission on the direct link between the second multi-link device and the first multi-link device, so as to avoid the access point from sending data to the first multi-link device and / or the second multi-link device when the first multi-link device and the second multi-link device are transmitting data on the direct link.

[0040] In one possible implementation, the first multi-link device receives a direct link establishment response message from the second multi-link device on each link of the second link. The direct link establishment request message further includes a first random number generated by the first multi-link device, the address of the first multi-link device or a first logical entity, the address of the second multi-link device or a second logical entity, and the basic service set identifier of the access point. The direct link establishment response message further includes a second random number generated by the second multi-link device, the first random number, the address of a third logical entity, and the address of a fourth logical entity. The first and second logical entities are logical entities operating on the first link in the first and second multi-link devices, respectively. The third and fourth logical entities are logical entities operating on the link transmitting the direct link establishment response message in the first and second multi-link devices, respectively.

[0041] The method further includes:

[0042] The first multi-link device sends a direct link establishment confirmation message to the second multi-link device on each link that receives the direct link establishment response message. The direct link establishment confirmation message contains a first random number, a second random number, the address of a third logical entity, and the address of a fourth logical entity.

[0043] The first multi-link device generates a key for data transmission on the direct link based on a first random number, a second random number, the address of the third logical entity, and the address of the fourth logical entity.

[0044] Thirdly, the present invention provides an apparatus for establishing a direct link, including a direct link module, the direct link module being used to perform the following steps:

[0045] The second multi-link device receives a direct link establishment request message from the first multi-link device on the first link. The direct link establishment request message contains a first multi-link information element, which contains information about the link for which a direct link is requested to be established. Both the first multi-link device and the second multi-link device are connected to the access point only on the first link.

[0046] If the direct link establishment request message indicates a request to establish a direct link on the second link, then the transceiver operating on the second link is enabled by the second multi-link device, and a direct link establishment response message is sent to the first multi-link device on one or each of the second links. The direct link establishment response message indicates whether the request is accepted, wherein the second link is a different link from the first link.

[0047] Fourthly, the present invention provides an apparatus for establishing a direct link, including a direct link module, the direct link module being used to perform the following steps:

[0048] The first multi-link device sends a direct link establishment request message to the second multi-link device on the first link. The direct link establishment request message indicates a request to establish a direct link on the second link. Both the first and second multi-link devices are connected to the access point only on the first link, and the second link is a different link from the first link.

[0049] The transceiver on the second link is enabled by the first multi-link device, and a direct link establishment response message is received from the second multi-link device on one or each link of the second link, the direct link establishment response message indicating whether the request is accepted.

[0050] Fifthly, the present invention provides an electronic device including a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory, wherein the processor executes the computer program to implement the method described in the first or second aspect.

[0051] In a sixth aspect, the present invention provides a computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, wherein the computer program, when executed by a processor, implements the method described in the first or second aspect.

[0052] In a seventh aspect, the present invention provides a computer program product comprising computer-readable code, or a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium carrying computer-readable code, wherein when the computer-readable code is executed in an electronic device, a processor in the electronic device performs the method described in the first aspect or the second aspect.

[0053] It should be noted that the apparatus described in the third aspect is used to perform the method provided in the first aspect, the apparatus described in the fourth aspect is used to perform the method provided in the second aspect, the electronic device described in the fifth aspect, the storage medium described in the sixth aspect, and the computer program product described in the seventh aspect are used to perform the method provided in the first or second aspect. Therefore, they can achieve the same beneficial effects as the method described in the first or second aspect, and will not be described in detail hereafter.

[0054] This invention can indicate in the direct link establishment request message that a direct link be established on a link other than the one connected to the access point. For example, the direct link establishment request message can include multi-link information elements, so that multi-link terminals can establish connections on multiple links they support other than the one connected to the access point. This effectively utilizes network resources and provides direct transmission between terminals without affecting the network throughput of the access point. Attached Figure Description

[0055] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a communication system provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0056] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a method for establishing a direct link according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0057] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0058] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solutions of this invention, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this invention will be clearly and completely described below. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this invention, and not all embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of this invention and are not intended to limit this invention. Although the disclosure in this invention is presented according to one or several exemplary examples, it should be understood that each aspect of these disclosures can constitute a complete technical solution on its own. Without conflict, the following embodiments and features described herein can be combined with each other.

[0059] In the embodiments of the present invention, "at least one" refers to one or more, and "more than one" refers to two or more. To facilitate a clear description of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used to distinguish identical or similar items with essentially the same function and effect. Those skilled in the art will understand that the terms "first," "second," etc., do not limit the quantity or execution order; they are only used for illustration and differentiation of the described objects, and do not indicate any particular limitation on the number of devices or messages in the embodiments of the present invention, nor do they constitute any limitation on the embodiments of the present invention. The term "comprising" is used to indicate the presence of the feature subsequently declared, but does not exclude the addition of other features.

[0060] First, a brief explanation of the multi-link technology involved in this invention is provided. In a multi-link scenario, a physical device can typically include multiple logical entities. Here, the physical device can refer to devices such as mobile phones, televisions, and projectors, while the logical entity can refer to a logical unit within the physical device, belonging to virtual functional modules. One logical entity corresponds to one transceiver, and each logical entity can independently manage data transmission and reception, with each logical entity operating independently on a single link. Such a physical device is called a multi-link device (MLD).

[0061] A single-link device has only one logical entity and only one MAC address, while a multi-link device has one MAC address. Each logical entity belonging to the multi-link device has a MAC address. For example, if a multi-link device has three logical entities, then there are four MAC addresses on this physical device: one for the multi-link device and one for each of the three logical entities.

[0062] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a communication system provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 As shown, the communication system includes a multi-link terminal MLD1, an access point (AP), and another multi-link terminal MLD2. MLD1 has three logical terminals STA1, STA2, and STA3, where STA1 is connected to the AP, and STA2 and STA3 are not enabled. MLD2 has three logical terminals STA4, STA5, and STA6, where STA4 is connected to the AP, and STA5 and STA6 are not enabled. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the AP operates on a 2.4GHz link, with the link identifier set to link1; STA2 and STA5 operate on a 5GHz link, with the link identifier set to link2; and STA3 and STA6 operate on a 6GHz link, with the link identifier set to link3.

[0063] It should be understood that Figure 1 This is merely a schematic diagram of a communication system architecture. The number and type of devices in the communication system are not limited in this embodiment of the invention. For example, it may include more terminals or access points. Terminals and access points can be multi-link devices or single-link devices, and the number of logical entities in different multi-link devices may also differ. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that, based on the principles and functions described herein, the term "access point (AP)" according to this application can also be used to describe an access port or any other access point capable of receiving and transmitting wireless signals within a network architecture. Therefore, the use of "access point" is merely exemplary.

[0064] Continue reading Figure 1 A direct link can be established between multi-link terminals MLD1 and MLD2. In this embodiment of the invention, it is assumed that MLD1 is the initiating terminal and MLD2 is the responding terminal.

[0065] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a method for establishing a direct link according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 As shown, the methods for establishing a direct link include the following:

[0066] S201 and MLD1 send a direct link establishment request message (such as a TDLS setuprequest message) to the AP via STA1 on link1. The message contains information about the link for which a direct link is requested to be established.

[0067] If a direct link is to be established only on the link where STA1 is located (i.e., link1), the direct link establishment request message may not contain the multi-link information element (ML element), but only the capability information and / or operational information of STA1, indicating that a direct link is to be established only on link1.

[0068] If a direct link is to be established on a link other than the one where STA1 is located, the direct link establishment request message may contain multiple link information elements (ML elements). Each ML element contains information about the link for which MLD1 requests the establishment of a direct link, such as the capability information and / or operational information of the logical terminal corresponding to the link for which MLD1 requests the establishment of a direct link. For example, if MLD1 requests the establishment of a direct link on the link where STA2 is located (i.e., link2), the ML element would contain the following parameters:

[0069] STA info 1: Information about STA2, such as STA2's address, link identifier or channel identifier or operating frequency information (this information is used to indicate on which link the logical terminal operates; since the AP is not a multi-link device, the link identifier may not be used), STA2's capability information and / or operating information, indicating that a direct link should be established on the link where STA2 is located (i.e., link2).

[0070] In some embodiments, MLD1 may also simultaneously request the establishment of direct links on the link where STA1 is located and on a link other than the link where STA1 is located. In this case, the direct link establishment request message may contain multiple link information elements (ML elements). For example, if MLD1 requests the establishment of direct links on the link where STA1 is located (i.e., link1) and the link where STA2 is located (i.e., link2), the ML element may contain the following parameters:

[0071] STA info 1: Information about STA1, such as STA1's address, link identifier or channel identifier or operating frequency information, STA1's capability information and / or operating information, indicating the establishment of a direct link on the link where STA1 is located (i.e., link1).

[0072] STA info 2: Information about STA2, such as STA2's address, link identifier or channel identifier or operating frequency information, STA2's capability information and / or operating information, indicating the establishment of a direct link on the link where STA2 is located (i.e., link2).

[0073] It should be understood that MLD1 can also simultaneously request the establishment of direct links on multiple links other than the link where STA1 is located. Accordingly, the direct link establishment request message contains multiple parameters STA info in the multi-link information element ML element.

[0074] In some embodiments, the direct link establishment request message may also include a parameter link activation delay. MLD1, within the duration indicated by the parameter link activation delay (if such a parameter exists), activates a transceiver on the link requesting the direct link establishment to receive the direct link establishment response message sent by MLD2. Optionally, MLD1 and MLD2 may also confirm the link activation delay duration in other ways, such as by defaulting to a link activation delay duration or by learning it during the connection establishment process with the AP.

[0075] In some embodiments, before step S201, MLD1 and MLD2 may negotiate which links they can establish a direct connection with. In step S201, MLD1 requests the link to establish a direct connection based on the negotiation result, such as selecting the link to request from among the confirmed links that can establish a direct connection, thereby improving the efficiency of establishing the direct connection. An example of the negotiation process is as follows:

[0076] S1001 and MLD1 send a direct link discovery request message (such as a TDLS discovery request message) to the AP via STA1 on link1. The message contains information about the links that MLD1 can establish a direct link with.

[0077] If MLD1 can only establish a direct link on the link where STA1 is located (i.e., link1), then the direct link discovery request message may not contain the multi-link information element (ML element), but only the address of STA1, the link identifier or channel identifier or operating frequency information (these information are used to indicate on which link the logical terminal operates), because the AP is not a multi-link device, so the link identifier may not be used.

[0078] If MLD1 can establish a direct link on a link other than the one where STA1 is located, the direct link discovery request message may contain multiple link information elements (ML elements). Each ML element contains information about the links on which MLD1 can establish a direct link, such as information about the logical terminals corresponding to the links that MLD1 can use to establish a direct link. For example, assuming MLD1 can establish a direct link on the link where STA2 is located (i.e., link2), the ML element would contain the following parameters:

[0079] STA info 1: Information about STA2, such as STA2's address, link identifier, channel identifier, or operating frequency information (this information is used to indicate on which link the logical terminal operates; since the AP is not a multi-link device, the link identifier may not be used), indicating that a direct link can be established on the link where STA2 is located (i.e., link2).

[0080] In some embodiments, it is assumed that MLD1 can establish a direct link on the link where STA1 is located (i.e., link1) and the link where STA2 is located (i.e., link2). The ML element contains the following parameters: STA info 1: Information about STA1, such as the address of STA1, link identifier or channel identifier or operating frequency information (this information is used to indicate on which link the logical terminal operates. Since the AP is not a multi-link device, the link identifier may not be used), indicating that a direct link can be established on the link where STA1 is located (i.e., link1).

[0081] STA info 2: Information about STA2, such as STA2's address, link identifier or channel identifier or operating frequency information (this information is used to indicate on which link the logical terminal operates; since the AP is not a multi-link device, the link identifier may not be used), indicating that a direct link can be established on the link where STA2 is located (i.e., link2).

[0082] 1002. The AP receives a Direct Link Discovery Request message sent by MLD1 on link1 and sends a Direct Link Discovery Request message to MLD2. The payload of the Direct Link Discovery Request message received by the AP from MLD1 is the same as the payload of the Direct Link Discovery Request message sent to MLD2, such as both containing only STA1 information or both containing ML element.

[0083] S1003 and MLD2 receive the direct link discovery request message sent by the AP on link1 through STA4, and send the direct link discovery response message (such as TDLS discovery response message) to STA1 of MLD1 through STA4 on link1.

[0084] If the direct link discovery request message does not contain the multi-link information element (ML element), indicating that MLD1 can only establish a direct link on the link where STA1 is located, then the direct link discovery response message does not contain the ML element, but only contains the capability information and / or operation information of STA4, indicating that MLD2 can establish a direct link on the link operated by STA4.

[0085] If the direct link discovery request message contains a multi-link information element (ML element), indicating that MLD1 can establish a direct link on a link other than the link where STA1 is located, and MLD2 only agrees to establish a direct link on the link operated by STA4, then the direct link discovery response message does not contain an ML element, but only contains STA4's capability information and / or operational information, indicating that MLD2 can establish a direct link on the link operated by STA4.

[0086] If the Direct Link Discovery Request message contains a Multi-Link Information (ML) element, indicating that MLD1 can establish a direct link on a link other than the one operated by STA1, and MLD2 agrees to establish a direct link on a link other than the one operated by STA4, then the Direct Link Discovery Response message contains an ML element. The ML element contains information about the links on which MLD2 can establish a direct link. For example, the ML element contains parameters STA info 1-STA info n, used to set information about the logical terminals in MLD2 that can be used to establish a direct link. Besides addresses and link identification information similar to those in the Direct Link Discovery Request message, it may also contain capability information and / or operational information of the logical terminals. This information is used by MLD1 to decide on which links to establish direct links. If MLD2 agrees to establish direct links on the links operated by STA4 and STA5, then the ML element in the Direct Link Discovery Response message may include the following parameters:

[0087] STA info 1: Information about STA4, such as STA4's address, link identifier or channel identifier or operating frequency information, STA4's capability information and / or operating information, indicating that a direct link can be established on the link operated by STA4 (i.e., link1).

[0088] STA info 2: Information about STA5, such as STA5's address, link identifier or channel identifier or operating frequency information, STA5's capability information and / or operating information, indicating that a direct link can be established on the link operated by STA5 (i.e., link2).

[0089] It should be noted that MLD2 can send a direct link discovery response message to MLD1 directly, or it can send the direct link discovery response message to MLD1 through the AP. That is, MLD2 first sends a direct link discovery response message to the AP, and then the AP sends a direct link discovery response message to MLD1.

[0090] S202. The AP receives the direct link establishment request message sent by MLD1 on link1 and sends a direct link establishment request message to MLD2. The payload of the direct link establishment request message received by the AP from MLD1 is the same as the payload of the direct link establishment request message sent to MLD2, such as both containing only the capability information and / or operation information of STA1, or both containing MLElement.

[0091] S203 and MLD2 receive the direct link establishment request message sent by AP on link1 through STA4. MLD2 sends a direct link establishment response message (such as TDLS setup response message) to MLD1, indicating whether the request is accepted.

[0092] Specifically, if the direct link establishment request message does not contain an ML element, that is, it indicates that MLD1 only requests to establish a direct link on the link where STA1 is located, then STA4 sends a direct link establishment response message to STA1 on link1. If STA4 sends a direct link establishment response message to AP on link1, AP then sends it to MLD1. The direct link establishment response message does not contain an ML element, but only contains STA4's capability information and / or operational information, indicating that it agrees to establish a direct link on the link where STA4 is located.

[0093] If the direct link establishment request message contains an ML element, indicating that MLD1 requests to establish a direct link on a link other than the one where STA1 is located, then within the duration specified by the parameter link activation delay indication (if this parameter exists in the direct link establishment request message), the transceiver corresponding to the link indicated in the ML element (other than the link where STA1 is located) will be activated, and a direct link establishment response message will be sent to MLD1 on the link indicated in the ML element. If there are multiple links indicated in the ML element, the message can be sent on one of the links or on each link. The direct link establishment response message contains an ML element containing capability information and / or operational information of the logical terminal corresponding to the link for which MLD2 agrees to establish a direct link.

[0094] S204, MLD1 receives the direct link establishment response message and transmits data with MLD2 on the direct link.

[0095] In some embodiments, if only STA1 receives the direct link establishment response message, then STA1 sends a direct link establishment confirmation message (such as a TDLS setup confirm message) to STA4 of MLD2. If STA1 sends the direct link establishment confirmation message to AP, AP then sends it to MLD2.

[0096] If a logical terminal other than STA1 receives a direct link establishment response message, it sends a direct link establishment confirmation message to MLD2 on one or more links that received the direct link establishment response message, or sends a direct link establishment confirmation message to MLD2 on any of the links indicated in the direct link establishment response message.

[0097] After MLD2 receives the direct link establishment confirmation message, MLD1 and MLD2 send and / or receive data on the direct link.

[0098] It should be noted that the link connecting MLD1 and AP can be different from the link connecting MLD1 and AP. For example, if MLD1 and AP are connected on link1 and MLD2 and AP are connected on link2, then MLD1 and MLD2 can establish a direct link on link3 through STA3 and STA6.

[0099] In some embodiments, the links connecting MLD1 and / or MLD2 to the AP and their direct links are NSTR pairs, meaning that when data is transmitted on one link, data cannot be received on the other; or, when data is received on one link, data cannot be transmitted on the other. In this case, it is necessary to coordinate data transmission between the links connected to the AP and the direct links to avoid data loss. The following explanation uses MLD1 as an example; the operation of MLD2 is similar to MLD1 and will not be described in detail here.

[0100] If MLD1 and MLD2 communicate non-periodically, then when MLD1 needs to send data to MLD2 on the direct link, the transmission duration needs to be set according to the AP's broadcast message (such as beacon message) transmission period, and cannot overlap with the AP's broadcast message transmission period, as shown in the following example:

[0101] 1) STA1 (indicating that MLD1 is on the link connected to the AP) sends a first message (such as a Ready to Receive Data message (CTS-to-AP message)) to the AP. This message includes a parameter `duration`, whose value is set to the duration for which MLD1 needs to send data on the directly connected link, instructing the AP not to send data to MLD1 within the duration indicated by this parameter. Furthermore, the AP can also be instructed not to send data to MLD2 within the duration indicated by this parameter.

[0102] 2) STA1 sends a data packet to the AP, which includes the parameter PSM to indicate whether to enter power-saving mode. Setting its value to 1 indicates entering power-saving mode. After the AP learns that MLD1 has entered power-saving mode, if there is data to be sent to MLD1, it buffers it locally and sets the AID bit corresponding to MLD1 to 1 through the TIM (Service Indication Diagram) information in the broadcast message to notify MLD1 that there is downlink data to receive. After MLD1 finishes sending data on the direct link, it sends a data packet to the AP again, this time with PSM set to 0, indicating that it has exited power-saving mode and can receive data sent by the AP.

[0103] If MLD1 and MLD2 communicate periodically, MLD1 sends a Direct Link Transmission Request message (such as a TDLS traffic request message) to MLD2 on the direct link and a Timed Sleep Indication message (such as a TDTindication message) to the AP on link1. Both the Direct Link Transmission Request message and the Timed Sleep Indication message contain the following parameters:

[0104] Offset: The start time of periodic data transmission, such as the time difference between the start time and the beacon frame;

[0105] Period: cycle;

[0106] OnDuration: The duration of time available for data transmission within each cycle.

[0107] Furthermore, MLD1 receives a direct link transmission response message (such as a TDLS trafficresponse message) sent by MLD2, indicating an agreement request. MLD1 and MLD2 periodically send and receive data on the direct link according to the parameters Offset, Period, and OnDuration. The AP does not send data to MLD1 and / or MLD2 within the time indicated by the parameters Offset, Period, and OnDuration. If the AP receives a timed sleep indication message, it will not send data to MLD1 and MLD2 within the time indicated in the message. Alternatively, it may receive a timed sleep indication message but only not send data to MLD1, the sender of the message, within the time indicated in the message. It can also confirm whether the link connected to MLD2 and the direct link between MLD1 and MLD2 are an NSTR pair. If so, it will not send data to MLD2 within the time indicated in the message; otherwise, it may send data to MLD2.

[0108] It should be understood that MLD1 can send a timed sleep indication message to the AP when it needs to transmit data with MLD2 on a direct link. That is, regardless of whether the link connecting MLD1 to the AP and the direct link between MLD1 and MLD2 is an NSTR pair, the timed sleep indication message can be sent to the AP only when the link connecting MLD1 to the AP and the direct link between MLD1 and MLD2 is an NSTR pair. This embodiment of the invention does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0109] In some embodiments, MLD1 and MLD2 may also generate keys for direct link data transmission based on the direct link establishment process, merging the key generation process with the direct link establishment process to reduce signaling overhead. For example, the security key generation method includes the following:

[0110] The direct link establishment request message sent by MLD1 to MLD2 includes the following parameters:

[0111] SNONCE: A random number generated by MLD1;

[0112] Link info: Includes the MAC address of MLD1 or STA1, the MAC address of MLD2 or STA4, and the BSSID of the AP (such as the address of the AP).

[0113] The direct link establishment response message sent by MLD2 to MLD1 includes the following parameters:

[0114] ANONCE: A random number generated by MLD2;

[0115] SNONCE: Same as in the received direct link establishment request message;

[0116] Link info: Includes the MAC address of MLD1 or STA1, the MAC address of MLD2 or STA4, and the BSSID of the AP (such as the address of the AP).

[0117] The direct link establishment confirmation message sent by MLD1 to MLD2 includes the following parameters:

[0118] ANONCE: Same as the received direct link establishment response message;

[0119] SNONCE: Same as the received direct link establishment response message;

[0120] Link info: Includes the MAC address of MLD1 or STA1, the MAC address of MLD2 or STA4, and the BSSID of the AP (such as the address of the AP).

[0121] MLD1 and MLD2 generate keys in the following manner:

[0122] If a direct link is established between MLD1 and MLD2 on the link connected to the AP, a key for that link is generated based on Snonce, ANonce, the MAC address of MLD1 (MAC_MLD1), the MAC address of MLD2 (MAC_MLD2), and the BSSID of the AP. An example of the generation method is as follows:

[0123] TPK-Key-Input=Hash(min(Snonce,ANonce)||max(SNonce,ANonce));

[0124] TPK=KDF-Hash-Length(TPK-Key-Input, "TDLS PMK", min(MAC_MLD1, MAC_MLD2)||max(MAC_MLD1, MAC_MLD2)||BSSID);

[0125] TPK_KCK = L(TPK, 0, 128), representing the first 128 bits of the generated TPK;

[0126] TPK_TK = L(TPK, 128, Length – 128), representing the remaining bits of the generated TPK.

[0127] Where Hash represents the hash algorithm;

[0128] KDF-Hash-Length: Indicates the key generation algorithm;

[0129] “TDLS PMK”: Indicates the name of the generated key;

[0130] TPK_KCK: Used to verify the reliability of the data source;

[0131] TPK_TK: Used for data transmission encryption and decryption on the corresponding links between MLD1 and MLD2.

[0132] Alternatively, a key for this link can be generated based on Snonce, Anonce, the MAC address of STA1 (MAC_STA1), the MAC address of STA4 (MAC_STA4), and the BSSID of the AP, as shown in the following example:

[0133] TPK-Key-Input=Hash(min(Snonce,ANonce)||max(SNonce,ANonce));

[0134] TPK=KDF-Hash-Length(TPK-Key-Input, "TDLS PMK", min(MAC_STA1, MAC_STA4)||max(MAC_STA1, MAC_STA4)||BSSID);

[0135] TPK_KCK = L(TPK, 0, 128), representing the first 128 bits of the generated TPK;

[0136] TPK_TK = L(TPK, 128, Length – 128), representing the remaining bits of the generated TPK.

[0137] It should be noted that the address information of MLD1 and MLD2 used to generate the key must be consistent with the address used in the process of establishing a connection with the AP. For example, if the address of the logical entity is used in the process of establishing a connection with the AP, then the address of the logical entity should also be used when generating the key. If the address of the multi-link device is used in the process of establishing a connection with the AP, then the address of the multi-link device should also be used when generating the key. This can facilitate the terminal's management of addresses and keys, and the terminal can avoid the complexity introduced into management by using multiple addresses.

[0138] If a direct link is established between MLD1 and MLD2 on a link not connected to the AP, a key for that link is generated based on Snonce, ANonce, the MAC address of the logical terminal operating on the direct link in MLD1 (MAC_STA_n1), and the MAC address of the logical terminal operating on the direct link in MLD2 (MAC_STA_n2). An example of the generation method is as follows:

[0139] TPK-Key-Input=Hash(min(Snonce,ANonce)||max(SNonce,ANonce));

[0140] TPK=KDF-Hash-Length(TPK-Key-Input, "TDLS PMK", min(MAC_STA_n1, MAC_STA_n2)||max(MAC_STA_n1, MAC_STA_n2));

[0141] TPK_KCK = L(TPK, 0, 128), representing the first 128 bits of the generated TPK;

[0142] TPK_TK = L(TPK, 128, Length – 128), representing the remaining bits of the generated TPK.

[0143] If multiple direct links need to be established between MLD1 and MLD2, keys are generated for each link as described above. The direct link establishment response message and the direct link establishment confirmation message are sent on their respective links. Specifically, MLD2 sends a direct link establishment response message on each link that agrees to establish a direct link, and MLD1 sends a direct link establishment confirmation message on each link that receives the response message. In this case, the direct link establishment request message is sent uniformly through the AP, while the direct link establishment response message and the direct link establishment confirmation message are sent on their respective links. In this scenario, the direct link establishment response message and the direct link establishment confirmation message may not contain the ML element.

[0144] This invention also provides an apparatus for establishing a direct link, including a direct link module, the direct link module being used to perform the following steps:

[0145] The second multi-link device receives a direct link establishment request message from the first multi-link device on the first link. The direct link establishment request message contains a first multi-link information element, which contains information about the link for which a direct link is requested to be established. Both the first multi-link device and the second multi-link device are connected to the access point only on the first link.

[0146] If the direct link establishment request message indicates a request to establish a direct link on the second link, then the transceiver operating on the second link is enabled by the second multi-link device, and a direct link establishment response message is sent to the first multi-link device on one or each of the second links. The direct link establishment response message indicates whether the request is accepted, wherein the second link is a different link from the first link.

[0147] In an optional example, those skilled in the art will understand that the above-described device may specifically be MLD2 in the above embodiments. This device can be used to execute the various processes and / or steps corresponding to MLD2 in the above method. To avoid repetition, it will not be described again here.

[0148] This invention also provides an apparatus for establishing a direct link, including a direct link module, the direct link module being used to perform the following steps:

[0149] The first multi-link device sends a direct link establishment request message to the second multi-link device on the first link. The direct link establishment request message indicates a request to establish a direct link on the second link. Both the first and second multi-link devices are connected to the access point only on the first link, and the second link is a different link from the first link.

[0150] The transceiver on the second link is enabled by the first multi-link device, and a direct link establishment response message is received from the second multi-link device on one or each link of the second link, the direct link establishment response message indicating whether the request is accepted.

[0151] In an optional example, those skilled in the art will understand that the above-described device may specifically be MLD1 in the above embodiments. This device can be used to execute the various processes and / or steps corresponding to MLD1 in the above method. To avoid repetition, it will not be described again here.

[0152] It should be understood that the device described here is embodied in the form of functional modules. The term "module" here can refer to application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), electronic circuits, processors (e.g., shared processors, proprietary processors, or group processors) and memories for executing one or more software or firmware programs, integrated logic circuits, and / or other suitable components supporting the described functions. The device described above has the function of implementing the corresponding steps in the described method; the functions described above can be implemented in hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the functions described above. In embodiments of the present invention, the device can also be a chip or a chip system, such as a system-on-a-chip (SoC). The present invention is not limited thereto.

[0153] This invention also provides an electronic device. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 As shown, device 300 includes processor 301, memory 302 and communication interface 303. The processor 301, memory 302 and communication interface 303 communicate with each other through bus 304. The memory 302 stores instructions that can be executed by the processor 301. The instructions are loaded and executed by the processor 301 to control the communication interface 303 to send and / or receive signals.

[0154] It should be understood that device 300 may specifically be MLD1, MLD2, or AP in the above embodiments, or the functions of MLD1, MLD2, or AP in the above embodiments may be integrated into device 300, and device 300 may be used to execute the various steps and / or processes corresponding to MLD1, MLD2, or AP in the above embodiments. Optionally, memory 302 may include read-only memory and random access memory, and provide instructions and data to processor 301. A portion of memory 302 may also include non-volatile random access memory. For example, memory 302 may also store device type information. Processor 301 may be used to execute instructions stored in memory 301, and when processor 301 executes the instructions, processor 301 may execute the corresponding various steps and / or processes in the above method embodiments.

[0155] It should be understood that, in this embodiment of the invention, the processor may be a central processing unit (CPU), or it may be other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0156] In implementation, each step of the above method can be completed by integrated logic circuits in the processor hardware or by instructions in software. The steps of the method disclosed in the embodiments of this invention can be directly manifested as execution by a hardware processor, or as a combination of hardware and software modules in the processor. The software modules can reside in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable memory, registers, or other mature storage media in the art. This storage medium is located in memory, and the processor executes the instructions in the memory, combining them with its hardware to complete the steps of the above method. To avoid repetition, detailed descriptions are omitted here.

[0157] The above embodiments can be implemented, in whole or in part, by software, hardware, firmware, or any other combination thereof. When implemented using software, the above embodiments can be implemented, in whole or in part, as a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions or computer programs. When the computer instructions or computer programs are loaded or executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of the present invention are generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that includes one or more sets of available media. The available medium can be a magnetic medium (e.g., floppy disk, hard disk, magnetic tape), an optical medium (e.g., DVD), or a semiconductor medium. A semiconductor medium can be a solid-state drive.

[0158] It should be understood that in the various embodiments of the present invention, the sequence number of each process does not imply the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of the present invention. Modules described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. Components shown as modules may or may not be physical modules; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network modules. Some or all of the modules can be selected according to actual needs to achieve the purpose of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0159] In the embodiments provided by this invention, it should be understood that the disclosed devices, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For instance, the division of modules is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, one module or component can be divided into multiple modules or components, or multiple modules or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed can be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between devices or modules can be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0160] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the modules and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementations should not be considered beyond the scope of this invention.

[0161] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A method for establishing a direct link, characterized in that, include: The second multi-link device receives a direct link establishment request message from the first multi-link device on the first link. The direct link establishment request message contains a first multi-link information element, which contains information about the link for which a direct link is requested to be established. Both the first multi-link device and the second multi-link device are connected to the access point only on the first link. If the direct link establishment request message indicates a request to establish a direct link on the second link, the second multi-link device enables a transceiver operating on the second link to send a direct link establishment response message to the first multi-link device on one or each of the second links. The direct link establishment response message indicates whether the request is accepted, wherein the second link is a different link from the first link.

2. The method for establishing a direct link according to claim 1, characterized in that, Before the second multi-link device receives the direct link establishment request message from the first multi-link device on the first link, the process also includes: The second multi-link device receives a direct link discovery request message from the first multi-link device on the first link. The direct link discovery request message contains a second multi-link information element, which contains information about the links that the first multi-link device can establish direct links with. If the direct link discovery request message indicates that the first multi-link device can establish a direct link on a link other than the first link, and the second multi-link device agrees to establish a direct link on a link other than the first link, then the second multi-link device sends a direct link discovery response message to the first multi-link device on the first link. The direct link discovery response message contains a third multi-link information element, which contains information about the link on which the second multi-link device can establish a direct link.

3. The method for establishing a direct link according to claim 1, characterized in that, The direct link establishment request message also indicates the link activation delay duration, and the second multi-link device activation operation on the transceiver on the second link includes: The second multi-link device enables the transceiver to operate on the second link within the link activation delay time indicated in the direct link establishment request message.

4. The method for establishing a direct link according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: The second multi-link device sends a first message to the access point on the first link. The first message indicates the transmission duration of data transmission on the direct link between the second multi-link device and the first multi-link device, so as to prevent the access point from sending data to the second multi-link device and / or the first multi-link device within the transmission duration.

5. The method for establishing a direct link according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: When the second multi-link device needs to transmit data with the first multi-link device on a direct link, the second multi-link device sends a first data packet to the access point on the first link. The first data packet indicates that the second multi-link device enters power saving mode. When the second multi-link device finishes transmitting data with the first multi-link device on the direct link, the second multi-link device sends a second data packet to the access point on the first link. The second data packet indicates that the second multi-link device should exit the power saving mode.

6. The method for establishing a direct link according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: The second multi-link device sends a direct link transmission request message to the first multi-link device on the direct link established with the first multi-link device, and sends a timed sleep indication message to the access point on the first link. The direct link transmission request message and the timed sleep indication message indicate the start time, period, and duration of data transmission on the direct link between the second multi-link device and the first multi-link device, so as to avoid the access point sending data to the second multi-link device and / or the first multi-link device when the second multi-link device and the first multi-link device are transmitting data on the direct link.

7. The method for establishing a direct link according to claim 1, characterized in that, If the direct link establishment request message indicates a request to establish a direct link on the second link, then the second multi-link device sends a direct link establishment response message to the first multi-link device on each link in the second link. The direct link establishment request message also includes a first random number generated by the first multi-link device, the address of the first multi-link device or a first logical entity, the address of the second multi-link device or a second logical entity, and the basic service set identifier of the access point. The direct link establishment response message also includes a second random number generated by the second multi-link device, a first random number, the address of a third logical entity, and the address of a fourth logical entity. The first and second logical entities are respectively logical entities operating on the first link in the first and second multi-link devices, respectively. The third and fourth logical entities are respectively logical entities operating on the link transmitting the direct link establishment response message in the first and second multi-link devices. The method further includes: The second multi-link device receives a direct link establishment confirmation message from the first multi-link device on each link in the second link. The direct link establishment confirmation message contains a second random number, a first random number, the address of a third logical entity, and the address of a fourth logical entity. The second multi-link device generates a key for direct link data transmission based on the first random number, the second random number, the address of the third logical entity, and the address of the fourth logical entity.

8. A method for establishing a direct link, characterized in that, include: The first multi-link device sends a direct link establishment request message to the second multi-link device on the first link. The direct link establishment request message indicates a request to establish a direct link on the second link. Both the first multi-link device and the second multi-link device are connected to the access point only on the first link. The second link is a link different from the first link. The first multi-link device enables operation of a transceiver on the second link to receive a direct link establishment response message from the second multi-link device on one or each link of the second link, the direct link establishment response message indicating whether the request is accepted.

9. A method for establishing a direct link according to claim 8, characterized in that, Before the first multi-link device sends a direct link establishment request message to the second multi-link device on the first link, the process also includes: The first multi-link device sends a direct link discovery request message to the second multi-link device on the first link. The direct link discovery request message indicates that the first multi-link device can establish a direct link on a link other than the first link. The first multi-link device receives a direct link discovery response message from the second multi-link device on the first link. The direct link discovery response message indicates that the second multi-link device can establish a direct link in a link other than the first link.

10. A method for establishing a direct link according to claim 8, characterized in that, The direct link establishment request message also indicates the link activation delay duration, which is used to instruct the second multi-link device to activate the transceiver operating on the second link within the link activation delay duration. The first multi-link device enables operation of the transceiver on the second link by: The first multi-link device enables the transceiver to operate on the second link within the link activation delay period.

11. A method for establishing a direct link according to claim 8, characterized in that, Also includes: The first multi-link device sends a first message to the access point on the first link. The first message indicates the transmission duration of data transmission on the direct link between the first multi-link device and the second multi-link device, so as to prevent the access point from sending data to the first multi-link device and / or the second multi-link device within the transmission duration.

12. A method for establishing a direct link according to claim 8, characterized in that, Also includes: When the first multi-link device needs to transmit data with the second multi-link device on a direct link, the first multi-link device sends a first data packet to the access point on the first link. The first data packet indicates that the first multi-link device enters power saving mode. When the first multi-link device finishes transmitting data with the second multi-link device on the direct link, the first multi-link device sends a second data packet to the access point on the first link. The second data packet indicates that the first multi-link device should exit the power saving mode.

13. A method for establishing a direct link according to claim 8, characterized in that, Also includes: The first multi-link device sends a direct link transmission request message to the second multi-link device on the direct link established with the second multi-link device, and sends a timed sleep indication message to the access point on the first link. The direct link transmission request message and the timed sleep indication message indicate the start time, period, and duration of data transmission on the direct link between the second multi-link device and the first multi-link device, so as to avoid the access point from sending data to the first multi-link device and / or the second multi-link device when the first multi-link device and the second multi-link device are transmitting data on the direct link.

14. A method for establishing a direct link according to claim 8, characterized in that, The first multi-link device receives a direct link establishment response message from the second multi-link device on each link in the second link. The direct link establishment request message further includes a first random number generated by the first multi-link device, the address of the first multi-link device or the first logical entity, the address of the second multi-link device or the second logical entity, and the basic service set identifier of the access point. The direct link establishment response message further includes a second random number generated by the second multi-link device, the first random number, the address of the third logical entity, and the address of the fourth logical entity. The first logical entity and the second logical entity are logical entities operating on the first link in the first multi-link device and the second multi-link device, respectively. The third logical entity and the fourth logical entity are logical entities operating on the link transmitting the direct link establishment response message in the first multi-link device and the second multi-link device, respectively. The method further includes: The first multi-link device sends a direct link establishment confirmation message to the second multi-link device on each link that receives the direct link establishment response message. The direct link establishment confirmation message contains a first random number, a second random number, the address of a third logical entity, and the address of a fourth logical entity. The first multi-link device generates a key for data transmission on the direct link based on a first random number, a second random number, the address of the third logical entity, and the address of the fourth logical entity.

15. An apparatus for establishing a direct link, characterized in that, Includes a direct link module, which is used to perform the following steps: The second multi-link device receives a direct link establishment request message from the first multi-link device on the first link. The direct link establishment request message contains a first multi-link information element, which contains information about the link for which a direct link is requested to be established. Both the first multi-link device and the second multi-link device are connected to the access point only on the first link. If the direct link establishment request message indicates a request to establish a direct link on the second link, then the transceiver operating on the second link is enabled by the second multi-link device, and a direct link establishment response message is sent to the first multi-link device on one or each of the second links. The direct link establishment response message indicates whether the request is accepted, wherein the second link is a different link from the first link.

16. An apparatus for establishing a direct link, characterized in that, Includes a direct link module, which is used to perform the following steps: The first multi-link device sends a direct link establishment request message to the second multi-link device on the first link. The direct link establishment request message indicates a request to establish a direct link on the second link. Both the first and second multi-link devices are connected to the access point only on the first link, and the second link is a different link from the first link. The transceiver on the second link is enabled by the first multi-link device, and a direct link establishment response message is received from the second multi-link device on one or each link of the second link, the direct link establishment response message indicating whether the request is accepted.

17. An electronic device comprising a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory, characterized in that, The processor executes the computer program to implement the method of any one of claims 1-14.

18. A computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, characterized in that, When the computer program is executed by a processor, it implements the method of any one of claims 1-14.

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