Direct link addressing method and device

Abstract

According to the direct connection link addressing method and device provided by the invention, direct communication between non-AP MLD and non-AP MLD or between STA equipment and the non-AP MLD can be realized, so that the data transmission efficiency is improved. The method can be applied to a WiFi system. The method is applied to a first device, the first device comprises one or more stations (STA), the first device is connected with a third device, the third device comprises a plurality of access points (AP), a second device is connected with the third device, and the second device comprises a plurality of STAs. And when the first equipment comprises one STA, constructing protected data by adopting the address of the first equipment, the address of the second equipment and the address of the first AP connected with the first equipment. And when the first equipment comprises a plurality of STAs, constructing protected data by adopting the address of the first equipment, the address of the second equipment and the address of the third equipment. Therefore, the first device can transmit the first data unit through the direct connection link between the first device and the second device, and the data transmission rate can be improved.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the original application with the application number 202110278095.3 and the original filing date of March 15, 2021, and the entire contents of the original application are incorporated herein by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present application relates to the field of communication, in particular to a direct link addressing method and device. BACKGROUND

[0003] With the development of wireless communication technology, more and more wireless communication devices support multi-link communication, which can improve the communication efficiency of communication devices. Among them, the communication device supporting multi-link communication can be called multi-link device (MLD). The multi-link device includes access point (non-access point, AP) MLD and non-access point (non-access point, non-AP) MLD. Among them, the AP MLD includes multiple APs, and the non-AP MLD includes multiple stations (STAs). When the communication system includes at least one AP MLD and multiple non-AP MLDs, the non-AP MLDs and the AP MLDs can communicate through multiple links, and two non-AP MLDs can communicate through the AP MLD. The communication system can also include a station (station, STA) device. Among them, the STA device includes one STA, and the STA device and the non-AP MLD can communicate through the AP MLD.

[0004] However, the communication between two non-AP MLDs or between a STA device and a non-AP MLD still needs to be forwarded through an AP MLD, which increases the transmission delay. How to establish a direct link between a first non-AP MLD and a second non-AP MLD or between a STA device and a non-AP MLD for communication has not been given a corresponding solution in the industry. SUMMARY

[0005] Embodiments of the present application provide a direct link addressing method and device, which enables non-AP MLDs and non-AP MLDs or a STA device and a non-AP MLD to directly communicate, thereby improving data transmission efficiency.

[0006] To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the technical scheme adopted by the present application is as follows:

[0007] In a first aspect, a direct link addressing method is provided. The method is applied to a first device, the first device includes one or more stations (STAs), the first device is connected to a third device, the third device includes a plurality of access points (APs), a second device is connected to the third device, and the second device includes a plurality of STAs. The method includes determining protected data and transmitting a first data unit. The protected data includes a first address, a second address, and a third address. When the first device includes one STA, the first address is an address of the second device, the second address is an address of the first device, and the third address is an address of a first AP of the third device to which the first device is connected. When the first device includes a plurality of STAs, the first address is an address of the second device, the second address is an address of the first device, and the third address is an address of the third device. The first data unit includes a first header, and the first header is determined according to the protected data. The first data unit is transmitted through a direct link between the first device and the second device.

[0008] In the direct link addressing method according to the first aspect, when the first device includes one STA, the protected data is constructed using the address of the first device, the address of the second device, and the address of the first AP to which the first device is connected. When the first device includes a plurality of STAs, the protected data is constructed using the address of the first device, the address of the second device, and the address of the third device. Thus, the first device can transmit the first data unit through the direct link between the first device and the second device, and the data transmission rate can be improved. In addition, when the first device includes a plurality of STAs, the protected data is constructed using the device address. Changes in the direct link do not affect the protected data, so that when data is transmitted across links between a plurality of direct links, re-encryption is not required, and the data transmission rate can be further improved.

[0009] Optionally, the protected data can be additional authentical data (AAD), and the first data unit can be a management protocol data unit (MPDU).

[0010] In a possible design, the first header can include a fourth address, a fifth address, and a sixth address. When the first device includes one STA, the fourth address is the address of the second device, the fifth address is the address of the first device, and the sixth address is the address of the first AP of the third device. In this way, a Legacy STA and the second device can communicate through the direct link, and the data transmission rate can be improved.

[0011] Optionally, the first header can be an MPDU header.

[0012] In a possible design, the first header can include a fourth address, a fifth address and a sixth address. When the first device includes multiple STAs, the fourth address is an address of a STA of the multiple STAs of the second device corresponding to the first direct link, the fifth address is an address of a STA of the multiple STAs of the first device corresponding to the first direct link, and the sixth address is an address of an AP of the multiple APs of the third device corresponding to the first direct link, the first direct link being the direct link between the first device and the second device. In this way, the non-AP MLD and the non-AP MLD can communicate over the direct link, and the data transmission rate can be improved.

[0013] In a possible design, the first data unit can include a tunneled direct-link setup (TDLS) frame, and the TDLS frame can include a first element. The first element can be used to indicate an identity of a target link or an address of an AP of the multiple APs of the third device corresponding to the target link, the target link being a second direct link to which the TDLS frame applies, and the second direct link being the direct link between the first device and the second device. In this way, for a link-level TDLS frame, it can be indicated on which direct link the TDLS frame applies.

[0014] Optionally, the TDLS frame can be a TDLS channel switch request (Channel Switch Request) frame or a TDLS channel switch response (Channel Switch Response) frame. The TDLS Channel Switch Request is used to request that the target link switch from a current channel to another channel, and the TDLS Channel Switch Response is used to indicate agreement or disagreement to switch the target link from the current channel to another channel. In this way, the first device and the second device can switch the target link from the current channel to another channel for communication, and in a multi-link TDLS scenario, the TDLS Channel Switch Request / Response can be transmitted over any direct link.

[0015] Optionally, the first element can be a Link Identifier element or a newly defined element.

[0016] In one possible design, when the first device includes one STA and the TDLS frame is a TDLS discovery request frame, the first element can be used to indicate an identity of the transmission link or an address of an AP of the third device that corresponds to the transmission link, where the transmission link is the link over which the TDLS discovery request frame is sent. In this way, the Legacy STA and the second device can communicate over the direct link, and the data transmission rate can be improved.

[0017] In one possible design, when the first device includes one STA and the TDLS frame is a TDLS discovery response frame, the first element can be used to indicate an identity of the transmission link or an address of an AP of the third device that corresponds to the transmission link, where the transmission link is the link over which the TDLS discovery request frame is sent. In other words, the first element for the TDLS frame being a TDLS discovery response frame is set the same as the first element for the TDLS frame being a TDLS discovery request frame. In this way, the Legacy STA and the second device can communicate over the direct link, and the data transmission rate can be improved.

[0018] In one possible design, when the first device includes one STA and the TDLS frame is a TDLS setup request frame, the first element can be used to indicate an identity of the link between the first device and the third device or an address of an AP of the third device that corresponds to the first device, where the transmission link is the link over which the TDLS discovery request frame is sent. In this way, the Legacy STA and the second device can communicate over the direct link, and the data transmission rate can be improved.

[0019] In one possible design, when the first device includes one STA and the TDLS frame is a TDLS setup response frame, a TDLS setup confirmation frame, a TDLS teardown frame, a TDLS channel switch request frame, a TDLS channel switch response frame, a TDLS peer power save management request frame, a TDLS peer power save management response frame, a TDLS peer traffic indication frame, or a TDLS peer traffic response frame, the first element can be implemented in the same way as described above for the first device including one STA and the TDLS frame being a TDLS setup request frame, which will not be repeated here. In this way, the non-AP MLD and the non-AP MLD can communicate over the direct link, and the data transmission rate can be improved.

[0020] In a possible design, when the first device includes multiple STAs, and the TDLS frame is a TDLS discovery request frame, the first element is used to indicate an identity of a reference link, or an address of an AP of the third device corresponding to the reference link among multiple APs of the third device. Optionally, the reference link can be a link indicated by the BSSID field in the Link Identifier Element. In this way, the non-AP MLD and the non-AP MLD can communicate through the direct link, and the data transmission rate can be improved.

[0021] In a possible design, when the first device includes multiple STAs, and the TDLS frame is a TDLS discovery response frame, the first element is used to indicate an identity of a common link through which the TDLS discovery response frame is transmitted, or an address of an AP of the third device corresponding to the common link among multiple APs of the third device. The common link is a common link of a link between the first device and the third device and a link between the second device and the third device, and the AP of the third device associated with the STAs of the first device corresponding to the common link is the same as the AP of the third device associated with the STAs of the second device corresponding to the common link. In this way, the non-AP MLD and the non-AP MLD can communicate through the direct link, and the data transmission rate can be improved.

[0022] In a possible design, when the first device includes multiple STAs, and the TDLS frame is a TDLS setup request frame, a TDLS setup response frame, or a TDLS setup confirmation frame, the first element is used to indicate an identity of a reference link, or an address of an AP of the third device corresponding to the reference link among multiple APs of the third device. In this way, the receiving end can know which link corresponds to the reference link.

[0023] In a possible design, when the first device includes multiple STAs, and the TDLS frame is a TDLS teardown frame, the first element is used to indicate an address of the third device. In this way, the receiving end can know which device under which AP MLD sends the frame.

[0024] In a possible design, when the first device includes multiple STAs, and the TDLS frame is a TDLS peer traffic indication frame or a TDLS peer traffic response frame, the first element is used to indicate an address of the third device. In this way, the receiving end can know which device under which AP MLD sends the frame.

[0025] In a possible design, the first data unit can include a tunnel direct link setup (TDLS) frame, the TDLS frame can include a wake-up schedule element and a second element. The offset field in the wake-up schedule element is an offset relative to a first timing synchronization function (TSF) threshold of a third direct link, and the second element can be used to indicate an identity of the third direct link or an address of an AP of the third device corresponding to the third direct link among a plurality of APs of the third device. The third direct link is a direct link between the first device and the second device. In this way, it can be known when to periodically wake up and transmit and receive data, so that power consumption can be saved.

[0026] Optionally, the TDLS frame can be a TDLS peer power save multi-poll (TDLS Peer PSM) request frame and a TDLS Peer PSM response frame. In this way, in a multi-link TDLS scenario, the TDLS Peer PSM Request / Response can be transmitted through any direct link, and the receiving end can correctly parse the wake-up schedule element.

[0027] In a possible design, the first data unit can include a third element, which can be used to indicate that at least one fourth direct link is to be established on the first link. The first link is a common link between a link between the first device and the third device and a link between the second device and the third device, and the first link can include the at least one fourth direct link.

[0028] In this way, the first device and the second device can establish a direct link on the common link, so that the data transmission rate can be improved.

[0029] That is, the first link can be a common link between the first device and the third device and between the second device and the third device, and an AP of the third device associated with a STA of the first device is the same as an AP of the third device associated with a STA of the second device.

[0030] In a possible design, the third element can include a direct link number field and a direct link identifier field. The direct link number field can be used to indicate a number of the fourth direct links to be established, and the direct link identifier field can include an address of at least one AP of the third device corresponding to the at least one fourth direct link or an identity of the at least one fourth direct link, among a plurality of APs of the third device.

[0031] In this way, by indicating the number of the fourth direct links to be established, the fourth direct links can be established on part or all of the links of the first link, so that the flexibility of direct link establishment can be improved. The direct link identifier field can be used to indicate on which links the direct links are to be established.

[0032] In one possible design, the direct link identifier field may also include the address of the first STA of the first device and the address of the second STA of the second device. That is, the direct link identifier field may include the addresses of the STAs belonging to both ends of the direct link.

[0033] In one possible design, the seventh address is bound to the TDLS peer key (TPK). The seventh address can be the address of the AP corresponding to the direct link between the first and second devices among the multiple APs of the third device, or the addresses of all APs of the third device, plus the address of the third device itself. This improves the security of communication between the first and second devices via the direct link.

[0034] Secondly, a direct link addressing method is provided, applied to a second device, which includes multiple Stations (STAs), is connected to a third device, which includes multiple Access Points (APs), and a first device is connected to the third device, which includes one or more STAs. The direct link addressing method includes: receiving a first data unit and parsing the first data unit to obtain a first header. The first data unit is transmitted via a direct link between the first and second devices, and the first header may include a fourth address, a fifth address, and a sixth address. When the first device includes one STA, the fourth address is the address of the second device, the fifth address is the address of the first device, and the sixth address is the address of the first AP of the third device. When the first device includes multiple STAs, the fourth address is the address of the STA among the multiple STAs of the second device corresponding to the first direct link, the fifth address is the address of the STA among the multiple STAs of the first device corresponding to the first direct link, and the sixth address is the address of the AP among the multiple APs of the third device corresponding to the first direct link, where the first direct link is a direct link between the first and second devices.

[0035] In one possible design, the direct link addressing method provided in the second aspect may further include: obtaining the protected data based on the first header. The protected data includes a first address, a second address, and a third address. When the first device includes one STA, the first address is the address of the second device, the second address is the address of the first device, and the third address is the address of the first AP of the third device; the first device is connected to the first AP of the third device. When the first device includes multiple STAs, the first address is the address of the second device, the second address is the address of the first device, and the third address is the address of the third device.

[0036] In one possible design, the direct-link addressing method provided by the second aspect may further include: parsing the first data unit to obtain a tunneled direct-link setup (TDLS) frame. The TDLS frame may include a first element, which may be used to indicate the identifier of the target link or the address of the AP corresponding to the target link among multiple APs of the third device. The target link is the second direct link applied by the TDLS frame, and the second direct link is a direct link between the first device and the second device.

[0037] Optionally, the TDLS frame can be a TDLS Channel Switch Request frame or a TDLS Channel Switch Response frame. A TDLS Channel Switch Request is used to request the target link to switch from the current channel to another channel, while a TDLS Channel Switch Response is used to indicate whether the switch is agreed to or disagreed with.

[0038] In one possible design, when the first device includes a STA and the TDLS frame is a TDLS discovery request frame, the first element can be used to indicate the identifier of the transmission link, or the address of the AP corresponding to the transmission link among the multiple APs of the third device, where the transmission link is the link that sent the TDLS discovery request frame.

[0039] In one possible design, when the first device includes a STA and the TDLS frame is a TDLS discovery response frame, the first element is used to indicate the identifier of the transmission link, or the address of the AP corresponding to the transmission link among multiple APs of the third device, where the transmission link is the link that sent the TDLS discovery request frame. That is, the settings of the first element corresponding to a TDLS discovery response frame can be the same as the settings of the first element corresponding to a TDLS discovery request frame.

[0040] In one possible design, when the first device includes a STA and the TDLS frame is a TDLS establishment request frame, the first element is used to indicate the identifier of the link between the first device and the third device, or the address of the AP corresponding to the first device among the multiple APs of the third device, and the transmission link is the link that sent the TDLS discovery request frame.

[0041] In one possible design, when the first device includes a STA and the TDLS frame is a TDLS establishment response frame, a TDLS establishment confirmation frame, a TDLS teardown frame, a TDLS channel handover request frame, a TDLS channel handover response frame, a TDLS peer power saving management request frame, a TDLS peer power saving management response frame, a TDLS peer traffic indication frame, or a TDLS peer traffic response frame, the specific implementation of the first element can refer to the above implementation of the first element when the first device includes a STA and the TDLS frame is a TDLS establishment request frame, which will not be repeated here.

[0042] In one possible design, when the first device comprises multiple STAs and the TDLS frame is a TDLS discovery request frame, the first element is used to indicate the identifier of the reference link, or the address of the AP corresponding to the reference link among the multiple APs of the third device. Optionally, the reference link can be the link indicated by the BSSID field in the Link Identifier Element.

[0043] In one possible design, when the first device includes multiple STAs and the TDLS frame is a TDLS discovery response frame, the first element is used to indicate the identifier of the common link transmitting the TDLS discovery response frame, or the address of the AP among the multiple APs of the third device that corresponds to the common link transmitting the TDLS discovery response frame. Here, the common link is the shared link between the first and third devices, and between the second and third devices. The AP of the third device associated with the STA of the first device corresponding to the common link is the same as the AP of the third device associated with the STA of the second device corresponding to the common link.

[0044] In one possible design, when the first device includes multiple STAs and the TDLS frame is a TDLS establishment request frame, a TDLS establishment response frame, or a TDLS establishment confirmation frame, the first element is used to indicate the identifier of the reference link, or the address of the AP corresponding to the reference link among the multiple APs of the third device.

[0045] In one possible design, when the first device includes multiple STAs and the TDLS frame is a TDLS teardown frame, the first element is used to indicate the address of the third device.

[0046] In one possible design, when the first device includes multiple STAs and the TDLS frame is a TDLS peer traffic indication frame or a TDLS peer traffic response frame, the first element is used to indicate the address of the third device.

[0047] In one possible design, the direct link addressing method provided in the second aspect may further include: parsing a first data unit to obtain a TDLS frame, wherein the TDLS frame may include a wake-up scheduling element and a second element. The offset field in the wake-up scheduling element is an offset relative to a first timing synchronization function threshold of the third direct link, and the second element can be used to indicate the identifier of the third direct link or the address of the AP corresponding to the third direct link among multiple APs of the third device, wherein the third direct link is a direct link between the first device and the second device.

[0048] Optionally, the TDLS frame can be a TDLS peer power management request frame and a TDLS peer power management response frame.

[0049] In one possible design approach, the direct link addressing method provided by the second aspect may further include: parsing a first data unit to obtain a third element, the third element being used to indicate the establishment of at least one fourth direct link on the first link. The first link is a common link between the first device and the third device, and between the second device and the third device, and the first link may include at least one fourth direct link.

[0050] In one possible design, the third element may include a direct link quantity field and a direct link identifier field. The direct link quantity field can be used to indicate the number of fourth direct links to be established, and the direct link identifier field may include the address of at least one AP among the multiple APs of the third device that corresponds to at least one fourth direct link, or the identifier of at least one fourth direct link.

[0051] In one possible design approach, the direct link identifier field may also include the address of the first STA of the first device and the address of the second STA of the second device.

[0052] In one possible design, the seventh address is bound to the TDLS peering key. The seventh address may include the address of the AP corresponding to the direct link between the third device and the first and second devices among the multiple APs of the third device, or the addresses of all APs of the third device, as well as the address of the third device itself.

[0053] Furthermore, the technical effects of the direct link addressing method described in the second aspect can be referred to the technical effects of the direct link addressing method described in the first aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0054] Thirdly, a direct link addressing method is provided, applied to a second device, which includes multiple Stations (STAs), connected to a third device, which includes multiple Access Points (APs), and a first device connected to the third device, which includes one or more STAs. The direct link addressing method includes: determining protected data and sending a first data unit. The protected data includes a first address, a second address, and a third address. When the first device includes one STA, the first address is the address of the first device, the second address is the address of the second device, and the third address is the address of the first AP of the third device; the first device is connected to the first AP of the third device. When the first device includes multiple STAs, the first address is the address of the first device, the second address is the address of the second device, and the third address is the address of the third device. The first data unit includes a first header, which is determined based on the protected data, and the first data unit is transmitted through a direct link between the first device and the second device.

[0055] In one possible design, the first header may include a fourth address, a fifth address, and a sixth address. When the first device includes a STA, the fourth address is the address of the first device, the fifth address is the address of the second device, and the sixth address is the address of the first AP of the third device. This maintains protocol compatibility, and when the second device acts as the TDLS initiator, the legacy STA can correctly parse the first data unit. This allows the legacy STA and the non-AP MLD to communicate via a direct link, improving data transmission rates.

[0056] In one possible design, the first header includes a fourth address, a fifth address, and a sixth address. When the first device includes multiple STAs, the fourth address is the address of the STA among the multiple STAs of the first device that corresponds to the first direct link, the fifth address is the address of the STA among the multiple STAs of the second device that corresponds to the first direct link, and the sixth address is the address of the AP among the multiple APs of the third device that corresponds to the first direct link. The first direct link is the direct link between the first device and the second device.

[0057] In one possible design, the first data unit may include a TDLS frame establishing a tunnel direct link. The TDLS frame may include a first element, which may be used to indicate the identifier of the target link or the address of the AP corresponding to the target link among multiple APs of the third device. The target link is the second direct link applied by the TDLS frame, and the second direct link is a direct link between the first device and the second device.

[0058] In one possible design, the first data unit may include a TDLS frame establishing a tunnel direct link. The TDLS frame may include a wake-up scheduling element and a second element. The offset field in the wake-up scheduling element is an offset relative to a first timing synchronization function threshold of the third direct link. The second element can be used to indicate the identifier of the third direct link or the address of the AP corresponding to the third direct link among multiple APs of the third device. The third direct link is a direct link between the first device and the second device.

[0059] In one possible design, when the first device includes a STA and the TDLS frame is a TDLS discovery request frame, the first element is used to indicate the identifier of the reference link, or the address of the AP corresponding to the reference link among multiple APs of the third device. The reference link can be the link indicated by the BSSID field in the Link Identifier Element. This maintains protocol compatibility.

[0060] In one possible design, when the first device includes a STA and the TDLS frame is a TDLS discovery response frame, the first element is used to indicate the identifier of the transmission link, or the address of the AP corresponding to the transmission link among multiple APs of the third device, where the transmission link is the link that sent the TDLS discovery request frame. That is, the setting of the first element corresponding to a TDLS discovery response frame can be the same as the setting of the first element corresponding to a TDLS discovery request frame. This maintains protocol compatibility.

[0061] In one possible design, when the first device includes a STA and the TDLS frame is a TDLS establishment request frame, the first element is used to indicate the identifier of the link between the first device and the third device, or the address of the AP corresponding to the first device among the multiple APs of the third device, and the transmission link is the link that sent the TDLS discovery request frame. This maintains protocol compatibility.

[0062] In one possible design, when the first device includes a STA, and the TDLS frame is a TDLS establishment response frame, a TDLS establishment confirmation frame, a TDLS teardown frame, a TDLS channel handover request frame, a TDLS channel handover response frame, a TDLS peer power saving management request frame, a TDLS peer power saving management response frame, a TDLS peer traffic indication frame, or a TDLS peer traffic response frame, the specific implementation of the first element can refer to the implementation of the first element described above when the first device includes a STA and the TDLS frame is a TDLS establishment request frame, and will not be repeated here. This maintains protocol compatibility.

[0063] In one possible design, when the first device comprises multiple STAs and the TDLS frame is a TDLS discovery request frame, the first element is used to indicate the identifier of the reference link, or the address of the AP corresponding to the reference link among the multiple APs of the third device. Optionally, the reference link can be the link indicated by the BSSID field in the Link Identifier Element.

[0064] In one possible design, when the first device includes multiple STAs and the TDLS frame is a TDLS discovery response frame, the first element is used to indicate the identifier of the common link transmitting the TDLS discovery response frame, or the address of the AP among the multiple APs of the third device that corresponds to the common link transmitting the TDLS discovery response frame. Here, the common link is the shared link between the first and third devices, and between the second and third devices. The AP of the third device associated with the STA of the first device corresponding to the common link is the same as the AP of the third device associated with the STA of the second device corresponding to the common link.

[0065] In one possible design, when the first device includes multiple STAs and the TDLS frame is a TDLS establishment request frame, a TDLS establishment response frame, or a TDLS establishment confirmation frame, the first element is used to indicate the identifier of the reference link, or the address of the AP corresponding to the reference link among the multiple APs of the third device.

[0066] In one possible design, when the first device includes multiple STAs and the TDLS frame is a TDLS teardown frame, the first element is used to indicate the address of the third device.

[0067] In one possible design, when the first device includes multiple STAs and the TDLS frame is a TDLS peer traffic indication frame or a TDLS peer traffic response frame, the first element is used to indicate the address of the third device.

[0068] In one possible design, the first data unit may include a third element, which can be used to indicate the establishment of at least one fourth direct link on the first link. The first link is a common link between the first and third devices, and between the second and third devices, and may include at least one fourth direct link.

[0069] In one possible design, the third element may include a direct link quantity field and a direct link identifier field. The direct link quantity field can be used to indicate the number of fourth direct links to be established, and the direct link identifier field may include the address of at least one AP among the multiple APs of the third device that corresponds to at least one fourth direct link, or the identifier of at least one fourth direct link.

[0070] In one possible design approach, the direct link identifier field may also include the address of the first STA of the first device and the address of the second STA of the second device.

[0071] In one possible design, the seventh address is bound to the TDLS peering key TPK. The seventh address may include the address of the AP corresponding to the direct link between the third device and the first and second devices among the multiple APs of the third device, or the addresses of all APs of the third device, as well as the address of the third device itself.

[0072] Furthermore, the technical effects of the direct link addressing method described in the third aspect can be referred to the technical effects of the direct link addressing method described in the first aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0073] Fourthly, a direct link addressing method is provided, applied to a first device, the first device including one or more STAs, the first device being connected to a third device, the third device including multiple access points (APs), and a second device being connected to the third device, the second device including multiple STAs. The direct link addressing method includes: receiving a first data unit and parsing the first data unit to obtain a first header. The first data unit is transmitted through a direct link between the first device and the second device. The first header may include a fourth address, a fifth address, and a sixth address. When the first device includes one STA, the fourth address is the address of the first device, the fifth address is the address of the second device, and the sixth address is the address of the first AP of the third device. When the first device includes multiple STAs, the fourth address is the address of the STA among the multiple STAs of the first device corresponding to the first direct link, the fifth address is the address of the STA among the multiple STAs of the second device corresponding to the first direct link, and the sixth address is the address of the AP among the multiple APs of the third device corresponding to the first direct link, where the first direct link is a direct link between the first device and the second device.

[0074] In one possible design approach, the direct link addressing method provided in the fourth aspect may further include: obtaining the protected data based on the first header. The protected data includes a first address, a second address, and a third address. When the first device includes one STA, the first address is the address of the first device, the second address is the address of the second device, and the third address is the address of the first AP of the third device. The first device is connected to the first AP of the third device, and the first device includes one STA. When the first device includes multiple STAs, the first address is the address of the first device, the second address is the address of the second device, and the third address is the address of the third device.

[0075] In one possible design, the direct link addressing method provided in the fourth aspect may further include: parsing the first data unit to obtain a tunnel direct link establishment TDLS frame, the TDLS frame may include a first element, the first element may be used to indicate the identifier of the target link or the address of the AP corresponding to the target link among the multiple APs of the third device, the target link is the second direct link applied by the TDLS frame, and the second direct link is the direct link between the first device and the second device.

[0076] In one possible design, when the first device includes a STA and the TDLS frame is a TDLS discovery request frame, the first element is used to indicate the identifier of the reference link, or the address of the AP corresponding to the reference link among the multiple APs of the third device. The reference link can be the link indicated by the BSSID field in the Link Identifier Element.

[0077] In one possible design, when the first device includes a STA and the TDLS frame is a TDLS discovery response frame, the first element is used to indicate the identifier of the transmission link, or the address of the AP corresponding to the transmission link among multiple APs of the third device, where the transmission link is the link that sent the TDLS discovery request frame. That is, the settings of the first element corresponding to a TDLS discovery response frame can be the same as the settings of the first element corresponding to a TDLS discovery request frame.

[0078] In one possible design, when the first device includes a STA and the TDLS frame is a TDLS establishment request frame, the first element is used to indicate the identifier of the link between the first device and the third device, or the address of the AP corresponding to the first device among the multiple APs of the third device, and the transmission link is the link that sent the TDLS discovery request frame.

[0079] In one possible design, when the first device includes a STA and the TDLS frame is a TDLS establishment response frame, a TDLS establishment confirmation frame, a TDLS teardown frame, a TDLS channel handover request frame, a TDLS channel handover response frame, a TDLS peer power saving management request frame, a TDLS peer power saving management response frame, a TDLS peer traffic indication frame, or a TDLS peer traffic response frame, the specific implementation of the first element can refer to the above implementation of the first element when the first device includes a STA and the TDLS frame is a TDLS establishment request frame, which will not be repeated here.

[0080] In one possible design, when the first device comprises multiple STAs and the TDLS frame is a TDLS discovery request frame, the first element is used to indicate the identifier of the reference link, or the address of the AP corresponding to the reference link among the multiple APs of the third device. Optionally, the reference link can be the link indicated by the BSSID field in the Link Identifier Element.

[0081] In one possible design, when the first device includes multiple STAs and the TDLS frame is a TDLS discovery response frame, the first element is used to indicate the identifier of the common link transmitting the TDLS discovery response frame, or the address of the AP among the multiple APs of the third device that corresponds to the common link transmitting the TDLS discovery response frame. Here, the common link is the shared link between the first and third devices, and between the second and third devices. The AP of the third device associated with the STA of the first device corresponding to the common link is the same as the AP of the third device associated with the STA of the second device corresponding to the common link.

[0082] In one possible design, when the first device includes multiple STAs and the TDLS frame is a TDLS establishment request frame, a TDLS establishment response frame, or a TDLS establishment confirmation frame, the first element is used to indicate the identifier of the reference link, or the address of the AP corresponding to the reference link among the multiple APs of the third device.

[0083] In one possible design, when the first device includes multiple STAs and the TDLS frame is a TDLS teardown frame, the first element is used to indicate the address of the third device.

[0084] In one possible design, when the first device includes multiple STAs and the TDLS frame is a TDLS peer traffic indication frame or a TDLS peer traffic response frame, the first element is used to indicate the address of the third device.

[0085] In one possible design approach, the direct link addressing method provided in the fourth aspect may further include: parsing a first data unit to obtain a TDLS frame, wherein the TDLS frame may include a wake-up scheduling element and a second element. The offset field in the wake-up scheduling element is an offset relative to a first timing synchronization function threshold of the third direct link, and the second element can be used to indicate the identifier of the third direct link or the address of the AP corresponding to the third direct link among multiple APs of the third device, wherein the third direct link is a direct link between the first device and the second device.

[0086] Optionally, the TDLS frame can be a TDLS peer power management request frame and a TDLS peer power management response frame.

[0087] In one possible design, the direct link addressing method provided by the fourth aspect may further include: parsing a first data unit to obtain a third element, the third element being used to indicate the establishment of at least one fourth direct link on the first link. The first link is a common link between the first device and the third device, and between the second device and the third device, and the first link may include at least one fourth direct link.

[0088] In one possible design, the third element may include a direct link quantity field and a direct link identifier field. The direct link quantity field can be used to indicate the number of fourth direct links to be established, and the direct link identifier field may include the address of at least one AP among the multiple APs of the third device that corresponds to at least one fourth direct link, or the identifier of at least one fourth direct link.

[0089] In one possible design approach, the direct link identifier field may also include the address of the first STA of the first device and the address of the second STA of the second device.

[0090] In one possible design, the seventh address is bound to the TDLS peering key TPK. The seventh address may include the address of the AP corresponding to the direct link between the third device and the first and second devices among the multiple APs of the third device, or the addresses of all APs of the third device, as well as the address of the third device itself.

[0091] Furthermore, the technical effects of the direct link addressing method described in the fourth aspect can be referred to the technical effects of the direct link addressing method described in the first aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0092] Fifthly, a direct link addressing method is provided, applied to a first device, the first device including one or more station STAs, the first device being connected to a third device, the third device including multiple access points (APs), and a second device being connected to the third device, the second device including multiple STAs. The direct link addressing method includes: determining a first data unit and sending the first data unit. The first data unit includes a first header, which includes a fourth address, a fifth address, and a sixth address.

[0093] When the first device includes one STA, the fourth address is the address of the second device, the fifth address is the address of the first device, and the sixth address is the address of the first AP of the third device. The first device is connected to the first AP of the third device. When the first device includes multiple STAs, the fourth address is the address of the second device, the fifth address is the address of the first device, and the sixth address is the address of the AP among the multiple APs of the third device corresponding to the sixth direct link. The sixth direct link is the link between the first device and the second device for transmitting the first data unit. The first data unit is transmitted through the direct link between the first device and the second device.

[0094] In one possible design, the first data unit also includes a frame body, which can be a TDLS frame or data.

[0095] Optionally, a TDLS frame can be a TDLS discovery response frame.

[0096] Based on the direct link addressing method provided in the fifth aspect, when the first device includes one STA, the first header is constructed using the address of the first device, the address of the second device, and the address of the first AP connected to the first device. When the first device includes multiple STAs, the first header is constructed using the address of the first device, the address of the second device, and the address of the AP among the multiple APs of the third device that corresponds to the sixth direct link. The sixth direct link is the link between the first device and the second device for transmitting TDLS frames. Thus, the first device can transmit the first data unit through the direct link between the first device and the second device without requiring forwarding by the third device, thereby improving the data transmission rate. Furthermore, the setting method of the sixth address is compatible with both cases where the first device includes one STA and cases where the first device includes multiple STAs, avoiding frequent modifications to the settings of the sixth address and further reducing transmission latency.

[0097] Alternatively, the TDLS frame can be a TDLS discovery response frame. The TDLS discovery response frame is encapsulated as a common management frame and does not require encryption, so the corresponding AAD construction is not known.

[0098] Sixthly, a direct link addressing method is provided, applied to a second device, the second device including multiple station STAs, the second device being connected to a third device, the third device including multiple access points (APs), and a first device being connected to the third device, the first device including one or more STAs. The direct link addressing method includes: receiving a first data unit and parsing the first data unit to obtain a first header. The first header includes a fourth address, a fifth address, and a sixth address.

[0099] When the first device includes one STA, the fourth address is the address of the second device, the fifth address is the address of the first device, and the sixth address is the address of the first AP of the third device. The first device is connected to the first AP of the third device. When the first device includes multiple STAs, the fourth address is the address of the second device, the fifth address is the address of the first device, and the sixth address is the address of the AP among the multiple APs of the third device corresponding to the sixth direct link. The sixth direct link is the link between the first device and the second device for transmitting the first data unit. The first data unit is transmitted through the direct link between the first device and the second device.

[0100] In one possible design approach, the direct link addressing method provided in the sixth aspect may further include: parsing the first data unit to obtain the frame body, which may be a TDLS frame or data.

[0101] Optionally, a TDLS frame can be a TDLS discovery response frame.

[0102] Furthermore, the technical effects of the direct link addressing method described in the sixth aspect can be referred to the technical effects of the direct link addressing method described in the fifth aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0103] In a seventh aspect, a direct link addressing method is provided, applied to a second device, the second device including multiple station STAs, the second device being connected to a third device, the third device including multiple access points APs, and a first device being connected to the third device, the first device including one or more STAs. The direct link addressing method includes: determining a first data unit and sending the first data unit. The first data unit includes a first header, the first header including a fourth address, a fifth address, and a sixth address.

[0104] When the first device includes one STA, the fourth address is the address of the first device, the fifth address is the address of the second device, and the sixth address is the address of the first AP of the third device. The first device is connected to the first AP of the third device. When the first device includes multiple STAs, the fourth address is the address of the first device, the fifth address is the address of the second device, and the sixth address is the address of the AP among the multiple APs of the third device corresponding to the sixth direct link. The sixth direct link is the link between the first device and the second device for transmitting the first data unit. The first data unit is transmitted through the direct link between the first device and the second device.

[0105] In one possible design, the first data unit also includes a frame body, which can be a TDLS frame or data.

[0106] Optionally, a TDLS frame can be a TDLS discovery response frame.

[0107] Furthermore, the technical effects of the direct link addressing method described in the seventh aspect can be referred to the technical effects of the direct link addressing method described in the fifth aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0108] Eighthly, a direct link addressing method is provided, applied to a first device, the first device including one or more station STAs, the first device being connected to a third device, the third device including multiple access points (APs), and a second device being connected to the third device, the second device including multiple STAs. The direct link addressing method includes: receiving a first data unit and parsing the first data unit to obtain a first header. The first header includes a fourth address, a fifth address, and a sixth address.

[0109] When the first device includes one STA, the fourth address is the address of the first device, the fifth address is the address of the second device, and the sixth address is the address of the first AP of the third device. The first device is connected to the first AP of the third device. When the first device includes multiple STAs, the fourth address is the address of the first device, the fifth address is the address of the second device, and the sixth address is the address of the AP among the multiple APs of the third device corresponding to the sixth direct link. The sixth direct link is the link between the first device and the second device for transmitting the first data unit. The first data unit is transmitted through the direct link between the first device and the second device.

[0110] In one possible design approach, the direct link addressing method provided in the eighth aspect may further include: parsing the first data unit to obtain the frame body, which may be a TDLS frame or data.

[0111] Optionally, a TDLS frame can be a TDLS discovery response frame.

[0112] Furthermore, the technical effects of the direct link addressing method described in the eighth aspect can be referred to the technical effects of the direct link addressing method described in the fifth aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0113] A ninth aspect provides a direct link addressing device. The direct link addressing device includes a unit or module for performing the method described in any one of the first, fourth, fifth, or eighth aspects.

[0114] In this application, the direct link addressing device described in the ninth aspect can be a first device, or can be disposed in a chip (system) or other component or assembly of the first device.

[0115] Furthermore, the technical effects of the direct link addressing device described in the ninth aspect can be referred to the technical effects of the direct link addressing method described in any of the implementations of the first or fifth aspects, and will not be repeated here.

[0116] A tenth aspect provides a direct link addressing device. The direct link addressing device includes a unit or module for performing the method described in any one of the second, third, sixth, or seventh aspects.

[0117] In this application, the direct link addressing device described in the tenth aspect can be a second device, or can be disposed in a chip (system) or other component or assembly of the second device.

[0118] Furthermore, the technical effects of the direct link addressing device described in the tenth aspect can be referred to the technical effects of the direct link addressing method described in any of the implementations of the first or fifth aspects, and will not be repeated here.

[0119] Eleventhly, a direct link addressing device is provided. The direct link addressing device includes: a processor coupled to a memory for storing a computer program. The processor is configured to execute the computer program stored in the memory, such that the direct link addressing device performs the direct link addressing method as described in any of the possible implementations of the first to eighth aspects.

[0120] In one possible design, the direct-link addressing device described in aspect eleven may further include a transceiver. The transceiver may be a transceiver circuit or an input / output port. The transceiver can be used for communication between the direct-link addressing device and other devices.

[0121] In this application, the direct link addressing device described in the eleventh aspect can be a first device or a second device, or a chip or chip system disposed inside the first device or the second device.

[0122] Furthermore, the technical effects of the direct link addressing device described in the eleventh aspect can be referred to the technical effects of the direct link addressing method described in any of the implementations of the first to eighth aspects, and will not be repeated here.

[0123] In a twelfth aspect, a communication system is provided. The communication system includes a first device and a second device.

[0124] In a thirteenth aspect, a chip system is provided, the chip system including a processor and input / output ports, the processor being used to implement the processing functions involved in the first to eighth aspects, and the input / output ports being used to implement the transceiver functions involved in the first to eighth aspects.

[0125] In one possible design, the chip system also includes a memory for storing program instructions and data that implement the functions involved in the first through eighth aspects.

[0126] This chip system can consist of chips or include chips and other discrete components.

[0127] In a fourteenth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, comprising: a computer program or instructions; when the computer program or instructions are executed on a computer, causing the computer to perform the direct link addressing method described in any possible implementation of any of the first to eighth aspects.

[0128] In a fifteenth aspect, a computer program product is provided, comprising a computer program or instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the direct link addressing method described in any possible implementation of any of the first to eighth aspects. Attached Figure Description

[0129] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of the communication system provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 2 This application provides a schematic diagram of the structure of the AP MLD and non-AP MLD involved in communication, as shown in the embodiments of this application. Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a frame structure of a multi-link element provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a frame structure for a Link Identifier element provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a frame structure for an AAD provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 6 A schematic diagram of an MPDU frame structure provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 7 A flowchart illustrating a direct link addressing method provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the structure of an AP MLD, a legacy STA, and a non-AP MLD2 participating in communication is provided for embodiments of this application; Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the structure of an AP MLD, non-AP MLD1, and non-AP MLD2 participating in communication is provided for an embodiment of this application; Figure 10 A schematic diagram of the structure of non-AP MLD1 and non-AP MLD2 participating in communication is provided for embodiments of this application; Figure 11 A schematic diagram of the frame structure of a Wakeup Schedule element provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 12 A schematic diagram of another frame structure of a multi-link element provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of a frame structure provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 14 A schematic diagram of the frame structure of a TDLS Link Info element provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 15 A flowchart illustrating another direct link addressing method provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 16 A flowchart illustrating another direct link addressing method provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 17 A flowchart illustrating another direct link addressing method provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 18 A schematic diagram of a direct link addressing device provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram of another direct link addressing device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0130] In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, " / " means "or," for example, A / B can mean A or B. The "and / or" in this document is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, and B alone. Furthermore, "at least one" means one or more, and "multiple" means two or more. The terms "first," "second," etc., do not limit the quantity or order of execution, and "first," "second," etc., do not necessarily imply differences.

[0131] This application will present various aspects, embodiments, or features relating to systems that may include multiple devices, components, modules, etc. It should be understood and appreciated that individual systems may include additional devices, components, modules, etc., and / or may not include all the devices, components, modules, etc. discussed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, combinations of these approaches are also possible.

[0132] In this application, the terms "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate that something is an example, illustration, or illustration. Any embodiment or design described as "exemplary" or "for example" in this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or designs. Specifically, the use of the terms "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner.

[0133] A multi-link device (MLD) includes one or more affiliated sites. The affiliated sites are logically related sites. In this embodiment, "multi-link device includes affiliated sites" is also briefly described as "multi-link device includes sites." The affiliated site can be an access point (AP) or a non-access point site (non-AP STA). For ease of description, this application refers to a multi-link device whose affiliated site is an AP as an AP MLD, or a multi-link AP, or a multi-link AP device, or an access point AP. A single-link device whose affiliated site is an AP is referred to as an AP device, or an access point, or an AP, or a single-link AP device, etc., or an access point AP. A multi-link device whose affiliated site is a non-AP STA is referred to as a non-AP MLD, or a multi-link STA, or a multi-link STA device, or a STA MLD, etc. A single-link device whose affiliated site is a non-AP STA is referred to as a STA device, or a site, or an STA, or a non-AP STA, etc.

[0134] The technical solutions of this application can be applied to various communication systems, such as systems using the IEEE 802.11 standard. For example, the IEEE 802.11 standard includes, but is not limited to, the 802.11be standard, or next-generation 802.11 standards. The applicable scenarios for the technical solutions of this application include: communication between non-AP MLDs and AP MLDs, communication between STA devices and AP MLDs, communication between non-AP MLDs, and communication between STA devices and non-AP MLDs.

[0135] Multilink devices (MLDs) can implement wireless communication in accordance with the IEEE 802.11 series of standards, such as extremely high throughput (EHT) or 802.11be-based or compatible with 802.11be, thereby enabling communication with other devices, which may or may not be multilink devices.

[0136] The network architecture and business scenarios described in the embodiments of this application are for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of network architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0137] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, let's first take... Figure 1 The communication system illustrated herein is used as an example to illustrate a communication system applicable to embodiments of this application. For example,Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system to which the direct link addressing method provided in the embodiments of this application applies.

[0138] like Figure 1 As shown, the communication system includes at least one AP MLD and at least one non-AP MLD, such as non-AP MLD1 and non-AP MLD2. Optionally, the communication system may also include at least one STA device. The AP MLD may include multiple APs, the non-AP MLD may include multiple STAs, and the STA device includes one STA, which may be referred to as a legacy STA.

[0139] The aforementioned AP MLD is a device deployed in a wireless communication network to provide wireless communication functions for its associated STA. The AP MLD includes, but is not limited to: access points (APs) in wireless fidelity (WiFi) systems, such as home gateways, routers, servers, switches, and bridges; evolved Node Bs (eNBs), radio network controllers (RNCs), Node Bs (NBs), base station controllers (BSCs), base transceiver stations (BTSs), home base stations (e.g., home evolved Node Bs or home Node Bs (HNBs)); baseband units (BBUs); wireless relay nodes, wireless backhaul nodes, and transmission and reception points (TRPs or transmission points (TPs)); it can also be 5G, such as gNBs in new radio (NR) systems, or transmission points (TRPs or TPs); one or a group of antenna panels (including multiple antenna panels) of a base station in a 5G system; or it can be network nodes constituting gNBs or transmission points, such as baseband units (BBUs) or distributed units (DMUs). Units such as DU (Dedicated Unit) and roadside units (RSU) with base station functions.

[0140] The aforementioned non-AP MLD or STA device is a terminal or chip or chip system that can be installed in the aforementioned communication system and has wireless transceiver functionality. This terminal device can also be referred to as a user device, access terminal, user unit, user station, mobile station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, terminal, wireless communication device, user agent, or user equipment. In the embodiments of this application, the terminal device can be a mobile phone, tablet computer, computer with wireless transceiver functionality, virtual reality (VR) terminal device, augmented reality (AR) terminal device, wireless terminal in industrial control, wireless terminal in self-driving, wireless terminal in remote medical care, wireless terminal in smart grid, wireless terminal in transportation safety, wireless terminal in smart city, wireless terminal in smart home, vehicle-mounted terminal, RSU with terminal functionality, etc. The terminal device of this application may also be an on-board module, on-board component, on-board chip or on-board unit built into a vehicle as one or more components or units. The vehicle can implement the direct link addressing method provided in this application through the built-in on-board module, on-board component, on-board chip or on-board unit.

[0141] It should be noted that the direct link addressing method provided in this application embodiment can be applied to... Figure 1 For any two nodes shown, the specific implementation can be found in the following method embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0142] It should be noted that the solutions in the embodiments of this application can also be applied to other communication systems, and the corresponding names can be replaced by the names of the corresponding functions in other communication systems.

[0143] It should be understood that Figure 1 This is a simplified diagram for ease of understanding only; other devices may also be included in this communication system. Figure 1 It was not drawn in the middle.

[0144] Multi-link devices can operate in frequency bands including, but not limited to, sub-1GHz, 2.4GHz, 5GHz, 6GHz, and high-frequency 60GHz. Furthermore, MLDs can communicate through multiple channels on the same frequency band. This multi-band or multi-channel approach can be collectively referred to as multi-link. Multi-link communication improves peak throughput, reduces service transmission latency, and thus increases the communication rate between MLDs.

[0145] Figure 2 The diagram shows the structural schematics of the AP MLD and non-AP MLD involved in the communication. Figure 2 As shown, the AP MLD includes AP1 and AP2. AP1 and AP2 are independent at the low media access control (MAC) layer and physical layer (PHY) layer, but share the high MAC layer. The non-AP MLD includes STA1 and STA2. STA1 and STA2 are independent at the low MAC layer and PHY layer, but share the high MAC layer. The AP MLD and non-AP MLD can communicate via Link 1 and Link 2. Link 1 connects one end to AP1 of the AP MLD and the other end to STA1 of the non-AP MLD; Link 2 connects one end to AP2 of the AP MLD and the other end to STA2 of the non-AP MLD.

[0146] Multi-link devices correspond to multi-link device addresses, and each link of a multi-link device has its own link address. Taking AP MLD as an example, the multi-link device address can be the AP MLD MAC address. Taking non-AP MLD as an example, the multi-link device address can be the STA MLD MAC address. The link address between AP MLD and non-AP MLD can include the affiliated AP MAC address and the affiliated STA MAC address at both ends of the link.

[0147] It should be noted that, Figure 2 The document only shows AP MLD and non-AP MLD operating on two links. This application does not limit the number of links where AP MLD and non-AP MLD operate.

[0148] For example, a multi-link device is a device with wireless communication capabilities. This device can be a complete device or a chip or processing system installed in a complete device. The device with these chips or processing systems installed can implement the methods and functions of the embodiments of this application under the control of these chips or processing systems.

[0149] The following is combined with Figure 2 and Figure 3 This paper elaborates on the establishment of multiple links between non-AP MLDs and AP MLDs.

[0150] A non-AP MLD can establish associations with multiple links simultaneously with an AP MLD by performing multi-link establishment operations on one of these links. During the association process, the non-AP MLD and AP MLD can exchange association request / response frames on a single link. The link used for exchanging association request / response frames is called the transmission link, and the other links are non-transmitted links. It should be understood that the association request / response can carry information about multiple links to be associated, enabling simultaneous association of multiple links between the non-AP MLD and AP MLD.

[0151] For example, combining Figure 2 The non-AP MLD sends an Association Request frame on Link 1, carrying STA-side information for both Link 1 and Link 2. It should be understood that Link 1 can be referred to as the transmission link, and Link 2 as the non-transmission link. The AP MLD then sends an Association Response frame on Link 1 to the non-AP MLD. This Association Response frame can carry AP-side information for both Link 1 and Link 2. Thus, the non-AP MLD and AP MLD establish an association on Link 1 and Link 2. Consequently, the non-AP MLD and AP MLD can transmit data on Link 1 and Link 2.

[0152] To enable multi-link operation, information about multiple links can be indicated in frames associated with the operation. For this purpose, the protocol defines a multi-link element. For example, such as... Figure 3As shown, the information carried by the Multi-link element is mainly divided into two parts: one is multi-link device-level information (MLD-level info), including fields such as Multi-link Control and MLD MAC Address; the other is per-STA profile information, which carries information related to non-transmission links. The per-STA profile indicates the link ID of the corresponding link, which can be used to indicate which STA on which link the per-STA profile corresponds to. The MLD MAC Address field carries the MLD MAC Address of the sending end.

[0153] To save signaling overhead, multi-link elements adopt an inheritance structure. When the content of the corresponding element in a non-transmission link is the same as that of the corresponding element in the transmission link, the corresponding element in the non-transmission link does not need to be carried in the Per-STA Profile of that link. Only when the content of the corresponding element is different will it be carried in the Per-STA Profile of that link.

[0154] It should be noted that the specific format of multi-link elements is not limited to... Figure 3 As shown, this application does not limit the specific format of the link identifier element.

[0155] It should be understood that non-AP MLD can obtain link information (such as link identifier) ​​for each link by receiving probe response frames or beacon frames. It can also obtain the channel on which each link operates and the address of each link, such as the basic service set identifier (BSSID) of the link.

[0156] The following is a combination of Table 1 and... Figure 4 This paper elaborates on the establishment of a tunneled direct-link setup (TDLS) between two STA devices. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the frame structure of a LinkIdentifier element provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0157] Assuming both the first STA and the second STA are connected to the same AP, with each STA comprising one STA, and if they are within wireless communication range, a direct link can be established between them. This allows them to communicate directly without going through the AP, improving data transmission rates and reducing latency.

[0158] For example, TDLS-related operations include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following: TDLS discovery, TDLS establishment, TDLS teardown, TDLS channel handover, TDLS power saving, and TDLS service indication. The TDLS frames corresponding to these operations are shown in Table 1 below. In this embodiment, the TDLS frame may include: TDLS action frames and TDLS public action frames. For example, referring to Table 1 below, the TDLS discovery response frame belongs to the TDLS public action frames, and all TDLS frames other than the TDLS discovery response frame belong to the TDLS action frames.

[0159] It should be understood that the first STA and the second STA can perform corresponding TDLS-related operations by exchanging TDLS frames. For example, the first STA and the second STA can achieve TDLS power saving by exchanging TDLS Peer Power Saving Management Request frames (TDLS Peer PSM Request frames) and TDLS Peer PSM Response frames. Alternatively, the first STA or the second STA can use TDLS frames to perform corresponding TDLS-related operations. For example, the first STA can use TDLS Teardown frames to perform TDLS teardown.

[0160] TDLS frames can be transmitted via an AP (Access Point) or directly. Forwarding via an AP means that TDLS frames using this method require the AP to forward data between the first and second STA devices. Direct transmission means that TDLS frames using this method can be transmitted from one STA device to another via a direct link between STA devices, without requiring AP forwarding. It should be understood that some TDLS frames may be transmitted using one or both of these methods (both allowed), as detailed in Table 1 below, which will not be elaborated further here.

[0161] When TDLS frames are forwarded by AP devices or sent via direct links, they are encapsulated into data frames or management frames for transmission. Specifically, TDLS action frames can be encapsulated into data frames for transmission, while TDLS common action frames can be sent directly as management frames. See Table 1 below for details, which will not be elaborated further here.

[0162] Table 1

[0163] The following is about the combination Figure 5 and Figure 6 The AAD and MPDU involved in the following embodiments of this application will be described.

[0164] like Figure 5 As shown, AAD may include one or more of the following fields: Frame Control, Address 1, Address 2, Address 3, Sequence Control, Address 4, and Quality of Service Control (QoS Control).

[0165] Specifically, address 1 indicates the receiver address (RA), address 2 indicates the transmitter address (TA), and address 3 indicates the address of the AP MLD associated with the receiver, or the address of the AP associated with the receiver (referring to the AP in the AP MLD). For management frames, address 3 can be used for frame filtering. For example, address 3 can be used to determine whether the frame belongs to the basic service set (BSS); if not, the frame will be discarded.

[0166] It should be noted that the specific format of AAD is not limited to... Figure 5 As shown, for example, address 4 in AAD can be optional, and this application does not limit the specific format of AAD.

[0167] like Figure 6 As shown, an MPDU may include one or more of the following fields: Frame Control, Duration, Address 1, Address 2, Address 3, Sequence Control, Address 4, Quality of Service Control, High Throughput Control (HT Control), Cipher-Block Chaining Message Authentication Code Protocol Header (CCMP Header), Frame Body, Message Integrity Code (MIC), and Frame Check Sequence (FCS).

[0168] Specifically, address 1 is used to indicate the receiving address, address 2 is used to indicate the sending address, and address 3 is used to indicate the address of the AP MLD associated with the receiving end, or the address of the AP (referring to the AP in the AP MLD) associated with the receiving end, or the address of the AP (referring to the AP in the AP MLD) associated with the link between the sending end and the receiving end.

[0169] like Figure 6 As shown, the MPDU header may include: Frame Control, Duration, Address 1, Address 2, Address 3, Sequence Control, Address 4, Quality of Service (QoS) Control, and High Throughput Control. The sender calculates the MIC based on the AAD and MPDU frame body, places it after the frame body, and then encrypts and transmits the MPDU frame body and MIC. Upon receiving the MPDU, the receiver performs MIC verification, calculates a new MIC, and compares it with the received MIC to determine if the MPDU has been tampered with.

[0170] It should be noted that the specific format of MPDU is not limited to... Figure 6 As shown, for example, address 4 in the MPDU can be optional, and this application does not limit the specific format of the MPDU.

[0171] The address settings for data frames and management frames between the Leggecy STA and the AP device are described below with reference to Tables 2 and 3. An AP device may include a subordinate AP.

[0172] For data frames and management frames transmitted between legacy STA and AP devices, addresses 1, 2, 3, and 4 in the MPDU header are consistent with addresses 1, 2, 3, and 4 in the AAD, as shown in Tables 2 and 3.

[0173] For example, addresses 1, 2, 3, and 4 in the MPDU header of a data frame, and addresses 1, 2, 3, and 4 in the AAD are shown in Table 2. In Table 2, when To DS = 0 and From DS = 0, it indicates point-to-point (P2P), which is a direct link where communication occurs between STAs. When To DS = 0 and From DS = 1, it indicates downlink transmission, where the DS sends information to the STA. When To DS = 1 and From DS = 0, it indicates uplink transmission, where the STA sends information to the DS. DA refers to the destination address (DA), SA refers to the source address (SA), and BSSID indicates the address of the AP to which the AP device belongs. The settings for Address 3 and Address 4 are divided into two examples: MAC service data unit and short aggregate MAC service data unit case, MSDU and Short A-MSDU case, and Basic A-MSDU and Dynamic A-MSDU case.

[0174] Table 2

[0175] For example, addresses 1, 2, and 3 in the MPDU header of the management frame, and addresses 1, 2, and 3 in the AAD are shown in Table 3. Here, the STA MAC Address is the address of the legacy STA, and the BSSID indicates the address of the AP to which the AP device belongs.

[0176] Table 3

[0177] The address settings for data frames and management frames between Non-AP MLDs and AP MLDs are explained below with reference to Tables 4 and 5. A Non-AP MLD may include multiple member STAs, and an AP MLD may include multiple member APs.

[0178] For example, the specific settings of addresses 1, 2, and 3 in the AAD for data frames transmitted between Non-AP MLD and AP MLD are shown in Table 4. When constructing the AAD, addresses 1 and 2 are set to the corresponding device addresses. In the case of MSDU, address 3 is set to the destination address for uplink data and the source address for downlink data. In the case of A-MSDU, address 3 is set to the address of the AP MLD. When transmitting over the air interface, addresses 1 and 2 in the MPDU header are set to the corresponding link addresses, and the setting of address 3 in the MPDU header is the same as that of address 3 in the AAD.

[0179] Table 4

[0180] For example, the specific settings of address 1, address 2, and address 3 in AAD for management frames transmitted between Non-AP MLD and AP MLD are shown in Table 5.

[0181] It is worth noting that in a multi-link scenario, management frames can be divided into link-level management frames and device-level (MLD-level) management frames. Link-level management frames are for a specific link, such as channel handover request / response frames. MLD-level management frames are for the entire multi-link device, such as add block ACK (ADDBA) frames.

[0182] Table 5

[0183] The rules for setting addresses 1, 2, and 3 in the AAD of the aforementioned management frame, and the rules for setting addresses 1, 2, and 3 in the MPDU header during air interface transmission, are as follows: For addresses 1 and 2, when constructing the AAD, addresses 1 and 2 are set to the addresses of the corresponding MLDs; during air interface transmission, addresses 1 and 2 in the MPDU Header are replaced with the corresponding link addresses. For address 3, when the management frame is a link-level management frame, A3 in the AAD is set to the address of the affiliated AP corresponding to the destination link; during air interface transmission, A3 in the MPDU header is the same as A3 in the AAD. For MLD-level management frames, A3 in the AAD is set to the address of the AP MLD; during air interface transmission, A3 in the MPDU Header is the same as A3 in the AAD.

[0184] The following will combine Figures 7-17 The direct link addressing method provided in the embodiments of this application will be described in detail.

[0185] For example, Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating a direct link addressing method provided in an embodiment of this application. The method is illustrated using a first device as the TDLS initiator. This direct link addressing method can be applied to... Figure 1 The communication shown is between the STA device and non-AP MLD2, or between non-AP MLD1 and non-AP MLD2.

[0186] like Figure 7 As shown, the direct link addressing method includes the following steps: S701, the first device identifies the protected data.

[0187] For example, the first device may include one or more site STAs, and the first device is connected to a third device, which may include multiple access points (APs). When the first device includes one STA, the first device can be... Figure 1 The STA device shown herein can be referred to as a legacy STA. For ease of understanding, the following embodiments of this application use a legacy STA as an example. When the first device includes multiple STAs, the first device can be... Figure 1 The non-AP MLD1 shown in the image. The third device can be... Figure 1 The AP MLD is shown in the figure.

[0188] The protected data may include a first address, a second address, and a third address.

[0189] For example, the protected data can be Figure 5The AAD shown can have the first address as address 1, the second address as address 2, and the third address as address 3.

[0190] In some embodiments, when the first device includes a STA, the first address is the address of the second device, the second address is the address of the first device, and the third address is the address of the first AP of the third device, the first device is connected to the first AP of the third device. The second device is connected to the third device, and the second device may include multiple STAs. The second device can be... Figure 1 The non-AP MLD2 shown in the figure.

[0191] For example, combined Figure 8 Taking a legacy STA as the first device, a non-AP MLD2 as the second device, and an AP MLD as the third device as an example. Figure 8 As shown, the AP MLD includes AP1, AP2, and AP3. The legacy STA is connected to AP1 of the AP MLD, and STA1 and STA2 of the non-AP MLD2 are connected to AP1 and AP2 of the AP MLD, respectively. As shown in Table 6, the first address is the address of the non-AP MLD2, such as the non-AP MLD2 MAC Address; the second address is the address of the legacy STA, such as the legacySTA MAC Address; and the third address is the address of AP1, such as the BSSID of AP1.

[0192] Table 6

[0193] In some embodiments, when the first device includes multiple STAs, the first address is the address of the second device, the second address is the address of the first device, and the third address is the address of the third device.

[0194] Table 7

[0195] For example, combined Figure 9 Taking the first device as non-AP MLD1, the second device as non-AP MLD2, and the third device as AP MLD as an example. Figure 9As shown, the AP MLD includes AP1, AP2, and AP3. STA1 and STA2 of non-AP MLD1 are connected to AP1 and AP3 of AP MLD, respectively. STA1 and STA2 of non-AP MLD2 are connected to AP1 and AP2 of AP MLD, respectively. As shown in Table 7 above, the first address is the address of non-AP MLD2, such as non-AP MLD2 MAC Address; the second address is the address of non-AP MLD1, such as non-AP MLD1 MAC Address; and the third address is the address of AP MLD, such as AP MLD MAC Address.

[0196] It should be noted that, Figure 8 and Figure 9 This is merely an example provided for the embodiments of this application. It does not limit the number of STAs included in non-AP MLD2 or the number of APs included in AP MLD, nor does it limit how non-AP MLD2 and AP MLD are connected, or how legacy STAs and AP MLD are connected.

[0197] S702, the first device sends a first data unit. Correspondingly, the second device receives the first data unit from the first device.

[0198] The first data unit may include a first header, which is determined based on the protected data. The first data unit is transmitted through a direct link between the first device and the second device.

[0199] For example, the first data unit can be Figure 6 The MPDU shown in the figure can have the first header as follows: Figure 6 The MPDU header shown in the image.

[0200] Combination Figure 9 As shown, the first data unit can be transmitted through link 1 between the first device and the second device without needing to be forwarded through the second device, thereby reducing transmission latency.

[0201] Optionally, before or during the transmission of the first data unit by the first device in S702 above, the first data unit can be determined. Specifically, one or more of the following methods 1 to 4 can be used.

[0202] Method 1: The first device determines the first header of the first data unit.

[0203] Optionally, the first header may include a fourth address, a fifth address, and a sixth address.

[0204] For example, the first header can be Figure 6The MPDU header shown is shown below. The fourth address can be address 1 in the MPDU header, the fifth address can be address 2 in the MPDU header, and the sixth address can be address 3 in the MPDU header.

[0205] In some embodiments, when the first device includes a STA, the fourth address is the address of the second device, the fifth address is the address of the first device, and the sixth address is the address of the first AP of the third device.

[0206] For example, combined Figure 8 Taking a legacy STA as the first device, a non-AP MLD2 as the second device, and an AP MLD as the third device as an example. Figure 8 As shown, the AP MLD includes AP1, AP2, and AP3. The legacy STA is connected to AP1 of the AP MLD, and STA1 and STA2 of the non-AP MLD2 are connected to AP1 and AP2 of the AP MLD, respectively. When the first device sends the first data unit to the second device, the address settings in the first data unit are as shown in Table 8. The fourth address is the address of the non-AP MLD2, such as the non-AP MLD2 MAC Address; the fifth address is the address of the legacy STA, such as the legacy STA MAC Address; and the sixth address is the address of AP1, such as the BSSID of AP1.

[0207] The fourth, fifth, and sixth addresses of the first header can be the same as the first, second, and third addresses of the protected data, respectively.

[0208] Table 8

[0209] In some embodiments, when the first device includes multiple STAs, the fourth address is the address of the STA in the multiple STAs of the second device that corresponds to the first direct link, the fifth address is the address of the STA in the multiple STAs of the first device that corresponds to the first direct link, and the sixth address is the address of the AP in the multiple APs of the third device that corresponds to the first direct link. The first direct link is a direct link between the first device and the second device.

[0210] For example, combined Figure 9 and Figure 10 Taking the first device as non-AP MLD1, the second device as non-AP MLD2, and the third device as AP MLD as an example. Figure 9 As shown, links 1-1 and 3 are established between the first and third devices, and links 1-2 and 2 are established between the second and third devices. Figure 10As shown, STA1 of non-AP MLD1 is connected to STA1 of non-AP MLD2, corresponding to direct link 1. When the first device sends the first data unit to the second device, the address settings in the first data unit are as shown in Table 9. The fourth address is the address of STA1 of non-AP MLD2, such as Affiliated STA 1 MAC Address of non-AP MLD 2; the fifth address is the address of STA1 of non-AP MLD1, such as Affiliated STA 1 MAC Address of non-AP MLD 1; the sixth address is the address of AP1 corresponding to link 1, such as Affiliated AP1 BSSID of AP MLD or Affiliated AP1 MAC address of AP MLD.

[0211] It should be noted that when there are multiple direct links between the first device and the second device, the first direct link can be the direct link between the first device and the second device that transmits the first data unit.

[0212] Table 9

[0213] Method 2: The first device determines the first element of the first data unit.

[0214] Specifically, the first data unit may include a TDLS frame, which includes a first element. The first element can be used to indicate the identifier (ID) of the target link or the address of the AP corresponding to the target link among multiple APs of the third device. For example, the first element may be set to the BSSID corresponding to the target link.

[0215] Optionally, the TDLS frame can be a TDLS channel switching request frame or a TDLS channel switching response frame.

[0216] Assuming the third device includes AP1, AP2, and AP3, and AP2 corresponds to the target link, then the address of the AP corresponding to the target link among the multiple APs of the third device is the address of AP2 of the third device, that is, the Affiliated AP2 BSSID of AP MLD.

[0217] Optionally, the target link is the second direct link for TDLS frame applications, and the second direct link is a direct link between the first device and the second device.

[0218] Assuming there are direct links 1 and 2 between the first device and the second device, and the TDLS frame is a TDLS channel switching request frame and a TDLS channel switching response frame, and the target link corresponding to the TDLS channel switching request / response frame is the direct link 2, then the direct link 2 can be switched from its current channel to the specified channel according to the first element corresponding to the TDLS channel switching request / response frame.

[0219] In multi-link TDLS scenarios, by using the first element to indicate the target link, TDLS Channel SwitchRequest / Response can be transmitted through any directly connected link, and does not have to be transmitted on the target link to which it wants to switch, which can improve transmission flexibility.

[0220] Alternatively, the first element can be one of the above. Figure 4 The link identifier element shown can be a newly defined element. In some embodiments, the first field in the first element can indicate the identifier of the target link or the address of the AP corresponding to the target link among multiple APs of the third device. For example, the first field can be the BSSID field of the link identifier element.

[0221] Method 3: The first device determines the second element of the first data unit.

[0222] Specifically, the first data unit may include a TDLS frame, which may include a wake-up scheduling element and a second element. The offset field in the wake-up scheduling element is an offset relative to the first timing synchronization function threshold of the third direct link. The second element is used to indicate the identifier of the third direct link or the address of the AP corresponding to the third direct link among the multiple APs of the third device. The third direct link is a direct link between the first device and the second device.

[0223] Assuming there are direct links 1 and 2 between the first and second devices, and the third device includes AP1, AP2 and AP3, with direct link 1 corresponding to AP1 and direct link 2 corresponding to AP2, the offset field in the wake-up scheduling element is the offset relative to the first timing synchronization function threshold of direct link 2. Then the second element is used to indicate the identifier of direct link 2 or the address of AP2 of the third device, such as the Affiliated AP2 BSSID of AP MLD.

[0224] Different APs belonging to the AP MLD can have independent timing synchronization functions (TSFs). Thus, by using the identifier or address indicated by the second element, it is possible to obtain which direct link the offset field in the wake-up scheduling element is relative to the TSF.

[0225] Optionally, the TDLS frame can be a TDLS peer power management request frame and a TDLS peer power management response frame.

[0226] Thus, after the TDLS initiator and responder exchange TDLS peer power management request frames and TDLS peer power management response frames, they can periodically wake up and send / receive data based on the wake-up scheduling elements carried in the TDLS peer power management request and / or TDLS peer power management response frames, thereby saving power. Furthermore, by using a third direct link with an indication offset field, TDLS Peer PSM Request / Response can be transmitted through any direct link in a multi-link TDLS scenario, and the endpoint can correctly parse the wake-up scheduling elements, improving transmission flexibility.

[0227] Alternatively, the second element can be one of the above. Figure 4 The link identifier element shown may be a newly defined element. In some embodiments, the first field in the second element may indicate the identifier of the third directly connected link or the address of the AP corresponding to the third directly connected link among multiple APs of the third device. For example, the first field may be the BSSID field of the link identifier element.

[0228] Optionally, the wake-up scheduling element can reuse an existing wake-up scheduling element or be a newly defined element.

[0229] For example, combined Figure 11 A wakeup schedule element can include one or more of the following fields: Element ID, Length, Offset, Interval, Awake window Slots, Maximum Awake Window Duration, and Idle Count.

[0230] The offset field indicates the offset of the first wake-up window relative to TSF0, where TSF can be a counter storing a time value. The interval field indicates the time interval between two adjacent wake-up windows. The wake-up window slot field indicates the duration of the wake-up window. The maximum wake-up window duration field indicates the maximum duration of the wake-up window. The idle digital segment indicates the number of idle wake-up windows allowed before the TDLS peer deletes the periodic wake-up schedule. An idle wake-up window is one in which no unicast frame is received from the TDLS peer. For example, if the first device does not receive a unicast frame from the second device during the number of wake-up windows indicated by the idle digital segment, the second device can delete the wake-up schedule element.

[0231] It should be noted that methods 2 and 3 can be used independently or in combination. When used in combination, the first element and the second element can be the same element, such as the first element. Thus, the first element can be used to indicate the identifier of the target link or the address of the AP corresponding to the target link among the multiple APs of the third device, and can also be used to indicate the identifier of the third directly connected link or the address of the AP corresponding to the third directly connected link among the multiple APs of the third device. In other words, the target link and the third directly connected link are the same directly connected link.

[0232] The following section describes the settings for the link identification element (or a newly defined element) in conjunction with Table 10 for different TDLS frames. In other words, when the TDLS frames are different, the link identification element, a newly defined element, the BSSID field within the link identification element, or the first field of the newly defined element may correspond to different settings. For ease of description, the link identification element, the newly defined element, the first element, and the second element will be collectively referred to as the first element.

[0233] In some scenarios, when the first device includes a STA and the TDLS frame is a TDLS discovery request frame, the first element is used to indicate the identifier of the transmission link, or the address of the AP corresponding to the transmission link among multiple APs of the third device, where the transmission link is the link that sent the TDLS discovery request frame. For example, the first element can be set to the BSSID corresponding to the transmission link.

[0234] When the first device includes a STA and the TDLS frame is a TDLS discovery response frame, the first element is used to indicate the identifier of the transmission link, or the address of the AP corresponding to the transmission link among the multiple APs of the third device, where the transmission link is the link that sent the TDLS discovery request frame.

[0235] Table 10

[0236] In other words, the settings of the first element in a TDLS frame corresponding to a TDLS discovery response frame can be the same as the settings of the first element in a TDLS frame corresponding to a TDLS discovery request frame. For example, the first element can be set to the BSSID of the transmission link corresponding to the TDLS discovery request frame.

[0237] When the first device includes a STA and the TDLS frame is a TDLS establishment request frame, the first element is used to indicate the identifier of the link between the first device and the third device, or the address of the AP corresponding to the first device among the multiple APs of the third device, and the transmission link is the link that sent the TDLS discovery request frame. For example, the first element can be set to the BSSID corresponding to the link where the Legacy STA is located.

[0238] When the first device includes a STA, and the TDLS frame is a TDLS establishment response frame, a TDLS establishment confirmation frame, a TDLS teardown frame, a TDLS channel handover request frame, a TDLS channel handover response frame, a TDLS peer power saving management request frame, a TDLS peer power saving management response frame, a TDLS peer traffic indication frame, or a TDLS peer traffic response frame, the specific implementation of the first element can refer to the above implementation of the first element when the first device includes a STA and the TDLS frame is a TDLS establishment request frame, which will not be repeated here.

[0239] In other scenarios, when the first device comprises multiple STAs and the TDLS frame is a TDLS discovery request frame, the first element is used to indicate the identifier of the reference link, or the address of the AP corresponding to the reference link among the multiple APs of the third device. Optionally, the reference link can be the link indicated by the BSSID field in the Link Identifier Element. For example, the first element can be set to the BSSID corresponding to the reference link.

[0240] When the first device includes multiple STAs and the TDLS frame is a TDLS discovery response frame, the first element is used to indicate the identifier of the common link transmitting the TDLS discovery response frame, or the address of the AP among the multiple APs of the third device that corresponds to the common link transmitting the TDLS discovery response frame. The common link is the shared link between the first and third devices, and between the second and third devices. The AP of the third device associated with the STA of the first device corresponding to the common link is the same as the AP of the third device associated with the STA of the second device corresponding to the common link.

[0241] Optionally, when the first device includes multiple STAs, TDLS discovery response frames can be transmitted on any common link.

[0242] When the first device includes multiple STAs, and the TDLS frame is a TDLS establishment request frame, a TDLS establishment response frame, or a TDLS establishment confirmation frame, the first element is used to indicate the identifier of the reference link, or the address of the AP corresponding to the reference link among the multiple APs of the third device. For example, the first element can be set to the BSSID corresponding to the reference link.

[0243] When the first device comprises multiple STAs and the TDLS frame is a TDLS teardown frame, the first element, used to indicate the address of the third device, can signify the dismantling of all direct links between the first and second devices. For example, the first element can be set to the MAC address of the AP MLD. Alternatively, the first element can indicate the address of the AP among the multiple APs of the third device corresponding to the direct link between the first and second devices. For example, the BSSID corresponding to a certain direct link. Exemplarily, when the first element is set to the address of an affiliated AP corresponding to a direct link between the first and second devices, it indicates the teardown of that direct link, meaning that data can no longer be sent or received through that direct link.

[0244] When the first device includes multiple STAs, and the TDLS frame is a TDLS channel handover request frame or a TDLS channel handover response frame, the specific implementation of the first element can refer to Method 2 above, and will not be repeated here. For example, the first element can be set to the BSSID corresponding to the target link.

[0245] When the first device includes multiple STAs, and the TDLS frame is a TDLS peer power-saving management request frame or a TDLS peer power-saving management response frame, the specific implementation of the first element can refer to method 3 above, and will not be repeated here. For example, the first element can be set to the BSSID of the third directly connected link corresponding to the wake-up scheduling element.

[0246] When the first device comprises multiple STAs, and the TDLS frame is a TDLS peer traffic indication frame or a TDLS peer traffic response frame, the first element is used to indicate the address of the third device. For example, the first element can be set to the MAC address of the AP MLD.

[0247] The reference link, transmission link, and common link will be described in detail below.

[0248] Reference Link: When the frame body of an MPDU carries a Multi-link element, the link indicated by the BSSID field in the LinkIdentifier Element is called the reference link. For example, the specific format of an MPDU can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 6 As shown, the specific format of a multi-link element can be found in [reference needed].Figure 3 or Figure 12 As shown, the specific format of the LinkIdentifier Element can be found in [reference]. Figure 4 As shown.

[0249] Specifically, for the establishment of multi-link TDLS, when the first device includes multiple STAs, it may be necessary to include a multi-link element in the following TDLS action frames, such as TDLS Setup Request / Response and TDLS Discovery Request / Response. After the TDLS initiator and responder successfully exchange TDLS Discovery Request / Response frames, the non-AP MLD will know whether the other end is an MLD. If both the TDLS initiator and responder are MLDs, the multi-link element can be included in the subsequent TDLS Setup Request / Response frames.

[0250] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of another frame structure of a multi-link element provided in an embodiment of this application. For example... Figure 12 As shown, the Type subfield is set to the number corresponding to TDLS. The Transparent / non-transparent bit indicates the address mode used by the non-AP MLD. When the address mode is Transparent, it means that the link address of the non-AP MLD is the same as the non-AP MLD address; when the address mode is non-transparent, it means that different links corresponding to the non-AP MLD use different link addresses, and the non-AP MLD address is different from the non-AP MLD link address. In this case, the corresponding link ID and the address used by the affiliatedSTA, i.e., the link address, need to be indicated at the beginning of each Per-STA Profile. The MLD MAC Address field is always set to the MAC address of the AP MLD.

[0251] For the specific format of the frame body, please refer to Figure 13 As shown. The frame body can include information about the reference link (such as Element ID#1, Element ID#2, etc.) and information about other links (Multi-link element). For example, combining... Figure 3 or Figure 12 Information about other links can be carried in the Per-STA Profile within the Multi-link element.

[0252] Transmitting Link: This refers to the link on which the frame was transmitted; the corresponding link is called the transmission link. For example, if a TDLS frame is transmitted on link 1, then link 1 is called the transmission link.

[0253] For TDLS frames that are encapsulated into management frames and transmitted directly (such as TDLS Discovery Response), the transport link is the reference link. Specifically, when sending management frames, it is generally required that the transport link and the reference link be consistent. For example, if the initiating end sends a multilink association request frame on link 1, then the responding end also needs to send back a multilink association response frame on link 1.

[0254] For TDLS frames encapsulated into data frames, the transmission link and the reference link may be different. Specifically, when sending a data frame, the transmission link can be any link; that is, data frames can be sent on any link, so the transmission link and the reference link may be the same or different.

[0255] For example, the method of sending data frames may include: one possibility is to send data frames according to the management frame transmission requirements, that is, to send on the same link as the response, while the transmitting link and the reference link remain consistent. Another possibility is to send data frames according to the data frame transmission requirements, that is, to send on any link. For example, a TDLS Setup Request is sent on link 1, and a TDLS Setup Response is sent back on link 2. In this case, the transmission link and the reference link do not need to remain consistent.

[0256] Common Link: A direct link between two STAs (STAs belonging to the same AP, either legacy STAs or non-AP MLDs) can be called a common link. In a (legacy STA, MLD) scenario, the link associated with the legacy STA is the common link. In a (non-AP MLD1, non-AP MLD2) scenario, there may be multiple common links.

[0257] For example, suppose AP MLD has links 1, 2, and 3. Links 1 and 2 are established between non-AP MLD1 and AP MLD, and links 1 and 3 are established between non-AP MLD2 and AP MLD. Specifically, STA1 of non-AP MLD1 and STA1 of non-AP MLD2 are both associated with AP1 of AP MLD, corresponding to link 1. STA2 of non-AP MLD1 is associated with AP2 of AP MLD, corresponding to link 2. STA3 of non-AP MLD2 is associated with AP3 of AP MLD, corresponding to link 3. Direct links 1 and 2 are established, and STA1 of non-AP MLD1 and STA1 of non-AP MLD2 correspond to direct link 1, and STA2 of non-AP MLD1 and STA3 of non-AP MLD2 correspond to direct link 2. Therefore, direct link 1 can be called the common link.

[0258] Method 4: The first device determines the third element of the first data unit.

[0259] Optionally, the first data unit may include a third element, which may be used to indicate the establishment of at least one fourth direct link on the first link. The first link is a common link between the first device and the third device, and between the second device and the third device, and the first link may include at least one fourth direct link.

[0260] In other words, the first link can be a common link between the first device and the third device, or between the second device and the third device. The access point (AP) of the third device associated with the STA of the first device corresponding to the first link is the same as the access point of the third device associated with the STA of the second device corresponding to the first link. In this way, the first device and the second device can establish a direct link on the common link to improve the data transmission rate.

[0261] In some embodiments, the third element may include a direct link quantity field and a direct link identifier field. The direct link quantity field can be used to indicate the number of fourth direct links to be established. Thus, by indicating the number of fourth direct links to be established, it is possible to establish fourth direct links on some or all of the first links, improving the flexibility of direct link establishment.

[0262] Specifically, the direct link identifier field may include the address of at least one AP among the multiple APs of the third device, each corresponding to at least one fourth direct link, or the identifier of at least one fourth direct link. In other words, the direct link identifier field may include the BSSID of at least one AP among the multiple APs of the third device, each corresponding to at least one fourth direct link, or the link ID of at least one fourth direct link. This indicates on which links direct links are established.

[0263] It should be noted that in the embodiments of this application, "AP's MAC address", "AP's BSSID" and "AP's address" can have the same meaning when their differences are not emphasized.

[0264] Alternatively, the direct link identifier field may include the address of the first STA of the first device and the address of the second STA of the second device. That is, the direct link identifier field may include the addresses of the STAs at both ends of the direct link, such as the MAC address of the first STA and the MAC address of the second STA.

[0265] Alternatively, the direct link identifier field may include the address of at least one AP of the third device that corresponds to at least one fourth direct link, or the identifier of at least one fourth direct link, as well as the address of the first STA of the first device and the address of the second STA of the second device.

[0266] The third element in Method 4 is described in the context of establishing a direct link on a public link. In one possible design, a direct link can be established between the first and second devices on a non-public link. When establishing a direct link on a non-public link, the implementation of the third element is similar to that of the third element in the scenario of establishing a direct link on a public link.

[0267] For example, the third element can be used to indicate the establishment of at least one fifth direct link on the second link. The second link is a different link from the link between the first device and the third device, and may include at least one fifth direct link.

[0268] In other words, the second link can be a non-public link between the first and third devices, or between the second and third devices. The access point (AP) of the third device associated with the STA of the first device corresponding to the second link is different from the AP of the third device associated with the STA of the second device corresponding to the second link. In this way, the first and second devices can establish a direct link on the non-public link to improve the data transmission rate.

[0269] In some embodiments, the third element may include a direct link quantity field and a direct link identifier field. The direct link quantity field can be used to indicate the number of fifth direct links to be established. Thus, by indicating the number of fifth direct links to be established, it is possible to establish fifth direct links on some or all of the second links, improving the flexibility of direct link establishment.

[0270] Specifically, the direct link identifier field may include the address of at least one AP from the multiple APs of the third device that corresponds to at least one fifth direct link, or the identifier of at least one fifth direct link. For example, if one end of the fifth direct link corresponds to the STA of the first device and the other end corresponds to the STA of the second device, the direct link identifier field may include the address of the AP from the multiple APs of the third device that corresponds to the STA of the first device, or the address of the AP from the multiple APs of the third device that corresponds to the STA of the second device.

[0271] In other words, the direct link identifier field can include the BSSID of the affiliated AP corresponding to either end of the fifth direct link or the identifier of the corresponding second link of the affiliated AP.

[0272] Alternatively, a non-directly connected link can be represented by the address of the AP to which the direct link is initiated, or by the identifier of the second link corresponding to the AP. For example, when the first device initiates the establishment of a direct link, the direct link identifier field can include the address of the AP corresponding to the STA of the first device among the multiple APs of the third device, or the identifier of the second link corresponding to the AP.

[0273] In some embodiments, the third element may be a TDLS Link Infoelement. For example... Figure 14 As shown, a TDLS link information element may include one or more of the following fields: Element ID, Length, Number of Direct links, and Direct link Identifier.

[0274] It should be noted that the format of the third element is not limited in the embodiments of this application. Figure 14 This is merely an example for this application.

[0275] It should be noted that methods 1 to 4 above can be used in conjunction with the above... Figure 7 The direct link addressing methods shown can be used in combination. Methods 1 to 4 can also be used individually or in combination. This application does not limit this.

[0276] In some embodiments, the seventh address is bound to TPK.

[0277] Optionally, the seventh address includes the address of the AP corresponding to the direct link between the third device and the first and second devices, or the addresses of all APs of the third device, and the address of the third device itself.

[0278] In other words, the address of the AP corresponding to the direct link (such as the BSSID of the AP) and the address of the third device can be bound to the TPK, or the addresses of all APs to which the third device belongs (such as the BSSIDs of all APs) and the address of the third device can be bound to the TPK.

[0279] Optionally, when the first device includes multiple STAs, the first device and the second device can negotiate to establish direct links on some or all of the links, thereby binding the address of the affiliated AP corresponding to the established direct link and the address of the third device to the TPK, or binding the addresses of all affiliated APs of the third device and the address of the third device to the TPK, which can improve the security of communication between the first device and the second device through the direct link.

[0280] In some embodiments, the direct link addressing method provided in this application may further include the TPK derivation process shown in steps one and two below. It should be noted that steps one and two can be used individually or in combination. Figure 7 The methods shown, including mode 1, mode 2, mode 3, and / or mode 3 in combination, may be used.

[0281] Step 1: The first device and the second device negotiate and determine the authentication and key management (AKM) suite selector.

[0282] For example, as shown in Table 11, the AKM suite selector may include one or more of the following: organizationally unique identifier (OUI), suite type, authentication, key management, key derivation, and authentication numbers. See Table 11 for details on each item; they will not be elaborated upon here.

[0283] Table 11

[0284] Step 2: The first device and the second device negotiate to derive the TDLS peer key TPK.

[0285] Alternatively, TPK can be determined using the following formulas (1) and (2).

[0286] TPK-Key-Input = Hash(min (SNonce, ANonce) || max (SNonce, ANonce)) (1) In the above formula (1), Hash represents the hash algorithm, SNonce (supplicant nonce) represents the requester's random number, ANonce (authenticator nonce) represents the authenticator's random number, || represents concatenation or inclusion, the mathematical symbol min represents taking the minimum value, and the mathematical symbol max represents taking the maximum value.

[0287] TPK = KDF-Hash-Length(TPK-Key-Input, “TDLS MLD PMK”, min (MAC_I, MAC_R) || max (MAC_I, MAC_R) || AP MLD MAC Address || Affiliated AP Address1 ||…. Affiliated AP Addressn) (2) In the above formula (2), TPK represents the TDLS peer-to-peer key, KDF-Hash-lenrth represents the key derivation function, "TDLS MLD PMK" represents the TDLS MLD pairwise master key (PMK), || represents concatenation or inclusion, the mathematical symbol min represents taking the minimum value, the mathematical symbol max represents taking the maximum value, AP MLD MAC Address represents the address of the third device (AP MLD), Affiliated AP Address1 represents the address of the affiliated AP (AP of the third device) corresponding to the direct link between the first device and the second device, when the first device is the initiator, MAC_I represents the MAC address of the first device, and MAC_R represents the MAC address of the second device.

[0288] It should be noted that steps one and two above can also be applied to the derivation of the pairwise master key (PTK). The seventh address can be bound to the PTK, which will not be elaborated here.

[0289] In some embodiments, the first device and the second device can complete the TPK-derived handshake negotiation by exchanging TDLS Setup Request / Response / Confirm (see steps a-c below). In other words, steps one to two above can be combined with steps a-c below to complete the TPK-derived handshake negotiation.

[0290] Taking the first device as the TDLS initiator as an example.

[0291] In step a, the first device sends a TDLS Setup Request frame to the second device. Correspondingly, the second device receives the TDLS Setup Request frame from the first device.

[0292] In step b, the second device sends a TDLS Setup Response frame to the first device. Correspondingly, the first device receives a TDLS Setup Response frame from the second device.

[0293] Optionally, the second device may send a TDLS Setup Response frame to the first device based on the Link Identifier element and / or TDLS Link Infoelement.

[0294] For example, a TDLS Setup Response frame may include whether the TDLS setup request is accepted or not, as indicated by the status code in the TDLS Setup Response frame.

[0295] In step c, if the TDLS Setup Response frame indicates acceptance, the first device sends a TDLS Setup Confirm frame to the second device, thereby completing the TPK-derived handshake negotiation.

[0296] based on Figure 7The described direct link addressing method, when the first device includes one STA, constructs the protected data using the address of the first device, the address of the second device, and the address of the first AP connected to the first device. When the first device includes multiple STAs, the protected data is constructed using the address of the first device, the address of the second device, and the address of the third device. Thus, the first device can transmit the first data unit through the direct link between the first and second devices, improving the data transmission rate. Furthermore, when the first device includes multiple STAs, using device addresses to construct the protected data means that changes in the direct link do not affect the protected data. Therefore, when transmitting data across multiple direct links, re-encryption is not required, further improving the data transmission rate.

[0297] For example, Figure 15 This is a flowchart illustrating another direct link addressing method provided in an embodiment of this application. The method is illustrated using a second device as the TDLS initiator. This direct link addressing method can be applied to... Figure 1 The communication shown is between the STA device and non-AP MLD2, or between non-AP MLD1 and non-AP MLD2.

[0298] S1501, the second device identifies the protected data.

[0299] The protected data includes the first address, the second address, and the third address.

[0300] In some embodiments, when the first device includes a STA, the first address is the address of the first device, the second address is the address of the second device, the third address is the address of the first AP of the third device, and the first device is connected to the first AP of the third device.

[0301] Combination Figure 8 When the first device includes a STA and the second device acts as the TDLS initiator, the first, second, and third addresses of the protected data are shown in Table 12. The difference from Table 6 in S701 above is that the settings for the first and second addresses are interchanged. The responding end is the first device, so the first address is the address of the legacy STA, such as the legacySTA MAC Address; the initiating end is the second device, so the second address is the address of the non-AP MLD2, such as the non-APMLD2 MAC Address. The third address is the same as the third address in Table 6 above; the third address is the address of AP1, such as the BSSID of AP1.

[0302] Table 12

[0303] In some embodiments, when the first device includes multiple STAs, the first address is the address of the first device, the second address is the address of the second device, and the third address is the address of the third device.

[0304] Combination Figure 9 When the first device includes multiple STAs and the second device acts as the TDLS initiator, the first, second, and third addresses of the protected data are shown in Table 13. Since the initiator and responder have changed, the difference between Table 13 and Table 7 in S701 is that the settings for the first and second addresses are interchanged. See Table 13 for details, which will not be elaborated further here.

[0305] Table 13

[0306] S1502, the second device sends the first data unit.

[0307] The first data unit includes a first header, which is determined based on the protected data. The first data unit is transmitted through a direct link between the first device and the second device.

[0308] For example, the first data unit can be Figure 6 The MPDU shown in the figure can have the first header as follows: Figure 6 The MPDU header shown in the image.

[0309] Optionally, before or during the transmission of the first data unit by the first device in S702 above, the first data unit can be determined. Specifically, one or more of the following methods 5 to 8 can be used.

[0310] Method 5: The second device determines the first header of the first data unit.

[0311] Optionally, the first header may include a fourth address, a fifth address, and a sixth address.

[0312] For example, the first header can be Figure 6 The MPDU header shown is shown below. The fourth address can be address 1 in the MPDU header, the fifth address can be address 2 in the MPDU header, and the sixth address can be address 3 in the MPDU header.

[0313] In some embodiments, when the first device includes a STA, the fourth address is the address of the first device, the fifth address is the address of the second device, and the sixth address is the address of the first AP of the third device.

[0314] Combination Figure 8When the first device includes a STA and the second device acts as the TDLS initiator, the fourth, fifth, and sixth addresses of the MPDU header are shown in Table 14. Since the initiator and responder have changed, the difference between Table 14 and Table 8 in Method 1 is that the settings for the fourth and fifth addresses are interchanged. See Table 14 for details, which will not be elaborated here.

[0315] Table 14

[0316] In some embodiments, when the first device includes multiple STAs, the fourth address is the address of the STA among the multiple STAs of the first device that corresponds to the first direct link, the fifth address is the address of the STA among the multiple STAs of the second device that corresponds to the first direct link, and the sixth address is the address of the AP among the multiple APs of the third device that corresponds to the first direct link. The first direct link is a direct link between the first device and the second device.

[0317] Combination Figure 9 and Figure 10 When the first device includes multiple STAs and the second device acts as the TDLS initiator, the fourth, fifth, and sixth addresses of the MPDU header are shown in Table 15. Since the initiator and responder have changed, the difference between Table 15 and Table 9 in Method 1 is that the settings for the fourth and fifth addresses are interchanged. See Table 15 for details, which will not be elaborated here.

[0318] It should be noted that when there are multiple direct links between the first device and the second device, the first direct link can be the direct link between the first device and the second device that transmits the first data unit.

[0319] Table 15

[0320] Method 6: The second device determines the first element of the first data unit.

[0321] In some embodiments, the first data unit may include a TDLS frame, which includes a first element. The first element is used to indicate the identifier of the target link or the address of the AP corresponding to the target link among multiple APs of the third device. For example, the first element may be set to the BSSID corresponding to the target link.

[0322] Optionally, the target link is the second direct link for TDLS frame applications, and the second direct link is a direct link between the first device and the second device.

[0323] For details on the implementation of Method 6, TDLS frames, and the first element, please refer to Method 2 above; they will not be repeated here.

[0324] Method 7: The second device determines the second element of the first data unit.

[0325] In some embodiments, the first data unit may include a TDLS frame, which may include a wake-up scheduling element and a second element. The offset field in the wake-up scheduling element is an offset relative to the first timing synchronization function threshold of the third direct link. The second element can be used to indicate the identifier of the third direct link or the address of the AP corresponding to the third direct link among multiple APs of the third device. The third direct link is a direct link between the first device and the second device. Specific implementation methods can be referred to the corresponding implementation method in Method 3 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0326] It should be noted that, similar to methods 2 and 3, methods 6 and 7 can be used independently or in combination, which will not be elaborated here.

[0327] Table 16

[0328] The following section describes the link identification element, or the setting method for a newly defined element, in conjunction with Table 16 above, for different TDLS frames. That is, when the TDLS frames are different, the link identification element, or a newly defined element, or the BSSID field in the link identification element, or the first field of the newly defined element, may correspond to different settings. For ease of description, the link identification element, the newly defined element, the first element, and the second element will be collectively referred to as the first element.

[0329] The main difference between the first element setting method when the second device acts as the TDLS initiator and the first element setting method when the first device acts as the TDLS initiator lies in the scenario where the first device includes a STA and the TDLS frame is a TDLS discovery request frame.

[0330] For example, when the first device includes a STA and the TDLS frame is a TDLS discovery request frame, the first element is used to indicate the identifier of the reference link, or the address of the AP corresponding to the reference link among the multiple APs of the third device. The reference link can be the link indicated by the BSSID field in the Link Identifier Element. For example, the first element can be set to the BSSID corresponding to the reference link.

[0331] For the other scenarios shown in Table 16, the specific implementation of the first element can be found in Table 10 above when the first device acts as the TDLS initiator, and will not be repeated here.

[0332] For the specific implementation methods of the reference link, transmission link and common link, please refer to the corresponding implementation methods in Method 3 above, which will not be repeated here.

[0333] Method 8: The second device determines the third element of the first data unit.

[0334] Optionally, the first data unit may include a third element, which can be used to indicate the establishment of at least one fourth direct link on the first link. The first link is a common link between the first device and the third device, and between the second device and the third device, and includes at least one fourth direct link. For specific implementation details, please refer to the corresponding implementation in Method 4 above; further details will not be provided here.

[0335] In one possible design, a direct link can be established between the first and second devices on a non-public link. When a direct link is established on a non-public link, the implementation of the third element is similar to that of the third element in the scenario where a direct link is established on a public link.

[0336] For example, the third element can be used to indicate the establishment of at least one fifth direct link on the second link. The second link is a different link from the link between the first and third devices, and may include at least one fifth direct link. In this way, the first and second devices can establish a direct link on a non-common link to improve the data transmission rate. The specific implementation method can be referred to the corresponding implementation method in Method 4 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0337] It should be noted that methods 5 to 8 above can be combined with the above... Figure 15 The direct link addressing methods shown can be used in combination. Methods 5 to 8 can also be used individually or in combination. This application does not limit this.

[0338] In some embodiments, the seventh address is bound to the TDLS peering key TPK. Optionally, the seventh address may include the address of the AP corresponding to the direct link between the first and second devices among the multiple APs of the third device, or the addresses of all APs of the third device, and the address of the third device itself. For specific implementation details, refer to the above description of the first device binding the seventh address to the TPK; further elaboration is omitted here.

[0339] In one possible design, the direct link addressing method provided in this application embodiment may further include the TPK derivation process shown in steps three and four below. It should be noted that steps three and four can be used alone or in conjunction with... Figure 15 Methods 5, 6, 7, and / or 8 shown may be used in combination.

[0340] Step three: The first device and the second device negotiate and determine the authentication and AKM kit selector. The specific implementation method is the same as in step one above, and will not be repeated here.

[0341] Step four: The first device and the second device negotiate and derive the TDLS peer key TPK. The specific implementation method can be found in step two above, and will not be repeated here.

[0342] It should be noted that steps three and four above can also be applied to the derivation of the pairwise master key (PTK). The seventh address can be bound to the PTK, which will not be elaborated here.

[0343] In some embodiments, the first device and the second device can complete the TPK-derived handshake negotiation by exchanging TDLS Setup Request / Response / Confirm (see steps d-f below). Steps three to four above can be combined with steps d-f below to complete the TPK-derived handshake negotiation.

[0344] Taking the second device as the TDLS initiator as an example.

[0345] Steps d-f are similar to steps a-c above. Steps d-f correspond to steps a-c above, respectively. The main difference is that the first device in steps a-c is replaced with the second device, and the second device is replaced with the first device. This will not be elaborated here.

[0346] based on Figure 15 The described direct link addressing method, when the first device includes one STA, constructs the protected data using the address of the first device, the address of the second device, and the address of the first AP connected to the first device. When the first device includes multiple STAs, the protected data is constructed using the address of the first device, the address of the second device, and the address of the third device. Thus, the first device can transmit the first data unit through the direct link between the first and second devices without requiring forwarding by the third device, thereby improving the data transmission rate. Furthermore, when the first device includes multiple STAs, using device addresses to construct the protected data means that changes in the direct link do not affect the protected data. Therefore, when transmitting data across multiple direct links, re-encryption is not required, further improving the data transmission rate.

[0347] For example, Figure 16 This is a flowchart illustrating another direct link addressing method provided in an embodiment of this application. The method is illustrated using a first device as the TDLS initiator. This direct link addressing method can be applied to... Figure 1The communication shown is between the STA device and non-AP MLD2, or between non-AP MLD1 and non-AP MLD2.

[0348] S1601, the first device determines the first data unit.

[0349] The first data unit includes a first header, which includes a fourth address, a fifth address, and a sixth address.

[0350] In some embodiments, the first data unit may include a frame body, for example, a TDLS frame or data.

[0351] For example, the first data unit can be Figure 6 The MPDU shown in the figure can have the first header as follows: Figure 6 The MPDU header shown is carried in the Frame Body field of the TDLS frame or data.

[0352] In some embodiments, when the first device includes a STA, the fourth address is the address of the second device, the fifth address is the address of the first device, the sixth address is the address of the first AP of the third device, and the first device is connected to the first AP of the third device.

[0353] Combination Figure 8 The first AP is Figure 8 In the case of AP1, when the first device includes a STA and the first device acts as the TDLS initiator, the fourth, fifth, and sixth addresses of the MPDU header are shown in Table 17. The fourth address is the address of the non-AP MLD2, such as non-AP MLD2 MAC Address; the fifth address is the address of the legacy STA, such as legacy STA MAC Address; and the sixth address is the address of AP1, such as AP1's BSSID.

[0354] Table 17

[0355] In some embodiments, when the first device includes multiple STAs, the fourth address is the address of the second device, the fifth address is the address of the first device, and the sixth address is the address of the AP among the multiple APs of the third device corresponding to the sixth direct link. The sixth direct link is the link between the first device and the second device for transmitting the first data unit. The first data unit is transmitted through the direct link between the first device and the second device.

[0356] For example, combined Figure 9 and Figure 10Taking the first device as non-AP MLD1, the second device as non-AP MLD2, and the third device as AP MLD as an example. When the first device includes multiple STAs and acts as the TDLS initiator, the fourth, fifth, and sixth addresses of the MPDU header are shown in Table 18. Assuming the first data unit is transmitted on the direct link 1, the fourth address is the address of STA1 of non-AP MLD2, such as the non-AP MLD2 MAC Address; the fifth address is the address of STA1 of non-AP MLD1, such as the non-AP MLD1 MAC Address; and the sixth address is the address of AP1 corresponding to the direct link 1, such as the Affiliated AP1 BSSID of the AP MLD.

[0357] Table 18

[0358] Specifically, the setting method of the sixth address corresponding to Tables 17 and 18 can be compatible with both cases where the first device includes one STA and cases where the first device includes multiple STAs, so as to avoid frequently modifying the setting content of the sixth address and thus reduce transmission latency.

[0359] Optionally, a TDLS frame can be a TDLS discovery response frame.

[0360] Tables 17 and 18 above can be used to set the address of the first header of the management frame. Since the TDLS discovery response frame is encapsulated into a common management frame and does not need to be encrypted, the corresponding AAD construction is not required.

[0361] S1602, the first device sends a first data unit. Correspondingly, the second device receives the first data unit from the first device.

[0362] based on Figure 16 The described direct link addressing method, when the first device includes one STA, constructs a first header using the address of the first device, the address of the second device, and the address of the first AP connected to the first device. When the first device includes multiple STAs, the first header is constructed using the address of the first device, the address of the second device, and the address of the AP corresponding to the sixth direct link among the multiple APs of the third device. The sixth direct link is the link between the first device and the second device for transmitting the first data unit. Thus, the first device can transmit the first data unit through the direct link between the first device and the second device without requiring forwarding by the third device, thereby improving data transmission rate. Furthermore, the setting method of the sixth address is compatible with both cases where the first device includes one STA and cases where the first device includes multiple STAs, avoiding frequent modifications to the settings of the sixth address, thereby further reducing transmission latency.

[0363] For example, Figure 17 This is a flowchart illustrating another direct link addressing method provided in an embodiment of this application. The method is illustrated using a second device as the TDLS initiator. This direct link addressing method can be applied to... Figure 1 The communication shown is between the STA device and non-AP MLD2, or between non-AP MLD1 and non-AP MLD2.

[0364] S1701, the second device identifies the first data unit.

[0365] The first data unit includes a first header, which includes a fourth address, a fifth address, and a sixth address.

[0366] In some embodiments, the first data unit may include a frame body, for example, a TDLS frame or data.

[0367] For example, the first data unit can be Figure 6 The MPDU shown in the figure can have the first header as follows: Figure 6 The MPDU header shown is carried in the Frame Body field of the TDLS frame or data.

[0368] In some embodiments, when the first device includes a STA, the fourth address is the address of the first device, the fifth address is the address of the second device, the sixth address is the address of the first AP of the third device, and the first device is connected to the first AP of the third device.

[0369] Combination Figure 8 When the first device includes a STA and the second device acts as the TDLS initiator, the fourth, fifth, and sixth addresses of the MPDU header are shown in Table 19. Since the initiator and responder have changed, the difference between Table 19 and Table 17 in S1601 above is that the settings for the fourth and fifth addresses are interchanged. See Table 19 for details, which will not be elaborated here.

[0370] Table 19

[0371] In some embodiments, when the first device includes multiple STAs, the fourth address is the address of the first device, the fifth address is the address of the second device, and the sixth address is the address of the AP among the multiple APs of the third device corresponding to the sixth direct link. The sixth direct link is the link between the first device and the second device for transmitting the first data unit. The first data unit is transmitted through the direct link between the first device and the second device.

[0372] Combination Figure 9 and Figure 10When the first device includes multiple STAs and the second device acts as the TDLS initiator, the fourth, fifth, and sixth addresses of the MPDU header are shown in Table 20. Since the initiator and responder have changed, the difference between Table 20 and Table 18 in S1601 above is that the settings for the fourth and fifth addresses are interchanged. See Table 20 for details, which will not be elaborated here.

[0373] Table 20

[0374] Optionally, a TDLS frame can be a TDLS discovery response frame.

[0375] S1702, the second device sends the first data unit. Correspondingly, the first device receives the first data unit from the second device.

[0376] It should be noted that, Figure 17 The technical effects of the method shown can be referred to the above. Figure 16 The technical effects of the method will not be elaborated here.

[0377] It should be noted that the address setting rules for the first data unit (e.g., MPDU) and the protected data (e.g., AAD) provided in the embodiments of this application are applicable to unicast frames.

[0378] The following describes several special application scenarios to which the embodiments of this application are applicable. It should be understood that the application scenarios of the embodiments of this application are not limited to the following application scenarios.

[0379] Scene 1 Assume that AP MLD has three links: link 1, link 2, and link 3. Non-AP MLD 1 establishes two links with AP MLD: link 1 and link 2; while Non-AP MLD 2 establishes links 1 and 3 with AP MLD. In this case, non-AP MLD 1 and non-AP MLD 2 can establish a multi-link TDLS. Link 1 is called the common link, and the other link is called the non-common link. The link identifier can be indicated by the Link ID or BSSID of the AP associated with either end of the link. For data transmission on the non-common link, the two ends of the non-common link can negotiate which channel to transmit on through the common link. For example, when the non-common link switches to the channel of one end, the other end is essentially transmitting off-channel and needs to notify the AP to enter a doze state before switching to the channel of the other end for direct transmission.

[0380] Based on the above scenarios, establishing a direct link between non-AP MLDs requires at least one common link. Otherwise, a TDLS Discovery Response is not allowed, and TDLS Setup is not permitted. When multiple common links exist between non-AP MLDs, a TDLS Discovery Response can be replied to on any of these common links. However, if the link corresponding to the BSSID field in the LinkIdentifier element is also a common link, then a reply can be prioritized on that common link.

[0381] In addition, different address modes are allowed for non-AP MLDs at both ends, such as transparent transmission mode and non-transparent transmission mode.

[0382] Scene 2 Assume that the AP MLD has three links: link 1, link 2, and link 3. Two links, link 1 and link 2, are established between non-AP MLD 1 and the AP MLD; the legacy STA is associated with link 2. If the non-AP MLD, as the initiator, sends a TDLS Discovery Request frame with its Link Identifier element containing the BSSID of link 1, the legacy STA, upon receiving the TDLS Discovery Request frame, will find that the BSSID in the Link Identifier element is inconsistent with its own BSSID. Therefore, the legacy STA will not send a TDLS Discovery Response frame on link 2, resulting in discovery failure. This occurs because the non-AP MLD does not know whether the peer is a legacy STA or a non-AP MLD, nor does it know which AP the peer is associated with.

[0383] To avoid this situation, the non-AP MLD can send another TDLS Discovery Request frame, in which the BSSID in the Link Identifier element is set to the BSSID corresponding to Link 2. When the Legacy STA receives the TDLS Discovery Request frame, it will find that the BSSID in the Link Identifier element matches its own BSSID, and will send back a TDLS Discovery Response frame on Link 2, thus confirming successful discovery.

[0384] Scene 3 Assume that the AP MLD has three links: link 1, link 2, and link 3. Two links, link 1 and link 2, are established between the non-AP MLD 1 and the AP MLD; the legacy STA is associated with link 2. If the legacy STA, as the initiator, sends a TDLS Discovery Request frame on link 2, when the non-AP MLD receives the TDLS Discovery Request frame, it can only respond with a TDLS Discovery Response frame on the link indicated by the BSSID in the Link Identifier element (i.e., link 2).

[0385] When both the TDLS initiator and responder are MLD devices, a multi-link element is included in both the TDLS Discovery Request and TDLS Discovery Response frames. This way, both ends know that the other end is also an MLD device through the TDLS discovery process. Furthermore, the TDLS discovery process allows both the initiator and responder to identify which links are common links.

[0386] The above combination Figures 7-17 This application provides a detailed description of the direct link addressing method provided in its embodiments. The following is in conjunction with... Figures 18-19 This application provides a detailed description of the direct link addressing device provided in its embodiments.

[0387] Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of a direct link addressing device that can be used to execute the direct link addressing method provided in the embodiments of this application. The direct link addressing device 1800 can be a first device or a second device, or it can be a chip or other component with corresponding functions applied in the first device or the second device. Figure 18As shown, the direct link addressing device 1800 may include a processor 1801 and a transceiver 1803. It may also include a memory 1802. The processor 1801 is coupled to the memory 1802 and the transceiver 1803, and can be connected via a communication bus. The processor 1801 can also be used independently.

[0388] The following is combined with Figure 18 The components of the direct link addressing device 1800 are described in detail below: Processor 1801 is the control center of direct link addressing device 1800. It can be a single processor or a collective term for multiple processing elements. For example, processor 1801 can be one or more central processing units (CPUs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or one or more integrated circuits configured to implement the embodiments of this application, such as one or more digital signal processors (DSPs), or one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs).

[0389] The processor 1801 can perform various functions of the direct link addressing device 1800 by running or executing software programs stored in the memory 1802 and calling data stored in the memory 1802.

[0390] In a specific implementation, as one example, the processor 1801 may include one or more CPUs, for example... Figure 18 CPU0 and CPU1 are shown in the diagram.

[0391] In a specific implementation, as one example, the direct link addressing device 1800 may also include multiple processors, for example... Figure 18 The processors 1801 and 1804 are shown. Each of these processors can be a single-core processor (single-CPU) or a multi-core processor (multi-CPU). Here, "processor" can refer to one or more communication devices, circuits, and / or processing cores used to process data (e.g., computer program instructions).

[0392] Memory 1802 may be a read-only memory (ROM) or other type of static storage communication device capable of storing static information and instructions, random access memory (RAM) or other type of dynamic storage communication device capable of storing information and instructions, or electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or other optical disc storage, optical disc storage (including compressed optical discs, laser discs, optical discs, digital universal optical discs, Blu-ray discs, etc.), magnetic disk storage media or other magnetic storage communication devices, or any other medium capable of carrying or storing desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and accessible by a computer, but not limited thereto. Memory 1802 may be integrated with processor 1801 or exist independently, and may be addressed via the input / output ports of direct link addressing device 1800. Figure 18 (Not shown in the image) is coupled to the processor 1801, and this embodiment does not specifically limit this.

[0393] The memory 1802 is used to store the software program that executes the solution of this application, and its execution is controlled by the processor 1801. Specific implementation methods described above can be found in the following method embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0394] Transceiver 1803 is used for communication with other directly linked addressing devices. For example, when the directly linked addressing device 1800 is a first device, transceiver 1803 can be used to communicate with a second device and a third device. As another example, when the directly linked addressing device 1800 is a second device, transceiver 1803 can be used to communicate with the first device and the third device. Furthermore, transceiver 1803 may include a receiver and a transmitter. Figure 18 (Not shown separately). The receiver is used to implement the receiving function, and the transmitter is used to implement the transmitting function. The transceiver 1803 can be integrated with the processor 1801 or exist independently, and is addressed via the input / output ports of the direct link addressing device 1800 (…). Figure 18 (Not shown in the image) is coupled to the processor 1801, and this embodiment does not specifically limit this.

[0395] It should be noted that, Figure 18 The structure of the direct link addressing device 1800 shown does not constitute a limitation on the direct link addressing device. Actual direct link addressing devices may include more or fewer components than shown, or combine certain components, or have different component arrangements.

[0396] The actions of the first device in steps S701-S702 and S1601-S1602 can be performed by... Figure 18 The processor 1801 in the direct link addressing device 1800 shown calls the application code stored in the memory 1802 to instruct the remote terminal device to execute.

[0397] The operation of the second device in steps S1501-S1502 and S1701-S1702 above can be performed by... Figure 18 The processor 1801 in the direct link addressing device 1800 shown calls the application code stored in the memory 1802 to instruct the remote terminal device to execute it. This embodiment does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0398] Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram of another direct-link addressing device provided in an embodiment of this application. For ease of explanation, Figure 19 Only the main components of this direct link addressing device are shown.

[0399] The direct link addressing device 1900 includes a transceiver module 1901. Optionally, the direct link addressing device 1900 may further include a processing module 1902. The direct link addressing device 1900 may be the first device or the second device in the foregoing method embodiments. The transceiver module 1901, also referred to as a transceiver unit, is used to implement the transceiver functions performed by the first device or the second device in any of the above method embodiments.

[0400] It should be noted that the aforementioned transceiver module 1901 may include a receiving module and a transmitting module. Figure 19 (Not shown in the diagram). The receiving module implements the receiving function performed by the first device or the second device in any of the above method embodiments; the sending module implements the sending function performed by the first device or the second device in any of the above method embodiments. This application does not specifically limit the specific implementation of the transceiver module 1901.

[0401] The processing module 1902, also known as a processing unit, can be used to implement the processing functions performed by the first device or the second device in any of the above method embodiments. The processing module 1902 can be a processor.

[0402] In this embodiment, the direct link addressing device 1900 is presented in an integrated manner, divided into various functional modules. Here, "module" can refer to a specific ASIC, circuitry, a processor and memory executing one or more software or firmware programs, integrated logic circuitry, and / or other devices that can provide the aforementioned functions. In a simplified embodiment, those skilled in the art will recognize that the direct link addressing device 1900 can employ...Figure 18 The direct link addressing device 1800 shown is in the form of the example.

[0403] for example, Figure 18 The processor 1801 in the direct link addressing device 1800 shown can execute the direct link addressing method in the above method embodiment by calling computer execution instructions stored in the memory 1802.

[0404] Specifically, Figure 19 The functions / implementation process of the transceiver module 1901 and the processing module 1902 can be obtained through Figure 18 The processor 1801 in the direct link addressing device 1800 shown calls computer execution instructions stored in memory 1802 to implement this. Alternatively, Figure 19 The function / implementation process of the processing module 1902 can be obtained through Figure 18 The processor 1801 in the direct link addressing device 1800 shown calls computer execution instructions stored in memory 1802 to implement this. Figure 19 The function / implementation process of the transceiver module 1901 can be obtained through Figure 18 This is achieved by the transceiver 1803 in the direct link addressing device 1800 shown.

[0405] Since the direct link addressing device 1900 provided in this embodiment can execute the above-described direct link addressing method, the technical effects it can achieve can be referred to the above-described method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0406] In one possible design scheme, Figure 19 The direct link addressing device 1900 shown is applicable to Figure 1 In the communication system shown, the execution Figure 7 The direct link addressing method shown illustrates the function of the first device. The direct link addressing device 1900 includes one or more stations (STAs), is connected to a third device (which includes multiple access points (APs), and is connected to the third device (which also includes multiple STAs).

[0407] Processing module 1902 is used to determine the protected data. The protected data includes a first address, a second address, and a third address. When the direct link addressing device 1900 includes one STA, the first address is the address of the second device, the second address is the address of the direct link addressing device 1900, and the third address is the address of the first AP of the third device. The direct link addressing device 1900 is connected to the first AP of the third device. When the direct link addressing device 1900 includes multiple STAs, the first address is the address of the second device, the second address is the address of the direct link addressing device 1900, and the third address is the address of the third device.

[0408] The transceiver module 1901 is used to send a first data unit. The first data unit includes a first header, which is determined based on the protected data. The first data unit is transmitted through a direct link between the direct link addressing device 1900 and the second device.

[0409] Optionally, the direct link addressing device 1900 may also include a storage module ( Figure 19 (Not shown in the image), this storage module stores programs or instructions. When the processing module 1902 executes the program or instruction, it enables the direct link addressing device 1900 to perform operations. Figure 7 The function of the first device in the direct link addressing method shown.

[0410] It should be noted that the direct link addressing device 1900 can be the first device, or it can be a chip (system) or other component or assembly that can be set in the first device. This application does not limit it in this regard.

[0411] In addition, the technical effects of the direct link addressing device 1900 can be referenced. Figure 7 The technical effects of the direct link addressing method shown are not elaborated here.

[0412] In another possible design scheme, Figure 19 The direct link addressing device 1900 shown is applicable to Figure 1 In the communication system shown, the execution Figure 7 The direct link addressing method shown illustrates the function of the second device. The direct link addressing device 1900 includes multiple stations (STAs), and is connected to a third device, which includes multiple access points (APs). A first device is connected to the third device and includes one or more STAs.

[0413] The transceiver module 1901 is used to receive a first data unit. The first data unit includes a first header, which is determined based on the protected data. The first data unit is transmitted via a direct link between the first device and the direct link addressing device 1900. The protected data includes a first address, a second address, and a third address. When the first device includes one STA, the first address is the address of the direct link addressing device 1900, the second address is the address of the first device, and the third address is the address of the first AP of the third device; the first device is connected to the first AP of the third device. When the first device includes multiple STAs, the first address is the address of the direct link addressing device 1900, the second address is the address of the first device, and the third address is the address of the third device.

[0414] Optionally, the direct link addressing device 1900 may further include a processing module 1902 and a storage module. Figure 19 (Not shown in the image), this storage module stores programs or instructions. When the processing module 1902 executes the program or instruction, it enables the direct link addressing device 1900 to perform operations. Figure 7 The function of the second device in the direct link addressing method shown.

[0415] It should be noted that the direct link addressing device 1900 can be a second device, or a chip (system) or other component or assembly that can be set in the second device. This application does not limit this.

[0416] In addition, the technical effects of the direct link addressing device 1900 can be referenced. Figure 7 The technical effects of the direct link addressing method shown are not elaborated here.

[0417] In yet another possible design scheme, Figure 19 The direct link addressing device 1900 shown is applicable to Figure 1 In the communication system shown, the execution Figure 15 The direct link addressing method shown illustrates the function of the second device. The direct link addressing device 1900 includes multiple stations (STAs), and is connected to a third device, which includes multiple access points (APs). A first device is connected to the third device and includes one or more STAs.

[0418] Processing module 1902 is used to determine the protected data. The protected data includes a first address, a second address, and a third address. When the first device includes one STA, the first address is the address of the first device, the second address is the address of the direct link addressing device 1900, and the third address is the address of the first AP of the third device, and the first device is connected to the first AP of the third device. When the first device includes multiple STAs, the first address is the address of the first device, the second address is the address of the direct link addressing device 1900, and the third address is the address of the third device.

[0419] The transceiver module 1901 is used to send a first data unit. The first data unit includes a first header, which is determined based on the protected data. The first data unit is transmitted through a direct link between the first device and the direct link addressing device 1900.

[0420] Optionally, the direct link addressing device 1900 may also include a storage module ( Figure 19 (Not shown in the image), this storage module stores programs or instructions. When the processing module 1902 executes the program or instruction, it enables the direct link addressing device 1900 to perform operations. Figure 15 The function of the second device in the direct link addressing method shown.

[0421] It should be noted that the direct link addressing device 1900 can be a second device, or a chip (system) or other component or assembly that can be set in the second device. This application does not limit this.

[0422] In addition, the technical effects of the direct link addressing device 1900 can be referenced. Figure 15 The technical effects of the direct link addressing method shown are not elaborated here.

[0423] In yet another possible design scheme, Figure 19 The direct link addressing device 1900 shown is applicable to Figure 1 In the communication system shown, the execution Figure 15 The direct link addressing method shown illustrates the function of the first device. The direct link addressing device 1900 includes one or more stations (STAs), is connected to a third device (which includes multiple access points (APs), and is connected to the third device (which also includes multiple STAs).

[0424] The transceiver module 1901 is used to receive a first data unit. The first data unit includes a first header, which is determined based on the protected data. The first data unit is transmitted via a direct link between the direct link addressing device 1900 and the second device. The protected data includes a first address, a second address, and a third address. When the direct link addressing device 1900 includes one STA, the first address is the address of the direct link addressing device 1900, the second address is the address of the second device, and the third address is the address of the first AP of the third device. The direct link addressing device 1900 is connected to the first AP of the third device, and the direct link addressing device 1900 includes one STA. When the direct link addressing device 1900 includes multiple STAs, the first address is the address of the direct link addressing device 1900, the second address is the address of the second device, and the third address is the address of the third device.

[0425] Optionally, the direct link addressing device 1900 may further include a processing module 1902 and a storage module. Figure 19 (Not shown in the image), this storage module stores programs or instructions. When the processing module 1902 executes the program or instruction, it enables the direct link addressing device 1900 to perform operations. Figure 15 The function of the first device in the direct link addressing method shown.

[0426] It should be noted that the direct link addressing device 1900 can be the first device, or it can be a chip (system) or other component or assembly that can be set in the first device. This application does not limit it in this regard.

[0427] In addition, the technical effects of the direct link addressing device 1900 can be referenced. Figure 15 The technical effects of the direct link addressing method shown are not elaborated here.

[0428] In yet another possible design scheme, Figure 19 The direct link addressing device 1900 shown is applicable to Figure 1 In the communication system shown, the execution Figure 16 The direct link addressing method shown illustrates the function of the first device. The direct link addressing device 1900 includes one or more stations (STAs), is connected to a third device (which includes multiple access points (APs), and is connected to the third device (which also includes multiple STAs).

[0429] Processing module 1902 is used to determine a first data unit. The first data unit includes a first header and a TDLS frame establishing a tunnel direct link. The first header includes a fourth address, a fifth address, and a sixth address. When the direct link addressing device 1900 includes one STA, the fourth address is the address of the second device, the fifth address is the address of the direct link addressing device 1900, and the sixth address is the address of the first AP of the third device. The direct link addressing device 1900 is connected to the first AP of the third device. When the direct link addressing device 1900 includes multiple STAs, the fourth address is the address of the second device, the fifth address is the address of the direct link addressing device 1900, and the sixth address is the address of the AP among the multiple APs of the third device corresponding to the sixth direct link. The sixth direct link is the link between the direct link addressing device 1900 and the second device for transmitting TDLS frames.

[0430] The transceiver module 1901 is used to send a first data unit. The first data unit is transmitted through a direct link between the direct link addressing device 1900 and the second device.

[0431] Optionally, a TDLS frame can be a TDLS discovery response frame.

[0432] Optionally, the direct link addressing device 1900 may also include a storage module ( Figure 19 (Not shown in the image), this storage module stores programs or instructions. When the processing module 1902 executes the program or instruction, it enables the direct link addressing device 1900 to perform operations. Figure 16 The function of the first device in the direct link addressing method shown.

[0433] It should be noted that the direct link addressing device 1900 can be the first device, or it can be a chip (system) or other component or assembly that can be set in the first device. This application does not limit it in this regard.

[0434] In addition, the technical effects of the direct link addressing device 1900 can be referenced. Figure 16 The technical effects of the direct link addressing method shown are not elaborated here.

[0435] In yet another possible design scheme, Figure 19 The direct link addressing device 1900 shown is applicable to Figure 1 In the communication system shown, the execution Figure 16 The direct link addressing method shown illustrates the function of the second device. The direct link addressing device 1900 includes multiple stations (STAs), and is connected to a third device, which includes multiple access points (APs). A first device is connected to the third device and includes one or more STAs.

[0436] The transceiver module 1901 is used to receive the first data unit. The first data unit includes a first header and a TDLS frame for establishing a tunnel direct link. The first header includes a fourth address, a fifth address, and a sixth address.

[0437] When the first device includes one STA, the fourth address is the address of the direct link addressing device 1900, the fifth address is the address of the first device, and the sixth address is the address of the first AP of the third device. The first device is connected to the first AP of the third device. When the first device includes multiple STAs, the fourth address is the address of the direct link addressing device 1900, the fifth address is the address of the first device, and the sixth address is the address of the AP among the multiple APs of the third device corresponding to the sixth direct link. The sixth direct link is the link between the first device and the direct link addressing device 1900 for transmitting TDLS frames. The first data unit is transmitted through the direct link between the first device and the direct link addressing device 1900.

[0438] Optionally, a TDLS frame can be a TDLS discovery response frame.

[0439] Optionally, the direct link addressing device 1900 may further include a processing module 1902 and a storage module. Figure 19 (Not shown in the image), this storage module stores programs or instructions. When the processing module 1902 executes the program or instruction, it enables the direct link addressing device 1900 to perform operations. Figure 16 The function of the second device in the direct link addressing method shown.

[0440] It should be noted that the direct link addressing device 1900 can be a second device, or a chip (system) or other component or assembly that can be set in the second device. This application does not limit this.

[0441] In addition, the technical effects of the direct link addressing device 1900 can be referenced. Figure 16 The technical effects of the direct link addressing method shown are not elaborated here.

[0442] In yet another possible design scheme, Figure 19 The direct link addressing device 1900 shown is applicable to Figure 1 In the communication system shown, the execution Figure 17 The direct link addressing method shown illustrates the function of the second device. The direct link addressing device 1900 includes multiple stations (STAs), and is connected to a third device, which includes multiple access points (APs). A first device is connected to the third device and includes one or more STAs.

[0443] Processing module 1902 is used to determine the first data unit. The first data unit includes a first header and a TDLS frame for establishing a tunnel direct link. The first header includes a fourth address, a fifth address, and a sixth address.

[0444] The transceiver module 1901 is used to transmit the first data unit. When the first device includes one STA, the fourth address is the address of the first device, the fifth address is the address of the direct link addressing device 1900, and the sixth address is the address of the first AP of the third device, and the first device is connected to the first AP of the third device. When the first device includes multiple STAs, the fourth address is the address of the first device, the fifth address is the address of the direct link addressing device 1900, and the sixth address is the address of the AP among the multiple APs of the third device corresponding to the sixth direct link, which is the link between the first device and the direct link addressing device 1900 for transmitting TDLS frames. The first data unit is transmitted through the direct link between the first device and the direct link addressing device 1900.

[0445] Optionally, a TDLS frame can be a TDLS discovery response frame.

[0446] Optionally, the direct link addressing device 1900 may further include a processing module 1902 and a storage module. Figure 19 (Not shown in the image), this storage module stores programs or instructions. When the processing module 1902 executes the program or instruction, it enables the direct link addressing device 1900 to perform operations. Figure 17 The function of the second device in the direct link addressing method shown.

[0447] It should be noted that the direct link addressing device 1900 can be a second device, or a chip (system) or other component or assembly that can be set in the second device. This application does not limit this.

[0448] In addition, the technical effects of the direct link addressing device 1900 can be referenced. Figure 17 The technical effects of the direct link addressing method shown are not elaborated here.

[0449] In yet another possible design scheme, Figure 19 The direct link addressing device 1900 shown is applicable to Figure 1 In the communication system shown, the execution Figure 17 The direct link addressing method shown illustrates the function of the first device. The direct link addressing device 1900 includes one or more stations (STAs), is connected to a third device (which includes multiple access points (APs), and is connected to the third device (which also includes multiple STAs).

[0450] The transceiver module 1901 is used to receive the first data unit. The first data unit includes a first header and a TDLS frame for establishing a tunnel direct link. The first header includes a fourth address, a fifth address, and a sixth address.

[0451] When the direct link addressing device 1900 includes one STA, the fourth address is the address of the direct link addressing device 1900, the fifth address is the address of the second device, and the sixth address is the address of the first AP of the third device. The direct link addressing device 1900 is connected to the first AP of the third device. When the direct link addressing device 1900 includes multiple STAs, the fourth address is the address of the direct link addressing device 1900, the fifth address is the address of the second device, and the sixth address is the address of the AP among the multiple APs of the third device corresponding to the sixth direct link. The sixth direct link is the link between the direct link addressing device 1900 and the second device for transmitting TDLS frames. The first data unit is transmitted through the direct link between the direct link addressing device 1900 and the second device.

[0452] Optionally, a TDLS frame can be a TDLS discovery response frame.

[0453] Optionally, the direct link addressing device 1900 may further include a processing module 1902 and a storage module. Figure 19 (Not shown in the image), this storage module stores programs or instructions. When the processing module 1902 executes the program or instruction, it enables the direct link addressing device 1900 to perform operations. Figure 17 The function of the first device in the direct link addressing method shown.

[0454] It should be noted that the direct link addressing device 1900 can be the first device, or it can be a chip (system) or other component or assembly that can be set in the first device. This application does not limit it in this regard.

[0455] In addition, the technical effects of the direct link addressing device 1900 can be referenced. Figure 17 The technical effects of the direct link addressing method shown are not elaborated here.

[0456] This application provides a communication system. The communication system includes a first device and a second device. It may also include a second device. The first device is used to execute the actions of the first device in the above method embodiments; the specific execution methods and processes can be found in the above method embodiments and will not be repeated here. The second device is used to execute the actions of the second device in the above method embodiments; the specific execution methods and processes can be found in the above method embodiments and will not be repeated here. The third device is used to execute the actions of the third device in the above method embodiments; the specific execution methods and processes can be found in the above method embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0457] This application provides a chip system including a processor and input / output ports. The processor is used to implement the processing functions involved in the direct link addressing method provided in this application, and the input / output ports are used for the transmit / receive functions involved in the direct link addressing method provided in this application.

[0458] In one possible design, the chip system further includes a memory for storing program instructions and data that implement the functions involved in the direct link addressing method provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0459] This chip system can consist of chips or include chips and other discrete components.

[0460] This application provides a computer-readable storage medium that includes a computer program or instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the direct link addressing method provided in this application.

[0461] This application provides a computer program product, which includes a computer program or instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the direct link addressing method provided in this application.

[0462] It should be understood that the processor in the embodiments of this application can be a central processing unit (CPU), or it can 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 can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor, etc.

[0463] It should also be understood that the memory in the embodiments of this application can be volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memory. The non-volatile memory can be read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or flash memory. The volatile memory can be random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of example, but not limitation, many forms of random access memory (RAM) are available, such as static RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous DRAM (DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous DRAM (ESDRAM), synchronous linked DRAM (SLDRAM), and direct rambus RAM (DR RAM).

[0464] The above embodiments can be implemented, in whole or in part, by software, hardware (such as circuits), 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 this application 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.

[0465] It should be understood that the term "and / or" in this article is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone. A and B can be singular or plural. Additionally, the character " / " in this article generally indicates an "or" relationship between the preceding and following related objects, but it can also represent an "and / or" relationship. Please refer to the context for a more accurate understanding.

[0466] In this application, "at least one" means one or more, and "more than one" means two or more. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of a single item or a plurality of items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can mean: a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, or abc, where a, b, and c can be a single item or multiple items.

[0467] It should be understood that in the various embodiments of this application, the order of the above-mentioned processes 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 this application.

[0468] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units 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 implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0469] Those skilled in the art will understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0470] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0471] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0472] In addition, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit.

[0473] If the aforementioned functions are implemented as software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or a portion of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0474] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A direct link addressing method, characterized by, The method is applied to a second device, the second device includes a plurality of stations (STAs), the second device is connected with a third device, the third device includes a plurality of access points (APs), a first device is connected with the third device, the first device includes one or more STAs, and the method includes the following steps: receiving at least two tunnel direct link setup discovery request (TDLS Discovery Request) frames, the TDLS Discovery Request frames including an identification field for indicating APs in the third device, and each of the TDLS Discovery Request frames corresponding to a different AP in the third device; sending, by a STA associated with the AP of the third device from among the plurality of STAs of the second device, a tunnel direct link setup discovery response (TDLS Discovery Response) frame.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The identification field is a basic service set identifier (BSSID), and the BSSID is carried in a link identification element field of the TDLS Discovery Request frame.

3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The TDLS Discovery Request frame includes a multi-link element field, and the multi-link element field includes a Type subfield for indicating tunnel direct link setup.

4. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The TDLS Discovery Request frame includes a multi-link element field, and the multi-link element field includes an MLD MAC Address field for indicating a MAC address of the third device.

5. The method of claim 3, wherein, The TDLS Discovery Request frame includes a multi-link element field, and the multi-link element field includes an MLD MAC Address field for indicating a MAC address of the third device.

6. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The method further includes the following steps: The MAC address of the third device is bound to a TDLS peer key (TPK).

7. The method of claim 3, wherein, The method further includes the following steps: The MAC address of the third device is bound to a TDLS peer key (TPK).

8. The method of claim 4, wherein, The method further includes the following steps: The MAC address of the third device is bound to a TDLS peer key (TPK).

9. A second device, comprising: The second device includes a plurality of stations (STAs), the second device is connected with a third device, the third device includes a plurality of access points (APs), a first device is connected with the third device, the first device includes one or more STAs, and the second device includes the following components: a transceiver, configured to receive at least two tunnel direct link setup discovery request (TDLS Discovery Request) frames, the TDLS Discovery Request frames including an identification field for indicating APs in the third device, and each of the TDLS Discovery Request frames corresponding to a different AP in the third device; The transceiver unit is further configured to send, by a STA of the second device, a tunnel direct link setup discovery response (TDLS Discovery Response) frame to the STA associated with the AP of the third device.

10. The second device of claim 9, wherein, The identification field is a basic service set identifier (BSSID), and the BSSID is carried in a link identification element field of the TDLS Discovery Request frame.

11. The second device of claim 9 or 10, wherein, The TDLS Discovery Request frame includes a multi-link element field, and the multi-link element field includes a Type subfield, and the Type subfield is used to indicate a tunnel direct link setup.

12. The second device of claim 9 or 10, wherein, The TDLS Discovery Request frame includes a multi-link element field, and the multi-link element field includes an MLD MAC Address field, and the MLD MAC Address field is used to indicate a MAC address of the third device.

13. The second device of claim 11, wherein, The TDLS Discovery Request frame includes a multi-link element field, and the multi-link element field includes an MLD MAC Address field, and the MLD MAC Address field is used to indicate a MAC address of the third device.

14. The second device of claim 9 or 10, wherein, The MAC address of the third device is bound to a TDLS peer key (TPK).

15. The second device of claim 11, wherein, The MAC address of the third device is bound to a TDLS peer key (TPK).

16. The second device of claim 12, wherein, The MAC address of the third device is bound to a TDLS peer key (TPK).

17. A direct-link addressing device, characterized in that, The direct link addressing apparatus includes a processor coupled with a memory; The memory is configured to store a computer program; The processor is configured to execute the computer program stored in the memory, so that the direct link addressing apparatus executes the direct link addressing method according to any one of claims 1-8.

18. A communications device, characterized by The logic circuit and the interface are coupled; The interface is configured to input and / or output instructions, and the logic circuit is configured to execute the instructions, so that the direct link addressing method according to any one of claims 1-8 is executed.

19. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer readable storage medium includes a computer program or instructions, which, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to execute the direct link addressing method according to any one of claims 1-8.

20. A computer program product, characterised in that, The computer program product includes a computer program or instructions, which, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to execute the direct link addressing method according to any one of claims 1-8.

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