Method and device for direct link addressing

Abstract

To provide a direct link addressing method that performs direct communication between non-AP (access point) MLD (multilink devices), or between a STA (station) device and the non-AP MLD to improve data transmission efficiency.SOLUTION: In a Wi-Fi system. a first device that includes one or more stations STAs is connected to a third device that includes a plurality of APs. A second device that is connected to the third device includes a plurality of STAs. When the first device includes one STA, protected data is constructed by using an address of the first device, an address of the second device, and an address of the first AP connected to the first device. When the first device includes a plurality of STAs, protected data is constructed by using an address of the first device, an address of the second device, and an address of the third device. Therefore, the first device may transmit a first data unit over a direct link between the first device and the second device, thereby increasing a data transmission rate.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross-reference to Related Applications This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202110278095.3, filed with the China National Intellectual Property Administration on March 15, 2021, entitled "Directory Link Address Designation Method and Directory Link Address Designation Device", which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] This application relates to the field of communications, and in particular, to a directory link address designation method and a directory link address designation device.

Background Art

[0003] With the development of wireless communication technology, more and more wireless communication devices support multi-link communication in order to improve the communication efficiency of the communication devices. A communication device that supports multi-link communication may sometimes be called a multi-link device (MLD). Multi-link devices include access point (AP) MLDs and non-access point (non-AP) MLDs. An AP MLD includes a plurality of APs, and a non-AP MLD includes a plurality of stations (STAs). When a communication system includes at least one AP MLD and a plurality of non-AP MLDs, the non-AP MLDs may communicate with the AP MLD via a plurality of links, and two non-AP MLDs may communicate with each other by using the AP MLD. The communication system may further include a station (STA) device. An STA device includes one STA, and the STA device may communicate with a non-AP MLD by using the AP MLD.

[0004] However, communication between two non-AP MLDS or between an STA device and a non-AP MLD still needs to be relayed by using an AP MLD, which increases the transmission delay. There is no corresponding solution available in the art on how to set up a direct link between a first non-AP MLD and a second non-AP MLD or between an STA device and a non-AP MLD for communication. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEM

[0005] Embodiments of the present application provide a direct link addressing method and a direct link addressing device such that direct communication can be performed between non-AP MLDS or between an STA device and a non-AP MLD, thereby improving data transmission efficiency.

[0006] To achieve the above object, the present application uses the following technical solutions.

[0007] According to a first aspect, a method for specifying a direct link address applicable to a first device is provided. The first device includes one or more local STAs. The first device is connected to a third device, and the third device includes a plurality of access points AP. A second device is connected to the third device, and the second device includes a plurality of STAs. The method for specifying a direct link address includes a step of determining protected data and a step of 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 the address of the second device, the second address is the address of the first 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. When the first device includes a plurality of 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. The first data unit includes a first header, the first header is determined based on the protected data, and the first data unit is transmitted via a direct link between the first device and the second device.

[0008] According to the directory link address specifying method described in the first aspect, when the first device includes one STA, the protected data is configured by 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 a plurality of STAs, the protected data is configured by using the address of the first device, the address of the second device, and the address of the third device. Therefore, the first device may transmit the first data unit via the direct link between the first device and the second device, thereby increasing the data transmission speed. In addition, when the first device includes a plurality of STAs, the protected data is configured by using the address of the device, and the change of the direct link does not affect the protected data. Therefore, when data is transmitted via a plurality of direct links, it is not necessary to perform encryption again, thereby further increasing the data transmission speed.

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

[0010] In one possible design, 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. In this way, the Legacy STA and the second device may communicate via a direct link, thereby increasing the data transmission speed.

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

[0012] In one possible design approach, the first header may include a fourth address, a fifth address, and a sixth address. When the first device includes multiple STAs, the fourth address corresponds to the first direct link and is the address of an STA within the multiple STAs of the second device, the fifth address corresponds to the first direct link and is the address of an STA within the multiple STAs of the first device, the sixth address corresponds to the first direct link and is the address of an AP within the multiple APs of the third device, and the first direct link is a direct link between the first device and the second device. In this way, non-AP MLDs may communicate with each other via the direct link, thereby increasing the data transmission rate.

[0013] In one possible design approach, the first data unit may include a tunneled direct-link setup (TDLS) frame. The TDLS frame may include a first element, and the first element may identify the target link or indicate the address of an AP within the multiple APs of the third device that corresponds to the target link. The target link is the second direct link to which the TDLS frame is applied, and the second direct link is a direct link between the first device and the second device. In this way, for a link-level TDLS frame, the specific direct link to which the TDLS frame is applied can be indicated.

[0014] Optionally, the TDLS frame may be a TDLS Channel Switch Request frame or a TDLS Channel Switch Response frame. The TDLS Channel Switch Request is used to request the target link to switch from the current channel to another channel, and the TDLS Channel Switch Response indicates whether the target link agrees to switch 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. In a multi-link TDLS scenario, the TDLS Channel Switch Request / Response can be transmitted via any direct link.

[0015] Optionally, the first element may 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 may be the identifier of the transmission link or correspond to the transmission link and indicate the address of an AP within a plurality of APs of the third device, and the transmission link is the link for transmitting the TDLS Discovery Request frame. In this way, the Legacy STA and the second device may communicate via a direct link, thereby increasing the data transmission rate.

[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 is an identifier of the transmission link, or corresponds to the transmission link and indicates the address of an AP within a plurality of APs of the third device, and the transmission link is a link for transmitting a TDLS discovery request frame. In other words, the constituent content of the first element corresponding to the TDLS frame which is a TDLS discovery response frame is the same as the constituent content of the first element corresponding to the TDLS frame which is a TDLS discovery request frame. In this way, the Legacy STA and the second device may communicate via a direct link, thereby increasing the data transmission speed.

[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 is an identifier of the link between the first device and the third device, or corresponds to the first device and indicates the address of an AP within a plurality of APs of the third device, and the transmission link is a link for transmitting a TDLS discovery request frame. In this way, the Legacy STA and the second device may communicate via a direct link, thereby increasing the data transmission speed.

[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 discard frame, a TDLS channel switch request frame, a TDLS channel switch response frame, a TDLS peer power management request frame, a TDLS peer power management response frame, a TDLS peer traffic indication frame, or a TDLS peer traffic response frame, for a specific embodiment of the first element, refer to the aforementioned embodiment of the first element when the first device includes one STA and the TDLS frame is a TDLS setup request frame. Details are not described again here. In this way, non-AP MLDs may communicate with each other via a direct link, thereby increasing the data transmission rate.

[0020] In one possible design, when the first device includes multiple STAs and the TDLS frame is a TDLS discovery request frame, the first element indicates an identifier of a reference link or an address of an AP within multiple APs of a third device corresponding to the reference link. Optionally, the reference link may be a link indicated by the BSSID field in the Link Identifier Element. In this way, non-AP MLDs may communicate with each other via a direct link, thereby increasing the data transmission rate.

[0021] In one possible design, when the first device includes a plurality of STAs and the TDLS frame is a TDLS discovery response frame, the first element is an identifier of a common link for transmitting the TDLS discovery response frame, or corresponds to the common link for transmitting the TDLS discovery response frame, and indicates the address of an AP within a plurality of APs of the third device. The common link is a common link between the link between the first device and the third device and the link between the second device and the third device, and 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. In this way, the non-AP MLDs may communicate with each other via a direct link, thereby increasing the data transmission speed.

[0022] In one possible design, when the first device includes a plurality of 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 an identifier of a reference link, or corresponds to the reference link, and indicates the address of an AP within a plurality of APs of the third device. In this way, the receiving end can know that a specific link is the reference link it corresponds to.

[0023] In one possible design, when the first device includes a plurality of STAs and the TDLS frame is a TDLS discard frame, the first element indicates the address of the third device. In this way, the receiving end can know by which device associated with which AP MLD the frame is transmitted.

[0024] In one possible design, the first device includes a plurality of STAs, and when the TDLS frame is a TDLS peer traffic indication frame or a TDLS peer traffic response frame, the first element indicates the address of the third device. In this way, the receiving end can know which device associated with which AP MLD sent the frame.

[0025] In one possible design, the first data unit may include a tunnel direct link setup TDLS frame, and the TDLS frame may include a wake-up schedule element and a second element. The offset field in the wake-up schedule element is an offset with respect to the first timing synchronization function threshold of the third direct link, and the second element may indicate the identifier of the third direct link, or the address of an AP corresponding to the third direct link and located in 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, the data can be periodically activated, and the time when it is received / transmitted can be accurately known, reducing power consumption.

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

[0027] In one possible design, the first data unit may include a third element, and the third element may instruct to set up at least one fourth direct link on the first link. The first link is a common link between the link between the first device and the third device and the link between the second device and the third device, and the first link may include at least one fourth direct link.

[0028] In this way, the first device and the second device can set up a direct link on the common link to increase the data transmission speed.

[0029] In other words, the first link may be a common link between the first device and the third device and between the second device and the third device, and the AP of the third device associated with the STA of the first device corresponding to the first link is the same as the AP of the third device associated with the STA of the second device corresponding to the first link.

[0030] In one possible design, the third element may include a number field of direct links and an identifier field of direct links. The number field of direct links may indicate the quantity of the fourth direct links required to be set up. The identifier field of direct links may separately correspond to at least one of the fourth direct links and may include the address of at least one AP within a plurality of APs of the third device or the identifier of at least one of the fourth direct links.

[0031] In this way, since the quantity of the fourth direct links to be set up is indicated, the fourth direct links can be set up on part or all of the first link, thereby enhancing the flexibility of setting up the direct links. The identifier field of direct links can be used to indicate the link on which the direct link is set up.

[0032] In one possible design, the identifier field of direct links may further include the address of the first STA of the first device and the address of the second STA of the second device. In other words, the identifier field of direct links may include the addresses of the associated STAs at both ends of the direct link.

[0033] In one possible design approach, the seventh address is bound to the TDLS peer key (TPK). The seventh address corresponds to the direct link between the first device and the second device, and is the address of the AP within the multiple APs of the third device or the addresses of all the APs of the third device, and the address of the third device. In this way, the security of the communication between the first device and the second device via the direct link can be improved.

[0034] According to a second aspect, a direct link address assignment method applied to a second device is provided. The second device includes a plurality of local STAs. The second device is connected to a third device, and the third device includes a plurality of access points APs. The first device is connected to the third device, and the first device includes one or more STAs. The direct link address assignment 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 the direct link between the first device and the second device, 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 a plurality of STAs, the fourth address corresponds to the first direct link and is the address of the STA within the plurality of STAs of the second device. The fifth address corresponds to the first direct link and is the address of the STA within the plurality of STAs of the first device. The sixth address corresponds to the first direct link and is the address of the AP within the plurality of APs of the third device. The first direct link is the direct link between the first device and the second device.

[0035] In one possible design, the directory link addressing method provided in the second aspect may further include the step of obtaining 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, 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 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 directory link addressing method provided in the second aspect may further include the step of parsing a first data unit to obtain a tunneled direct-link setup (TDLS) frame, where the TDLS frame may include a first element, and the first element may identify the target link or indicate the address of an AP within a plurality of APs of the third device corresponding to the target link, the target link being the second direct link to which the TDLS frame is applied, and the second direct link being the direct link between the first device and the second device.

[0037] Optionally, the TDLS frame may be a TDLS Channel Switch Request frame or a TDLS Channel Switch Response frame. The TDLS Channel Switch Request is used to request the target link to switch from the current channel to another channel, and the TDLS Channel Switch Response indicates whether the target link agrees to the switch from the current channel to another channel.

[0038] In one possible design, when the first device includes one STA and the TDLS frame is a TDLS discovery request frame, the first element may be an identifier of the transmission link, or correspond to the transmission link, and indicate the address of the AP within the plurality of APs of the third device, and the transmission link is the link for transmitting the TDLS discovery request frame.

[0039] In one possible design, when the first device includes one STA and the TDLS frame is a TDLS discovery response frame, the first element is an identifier of the transmission link, or corresponds to the transmission link, indicates the address of the AP within the plurality of APs of the third device, and the transmission link is the link for transmitting the TDLS discovery request frame. In other words, the composition content of the first element corresponding to the TDLS frame which is a TDLS discovery response frame is the same as the composition content of the first element corresponding to the TDLS frame which is a TDLS discovery request frame.

[0040] In one possible design, when the first device includes one STA and the TDLS frame is a TDLS setup request frame, the first element is an identifier of the link between the first device and the third device, or corresponds to the first device, indicates the address of the AP within the plurality of APs of the third device, and the transmission link is the link for transmitting the TDLS discovery request frame.

[0041] In one possible design, if the first device includes one STA and the TDLS frame is a TDLS setup response frame, a TDLS setup confirmation frame, a TDLS discard frame, a TDLS channel switch request frame, a TDLS channel switch response frame, a TDLS peer power management request frame, a TDLS peer power management response frame, a TDLS peer traffic indication frame, or a TDLS peer traffic response frame, for a specific embodiment of the first element, refer to the foregoing embodiment of the first element when the first device includes one STA and the TDLS frame is a TDLS setup request frame. Details are not described again here.

[0042] In one possible design, if the first device includes multiple STAs and the TDLS frame is a TDLS discovery request frame, the first element is an identifier of a reference link or corresponds to the reference link and indicates the address of an AP within multiple APs of the third device. Optionally, the reference link may be the link indicated by the BSSID field in the Link Identifier Element.

[0043] In one possible design, if the first device includes multiple STAs and the TDLS frame is a TDLS discovery response frame, the first element is an identifier of a common link for transmitting the TDLS discovery response frame or corresponds to the common link for transmitting the TDLS discovery response frame and indicates the address of an AP within multiple APs of the third device. The common link is a common link between the link between the first device and the third device and the link between the second device and the third device, and 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 a plurality of 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 corresponds to the identifier of the reference link or indicates the address of the AP within the plurality of APs of the third device that corresponds to the reference link.

[0045] In one possible design, when the first device includes a plurality of STAs and the TDLS frame is a TDLS discard frame, the first element indicates the address of the third device.

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

[0047] In one possible design method, the direct link addressing method provided in the second aspect may further include the step of parsing a first data unit to obtain a TDLS frame, where the TDLS frame may include a wake-up schedule element and a second element. The offset field within the wake-up schedule element is an offset with respect to the first timing synchronization function threshold of the third direct link, and the second element may correspond to the identifier of the third direct link or indicate the address of the AP within the plurality of APs of the third device that corresponds to the third direct link, and the third direct link is the direct link between the first device and the second device.

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

[0049] In one possible design approach, the directory link addressing method provided in the second aspect may further include the step of parsing a first data unit to obtain a third element, where the third element can instruct to set up at least one fourth directory link on the first link. The first link is a common link between the link between the first device and the third device and the link between the second device and the third device, and the first link may include at least one fourth directory link.

[0050] In one possible design approach, the third element may include a number field of directory links and an identifier field of directory links. The number field of directory links may indicate the quantity of the fourth directory links required to be set up. The identifier field of directory links may separately correspond to at least one fourth directory link and may include the address of at least one AP within a plurality of APs of the third device or the identifier of at least one fourth directory link.

[0051] In one possible design approach, the identifier field of directory links may further 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 approach, a seventh address is bound to the TDLS peer key. The seventh address corresponds to the directory link between the first device and the second device and may include the address of an AP within a plurality of APs of the third device or the addresses of all APs of the third device, and the address of the third device.

[0053] In addition, for the technical effect of the directory link addressing method according to the second aspect, refer to the technical effect of the directory link addressing method according to the first aspect. Details will not be described again here.

[0054] According to a third aspect, there is provided a directory link address specifying method applied to a second device. The second device includes a plurality of local STAs. The second device is connected to a third device, and the third device includes a plurality of access points APs. A first device is connected to the third device, and the first device includes one or more STAs. The directory link address specifying method includes a step of determining protected data and a step of 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 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. When the first device includes a plurality of 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, the first header is determined based on the protected data, and the first data unit is transmitted via 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 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. In this way, protocol compatibility is maintained. When the second device is used as a TDLS initiator, the legacy STA can correctly parse the first data unit so that the legacy STA can communicate with the non-AP MLD via the direct link, thereby increasing the data transmission speed.

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

[0057] In one possible design approach, the first data unit may include a Tunnel Direct Link Setup (TDLS) frame. The TDLS frame may include a first element, and the first element may be an identifier of a target link or may indicate an address of an AP within the plurality of APs of the third device corresponding to the target link. The target link is a second direct link to which the TDLS frame is applied, and the second direct link is a direct link between the first device and the second device.

[0058] In one possible design approach, the first data unit may include a Tunnel Direct Link Setup (TDLS) frame, and the TDLS frame may include a wake-up schedule element and a second element. The offset field within the wake-up schedule element is an offset with respect to a first timing synchronization function threshold of a third direct link, and the second element may be an identifier of the third direct link or may indicate an address of an AP within the plurality of APs of the third device corresponding to the third direct link, and 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 one STA and the TDLS frame is a TDLS discovery request frame, the first element corresponds to the identifier of the reference link or the reference link, and indicates the address of the AP within the plurality of APs of the third device. The reference link may be the link indicated by the BSSID field in the Link Identifier Element. In this way, protocol compatibility is maintained.

[0060] In one possible design, when the first device includes one STA and the TDLS frame is a TDLS discovery response frame, the first element corresponds to the identifier of the transmission link or the transmission link, and indicates the address of the AP within the plurality of APs of the third device, and the transmission link is the link for transmitting the TDLS discovery request frame. In other words, the configuration content of the first element corresponding to the TDLS frame which is a TDLS discovery response frame is the same as the configuration content of the first element corresponding to the TDLS frame which is a TDLS discovery request frame. In this way, protocol compatibility is maintained.

[0061] In one possible design, when the first device includes one STA and the TDLS frame is a TDLS setup request frame, the first element corresponds to the identifier of the link between the first device and the third device or the first device, and indicates the address of the AP within the plurality of APs of the third device, and the transmission link is the link for transmitting the TDLS discovery request frame. In this way, protocol compatibility is maintained.

[0062] 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 discard frame, a TDLS channel switch request frame, a TDLS channel switch response frame, a TDLS peer power management request frame, a TDLS peer power management response frame, a TDLS peer traffic indication frame, or a TDLS peer traffic response frame, for a specific embodiment of the first element, refer to the aforementioned embodiment of the first element when the first device includes one STA and the TDLS frame is a TDLS setup request frame. Details are not described again here. In this way, protocol compatibility is maintained.

[0063] In one possible design, when the first device includes multiple STAs and the TDLS frame is a TDLS discovery request frame, the first element is an identifier of a reference link or corresponds to a reference link and indicates the address of an AP within multiple APs of the third device. Optionally, the reference link may be a 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 an identifier of a common link for transmitting the TDLS discovery response frame or corresponds to a common link for transmitting the TDLS discovery response frame and indicates the address of an AP within multiple APs of the third device. The common link is a common link between the link between the first device and the third device and the link between the second device and the third device, and 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 a plurality of 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 corresponds to an identifier of a reference link or indicates an address of an AP within a plurality of APs of the third device.

[0066] In one possible design, when the first device includes a plurality of STAs and the TDLS frame is a TDLS discard frame, the first element indicates an address of the third device.

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

[0068] In one possible design approach, the first data unit may include a third element, and the third element may be used to indicate setting up at least one fourth direct link on the first link. The first link is a common link between the link between the first device and the third device and the link between the second device and the third device, and the first link may include at least one fourth direct link.

[0069] In one possible design approach, the third element may include a number of direct links field and a direct link identifier field. The number of direct links field may indicate the quantity of the fourth direct links requested to be set up, and the direct link identifier field may separately correspond to at least one fourth direct link and may include an address of at least one AP within a plurality of APs of the third device or an identifier of at least one fourth direct link.

[0070] In one possible design approach, the directory link identifier field may further 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 approach, a seventh address is bound to the TDLS peer key TPK, the seventh address corresponding to a direct link between the first device and the second device, and may include the address of an AP within a plurality of APs of the third device or the addresses of all APs of the third device, and the address of the third device.

[0072] In addition, for the technical effect of the direct link addressing method according to the third aspect, refer to the technical effect of the direct link addressing method according to the first aspect. Details will not be described again here.

[0073] According to a fourth aspect, a directory link address specifying method applied to a first device is provided. The first device includes one or more local STAs. The first device is connected to a third device, and 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 directory link address specifying method includes a step of receiving a first data unit and a step of parsing the first data unit to obtain a first header. The first data unit is transmitted via a directory 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 a plurality of STAs, the fourth address corresponds to the first directory link and is the address of an STA within the plurality of STAs of the first device, the fifth address corresponds to the first directory link and is the address of an STA within the plurality of STAs of the second device, the sixth address corresponds to the first directory link and is the address of an AP within the plurality of APs of the third device, and the first directory link is a directory link between the first device and the second device.

[0074] In one possible design approach, the directory link address specification method provided in the fourth aspect may further include the step of obtaining 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, 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 a plurality of 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 approach, the directory link address specification method provided in the fourth aspect may further include the step of parsing a first data unit to obtain a tunnel directory link setup TDLS frame, where the TDLS frame may include a first element, and the first element may identify the target link or indicate the address of an AP within a plurality of APs of the third device corresponding to the target link, the target link being the second directory link to which the TDLS frame is applied, and the second directory link being the directory link between the first device and the second device.

[0076] In one possible design, when the first device includes one STA and the TDLS frame is a TDLS discovery request frame, the first element identifies the reference link or indicates the address of an AP within a plurality of APs of the third device corresponding to the reference link. The reference link may be the link indicated by the BSSID field in the Link Identifier Element.

[0077] In one possible design, when the first device includes one STA and the TDLS frame is a TDLS discovery response frame, the first element is an identifier of the transmission link or corresponds to the transmission link, indicates the address of the AP within the multiple APs of the third device, and the transmission link is the link for transmitting the TDLS discovery request frame. In other words, the composition content of the first element corresponding to the TDLS frame which is a TDLS discovery response frame is the same as the composition content of the first element corresponding to the TDLS frame which is a TDLS discovery request frame.

[0078] In one possible design, when the first device includes one STA and the TDLS frame is a TDLS setup request frame, the first element is an identifier of the link between the first device and the third device or corresponds to the first device, indicates the address of the AP within the multiple APs of the third device, and the transmission link is the link for transmitting the TDLS discovery request frame.

[0079] 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 discard frame, a TDLS channel switch request frame, a TDLS channel switch response frame, a TDLS peer power management request frame, a TDLS peer power management response frame, a TDLS peer traffic indication frame, or a TDLS peer traffic response frame, for the specific implementation manner of the first element, please refer to the foregoing implementation manner of the first element when the first device includes one STA and the TDLS frame is a TDLS setup request frame. Details are not described again here.

[0080] In one possible design, if the first device includes a plurality of STAs and the TDLS frame is a TDLS discovery request frame, the first element is an identifier of the reference link or corresponds to the reference link and indicates the address of an AP within a plurality of APs of the third device. Optionally, the reference link may be the link indicated by the BSSID field in the Link Identifier Element.

[0081] In one possible design, if the first device includes a plurality of STAs and the TDLS frame is a TDLS discovery response frame, the first element is an identifier of the common link for transmitting the TDLS discovery response frame or corresponds to the common link for transmitting the TDLS discovery response frame and indicates the address of an AP within a plurality of APs of the third device. The common link is the common link between the link between the first device and the third device and the link between the second device and the third device, and 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, if the first device includes a plurality of 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 an identifier of the reference link or corresponds to the reference link and indicates the address of an AP within a plurality of APs of the third device.

[0083] In one possible design, if the first device includes a plurality of STAs and the TDLS frame is a TDLS discard frame, the first element indicates the address of the third device.

[0084] In one possible design, if the first device includes a plurality of STAs and the TDLS frame is a TDLS peer traffic indication frame or a TDLS peer traffic response frame, the first element indicates the address of the third device.

[0085] In one possible design approach, the directory link addressing method provided in the fourth aspect may further include the step of parsing a first data unit to obtain a TDLS frame, where the TDLS frame may include a wake-up schedule element and a second element. The offset field within the wake-up schedule element is an offset with respect to a first timing synchronization function threshold of a third directory link, and the second element may indicate an identifier of the third directory link, or an address of an AP corresponding to the third directory link and within a plurality of APs of a third device. The third directory link is a directory link between a first device and a second device.

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

[0087] In one possible design approach, the directory link addressing method provided in the fourth aspect may further include the step of parsing a first data unit to obtain a third element, where the third element may be able to instruct to set up at least one fourth directory link on a first link. The first link is a common link between a link between a first device and a third device and a link between a second device and a third device, and the first link may include at least one fourth directory link.

[0088] In one possible design, the third element may include a number-of-directory-links field and a directory-link identifier field. The number-of-directory-links field may indicate the quantity of the fourth directory links required to be set up. The directory-link identifier field may separately correspond to at least one of the fourth directory links and may include the address of at least one AP within a plurality of APs of the third device, or the identifier of at least one of the fourth directory links.

[0089] In one possible design, the directory-link identifier field may further 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 peer key TPK. The seventh address corresponds to the direct link between the first device and the second device and may include the address of the AP within a plurality of APs of the third device or the addresses of all APs of the third device, and the address of the third device.

[0091] In addition, for the technical effect of the directory-link addressing method according to the fourth aspect, refer to the technical effect of the directory-link addressing method according to the first aspect. Details will not be described again here.

[0092] According to the fifth aspect, a directory-link addressing method applied to a first device is provided. The first device includes one or more local STAs. The first device is connected to a third device, and 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 directory-link addressing method includes determining a first data unit and transmitting the first data unit. The first data unit includes a first header, and the first header 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, 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 second device, the fifth address is the address of the first device, the sixth address corresponds to the sixth direct link and is the address of the AP within the multiple APs of the third device, and the sixth direct link is a link for transmitting the first data unit between the first device and the second device. The first data unit is transmitted via the direct link between the first device and the second device.

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

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

[0096] According to the directory link address specifying method provided in the fifth aspect, when the first device includes one STA, the first header is configured by 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 a plurality of STAs, the first header includes the address of the first device, the address of the second device, and corresponds to the sixth directory link, and is configured by using the address of the AP within a plurality of APs of the third device. The sixth directory link is a link for transmitting a TDLS frame between the first device and the second device. Therefore, the first device may transmit the first data unit via the directory link between the first device and the second device without transfer by the third device, thereby increasing the data transmission speed. In addition, the method for configuring the sixth address may be the same in both the case where the first device includes one STA and the case where the first device includes a plurality of STAs in order to avoid frequent modification of the configuration content of the sixth address, thereby further reducing the transmission delay.

[0097] Optionally, the TDLS frame may be a TDLS discovery response frame. The TDLS discovery response frame is encapsulated in a common management frame and does not need to be encrypted. Therefore, the corresponding AAD configuration may not be determined.

[0098] According to the sixth aspect, a directory link address specifying method applied to a second device is provided. The second device includes a plurality of local STAs. The second device is connected to a third device, and the third device includes a plurality of access points APs. A first device is connected to the third device, and the first device includes one or a plurality of STAs. The directory link address specifying 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, 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 second device, the fifth address is the address of the first device, the sixth address corresponds to the sixth direct link and is the address of the AP within the multiple APs of the third device, and the sixth direct link is the link for transmitting the first data unit between the first device and the second device. The first data unit is transmitted via the direct link between the first device and the second device.

[0100] In one possible design approach, the direct link address assignment method provided in the sixth aspect may further include the step of parsing the first data unit to obtain the frame body, where the frame body can be a TDLS frame or data.

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

[0102] In addition, for the technical effect of the direct link address assignment method according to the sixth aspect, refer to the technical effect of the direct link address assignment method according to the fifth aspect. Details are not described again here.

[0103] According to a seventh aspect, a directory link address specifying method applied to a second device is provided. The second device includes a plurality of local STAs. The second device is connected to a third device, and the third device includes a plurality of access points APs. A first device is connected to the third device, and the first device includes one or more STAs. The directory link address specifying method includes a step of determining a first data unit and a step of transmitting the first data unit. The first data unit includes a first header, and the first header includes 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, 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 a plurality of STAs, the fourth address is the address of the first device, the fifth address is the address of the second device, the sixth address corresponds to a sixth directory link and is the address of an AP within a plurality of APs of the third device, and the sixth directory link is a link for transmitting the first data unit between the first device and the second device. The first data unit is transmitted via a directory link between the first device and the second device.

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

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

[0107] In addition, for the technical effects of the directory link address specifying method according to the seventh aspect, refer to the technical effects of the directory link address specifying method according to the fifth aspect. Details are not described again here.

[0108] According to an eighth aspect, a directory link address specifying method applied to a first device is provided. The first device includes one or more local STAs. The first device is connected to a third device, and 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 directory link address specifying 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, 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 a plurality of STAs, the fourth address is the address of the first device, the fifth address is the address of the second device, the sixth address corresponds to a sixth directory link and is the address of an AP within the plurality of APs of the third device, and the sixth directory link is a link for transmitting the first data unit between the first device and the second device. The first data unit is transmitted via a directory link between the first device and the second device.

[0110] In one possible design, the directory link address specifying method provided in the eighth aspect may further include parsing the first data unit to obtain a frame body, where the frame body may be a TDLS frame or data.

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

[0112] In addition, for the technical effect of the directory link address specifying method according to the eighth aspect, refer to the technical effect of the directory link address specifying method according to the fifth aspect. Details will not be described again here.

[0113] According to the ninth aspect, a directory link address specifying device is provided. The directory link address specifying device includes a unit or module configured to perform the method according to any one of the first aspect, the fourth aspect, the fifth aspect, or the eighth aspect.

[0114] In this application, the directory link address specifying device according to the ninth aspect may be the first device, or a chip (system), another component, or an assembly that can be arranged within the first device.

[0115] In addition, for the technical effect of the directory link address specifying device according to the ninth aspect, refer to the technical effect of the directory link address specifying method according to any implementation of the first aspect or the fifth aspect. Details will not be described again here.

[0116] According to the tenth aspect, a directory link address specifying device is provided. The directory link address specifying device includes a unit or module configured to perform the method according to any one of the second aspect, the third aspect, the sixth aspect, or the seventh aspect.

[0117] In this application, the directory link address specifying device according to the tenth aspect may be the second device, or a chip (system), another component, or an assembly that can be arranged within the second device.

[0118] In addition, for the technical effect of the directory link address specifying device according to the tenth aspect, refer to the technical effect of the directory link address specifying method according to any implementation of the first aspect or the fifth aspect. Details will not be described again here.

[0119] According to the 11th aspect, a directory link address specifying device is provided. The directory link address specifying device includes a processor, the processor is coupled to a memory, and 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 directory link address specifying device performs the directory link address specifying method according to any one of the possible embodiments of the 1st aspect to the 8th aspect.

[0120] In one possible design, the directory link address specifying device according to the 11th aspect may further include a transceiver. The transceiver may be a transceiver circuit or an input / output port. The transceiver may be used for the directory link address specifying device to communicate with another device.

[0121] In the present application, the directory link address specifying device according to the 11th aspect may be a first device, a second device, or a chip or chip system disposed inside the first device or the second device.

[0122] In addition, for the technical effects of the directory link address specifying device according to the 11th aspect, refer to the technical effects of the directory link address specifying method according to any one of the embodiments of the 1st aspect to the 8th aspect. Details are not described again here.

[0123] According to the 12th aspect, a communication system is provided. The communication system includes a first device and a second device.

[0124] According to the 13th aspect, a chip system is provided. The chip system includes a processor and an input / output port. The processor is configured to implement the processing functions of the 1st aspect to the 8th aspect, and the input / output port is configured to implement the transceiver functions of the 1st aspect to the 8th aspect.

[0125] In one possible design, the chip system further includes memory. The memory is configured to store program instructions and data for implementing the functions of the first aspect to the eighth aspect.

[0126] The chip system may include a chip or may include a chip and other discrete components.

[0127] According to a fourteenth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium including a computer program or instructions is provided. When the computer program or instructions are executed on a computer, the computer is enabled to perform a directory link address specification method according to any one of the possible embodiments of the first aspect to the eighth aspect.

[0128] According to a fifteenth aspect, a computer program product including a computer program or instructions is provided. When the computer program or instructions are executed on a computer, the computer is enabled to perform a directory link address specification method according to any one of the possible embodiments of the first aspect to the eighth aspect.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0129]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15

Figure 16

Figure 17

Figure 18

Figure 19

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0130] In the description of this application, unless otherwise specified, " / " means "or". For example, A / B can represent A or B. The term "and / or" in this specification only describes the association relationship between related objects and indicates that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can indicate three cases: only A exists, both A and B exist, and only B exists. In addition, "at least one" means one or more, and "a plurality of" means two or more. Terms such as "first" and "second" do not limit the quantity and execution order, and terms such as "first" and "second" do not indicate a clear difference.

[0131] In this application, all aspects, embodiments, or features are presented by describing a system that may include a plurality of devices, components, modules, etc. It should be recognized and understood that each system may or may not include another device, component, module, etc., and may or may not include all the devices, components, modules, etc. discussed with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, combinations of these solutions may be used.

[0132] In this application, words such as "example" and "for example" are used to represent giving examples, illustrative examples, or explanations. Embodiments or design schemes described as "example" or "for example" in this application should not be described as more preferable or having more advantages than other embodiments or design schemes. Strictly speaking, the use of words such as "example" and "for example" is intended to present related concepts in a specific way.

[0133] A multi-link device (MLD) includes one or more associated stations, and the associated stations are logical stations. "A multi-link device includes associated stations" may also be simply described as "a multi-link device includes stations" in the embodiments of the present application. The associated STA may be an AP or a non-access point station (non-AP STA). For ease of explanation, in the present application, a multi-link device whose associated station is an AP is called an AP MLD, a multi-link AP, a multi-link AP device, or an access point AP. A single-link device whose associated station is an AP is called an AP device, an access point, an AP, a single-link AP device, or an access point AP. A multi-link device whose associated station is a non-AP STA is called a non-AP MLD, a multi-link STA, a multi-link STA device, an STA MLD, etc. A single-link device whose associated station is a non-AP STA is called an STA device, a station, an STA, a non-AP STA, etc.

[0134] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application can be applied to various communication systems, for example, systems using the IEEE802.11 standard. For example, the IEEE802.11 standard includes, but is not limited to, the 802.11be standard and the next-generation 802.11 standard. The scenarios applicable to the technical solutions of the present application include communication between a non-AP MLD and an AP MLD, communication between an STA device and an AP MLD, communication between a non-AP MLD and a non-AP MLD, and communication between an STA device and a non-AP MLD.

[0135] The multi-link device MLD may perform wireless communication in accordance with the IEEE 802.11 series, for example, in accordance with the extremely high throughput (EHT) protocol, or in accordance with an 802.11be-based or 802.11be-compatible protocol, thereby communicating with another device. Of course, the other device may or may not be a multi-link device.

[0136] The network architectures and service scenarios described in the embodiments of the present application are for more clearly describing the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application and do not constitute a limitation to the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application. Those skilled in the art can understand that with the evolution of network architectures and the emergence of new service scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0137] To facilitate the understanding of the embodiments of the present application, the communication system shown in FIG. 1 is first used as an example for describing in detail a communication system applicable to the embodiments of the present application. For example, FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system to which the direct link address assignment method according to an embodiment of the present application is applicable.

[0138] As shown in FIG. 1, 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 further include at least one STA device. The AP MLD may include a plurality of APs, the non-AP MLD may include a plurality of STAs, the STA device includes one STA, and the STA device may sometimes be called a legacy STA.

[0139] An AP MLD is a device that provides wireless communication capabilities to STAs associated with the AP MLD deployed in a wireless communication network. The AP MLD includes, but is not limited to, access points (APs) in wireless fidelity (WiFi) systems such as home gateways, routers, servers, switches, 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 NodeBs or home Node Bs, HNBs), baseband units (BBUs), wireless relay nodes, wireless backhaul nodes, transmission and reception points (TRPs, or transmission points, TPs), etc. The AP MLD may alternatively be a gNB or a transmission and reception point (TRP or TP) of a 5G system, for example, a new radio (NR) system, or may be one antenna panel of a base station of a 5G system or a group of antenna panels (including multiple antenna panels). The AP MLD may alternatively be a network node such as a baseband unit (BBU), a distributed unit (DU), or a road side unit (RSU) having base station functions that constitute a gNB or a transmission and reception point.

[0140] A non-AP MLD or STA device is a terminal having a wireless transceiver function that accesses a communication system, or a chip or chip system that can be disposed within the terminal. The terminal device may also be referred to as a user device, access terminal, subscriber unit, subscriber station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, terminal, wireless communication device, user agent, or user device. The terminal device in the embodiments of the present application may be a mobile phone, a tablet computer (Pad), a computer having a wireless transceiver function, a virtual reality (VR) terminal device, an augmented reality (AR) terminal device, a wireless terminal in industrial control, a wireless terminal in self-driving, a wireless terminal in remote medical, a wireless terminal in smart grid, a wireless terminal in transportation safety, a wireless terminal in smart city, a wireless terminal in smart home, an in-vehicle terminal, an RSU having a terminal function, etc. The terminal device in the embodiments of the present application may alternatively be an in-vehicle module, in-vehicle component, in-vehicle chip, or in-vehicle unit incorporated into a vehicle as one or more components or units. The vehicle may implement the direct link address designation method provided in the present application by using the in-vehicle module, in-vehicle component, in-vehicle chip, or in-vehicle unit.

[0141] It should be noted that the direct link address designation method provided in the embodiments of the present application is applicable to any two nodes shown in FIG. 1. For specific implementation manners, please refer to the following method embodiments. Details are not described here.

[0142] Note that the solutions of the embodiments of the present application may be used in another communication system, and the corresponding names may be replaced with the names of the corresponding functions in another communication system.

[0143] It should be understood that FIG. 1 is only a simplified schematic diagram of an example for ease of understanding. The communication system may further include other devices not depicted in FIG. 1.

[0144] The frequency bands in which the multi-link device operates may include, but are not limited to, below 1 GHz (sub1GHz), 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz, and high-frequency 60 GHz. In addition, the MLD can communicate via multiple channels within the same frequency band. Multiple frequency bands or multiple channels may sometimes be collectively referred to as multi-link. In the multi-link communication method, the peak throughput increases, the service transmission delay is reduced, and the communication speed between MLDs increases.

[0145] FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of the structures of the AP MLD and non-AP MLD involved in communication. As shown in FIG. 2, the AP MLD includes associated AP1 and associated AP2. AP1 and AP2 are independent of each other in the low media access control (MAC) layer and the physical layer (PHY), and share the high MAC layer. The non-AP MLD includes associated STA1 and associated STA2. STA1 and STA2 are independent of each other in the low MAC layer and the PHY layer, and share the high MAC layer. The AP MLD and the non-AP MLD can communicate via link 1 and link 2. One end of link 1 is connected to AP1 of the AP MLD, and the other end of link 1 is connected to STA1 of the non-AP MLD. One end of link 2 is connected to AP2 of the AP MLD, and the other end of link 2 is connected to STA2 of the non-AP MLD.

[0146] The multi-link device corresponds to a multi-link device address, and each link of the multi-link device corresponds to a respective link address. An AP MLD is used as an example. The multi-link device address can be the AP MLD MAC address. A non-AP MLD is used as an example. The multi-link device address can be the STA MLD MAC address. The link address between an AP MLD and a non-AP MLD can include the affiliated AP MAC address and the affiliated STA MAC address corresponding to both ends of the link.

[0147] Note that FIG. 2 shows that the AP MLD and the non-AP MLD operate with only two links. The number of links on which the AP MLD and the non-AP MLD operate is not limited in this embodiment of the present application.

[0148] For example, the multi-link device is a device having a wireless communication function. The device may be a device for the entire system, or may be a chip, a processing system, etc. installed in a device for the entire system. The device in which the chip or the processing system is installed can be controlled by the chip or the processing system to implement the methods and functions in the embodiments of the present application.

[0149] The following specifically describes the setup of a set of multiple links between a non-AP MLD and an AP MLD with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.

[0150] The non-AP MLD can perform a multi-link setup operation via one of the links in order to associate multiple links of the AP MLD simultaneously. In the association process, the non-AP MLD and the AP MLD can exchange Association Request / Response frames via one link. The link used to exchange the Association Request / Response frames may be called a transmission link (transmission link), and another link is a non-transmission link (Non-transmitted Link). It should be understood that the Association Request / Response can carry information about the multiple links that need to be associated in order to associate multiple links between the non-AP MLD and the AP MLD simultaneously.

[0151] For example, referring to Figure 2, the non-AP MLD sends an Association Request frame via Link 1, and the Association Request frame carries the STA information of Link 1 and the STA information of Link 2. It should be understood that Link 1 may be called a transmission link and Link 2 may be called a non-transmission link. The AP MLD sends an Association Response frame to the non-AP MLD via Link 1, and the Association Response frame can carry the AP information of Link 1 and the AP information of Link 2. Therefore, the non-AP MLD and the AP MLD establish an association via Link 1 and Link 2. Furthermore, the non-AP MLD and the AP MLD can transmit data via Link 1 and Link 2.

[0152] To perform multi-link operation, the related information of multiple links can be indicated in a frame related to the multi-link operation. Therefore, the protocol defines a multi-link element. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the information carried by the multi-link element is mainly divided into two parts. One part is multi-link device-level information (MLD-level info) including fields such as the Multi-link Control field and the MLD MAC Address field, and the other part is per-station information (Per-STA Profile) that carries the related information of non-transmission links. The Per-STA Profile indicates the link identifier (Link ID) of the corresponding link, and the link identifier may indicate information related to the STA associated via the link corresponding to the Per-STA Profile. The MLD MAC Address field carries the MLD MAC Address of the transmitting end.

[0153] To reduce signaling overhead, the multi-link element uses an inheritance structure. If the content of the corresponding element in the non-transmission link is the same as the content 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 the link. The Per-STA Profile of the link is carried only when the content of the corresponding element in the non-transmission link is different from the content of the corresponding element in the transmission link.

[0154] It should be noted that the specific format of the multi-link element is not limited to that shown in FIG. 3, and the specific format of the Link Identifier Element is not limited in this application.

[0155] The non-AP MLD may obtain link information (e.g., link identifiers) corresponding to each link by receiving a probe response frame or a beacon frame, and it should be understood that the channel on which each link operates and the address of each link, e.g., the basic service set identifier (BSSID) of the link, may be further obtained.

[0156] The following specifically describes the tunneled direct-link setup (TDLS) between two STA devices with reference to Table 1 and FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the frame structure of the Link Identifier Element according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0157] It is assumed that both the first STA device and the second STA device are connected to the same AP device, the first STA device includes one STA, and the second STA device includes one STA. When the first STA device and the second STA device are within the wireless communication reachable range, a direct link may be set up between the first STA device and the second STA device, so the first STA device and the second STA device can communicate directly with each other via the direct link without transfer by using the AP device, thereby improving the data transmission speed and reducing the delay.

[0158] For example, TDLS-related operations include, but are not limited to, one or more of TDLS discovery, TDLS setup, TDLS teardown, TDLS channel switching, TDLS power saving, and TDLS traffic indication. TDLS frames corresponding to TDLS-related operations are shown in Table 1 below. In this embodiment of the present application, the TDLS frame may include a TDLS action frame and a TDLS public action frame. For example, referring to Table 1 below, the TDLS Discovery Response frame belongs to the TDLS public action frame, and all TDLS frames except the TDLS Discovery Response frame belong to the TDLS action frame.

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

[0160] The transmission mode of the TDLS frame may include transfer via an AP (via AP) or direct transmission. Transfer via an AP indicates that the TDLS frame of this transmission mode needs to be used to transfer data between a first STA device and a second STA device via the AP. Direct transmission indicates that the TDLS frame of this transmission mode may be transmitted from one STA device to another via a direct link between STA devices and does not need to be transferred by an AP device. It should be understood that some TDLS frames or TDLS frames can be transmitted in one or two (both allowed) ways. For details, please refer to Table 1 below. Details are not listed here.

[0161] When the TDLS frame is transferred via an AP device or transmitted via a direct link, the TDLS frame is encapsulated into a data frame or a management frame for transmission. Specifically, the TDLS action frame may be encapsulated into a data frame for transmission, and the TDLS public action frame may be directly transmitted in the form of a management frame. For details, please refer to Table 1 below. Details are not listed here.

[0162]

Table 1

[0163] The following describes AAD and MPDU in the following embodiments of this application with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6.

[0164] As shown in FIG. 5, the AAD may include one or more of a Frame Control field, an Address 1 field, an Address 2 field, an Address 3 field, a Sequence Control field, an Address 4 field, and a Quality of Service Control (QoS management) field.

[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 receiving end, or the address of the AP (AP within the AP MLD) associated with the receiving end. In the case of a management frame, Address 3 can be used for frame filtering. For example, based on Address 3, it can be known whether the frame belongs to a basic service set (BSS). If the frame does not belong to the basic service set, the frame is discarded.

[0166] It should be noted that the specific format of the AAD is not limited to that shown in FIG. 5. For example, Address 4 within the AAD may be optional. The specific format of the AAD is not limited in this application.

[0167] As shown in FIG. 6, the MPDU may include one or more of a Frame Control field, a Duration field, an Address 1 field, an Address 2 field, an Address 3 field, a Sequence Control field, an Address 4 field, a Service Quality Control field, a high throughput control (HT Control) field, a cipher-block chaining message authentication code protocol header (CCMP Header) field, a Frame Body field, a message integrity code (MIC) field, and a frame check sequence (FCS) field.

[0168] Specifically, Address 1 indicates the recipient address, Address 2 indicates the sender address, and Address 3 indicates the address of the AP MLD associated with the receiving end, or the address of the AP (AP within the AP MLD) associated with the receiving end, or the address of the AP (AP within the AP MLD) associated with the link between the sending end and the receiving end.

[0169] As shown in FIG. 6, the MPDU header may include Frame Control, Duration, Address 1, Address 2, Address 3, Sequence Control, Address 4, Service Quality Control, and high throughput control. The sending end calculates the MIC based on the AAD and the Frame Body of the MPDU, places the MIC behind the Frame Body, and then encrypts the Frame Body and the MIC of the MPDU for transmission. After receiving the MPDU, the receiving end performs an MIC check and calculates one MIC. Then, the receiving end checks whether the MPDU has been tampered with by comparing the calculated MIC with the received MIC.

[0170] Note that the specific format of the MPDU is not limited to that shown in FIG. 6. For example, Address 4 in the MPDU may be optional. The specific format of the MPDU is not limited in this application.

[0171] The address configurations of data frames and management frames between a legacy STA and an AP device are described below with reference to Tables 2 and 3. The AP device may include a related AP.

[0172] In the case of data frames and management frames transmitted between a legacy STA and an AP device, Address 1, Address 2, Address 3, and Address 4 in the MPDU header correspond to and match Address 1, Address 2, Address 3, and Address 4 in the AAD. The specific configuration is shown in Tables 2 and 3.

[0173] For example, Address 1, Address 2, Address 3, and Address 4 in the MPDU header of the data frame, and Address 1, Address 2, Address 3, and Address 4 in the AAD are shown in Table 2. In Table 2, when To DS (To Distributed System) = 0 and From DS (From Distributed System) = 0, it indicates point-to-point (P2P), that is, a direct link, and the communication is performed between STAs. When To DS = 0 and From DS = 1, it indicates downlink transmission, that is, the DS side transmits information to the STA. When To DS = 1 and From DS = 0, it indicates uplink transmission, that is, the STA transmits information to the DS side. DA indicates the destination address (DA), SA indicates the source address (SA), and BSSID indicates the address of the associated AP of the AP device. The configuration of Address 3 and Address 4 is divided into two cases, namely, the case of the MAC service data unit and the short aggregate MAC service data unit (MSDU and Short A-MSDU case), and the case of the basic A-MSDU and the dynamic A-MSDU (Basic A-MSDU and Dynamic A-MSDU case).

[0174]

Table 2

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

[0176]

Table 3

[0177] The following describes the address configurations of the data frame and the management frame between Non-AP MLD and AP MLD with reference to Table 4 and Table 5. Non-AP MLD may include a plurality of related STAs, and AP MLD may include a plurality of related APs.

[0178] For example, regarding the data frame transmitted between Non-AP MLD and AP MLD, the specific configurations of Address 1, Address 2, and Address 3 in the AAD are shown in Table 4. In the case of a data frame, Address 1 and Address 2 are set to the corresponding device addresses when the AAD is configured. In the case of an MSDU, in uplink data, Address 3 is set as the destination address, and in downlink data, Address 3 is set as the source address. In the case of an A-MSDU, Address 3 is set to the address of the AP MLD. When transmitted via the air interface, Address 1 and Address 2 in the MPDU header are set to the corresponding link addresses, and Address 3 in the MPDU header is set to the same value as Address 3 in the AAD.

[0179]

Table 4

[0180] For example, regarding the management frame transmitted between Non-AP MLD and AP MLD, the specific configurations of Address 1, Address 2, and Address 3 in the AAD are shown in Table 5.

[0181] In the case of multiple links, it should be noted that management frames can be classified into link-level management frames and MLD-level management frames. A link-level management frame means that the management frame is for a specific link, such as a channel switching request / response frame. An MLD-level management frame is for the entire multi-link device, such as an Add block ACK (ADDBA) frame for block confirmation response.

[0182]

Table 5

[0183] The rules for constructing Address 1, Address 2, and Address 3 in the AAD of the management frame, and the rules for constructing Address 1, Address 2, and Address 3 in the MPDU header during transmission via the air interface are as follows: For Address 1 and Address 2, when the AAD is constructed, Address 1 and Address 2 are set to the corresponding MLD addresses, and when transmitted via the air interface, Address 1 and Address 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 affiliated AP address corresponding to the destination link. When transmitted via the air interface, A3 in the MPDU header is the same as A3 in the AAD. For an MLD-level management frame, A3 in the AAD is set to the AP MLD address. When transmitted via the air interface, A3 in the MPDU header is the same as A3 in the AAD.

[0184] The following specifically describes the direct link address specification method provided in the embodiments of the present application with reference to FIGS. 7 to 17.

[0185] For example, FIG. 7 is a schematic flowchart of a directory link address specifying method according to an embodiment of the present application. An example where the first device is used as a TDLS initiator is used for the description. The directory link address specifying method is applicable to communication between the STA device shown in FIG. 1 and non-AP MLD2, or between non-AP MLD1 and non-AP MLD2 shown in FIG. 1.

[0186] As shown in FIG. 7, the directory link address specifying method includes the following steps.

[0187] S701: The first device determines protected data.

[0188] For example, the first device may include one or more local STAs. The first device is connected to a third device, and the third device may include a plurality of APs. When the first device includes one STA, the first device may be the STA device shown in FIG. 1. The STA device may sometimes be called a legacy STA. For ease of understanding, the legacy STA is used as an example for explanation in the following embodiments of the present application. When the first device includes a plurality of STAs, the first device may be non-AP MLD1 shown in FIG. 1. The third device may be AP MLD shown in FIG. 1.

[0189] The protected data may include a first address, a second address, and a third address.

[0190] For example, the protected data may be the AAD shown in FIG. 5. The first address may be address 1 in the AAD, the second address may be address 2 in the AAD, and the third address may be address 3 in the AAD.

[0191] In some embodiments, 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, 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. The second device is connected to the third device, the second device may include a plurality of STAs, and the second device may be the non-AP MLD2 shown in FIG. 1.

[0192] For example, FIG. 8 shows an example where the first device is a legacy STA, the second device is a non-AP MLD2, and the third device is an AP MLD. As shown in FIG. 8, 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, for example, the non-AP MLD2 MAC Address, the second address is the address of the legacy STA, for example, the legacy STA MAC Address, and the third address is the address of AP1, for example, the BSSID of AP1.

[0193]

Table 6

[0194] In some embodiments, when the first device includes a plurality of 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.

[0195]

Table 7

[0196] For example, FIG. 9 shows an example where the first device is non-AP MLD1, the second device is non-AP MLD2, and the third device is AP MLD. As shown in FIG. 9, AP MLD includes AP1, AP2, and AP3. STA1 and STA2 of non-AP MLD1 are respectively connected to AP1 and AP3 of AP MLD, and STA1 and STA2 of non-AP MLD2 are respectively connected to AP1 and AP2 of AP MLD. As shown in Table 7, the first address is the address of non-AP MLD2, for example, non-AP MLD2 MAC Address, the second address is the address of non-AP MLD1, for example, non-AP MLD1 MAC Address, and the third address is the address of AP MLD, for example, AP MLD MAC Address.

[0197] It should be noted that FIGS. 8 and 9 are merely examples provided in this embodiment of the present application. The quantity of STAs included in non-AP MLD2 and the quantity of APs included in AP MLD are not limited, and how non-AP MLD2 is connected to AP MLD and how legacy STAs are connected to AP MLD are not limited.

[0198] S702: The first device transmits a first data unit. Correspondingly, the second device receives the first data unit from the first device.

[0199] The first data unit may include a first header, the first header is determined based on the protected data, and the first data unit is transmitted via a direct link between the first device and the second device.

[0200] For example, the first data unit may be the MPDU shown in FIG. 6, and the first header may be the MPDU header shown in FIG. 6.

[0201] Referring to FIG. 9, the first data unit may be transmitted via link 1 between the first device and the second device, without the need to be forwarded by the second device, thereby reducing transmission delay.

[0202] Optionally, the first data unit may be determined before or during the process in which the first device transmits the first data unit at S702. Specifically, one or more of the following methods 1 to 4 may be used.

[0203] Method 1: The first device determines the first header of the first data unit.

[0204] Optionally, the first header may include a fourth address, a fifth address, and a sixth address.

[0205] For example, the first header may be the MPDU header shown in FIG. 6. The fourth address may be address 1 in the MPDU header, the fifth address may be address 2 in the MPDU header, and the sixth address may be address 3 in the MPDU header.

[0206] In some embodiments, 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.

[0207] For example, FIG. 8 shows an example where the first device is a legacy STA, the second device is a non-AP MLD2, and the third device is an AP MLD. As shown in FIG. 8, 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. The address configuration within the first data unit when the first device transmits the first data unit to the second device is shown in Table 8. The fourth address is the address of the non-AP MLD2, for example, the non-AP MLD2 MAC Address. The fifth address is the address of the legacy STA, for example, the legacy STA MAC Address. The sixth address is the address of AP1, for example, the BSSID of AP1.

[0208] The fourth address, the fifth address, and the sixth address within the first header can be the same as the first address, the second address, and the third address within the protected data, respectively.

[0209]

Table 8

[0210] In some embodiments, when the first device includes a plurality of STAs, the fourth address corresponds to the first direct link and is the address of the STA within the plurality of STAs of the second device, the fifth address corresponds to the first direct link and is the address of the STA within the plurality of STAs of the first device, the sixth address corresponds to the first direct link and is the address of the AP within the plurality of APs of the third device, and the first direct link is the direct link between the first device and the second device.

[0211] For example, FIGS. 9 and 10 show an example where the first device is non-AP MLD1, the second device is non-AP MLD2, and the third device is AP MLD. As shown in FIG. 9, link 1-1 and link 3 are set up between the first device and the third device, and link 1-2 and link 2 are set up between the second device and the third device. As shown in FIG. 10, STA1 of non-AP MLD1 is connected to STA1 of non-AP MLD2 and corresponds to direct link 1. The address configuration in the first data unit when the first device transmits the first data unit to the second device is shown in Table 9. The fourth address is the address of STA1 of non-AP MLD2, for example, the Affiliated STA1 MAC Address of non-AP MLD2. The fifth address is the address of STA1 of non-AP MLD1, for example, the Affiliated STA1 MAC Address of non-AP MLD1. The sixth address is the address of AP1 corresponding to link 1, for example, the Affiliated AP1 BSSID of AP MLD or the affiliated AP1 MAC address of AP MLD.

[0212] Note that when there are multiple direct links between the first device and the second device, the first direct link can be the direct link for transmitting the first data unit among the direct links between the first device and the second device.

[0213] [Table 9]

[0214] Method 2: The first device determines the first element of the first data unit.

[0215] Specifically, the first data unit may include a TDLS frame, and the TDLS frame includes a first element. The first element may be an identifier (ID) of a target link, or may correspond to the target link and indicate the address of an AP within a plurality of APs of a third device. For example, the first element may be set to a BSSID corresponding to the target link.

[0216] Optionally, the TDLS frame may be a TDLS channel switch request frame or a TDLS channel switch response frame.

[0217] The third device includes AP1, AP2, and AP3, and it is assumed that AP2 corresponds to the target link. In this case, the address of the AP that corresponds to the target link and is within the plurality of APs of the third device is the address of AP2 of the third device, that is, the Affiliated AP2 BSSID of AP MLD.

[0218] Optionally, the target link is a second direct link to which the TDLS frame is applied, and the second direct link is a direct link between the first device and the second device.

[0219] There are direct link 1 and direct link 2 between the first device and the second device. The TDLS frame is a TDLS channel switch request frame and a TDLS channel switch response frame. It is assumed that the target link corresponding to the TDLS channel switch request / response frame is direct link 2, and direct link 2 can be switched from the current channel to the specified channel based on the first element corresponding to the TDLS channel switch request / response frame.

[0220] In a multi-link TDLS scenario, the first element indicates the target link, and the TDLS Channel Switch Request / Response may be transmitted via any direct link, rather than necessarily via the target link to which the TDLS Channel Switch Request / Response is to be switched, thereby enhancing the flexibility of transmission.

[0221] Optionally, the first element may be the Link Identifier element shown in FIG. 4, or a newly defined element. In some embodiments, the first field within the first element may identify the target link or correspond to the target link and indicate the address of an AP within a plurality of APs of the third device. For example, the first field may be the BSSID field of the Link Identifier element.

[0222] Method 3: The first device determines the second element of the first data unit.

[0223] Specifically, the first data unit may include a TDLS frame, and the TDLS frame may include a wake-up schedule element and a second element. The offset field within the wake-up schedule element is an offset with respect to the first timing synchronization function threshold of the third direct link, and the second element identifies the third direct link or corresponds to the third direct link and indicates the address of an AP within a plurality of APs of the third device, where the third direct link is the direct link between the first device and the second device.

[0224] There are direct links 1 and 2 between the first device and the second device. The third device includes AP1, AP2, and AP3. Direct link 1 corresponds to AP1, and direct link 2 corresponds to AP2. It is assumed that the offset field in the wake-up schedule element is an offset with respect to the first timing synchronization function threshold of direct link 2. In this case, the second element indicates the identifier of direct link 2, or the address of AP2 of the third device, for example, the Affiliated AP2 BSSID of AP MLD.

[0225] Different associated APs of AP MLD may have independent timing synchronization functions (TSFs). In this way, by using the identifier or address indicated by the second element, it can be determined that the offset field in the wake-up schedule element is for the TSF of a specific direct link.

[0226] Optionally, the TDLS frame may be a TDLS peer power management request frame and a TDLS peer power management response frame.

[0227] In this way, after the TDLS initiator and the TDLS responder exchange the TDLS peer power management request frame and the TDLS peer power management response frame, the TDLS initiator and the TDLS responder may periodically activate and receive / transmit data based on the wake-up schedule element carried in the TDLS peer power management request frame and / or the TDLS peer power management response frame, thereby reducing power consumption. In addition, since a third direct link is indicated for the offset field, in a multi-link TDLS scenario, the TDLS Peer PSM Request / Response can be transmitted via any direct link, and the endpoints can correctly parse the wake-up schedule element, thereby enhancing the flexibility of transmission.

[0228] Optionally, the second element may be a Link Identifier element as shown in FIG. 4 or a newly defined element. In some embodiments, the first field within the second element corresponds to an identifier of a third directory link or may indicate an address of an AP within a plurality of APs of a third device. For example, the first field may be the BSSID field of the Link Identifier element.

[0229] Optionally, the wakeup schedule element may reuse an existing wakeup schedule element or be a newly defined element.

[0230] For example, referring to FIG. 11, a Wakeup Schedule element may include one or more of an Element ID field, a Length field, an Offset field, an interval field, an Awake window Slots field, a Maximum Awake Window Duration field, and an Idle Count field.

[0231] The offset field may indicate an offset of the first wake window with respect to TSF0. The TSF may be a counter, and the value stored in the counter represents a time value. The interval field may indicate a time interval between two adjacent wake windows. The wake window slot field indicates the duration of the wake window. The maximum wake window duration field indicates the maximum duration of the wake window. The idle count field indicates the number of idle wake windows that are permitted to elapse before the TDLS peer side deletes the periodic wake-up schedule. An idle wake window means that no unicast frame is received from the TDLS peer side within the wake window. For example, in the process where the first device elapses the number of wake windows indicated by the idle count field, if the first device does not receive a unicast frame from the second device, the second device may delete the wake-up schedule element.

[0232] Note that Mode 2 and Mode 3 may be used independently or in combination. When used in combination, since the first element and the second element may be the same element, e.g., the first element, the first element may indicate an identifier of the target link, or an address of an AP corresponding to the target link and existing in a plurality of APs of the third device, an identifier of the third direct link, or an address of an AP corresponding to the third direct link and existing in a plurality of APs of the third device. In other words, the target link and the third direct link are the same direct link.

[0233] For different TDLS frames, the following describes how to configure the aforementioned link identifier elements or newly defined elements with reference to Table 10. In other words, when the TDLS frames are different frames, the link identifier elements, newly defined elements, the BSSID field within the link identifier elements, or the first field of the newly defined elements can correspond to different configuration contents. For ease of explanation, the link identifier elements, newly defined elements, the first element, and the second element are collectively referred to as the first element hereinafter.

[0234] In some scenarios, when the first device includes one STA and the TDLS frame is a TDLS discovery request frame, the first element is the identifier of the transmission link or corresponds to the transmission link and indicates the address of the AP within the multiple APs of the third device. The transmission link is the link for transmitting the TDLS discovery request frame. For example, the first element can be set to the BSSID corresponding to the transmission link.

[0235] When the first device includes one STA and the TDLS frame is a TDLS discovery response frame, the first element is the identifier of the transmission link or corresponds to the transmission link and indicates the address of the AP within the multiple APs of the third device. The transmission link is the link for transmitting the TDLS discovery request frame.

[0236]

Table 10A

Table 10B

[0237] In other words, the configuration content of the first element corresponding to the TDLS frame which is a TDLS discovery response frame is the same as the configuration content of the first element corresponding to the TDLS frame which is a TDLS discovery request frame. For example, the first element can be set to the BSSID corresponding to the transmission link for transmitting the TDLS discovery request frame.

[0238] When the first device includes one STA and the TDLS frame is a TDLS setup request frame, the first element indicates an identifier of a link between the first device and the third device, or an address of an AP corresponding to the first device and located within a plurality of APs of the third device. The transmission link is a link for transmitting a TDLS discovery request frame. For example, the first element may be set to a BSSID corresponding to the link where the Legacy STA is located.

[0239] When the first device includes one STA and the TDLS frame is a TDLS setup response frame, a TDLS setup confirmation frame, a TDLS discard frame, a TDLS channel switch request frame, a TDLS channel switch response frame, a TDLS peer power management request frame, a TDLS peer power management response frame, a TDLS peer traffic indication frame, or a TDLS peer traffic response frame, for a specific embodiment of the first element, refer to the foregoing embodiment of the first element when the first device includes one STA and the TDLS frame is a TDLS setup request frame. Details are not described again here.

[0240] In some other scenarios, when the first device includes a plurality of STAs and the TDLS frame is a TDLS discovery request frame, the first element indicates an identifier of a reference link, or an address of an AP corresponding to the reference link and located within a plurality of APs of the third device. Optionally, the reference link may be a link indicated by the BSSID field in the Link Identifier Element. For example, the first element may be set to a BSSID corresponding to the reference link.

[0241] When the first device includes a plurality of STAs and the TDLS frame is a TDLS discovery response frame, the first element is an identifier of a common link for transmitting the TDLS discovery response frame, or corresponds to the common link for transmitting the TDLS discovery response frame, and indicates the address of an AP within a plurality of APs of the third device. The common link is a common link between the link between the first device and the third device and the link between the second device and the third device, and 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.

[0242] Optionally, when the first device includes a plurality of STAs, the TDLS discovery response frame can be transmitted via any common link.

[0243] When the first device includes a plurality of 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 an identifier of a reference link, or corresponds to the reference link, and indicates the address of an AP within a plurality of APs of the third device. For example, the first element can be set to the BSSID corresponding to the reference link.

[0244] When the first device includes a plurality of STAs and the TDLS frame is a TDLS discard frame, the first element indicates the address of the third device, which may indicate to discard all direct links between the first device and the second device. For example, the first element may be set to the AP MLD MAC address. Alternatively, the first element corresponds to the direct link between the first device and the second device and indicates the address of the AP within a plurality of APs of the third device, for example, the BSSID corresponding to the direct link. For example, when the first element is set to the address of the affiliated AP corresponding to the direct link between the first device and the second device, it indicates that the direct link is discarded, that is, data cannot be subsequently received or transmitted via that direct link.

[0245] When the first device includes a plurality of STAs and the TDLS frame is a TDLS channel switch request frame or a TDLS channel switch response frame, for the specific implementation of the first element, please refer to the aforementioned method 2. Details are not described again here. For example, the first element may be set to the BSSID corresponding to the target link.

[0246] When the first device includes a plurality of STAs and the TDLS frame is a TDLS peer power management request frame or a TDLS peer power management response frame, for the specific implementation of the first element, please refer to the aforementioned method 3. Details are not described again here. For example, the first element may be set to the BSSID of the third direct link corresponding to the wake-up schedule element.

[0247] When the first device includes a plurality of STAs and the TDLS frame is a TDLS peer traffic indication frame or a TDLS peer traffic response frame, the first element indicates the address of the third device. For example, the first element may be set to the AP MLD MAC address.

[0248] The reference link, transmission link, and common link are described in detail below.

[0249] Reference Link: When the frame body of an MPDU carries a Multi-link element, the link indicated by the BSSID field in the Link Identifier Element is called the reference link. For example, for the specific format of the MPDU, refer to FIG. 6. For the specific format of the Multi-link element, refer to FIG. 3 or FIG. 12. For the specific format of the Link Identifier Element, refer to FIG. 4.

[0250] Specifically, to set up multi-link TDLS, when the first device includes a plurality of STAs, the Multi-link element may need to be carried in a TDLS action frame of TDLS Setup Request / Response or TDLS Discovery Request / Response. After the TDLS initiator and the TDLS responder succeed in exchanging TDLS Discovery Request / Response frames, the non-AP MLD knows whether the peer end is an MLD. If both the TDLS initiator and the TDLS responder are MLDs, the Multi-link element can be carried in subsequent TDLS Setup Request / Response frames.

[0251] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of the frame structure of another Multi-link element according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. 12, the Type subfield is set to a number corresponding to TDLS. The Transparent / non-transparent transmission bit indicates the address mode used by the non-AP MLD. When the address mode is Transparent, it indicates 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 indicates that different links corresponding to the non-AP MLD use different link addresses and the non-AP MLD address is different from the link address of the non-AP MLD. In this case, the corresponding link ID and the address used by the affiliated STA, 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 AP MLD MAC address.

[0252] For the specific format of the frame body, refer to FIG. 13. The frame body may include information about the reference link (Element ID#1, Element ID#2, etc.) and information about another link (Multi-link element). For example, referring to FIG. 3 or FIG. 12, the information about another link can be carried in the Per-STA Profile within the Multi-link element.

[0253] Transmitting Link: Indicates the link through which the frame is transmitted. The corresponding link is called the transmitting link. Assume that the TDLS frame is transmitted via Link 1, and Link 1 is called the transmitting link.

[0254] In the case of a TDLS frame encapsulated in a management frame and transmitted directly (e.g., TDLS Discovery Response), the transmission link is the reference link. Specifically, when a management frame is transmitted, it is usually required that the transmission link match the reference link. For example, when an initiator transmits a multi-link association request frame via Link 1, the responder must also return a multi-link association response frame via Link 1.

[0255] In the case of a TDLS frame encapsulated in a data frame, the transmission link may be different from the reference link. Specifically, when a data frame is transmitted, the transmission link may be any link. In other words, the data frame may be transmitted via any link. Therefore, the transmission link may be the same as or different from the reference link.

[0256] For example, the method of transmitting a data frame may include the following. One possible way is that the data frame is transmitted according to the requirements for transmitting a management frame. Specifically, in addition to being sent back via the link through which the data frame is transmitted, the Transmitting link matches the reference link. Another possible way is that the data frame is transmitted according to the requirements for transmitting a data frame. Specifically, the data frame is transmitted via any link. For example, a TDLS Setup Request is transmitted via Link 1 and a TDLS Setup Response is transmitted via Link 2. In this case, the Transmitting link does not need to match the reference link.

[0257] Common Link: The direct link corresponding to two STAs (where STA refers to the associated STA of a legacy STA or non-AP MLD) associated with the same related AP may also be called a common link. In the case of the (legacy STA, MLD) scenario, the link associated with the legacy STA is the common link. In the case of the (non-AP MLD1, non-AP MLD2) scenario, multiple common Links may exist.

[0258] For example, assume that the AP MLD corresponds to Link 1, Link 2, and Link 3, and Link 1 and Link 2 are set up between non-AP MLD1 and the AP MLD, and Link 1 and Link 3 are set up between non-AP MLD2 and the AP MLD. Both STA1 of non-AP MLD1 and STA1 of non-AP MLD2 are associated with AP1 of the AP MLD and correspond to Link 1. STA2 of non-AP MLD1 is associated with AP2 of the AP MLD and corresponds to Link 2. STA3 of non-AP MLD2 is associated with AP3 of the AP MLD and corresponds to Link 3. Direct Link 1 and Direct Link 2 are set up, 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. In this case, Direct Link 1 may also be called a common link.

[0259] Method 4: The first device determines the third element of the first data unit.

[0260] Optionally, the first data unit may include the third element, and the third element may instruct to set up at least one fourth direct link on the first link. The first link is the common link between the link between the first device and the third device and the link between the second device and the third device, and the first link may include at least one fourth direct link.

[0261] In other words, the first link may be a common link between the first device and the third device and between the second device and the third device, and the AP of the third device associated with the STA of the first device corresponding to the first link is the same as the AP 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 set up a direct link on the common link to increase the data transmission rate.

[0262] In some embodiments, the third element may include a number field of direct links and an identifier field of direct links. The number field of direct links may indicate the quantity of the fourth direct links required to be set up. In this way, since the quantity of the fourth direct links to be set up is indicated, the fourth direct links can be set up on part or all of the first link, thereby enhancing the flexibility of setting up the direct links.

[0263] Specifically, the identifier field of direct links may separately correspond to at least one of the fourth direct links and include the address of at least one AP within a plurality of APs of the third device, or the identifier of at least one of the fourth direct links. In other words, the identifier field of direct links may separately correspond to at least one of the fourth direct links and include the BSSID of at least one AP within a plurality of APs of the third device, or the link ID of at least one of the fourth direct links. In this way, the link on which the direct link is set can be indicated.

[0264] In the embodiments of the present application, it should be noted that "the MAC address of the AP", "the BSSID of the AP", and "the address of the AP" may represent the same meaning when the difference between "the MAC address of the AP", "the BSSID of the AP", and "the address of the AP" is not emphasized.

[0265] Alternatively, optionally, 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. In other words, the direct link identifier field may include the addresses of the associated STAs at both ends of the direct link, for example, the MAC address of the first STA and the MAC address of the second STA.

[0266] Alternatively, optionally, the direct link identifier field may separately correspond to at least one fourth direct link and include the address of at least one AP within a plurality of APs of the third device, or the identifier of at least one fourth direct link, the address of the first STA of the first device, and the address of the second STA of the second device.

[0267] The aforementioned third element in Method 4 is described by using a scenario where a direct link is set up on a common link. In one possible design solution, a direct link can be set up on a non-common link between a first device and a second device. When a direct link is set up on a non-common link, the implementation of the third element is the same as the specific implementation of the third element corresponding to the scenario where the direct link is set up on a common link.

[0268] For example, the third element may instruct to set up at least one fifth direct link on a second link. The second link is a link different from the link between the first device and the third device and the link between the second device and the third device, and the second link may include at least one fifth direct link.

[0269] In other words, the second link may be a non - common link between the first device and the third device and between the second device and the third device, and the 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 device and the second device can set up a direct link on the non - common link to increase the data transmission speed.

[0270] In some embodiments, the third element may include a number field of direct links and an identifier field of direct links. The number field of direct links may indicate the quantity of the fifth direct links required to be set up. In this way, since the quantity of the fifth direct links to be set up is indicated, the fifth direct links can be set up on part or all of the second link, thereby enhancing the flexibility of setting up direct links.

[0271] Specifically, the identifier field of direct links separately corresponds to at least one of the fifth direct links and may include the address of at least one AP within a plurality of APs of the third device, or the identifier of at least one of the fifth direct links. For example, one end of the fifth direct link corresponds to the STA of the first device, and the other end of the fifth direct link corresponds to the STA of the second device. The identifier field of direct links may include the BSSID of the associated AP corresponding to either end of the fifth direct link, or the identifier of the second link corresponding to the associated AP.

[0272] In other words, the identifier field of direct links may include the BSSID of the associated AP corresponding to either end of the fifth direct link, or the identifier of the second link corresponding to the associated AP.

[0273] Alternatively, the indirect link may be represented by using the address of the related AP corresponding to the initiator that has set up the direct link or the identifier of the second link corresponding to the related AP. For example, if the direct link setup is initiated by a first device, the direct link identifier field may correspond to the STA of the first device and may include the address of an AP within a plurality of APs of a third device, or the identifier of the second link corresponding to the related AP.

[0274] In some embodiments, the third element may be a TDLS Link Info element. As shown in FIG. 14, the TDLS Link Info element may include one or more of an Element ID field, a Length field, a Number of Direct links field, and a Direct link Identifier field.

[0275] Note that the format of the third element is not limited in this embodiment of the present application, and FIG. 14 is only an example of the present application.

[0276] It should be noted that the foregoing methods 1 to 4 may be used in combination with the direct link address specification method shown in FIG. 7, or the foregoing methods 1 to 4 may be used independently or in combination with each other. This is not limited in the present application.

[0277] In some embodiments, the seventh address is bound to the TPK.

[0278] Optionally, the seventh address corresponds to a direct link between the first device and the second device and includes the address of an AP within a plurality of APs of the third device or the addresses of all APs of the third device, and the address of the third device.

[0279] In other words, the address of the related AP corresponding to the direct link (e.g., the BSSID of the related AP) and the address of the third device may be bound to the TPK, or the addresses of all related APs of the third device (e.g., the BSSIDs of all related APs) and the address of the third device may be bound to the TPK.

[0280] Optionally, when the first device includes a plurality of STAs, the first device and the second device negotiate to set up a direct link on some or all of the links, and bind the address of the related AP corresponding to the set-up direct link and the address of the third device to the TPK, or bind the addresses of all related APs of the third device and the address of the third device to the TPK. In this way, the security of communication between the first device and the second device via the direct link can be improved.

[0281] In some embodiments, the direct link address specification method provided in this embodiment of the present application may further include the TPK derivation process shown in the following steps 1 and 2. It should be noted that steps 1 and 2 may be used independently or in combination with the method, method 1, method 2, method 3, and / or method 3 shown in FIG. 7.

[0282] Step 1: The first device negotiates with the second device to determine an authentication and key management (AKM) suite selector.

[0283] For example, as shown in Table 11, the AKM suite selector may include one or more of an organizationally unique identifier (OUI), suite type, authentication, key management, key derivation, and authentication numbers. For the specific corresponding content of each item, please refer to Table 11. Details are not described here.

[0284]

Table 11

[0285] Step 2: The first device negotiates with the second device to derive the TDLS peer key TPK.

[0286] Optionally, the TPK may be determined by using the following equations (1) and (2). TPK-Key-Input = Hash(min(SNonce, ANonce)||max(SNonce, ANonce)) (1) In the above equation (1), Hash represents a hash algorithm, SNonce (supplicant nonce) represents the random number of the supplicant side, ANonce (authenticator nonce) represents the random number of the authenticator side, || represents concatenation or inclusion, the mathematical symbol min represents taking the minimum value, and the mathematical symbol max represents taking the maximum value. 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 foregoing formula (2), TPK represents the TDLS peer key, KDF-Hash-Length 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), and Affiliated AP Address1 represents the address of the associated AP (the 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.

[0287] Note that the foregoing steps 1 and 2 may be applied to the derivation of the pairwise master key (PTK), and the seventh address may be bound to the PTK. Details are not described again here.

[0288] In some embodiments, the first device and the second device may complete the TPK derivation handshake negotiation by exchanging TDLS Setup Request / Response / Confirm (see steps a to c below for details). Specifically, the foregoing steps 1 and 2 may be used in combination with the following steps a to c to complete the TPK derivation handshake negotiation.

[0289] An example where the first device is used as the TDLS initiator is used.

[0290] 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.

[0291] Step b: The second device sends a TDLS Setup Response frame to the first device. Correspondingly, the first device receives the TDLS Setup Response frame from the second device.

[0292] Optionally, the second device may send a TDLS Setup Response frame to the first device based on the Link Identifier Element and / or the TDLS Link Info element.

[0293] For example, the TDLS Setup Response frame may include accepting or not accepting the TDLS setup request. For example, the status code of the TDLS Setup Response frame indicates accepting or not accepting.

[0294] Step c: If the TDLS Setup Response frame indicates Accept, the first device sends a TDLS Setup Confirm frame to the second device to complete the TPK derivation handshake negotiation.

[0295] According to the directory link address specification method described in FIG. 7, when the first device includes one STA, the protected data is constituted by 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 a plurality of STAs, the protected data is constituted by using the address of the first device, the address of the second device, and the address of the third device. Therefore, the first device may transmit the first data unit via the direct link between the first device and the second device, thereby increasing the data transmission speed. In addition, when the first device includes a plurality of STAs, the protected data is constituted by using the addresses of the devices, and the change of the direct link does not affect the protected data. Therefore, when the data is transmitted via a plurality of direct links, it is not necessary to perform encryption again, thereby further increasing the data transmission speed.

[0296] For example, FIG. 15 is a schematic flowchart of another directory link address specification method according to an embodiment of the present application. An example in which the second device is used as a TDLS initiator is used for the description. The directory link address specification method is applicable to the communication between the STA device shown in FIG. 1 and non-AP MLD2, or between non-AP MLD1 and non-AP MLD2 shown in FIG. 1.

[0297] S1501: The second device determines the protected data.

[0298] The protected data includes the first address, the second address, and the third address.

[0299] In some embodiments, 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, 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.

[0300] With reference to FIG. 8, when the first device includes one STA and the second device is used as a TDLS initiator, the first address, the second address, and the third address of the protected data are shown in Table 12. The difference from Table 6 in S701 is that the configured content of the first address and the configured content of the second address are exchanged. Since the responder is the first device, the first address is the address of a legacy STA, for example, a legacy STA MAC Address. Since the initiator is the second device, the second address is the address of a non-AP MLD2, for example, a non-AP MLD2 MAC Address. The third address is the same as the third address in Table 6, and the third address is the address of AP1, for example, the BSSID of AP1.

[0301]

Table 12

[0302] In some embodiments, when the first device includes a plurality of 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.

[0303] With reference to FIG. 9, when the first device includes a plurality of STAs and the second device is used as a TDLS initiator, the first address, the second address, and the third address of the protected data are shown in Table 13. Since the initiator and the responder change, the difference between Table 13 and Table 7 in S701 is that the configured content of the first address and the configured content of the second address are exchanged. For details, refer to Table 13. Details are not described here.

[0304]

Table 13

[0305] S1502: The second device transmits the first data unit.

[0306] The first data unit includes a first header, the first header is determined based on the protected data, and the first data unit is transmitted via a direct link between the first device and the second device.

[0307] For example, the first data unit may be an MPDU shown in FIG. 6, and the first header may be an MPDU header shown in FIG. 6.

[0308] Optionally, before or during the process in which the first device transmits the first data unit in S702, the first data unit may be determined. Specifically, one or more of the following methods 5 to 8 may be used.

[0309] Method 5: The second device determines the first header of the first data unit.

[0310] Optionally, the first header may include a fourth address, a fifth address, and a sixth address.

[0311] For example, the first header may be the MPDU header shown in FIG. 6. The fourth address may be address 1 within the MPDU header, the fifth address may be address 2 within the MPDU header, and the sixth address may be address 3 within the MPDU header.

[0312] In some embodiments, 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.

[0313] In connection with FIG. 8, when the first device includes one STA and the second device is used as a TDLS initiator, the fourth address, the fifth address, and the sixth address of the MPDU header are shown in Table 14. Since the initiator and the responder change, the difference between Table 14 and Table 8 in the aforementioned method 1 is that the constituent content of the fourth address and the constituent content of the fifth address are exchanged. For details, refer to Table 14. Details are not described here.

[0314]

Table 14

[0315] In some embodiments, when the first device includes a plurality of STAs, the fourth address corresponds to the first direct link and is the address of the STA within the plurality of STAs of the first device, the fifth address corresponds to the first direct link and is the address of the STA within the plurality of STAs of the second device, and the sixth address corresponds to the first direct link and is the address of the AP within the plurality of APs of the third device. The first direct link is a direct link between the first device and the second device.

[0316] With reference to FIGS. 9 and 10, when the first device includes a plurality of STAs and the second device is used as a TDLS initiator, the fourth address, the fifth address, and the sixth address of the MPDU header are shown in Table 15. Since the initiator and the responder change, the difference between Table 15 and Table 9 in the foregoing Method 1 is that the configured content of the fourth address and the configured content of the fifth address are exchanged. For details, refer to Table 15. Details are not described here.

[0317] It should be noted that when there are a plurality of direct links between the first device and the second device, the first direct link can be a direct link for transmitting the first data unit between the first device and the second device.

[0318] [Table 15]

[0319] Method 6: The second device determines the first element of the first data unit.

[0320] In some embodiments, the first data unit may include a TDLS frame, and the TDLS frame includes the first element. The first element is an identifier of the target link or corresponds to the target link and indicates the address of an AP within a plurality of APs of the third device. For example, the first element can be set to the BSSID corresponding to the target link.

[0321] Optionally, the target link is a second direct link to which the TDLS frame is applied, and the second direct link is a direct link between the first device and the second device.

[0322] For specific embodiments of Method 6, the TDLS frame, and the first element, refer to the foregoing Method 2. Details are not described again here.

[0323] Method 7: The second device determines a second element of the first data unit.

[0324] In some embodiments, the first data unit may include a TDLS frame, and the TDLS frame may include a wake-up schedule element and a second element. The offset field in the wake-up schedule element is an offset with respect to a first timing synchronization function threshold of a third direct link, and the second element may be an identifier of the third direct link, or correspond to the third direct link and indicate an address of an AP within a plurality of APs of a third device. The third direct link is a direct link between the first device and the second device. For specific embodiments, refer to the corresponding embodiments of Method 3 described above. Details are not described again here.

[0325] It should be noted that, similar to Method 2 and Method 3, Method 6 and Method 7 may be used independently or in combination, and details are not described again here.

[0326]

Table 16A

Table 16B

[0327] For different TDLS frames, the following describes how to configure the aforementioned link identifier element or newly defined element with reference to Table 16 above. In other words, when the TDLS frame is a different frame, the link identifier element, the newly defined element, the BSSID field in the link identifier element, or the first field of the newly defined element may correspond to different configuration contents. For ease of explanation, the link identifier element, the newly defined element, the first element, and the second element are collectively referred to as the first element below.

[0328] The main difference between the method of configuring the first element when the second device is used as a TDLS initiator and the method of configuring the first element when the first device is used as a TDLS initiator lies in the scenario where the first device includes one STA and the TDLS frame is a TDLS discovery request frame.

[0329] For example, when the first device includes one STA and the TDLS frame is a TDLS discovery request frame, the first element indicates the identifier of the reference link or the address of the AP within a plurality of APs of the third device corresponding to the reference link. The reference link may be the link indicated by the BSSID field in the Link Identifier Element. For example, the first element may be set to the BSSID corresponding to the reference link.

[0330] In another scenario shown in Table 16, for the specific implementation of the first element, refer to the corresponding implementation of the first element in Table 10 when the first device is used as a TDLS initiator. Details will not be described again here.

[0331] For the specific implementation of the reference link, transmission link, and common link, refer to the corresponding implementation of the aforementioned method 3. Details will not be described again here.

[0332] Method 8: The second device determines the third element of the first data unit.

[0333] Optionally, the first data unit may include the third element, and the third element may instruct to set up at least one fourth direct link on the first link. The first link is the common link between the link between the first device and the third device and the link between the second device and the third device, and the first link includes at least one fourth direct link. For the specific implementation, refer to the corresponding implementation of the aforementioned method 4. Details will not be described again here.

[0334] In one possible design solution, a direct link can be set up between a first device and a second device on a non - common link. When a direct link is set up on a non - common link, an embodiment of a third element is similar to a specific embodiment of the third element corresponding to a scenario where the direct link is set up on a common link.

[0335] For example, the third element may instruct to set up at least one fifth direct link on a second link. The second link is a link different from the link between the first device and the third device and the link between the second device and the third device, and the second link may include at least one fifth direct link. In this way, the first device and the second device can set up a direct link on a non - common link to increase the data transmission rate. For specific embodiments, refer to the corresponding embodiments of Method 4 described above. Details are not described again here.

[0336] It should be noted that the above - mentioned Methods 5 to 8 may be used in combination with the direct - link addressing method shown in FIG. 15, or the above - mentioned Methods 5 to 8 may be used independently or in combination with each other. This is not limited in this application.

[0337] In some embodiments, a seventh address is bound to the TDLS peer key TPK. Optionally, the seventh address corresponds to a direct link between the first device and the second device and may include the address of an AP within a plurality of APs of the third device or the addresses of all APs of the third device, and the address of the third device. For specific embodiments, refer to the embodiment where the first device binds the seventh address to the TPK. Details are not described again here.

[0338] In one possible design solution, the directory link addressing method provided in this embodiment of the present application may further include the TPK derivation process shown in the following steps 3 and 4. It should be noted that steps 3 and 4 may be used independently or in combination with the methods, methods 5, methods 6, methods 7, and / or methods 8 shown in FIG. 15.

[0339] Step 3: The first device negotiates with the second device to determine the authentication and AKM suite selector. For specific embodiments, reference is made to step 1 above, and the details will not be described again here.

[0340] Step 4: The first device negotiates with the second device to derive the TDLS peer key TPK. For specific embodiments, reference is made to step 2 above, and the details will not be described again here.

[0341] It should be noted that the above steps 3 and 4 may be applied to the derivation of the pairwise master key (PTK), and the seventh address may be bound to the PTK. The details will not be described again here.

[0342] In some embodiments, the first device and the second device may complete the TPK derivation handshake negotiation by exchanging TDLS Setup Request / Response / Confirm (for details, refer to steps d to f below). Specifically, the above steps 3 and 4 may be used in combination with the following steps d to f to complete the TPK derivation handshake negotiation.

[0343] An example where the second device is used as the TDLS initiator is used.

[0344] Steps d to f are the same as steps a to c described above, and steps d to f respectively correspond to steps a to c described above. The main difference is that the first device in steps a to c described above is replaced by the second device, and the second device is replaced by the first device. Details will not be described again here.

[0345] According to the directory link address specification method described in FIG. 15, when the first device includes one STA, the protected data is constituted by 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 a plurality of STAs, the protected data is constituted by using the address of the first device, the address of the second device, and the address of the third device. Therefore, the first device may transmit the first data unit via the direct link between the first device and the second device without transfer by the third device, thereby increasing the data transmission speed. In addition, when the first device includes a plurality of STAs, the protected data is constituted by using the addresses of the devices, and the change of the direct link does not affect the protected data. Therefore, when data is transmitted via a plurality of direct links, encryption does not need to be performed again, thereby further increasing the data transmission speed.

[0346] For example, FIG. 16 is a schematic flowchart of yet another directory link address specification method according to an embodiment of the present application. An example where the first device is used as a TDLS initiator is used for the description. The directory link address specification method is applicable to communication between the STA device shown in FIG. 1 and non-AP MLD2, or between non-AP MLD1 and non-AP MLD2 shown in FIG. 1.

[0347] S1601: The first device determines the first data unit.

[0348] The first data unit includes a first header, and the first header includes a fourth address, a fifth address, and a sixth address.

[0349] In some embodiments, the first data unit may include a frame body. For example, the frame body may be a TDLS frame or data.

[0350] For example, the first data unit may be an MPDU shown in FIG. 6, the first header may be an MPDU header shown in FIG. 6, and the TDLS frame or data is carried in the Frame Body field.

[0351] In some embodiments, 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, 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.

[0352] With reference to FIG. 8, the first AP is AP1 in FIG. 8. When the first device includes one STA and the first device is used as a TDLS initiator, the fourth address, the fifth address, and the sixth address of the MPDU header are shown in Table 17. The fourth address is the address of non-AP MLD2, for example, non-AP MLD2 MAC Address. The fifth address is the address of the legacy STA, for example, legacy STA MAC Address. The sixth address is the address of AP1, for example, the BSSID of AP1.

[0353] [Table 17]

[0354] In some embodiments, when the first device includes a plurality of STAs, the fourth address is the address of the second device, the fifth address is the address of the first device, the sixth address corresponds to the sixth direct link and is the address of an AP within a plurality of APs of the third device, and the sixth direct link is a link for transmitting a first data unit between the first device and the second device. The first data unit is transmitted via the direct link between the first device and the second device.

[0355] For example, FIGS. 9 and 10 show an example in which the first device is non-AP MLD1, the second device is non-AP MLD2, and the third device is AP MLD. When the first device includes a plurality of STAs and the first device is used as a TDLS initiator, the fourth address, the fifth address, and the sixth address of the MPDU header are shown in Table 18. The first data unit is transmitted via direct link 1. It is assumed that the fourth address is the address of STA1 of non-AP MLD2, for example, non-AP MLD2 MAC Address, the fifth address is the address of STA1 of non-AP MLD1, for example, non-AP MLD1 MAC Address, and the sixth address is the address of AP1 corresponding to direct link 1, for example, Affiliated AP1 BSSID of AP MLD.

[0356]

Table 18

[0357] Specifically, the method for configuring the sixth address corresponding to Tables 17 and 18 may be the same both when the first device includes one STA and when the first device includes a plurality of STAs, in order to avoid frequent modification of the configuration content of the sixth address, thereby reducing transmission delay.

[0358] Optionally, the TDLS frame may be a TDLS discovery response frame.

[0359] Tables 17 and 18 may be the address configuration methods of the first header of the management frame. Since the TDLS discovery response frame is encapsulated in the common management frame and does not need to be encrypted, the corresponding AAD configuration may not be determined.

[0360] S1602: The first device transmits the first data unit. Correspondingly, the second device receives the first data unit from the first device.

[0361] According to the direct link address specification method described in FIG. 16, when the first device includes one STA, the first header is configured by 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 configured by using the address of the first device, the address of the second device, and the address of the AP within the multiple APs of the third device corresponding to the sixth direct link, and the sixth direct link is a link for transmitting the first data unit between the first device and the second device. Therefore, the first device may transmit the first data unit via the direct link between the first device and the second device without transfer by the third device, thereby increasing the data transmission speed. In addition, the configuration method of the sixth address may be the same for both the case where the first device includes one STA and the case where the first device includes multiple STAs in order to avoid frequent modification of the configuration content of the sixth address, thereby further reducing the transmission delay.

[0362] For example, FIG. 17 is a schematic flowchart of yet another direct link address specifying method according to an embodiment of the present application. An example where the second device is used as a TDLS initiator is used for the description. The direct link address specifying method is applicable to communication between the STA device shown in FIG. 1 and non-AP MLD2, or between non-AP MLD1 and non-AP MLD2 shown in FIG. 1.

[0363] S1701: The second device determines a first data unit.

[0364] The first data unit includes a first header, and the first header includes a fourth address, a fifth address, and a sixth address.

[0365] In some embodiments, the first data unit may include a frame body. For example, the frame body may be a TDLS frame or data.

[0366] For example, the first data unit may be an MPDU shown in FIG. 6, the first header may be an MPDU header shown in FIG. 6, and the TDLS frame or data is carried in the Frame Body field.

[0367] In some embodiments, 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, 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.

[0368] With reference to FIG. 8, when the first device includes one STA and the second device is used as a TDLS initiator, the fourth address, the fifth address, and the sixth address of the MPDU header are shown in Table 19. Since the initiator and the responder change, the difference between Table 19 and Table 17 in S1601 is that the configured content of the fourth address and the configured content of the fifth address are exchanged. For details, refer to Table 19. Details are not described here.

[0369]

Table 19

[0370] In some embodiments, when the first device includes a plurality of STAs, the fourth address is the address of the first device, the fifth address is the address of the second device, the sixth address corresponds to the sixth direct link and is the address of an AP within a plurality of APs of the third device, and the sixth direct link is a link for transmitting a first data unit between the first device and the second device. The first data unit is transmitted via the direct link between the first device and the second device.

[0371] With reference to FIGS. 9 and 10, when the first device includes a plurality of STAs and the second device is used as a TDLS initiator, the fourth address, the fifth address, and the sixth address of the MPDU header are shown in Table 20. Since the initiator and the responder change, the difference between Table 20 and Table 18 in S1601 is that the configured content of the fourth address and the configured content of the fifth address are exchanged. For details, refer to Table 20. Details are not described here.

[0372]

Table 20

[0373] Optionally, the TDLS frame may be a TDLS discovery response frame.

[0374] S1702: The second device transmits the first data unit. Correspondingly, the first device receives the first data unit from the second device.

[0375] Regarding the technical effects of the method shown in FIG. 17, it should be noted that reference is made to the technical effects of the method shown in FIG. 16. Details are not described again here.

[0376] It should be noted that the address configuration rules of the first data unit (e.g., MPDU) and the protected data (e.g., AAD) provided in this embodiment of the present application are applicable to unicast frames.

[0377] The following describes some special application scenarios to which the embodiments of the present application are applicable. It should be understood that the application scenarios of the embodiments of the present application are not limited to the following several application scenarios.

[0378] Scenario 1 AP MLD is assumed to correspond to three links, link1, link2, and link3. Two links, link1 and link2, are set up between non-AP MLD1 and AP MLD, and link1 and link3 are set up between non-AP MLD2 and AP MLD. In this case, non-AP MLD1 and non-AP MLD2 can set up a multi-link TDLS. Link1 is called the common link, and the other link is called the non-common link. The link identifier corresponding to Link 1 can be indicated by either the Link ID or the BSSID of the AP associated with either end of the link. In the case of data transmission on the non-common link, both ends of the non-common link can negotiate via the common link over which the channel data is transmitted. For example, when the non-common link is switched to the channel where one end is located for transmission, the peer end corresponds to off-channel transmission, and the peer end needs to notify the AP that the peer end enters the Doze state, and then switches to the channel where the other end is located for direct transmission.

[0379] In the scenario described above, there must be at least one common link to set up a direct link between non-AP MLDs. Otherwise, it is not permitted for a TDLS Discovery Response to be returned or for a TDLS Setup to be initiated. If there are multiple common links between non-AP MLDs, the TDLS Discovery Response can be returned via any common link. However, if the link corresponding to the BSSID field within the Link Identifier element is also the common link, the TDLS Discovery Response can preferably be returned via the common link.

[0380] In addition, the non-AP MLDs at both ends can use different address modes such as the transparent transmission mode and the non-transparent transmission mode.

[0381] Scenario 2 It is assumed that the AP MLD corresponds to three links, link1, link2, and link3. Two links, link1 and link2, are set up between the non-AP MLD1 and the AP MLD, and the legacy STA is associated with link2. When the non-AP MLD sends a TDLS Discovery Request frame as the initiator and the BSSID in the Link Identifier element carried in the TDLS Discovery Request frame is set to the BSSID corresponding to link1, after receiving the TDLS Discovery Request frame, if the legacy STA discovers that the BSSID where the legacy STA is located does not match the BSSID in the Link Identifier element, the legacy STA does not return a TDLS Discovery Response frame on link2, resulting in a discovery failure. This situation occurs because the non-AP MLD does not know whether the peer end is a legacy STA or a non-AP MLD and does not know which AP the peer end is associated with.

[0382] To avoid this situation, the non-AP MLD retransmits the TDLS Discovery Request frame, and the BSSID in the Link Identifier Element carried in the TDLS Discovery Request frame is set to the BSSID corresponding to link2. In this way, after receiving the TDLS Discovery Request frame, if the legacy STA discovers that the BSSID where the legacy STA is located matches the BSSID in the Link Identifier Element, the legacy STA returns a TDLS Discovery Response frame on link2, so the discovery is successful.

[0383] Scenario 3 It is assumed that AP MLD corresponds to three links, link1, link2, and link3. Two links, link1 and link2, are set up between non-AP MLD1 and AP MLD, and the legacy STA is associated with link2. When the legacy STA sends a TDLS Discovery Request frame on link2 as an initiator, after receiving the TDLS Discovery Request frame, Non-AP MLD can return a TDLS Discovery Response frame only via the link (i.e., link2) indicated by the BSSID in the Link Identifier Element.

[0384] When both the TDLS initiator and the TDLS responder are MLDs, the TDLS Discovery Request and TDLS Discovery Response frames each carry a Multi-link element. In this way, both ends know that the peer end is also an MLD device through the TDLS discovery process. In addition, through the TDLS discovery process, the TDLS initiator and the TDLS responder can know which link is the common link.

[0385] The direct link address specifying method provided in the embodiments of this application has been described in detail above with reference to FIGS. 7 to 17. The following describes in detail the direct link address specifying device provided in the embodiments of this application with reference to FIGS. 18 and 19.

[0386] FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a directory link address specifying apparatus configured to perform the directory link address specifying method provided in the embodiment of the present application. The directory link address specifying apparatus 1800 may be a first device or a second device, or may be a chip applied to a first device, a second device, or another component having a corresponding function. As shown in FIG. 18, the directory link address specifying apparatus 1800 may include a processor 1801 and a transceiver 1803. The directory link address specifying apparatus 1800 may further include a memory 1802. The processor 1801 is coupled to the memory 1802 and the transceiver 1803. For example, the processor 1801 may be connected to the memory 1802 and the transceiver 1803 via a communication bus. Alternatively, the processor 1801 may be used independently.

[0387] The following describes each component of the directory link address specifying apparatus 1800 in detail with reference to FIG. 18.

[0388] The processor 1801 is a control center of the directory link address specifying apparatus 1800, and may be a single processor or a collective term for a plurality of processing elements. For example, the processor 1801 may be one or more central processing units (CPUs), or may be an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or may be one or more integrated circuits for implementing this embodiment of the present application, for example, one or more digital signal processors (DSPs) or one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs).

[0389] The processor 1801 can execute various functions of the directory link address specifying device 1800 by operating or executing a software program stored in the memory 1802 and calling the data stored in the memory 1802.

[0390] In a specific implementation, in one embodiment, the processor 1801 may include one or more CPUs such as CPU0 and CPU1 shown in FIG. 18.

[0391] In a specific implementation, in one embodiment, the directory link address specifying device 1800 may alternatively include a plurality of processors, for example, the processor 1801 and the processor 1804 shown in FIG. 18. Each of the processors may be a single-CPU or a multi-CPU. The processor here may be one or more communication devices, circuits, and / or processing cores configured to process data (e.g., computer program instructions).

[0392] Memory 1802 can be a read-only memory (ROM), or another type of static memory communication device that can store static information and instructions, a random access memory (RAM), or another type of dynamic memory communication device that can store information and instructions, an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), or another compact disc storage, an optical disc storage device (including compact discs, laser discs, optical discs, digital versatile discs, Blu-ray discs, etc.), a magnetic disk storage medium, or another magnetic memory communication device, or any other medium that can be used to carry or store program code expected in the form of instructions or data structures and can be accessed by a computer. However, memory 1802 is not limited to these. Memory 1802 may be integrated with processor 1801, may exist independently, or may be coupled to processor 1801 via an input / output port (not shown in FIG. 18) of directory link addressing device 1800. This is not specifically limited in this embodiment of the present application.

[0393] Memory 1802 is configured to store a software program for executing the solution of the present application, and processor 1801 controls the execution. For the foregoing specific embodiments, refer to the following method embodiments. Details are not described again here.

[0394] Transceiver 1803 is configured to communicate with another direct link address specifying device. For example, if the direct link address specifying device 1800 is the first device, transceiver 1803 may be configured to communicate with the second device and the third device. As another example, if the direct link address specifying device 1800 is the second device, transceiver 1803 may be configured to communicate with the first device and the third device. Additionally, transceiver 1803 may include a receiver and a transmitter (not separately illustrated in FIG. 18). The receiver is configured to perform a receiving function, and the transmitter is configured to perform a transmitting function. Transceiver 1803 may be integrated with processor 1801 or may exist independently and is coupled to processor 1801 via an input / output port (not illustrated in FIG. 18) of the direct link address specifying device 1800. This is not specifically limited in this embodiment of the present application.

[0395] It should be noted that the structure of the direct link address specifying device 1800 shown in FIG. 18 does not constitute a limitation on the direct link address specifying device. The actual direct link address specifying device may include more or fewer components than those shown in the figure, may combine some components, or may have different component arrangements.

[0396] The action operations of the first device in the foregoing steps S701 and S702 and S1601 and S1602 can be performed by processor 1801 in the direct link address specifying device 1800 shown in FIG. 18 by calling the application program code stored in memory 1802 to instruct the remote terminal device to perform.

[0397] The operations of the second device in the foregoing steps S1501, S1502, S1701, and S1702 can be performed by the processor 1801 in the directory link address specifying device 1800 shown in FIG. 18 by calling the application program code stored in the memory 1802 to instruct the remote terminal device to perform them. This is not limited in this embodiment.

[0398] FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram of the structure of another directory link address specifying device according to an embodiment of the present application. For ease of explanation, FIG. 19 shows only the main components of the directory link address specifying device.

[0399] The directory link address specifying device 1900 includes a transceiver module 1901. Optionally, the directory link address specifying device 1900 may further include a processing module 1902. The directory link address specifying device 1900 may be the first device or the second device in the foregoing method embodiments. The transceiver module 1901, which may also be referred to as a transceiver unit, is configured to implement the transceiver function performed by the first device or the second device in any one of the foregoing method embodiments.

[0400] It should be noted that the transceiver module 1901 may include a receiving module and a transmitting module (not shown in FIG. 19). The receiving module is configured to implement the receiving function performed by the first device or the second device in any one of the foregoing method embodiments. The transmitting module is configured to implement the transmitting function performed by the first device or the second device in any one of the foregoing method embodiments. The specific implementation manner of the transceiver module 1901 is not specifically limited in the present application.

[0401] The processing module 1902, which may also be referred to as a processing unit, may be configured to implement the processing functions performed by the first device or the second device in any one of the foregoing method embodiments. The processing module 1902 may be a processor.

[0402] In this embodiment, the directory link address specifying device 1900 is presented in a form that divides each functional module in an integrated manner. In this case, the "module" may be a specific ASIC, circuit, a processor that executes one or more software or firmware programs, a memory, an integrated logic circuit, and / or another component that can provide the foregoing functions. Those skilled in the art can understand that in a simple embodiment, the directory link address specifying device 1900 may be in the form of the directory link address specifying device 1800 shown in FIG. 18.

[0403] For example, the processor 1801 in the directory link address specifying device 1800 shown in FIG. 18 may call computer-executable instructions stored in the memory 1802 so that the directory link address specifying device 1800 performs the directory link address specifying method in the foregoing method embodiments.

[0404] Specifically, the functions / implementation processes of the transceiver module 1901 and the processing module 1902 in FIG. 19 may be implemented by the processor 1801 in the directory link address specifying device 1800 shown in FIG. 18 by calling computer-executable instructions stored in the memory 1802. Alternatively, the functions / implementation processes of the processing module 1902 in FIG. 19 may be implemented by the processor 1801 in the directory link address specifying device 1800 shown in FIG. 18 by calling computer-executable instructions stored in the memory 1802, and the functions / implementation processes of the transceiver module 1901 in FIG. 19 may be implemented by the transceiver 1803 in the directory link address specifying device 1800 shown in FIG. 18.

[0405] Since the directory link address specifying apparatus 1900 provided in this embodiment can execute the above-described directory link address specifying method, for the technical effects that can be achieved by the directory link address specifying apparatus 1900, refer to the above method embodiment. Details are not described again here.

[0406] In one possible design solution, the directory link address specifying apparatus 1900 shown in FIG. 19 is applicable to the communication system shown in FIG. 1 and performs the functions of the first device in the directory link address specifying method shown in FIG. 7. The directory link address specifying apparatus 1900 includes one or more local STAs. The directory link address specifying apparatus 1900 is connected to a third device, and the third device includes a plurality of access points APs. The second device is connected to the third device, and the second device includes a plurality of STAs.

[0407] The processing module 1902 is configured to determine protected data. The protected data includes a first address, a second address, and a third address. When the directory link address specifying apparatus 1900 includes one STA, the first address is the address of the second device, the second address is the address of the directory link address specifying apparatus 1900, the third address is the address of the first AP of the third device, and the directory link address specifying apparatus 1900 is connected to the first AP of the third device. When the directory link address specifying apparatus 1900 includes a plurality of STAs, the first address is the address of the second device, the second address is the address of the directory link address specifying apparatus 1900, and the third address is the address of the third device.

[0408] The transceiver module 1901 is configured to transmit a first data unit. The first data unit includes a first header, the first header is determined based on protected data, and the first data unit is transmitted via a direct link between the directory link addressing device 1900 and a second device.

[0409] Optionally, the directory link addressing device 1900 may further include a storage module (not shown in FIG. 19), and the storage module stores programs or instructions. When the processing module 1902 executes the programs or instructions, the directory link addressing device 1900 can perform the functions of the first device in the directory link addressing method shown in FIG. 7.

[0410] Note that the directory link addressing device 1900 may be the first device, or a chip (system), another component, or an assembly that can be arranged within the first device. This is not limited in this application.

[0411] In addition, for the technical effects of the directory link addressing device 1900, refer to the technical effects of the directory link addressing method shown in FIG. 7. Details will not be described again here.

[0412] In another possible design solution, the directory link addressing device 1900 shown in FIG. 19 is applicable to the communication system shown in FIG. 1 and performs the functions of the second device in the directory link addressing method shown in FIG. 7. The directory link addressing device 1900 includes a plurality of local STAs. The directory link addressing device 1900 is connected to a third device, and the third device includes a plurality of access points APs. The first device is connected to the third device, and the first device includes one or more STAs.

[0413] The transceiver module 1901 is configured to receive a first data unit. The first data unit includes a first header, the first header is determined based on protected data, and the first data unit is transmitted via a direct link between the first device and the directory link specifying 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 directory link specifying device 1900, the second address is the address of the first 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. When the first device includes a plurality of STAs, the first address is the address of the directory link specifying 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 directory link specifying device 1900 may further include a processing module 1902 and a storage module (not shown in FIG. 19), and the storage module stores a program or instructions. When the processing module 1902 executes the program or instructions, the directory link specifying device 1900 may perform the function of the second device in the directory link specifying method shown in FIG. 7.

[0415] Note that the directory link specifying device 1900 may be the second device, or may be a chip (system) or another component or assembly disposed within the second device. This is not limited in this application.

[0416] In addition, for the technical effect of the directory link specifying device 1900, refer to the technical effect of the directory link specifying method shown in FIG. 7. Details are not described again here.

[0417] In yet another possible design solution, the direct link address specifying device 1900 shown in FIG. 19 is applicable to the communication system shown in FIG. 1 and performs the functions of the second device in the direct link address specifying method shown in FIG. 15. The direct link address specifying device 1900 includes a plurality of local STAs. The direct link address specifying device 1900 is connected to a third device. The third device includes a plurality of access points APs. The first device is connected to the third device. The first device includes one or more STAs.

[0418] The processing module 1902 is configured to determine 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 address specifying device 1900, 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 a plurality of STAs, the first address is the address of the first device, the second address is the address of the direct link address specifying device 1900, and the third address is the address of the third device.

[0419] The transceiver module 1901 is configured to transmit a first data unit. The first data unit includes a first header. The first header 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 address specifying device 1900.

[0420] Optionally, the directory link address specifying device 1900 may further include a memory module (not shown in FIG. 19), and the memory module stores programs or instructions. When the processing module 1902 executes a program or an instruction, the directory link address specifying device 1900 can perform the functions of the second device in the directory link address specifying method shown in FIG. 15.

[0421] Note that the directory link address specifying device 1900 may be the second device, or may be a chip (system), another component, or an assembly that can be arranged within the second device. This is not limited in the present application.

[0422] In addition, for the technical effects of the directory link address specifying device 1900, refer to the technical effects of the directory link address specifying method shown in FIG. 15. Details are not described again here.

[0423] In yet another possible design solution, the directory link address specifying device 1900 shown in FIG. 19 is applicable to the communication system shown in FIG. 1 and performs the functions of the first device in the directory link address specifying method shown in FIG. 15. The directory link address specifying device 1900 includes one or more local STAs. The directory link address specifying device 1900 is connected to a third device, the third device includes a plurality of access points APs, the second device is connected to the third device, and the second device includes a plurality of STAs.

[0424] The transceiver module 1901 is configured to receive a first data unit. The first data unit includes a first header, the first header is determined based on protected data, and the first data unit is transmitted via a direct link between the directory link address specifying device 1900 and a second device. The protected data includes a first address, a second address, and a third address. When the directory link address specifying device 1900 includes one STA, the first address is the address of the directory link address specifying device 1900, the second address is the address of the second device, the third address is the address of the first AP of the third device, the directory link address specifying device 1900 is connected to the first AP of the third device, and the directory link address specifying device 1900 includes one STA. When the directory link address specifying device 1900 includes a plurality of STAs, the first address is the address of the directory link address specifying 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 directory link address specifying device 1900 may further include a processing module 1902 and a storage module (not shown in FIG. 19), and the storage module stores a program or instructions. When the processing module 1902 executes the program or instructions, the directory link address specifying device 1900 can perform the functions of the first device in the directory link address specifying method shown in FIG. 15.

[0426] Note that the directory link address specifying device 1900 may be the first device, or may be a chip (system), another component, or an assembly disposed within the first device. This is not limited in this application.

[0427] In addition, for the technical effect of the directory link address specifying device 1900, refer to the technical effect of the directory link address specifying method shown in FIG. 15. Details will not be described again here.

[0428] In yet another possible design solution, the directory link address specifying device 1900 shown in FIG. 19 is applicable to the communication system shown in FIG. 1 and performs the functions of the first device in the directory link address specifying method shown in FIG. 16. The directory link address specifying device 1900 includes one or more local STAs. The directory link address specifying device 1900 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.

[0429] The processing module 1902 is configured to determine a first data unit. The first data unit includes a first header and a tunnel direct link setup TDLS frame, and the first header includes a fourth address, a fifth address, and a sixth address. When the directory link address specifying device 1900 includes one STA, the fourth address is the address of the second device, the fifth address is the address of the directory link address specifying device 1900, the sixth address is the address of the first AP of the third device, and the directory link address specifying device 1900 is connected to the first AP of the third device. When the directory link address specifying device 1900 includes a plurality of STAs, the fourth address is the address of the second device, the fifth address is the address of the directory link address specifying device 1900, the sixth address corresponds to the sixth direct link and is the address of an AP within the plurality of APs of the third device, and the sixth direct link is a link for transmitting a TDLS frame between the directory link address specifying device 1900 and the second device.

[0430] The transceiver module 1901 is configured to transmit a first data unit. The first data unit is transmitted via a direct link between the directory link addressing device 1900 and a second device.

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

[0432] Optionally, the directory link addressing device 1900 may further include a storage module (not shown in FIG. 19), and the storage module stores programs or instructions. When the processing module 1902 executes the programs or instructions, the directory link addressing device 1900 can perform the functions of the first device in the directory link addressing method shown in FIG. 16.

[0433] Note that the directory link addressing device 1900 may be the first device, or a chip (system), another component, or an assembly that can be arranged within the first device. This is not limited in this application.

[0434] In addition, for the technical effects of the directory link addressing device 1900, refer to the technical effects of the directory link addressing method shown in FIG. 16. Details are not described again here.

[0435] In yet another possible design solution, the directory link addressing device 1900 shown in FIG. 19 is applicable to the communication system shown in FIG. 1 and performs the functions of the second device in the directory link addressing method shown in FIG. 16. The directory link addressing device 1900 includes a plurality of local STAs. The directory link addressing device 1900 is connected to a third device, and the third device includes a plurality of access points APs. The first device is connected to the third device, and the first device includes one or more STAs.

[0436] The transceiver module 1901 is configured to receive a first data unit. The first data unit includes a first header and a tunnel direct link setup TDLS frame, and 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 address specifying device 1900, 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. When the first device includes a plurality of STAs, the fourth address is the address of the direct link address specifying device 1900, the fifth address is the address of the first device, the sixth address corresponds to the sixth direct link and is the address of an AP within a plurality of APs of the third device, and the sixth direct link is a link for transmitting a TDLS frame between the first device and the direct link address specifying device 1900. The first data unit is transmitted via a direct link between the first device and the direct link address specifying device 1900.

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

[0439] Optionally, the direct link address specifying device 1900 may further include a processing module 1902 and a storage module (not shown in FIG. 19), and the storage module stores a program or instructions. When the processing module 1902 executes the program or instructions, the direct link address specifying device 1900 can perform the functions of the second device in the direct link address specifying method shown in FIG. 16.

[0440] Note that the directory link address specifying device 1900 may be a second device, or a chip (system), another component, or an assembly that can be arranged within the second device. This is not limited in the present application.

[0441] In addition, regarding the technical effect of the directory link address specifying device 1900, refer to the technical effect of the directory link address specifying method shown in FIG. 16. Details are not described again here.

[0442] In yet another possible design solution, the directory link address specifying device 1900 shown in FIG. 19 is applicable to the communication system shown in FIG. 1 and performs the function of the second device in the directory link address specifying method shown in FIG. 17. The directory link address specifying device 1900 includes a plurality of local STAs. The directory link address specifying device 1900 is connected to a third device, and the third device includes a plurality of access points APs. The first device is connected to the third device, and the first device includes one or more STAs.

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

[0444] The transceiver module 1901 is configured to transmit a 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 address specifying device 1900, 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 a plurality of STAs, the fourth address is the address of the first device, the fifth address is the address of the direct link address specifying device 1900, and the sixth address corresponds to the sixth direct link and is the address of an AP within a plurality of APs of the third device. The sixth direct link is a link for transmitting a TDLS frame between the first device and the direct link address specifying device 1900. The first data unit is transmitted via the direct link between the first device and the direct link address specifying device 1900.

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

[0446] Optionally, the direct link address specifying device 1900 may further include a processing module 1902 and a storage module (not shown in FIG. 19), and the storage module stores a program or instructions. When the processing module 1902 executes the program or instructions, the direct link address specifying device 1900 can perform the functions of the second device in the direct link address specifying method shown in FIG. 17.

[0447] Note that the direct link address specifying device 1900 may be the second device, or may be a chip (system), another component, or an assembly that can be arranged within the second device. This is not limited in this application.

[0448] In addition, for the technical effect of the directory link address specifying device 1900, refer to the technical effect of the directory link address specifying method shown in FIG. 17. Details will not be described again here.

[0449] In yet another possible design solution, the directory link address specifying device 1900 shown in FIG. 19 is applicable to the communication system shown in FIG. 1 and performs the functions of the first device in the directory link address specifying method shown in FIG. 17. The directory link address specifying device 1900 includes one or more local STAs. The directory link address specifying device 1900 is connected to a third device, and 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.

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

[0451] When the directory link address specifying device 1900 includes one STA, the fourth address is the address of the directory link address specifying device 1900, 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 directory link address specifying device 1900 is connected to the first AP of the third device. When the directory link address specifying device 1900 includes a plurality of STAs, the fourth address is the address of the directory link address specifying device 1900, the fifth address is the address of the second device, and the sixth address corresponds to the sixth directory link and is the address of an AP within a plurality of APs of the third device. The sixth directory link is a link for transmitting a TDLS frame between the directory link address specifying device 1900 and the second device. The first data unit is transmitted via the directory link between the directory link address specifying device 1900 and the second device.

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

[0453] Optionally, the directory link address specifying device 1900 may further include a processing module 1902 and a storage module (not shown in FIG. 19), and the storage module stores a program or instructions. When the processing module 1902 executes the program or instructions, the directory link address specifying device 1900 can perform the functions of the first device in the directory link address specifying method shown in FIG. 17.

[0454] Note that the directory link address specifying device 1900 may be the first device, or a chip (system) or another component or assembly that can be arranged within the first device. This is not limited in the present application.

[0455] In addition, for the technical effect of the directory link address specifying device 1900, refer to the technical effect of the directory link address specifying method shown in FIG. 17. Details will not be described again here.

[0456] One embodiment of the present application provides a communication system. The communication system includes a first device and a second device. The communication system may further include a third device. The first device is configured to perform the operations of the first device in the above-described method embodiments. For specific execution methods and processes, refer to the above-described method embodiments. Details will not be described again here. The second device is configured to perform the operations of the second device in the above-described method embodiments. For specific execution methods and processes, refer to the above-described method embodiments. Details will not be described again here. The third device is configured to perform the operations of the third device in the above-described method embodiments. For specific execution methods and processes, refer to the above-described method embodiments. Details will not be described again here.

[0457] One embodiment of the present application provides a chip system. The chip system includes a processor and an input / output port. The processor is configured to implement the processing functions in the directory link address specifying method provided in the embodiments of the present application. The input / output port is configured to implement the transceiver functions in the directory link address specifying method provided in the embodiments of the present application.

[0458] In one possible design, the chip system further includes a memory. The memory is configured to store program instructions and data for implementing the functions in the directory link address specifying method provided in the embodiments of the present application.

[0459] The chip system may include a chip, or may include a chip and other discrete components.

[0460] One embodiment of this application provides a computer-readable storage medium. The computer-readable storage medium includes a computer program or instructions. When the computer program or instructions are executed on a computer, the computer is enabled to perform the directory link address specifying method provided in the embodiment of this application.

[0461] One embodiment of this application provides a computer program product. The computer program product includes computer program code or instructions. When the computer program or instructions are executed on a computer, the computer is enabled to perform the directory link address specifying method provided in the embodiment of this application.

[0462] It should be understood that the processor in the embodiment of this application may be a central processing unit (CPU), or another general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or another programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic device, discrete hardware component, etc. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, or the processor may be any conventional processor, etc.

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

[0464] All or part of the foregoing embodiments may be implemented by using software, hardware (e.g., circuits), firmware, or any combination thereof. When software is used to implement an embodiment, the foregoing embodiments may be implemented in whole or in part in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions or computer programs. When the program instructions or computer programs are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the procedures or functions according to the embodiments of the present application are generated. The computer may be a general-purpose computer, a dedicated computer, a computer network, or other programmable devices. The computer instructions may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another computer-readable storage medium. For example, the computer instructions may be transmitted in a wired (e.g., infrared, wireless, or microwave) manner from a website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center. The computer-readable storage medium may be any usable medium accessible by a computer or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more usable media. The usable medium may be a magnetic medium (e.g., floppy disk, hard disk, or magnetic tape), an optical medium (e.g., DVD), or a semiconductor medium. The semiconductor medium may be a solid-state drive.

[0465] It should be understood that the term "and / or" in this specification only describes the relationship of association between the associated objects and indicates that three relationships may exist. For example, A and / or B may indicate three cases: only A exists, both A and B exist, and only B exists. A and B may be singular or plural. In addition, the character " / " in this specification usually indicates an "or" relationship between the associated objects or may indicate an "and / or" relationship. The specific meaning depends on the context.

[0466] In this application, "at least one" means one or more, and "a plurality of" means two or more. "At least one of the following items (parts)" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of singular items (parts) or plural items (parts). For example, at least one of a, b, or c may indicate a, b, c, a - b, a - c, b - c, or a - b - c, and a, b, and c may be singular or plural.

[0467] It should be understood that the sequence numbers of the foregoing processes do not mean the execution order in various embodiments of this application. The execution order of the processes should be determined based on the functions and internal logics of the processes and should not be construed as a limitation on the implementation processes of the embodiments of this application.

[0468] Those skilled in the art can recognize that, in combination with the examples described in the embodiments disclosed in this specification, the units and algorithm steps can be implemented by electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether the function is performed by hardware or software depends on the specific application of the technical solution and design constraints. Those skilled in the art can implement the described functions using different methods for each specific application, but such implementation manners should not be considered to exceed the scope of this application.

[0469] For the purpose of simplifying the description, those skilled in the art will clearly understand that for the detailed operation processes of the foregoing systems, apparatuses, and units, reference may be made to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and details will not be described again in this specification.

[0470] In some embodiments provided by this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, devices, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the described device embodiments are merely examples. For example, the division into units is only a logical function division, and in actual embodiments, other divisions may be possible. For example, a plurality of units or components may be coupled or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not performed. Additionally, the mutual couplings, direct couplings, or communication connections shown or discussed may be implemented via some interfaces. The indirect couplings or communication connections between devices or units may be implemented in electronic form, mechanical form, or other forms.

[0471] The units described as separate parts may or may not be physically separate, and the parts shown as units may or may not be physical units. They may be located at one position or distributed among multiple network units. To achieve the objectives of the embodiments' solutions, some or all of the units may be selected based on actual requirements.

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

[0473] When the function is implemented in the form of a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, the function may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on such an understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or a part of the technical solution, may also be implemented in the form of a software product. The computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions for instructing a computer device (which may be a personal computer, a server, or a network device) to perform all or part of the steps of the method described in the embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes any medium that can store program code, such as a USB flash drive, a removable hard disk, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk, or an optical disk.

[0474] The foregoing description is only a specific embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit the protection scope of this application. Any deformation or substitution easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application shall fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this application shall follow the protection scope of the claims.

Description of Reference Signs

[0475] 1 Address, Directory Link, Method 2 Address, Directory Link, Method 3 Address, Link, Method 4 Address, Method 1800 Directory Link Address Designating Device 1801 Processor 1802 Memory 1803 Transceiver 1804 Processor 1900 Directory Link Address Designating Device 1901 Transceiver Module 1902 Processing Module

Claims

1. A directory link setup method applicable to a first device, where the first device includes one or more local STAs, the first device is connected to a third device, the third device includes a plurality of access points AP, a second device is connected to the third device, the second device includes a plurality of STAs, and the method includes: Determining at least two tunnel direct link setup discovery request TDLS Discovery Request frames, where the TDLS Discovery Request frame includes an identifier field indicating an AP within the third device, and different TDLS Discovery Request frames have a one-to-one correspondence with different APs within the third device; Transmitting the at least two TDLS Discovery Request frames.

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

3. The TDLS Discovery Request frame includes a multi-link element field, the multi-link element field includes a Type sub-field, and the Type sub-field indicates tunnel direct link setup. The method according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The TDLS Discovery Request frame includes the multi-link element field, the multi-link element field includes an MLD MAC Address field, and the MLD MAC Address field indicates the MAC address of the third device. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The first device receives a tunnel direct link setup discovery response TDLS Discovery Response frame fed back by an STA within the plurality of STAs of the second device that is associated with the AP of the third device. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The method includes: The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising the step of binding the MAC address of the third device to the TDLS peer key TPK.

7. A direct link address specifying method applied to a second device, wherein the second device includes a plurality of local STAs, the second device is connected to a third device, the third device includes a plurality of access points APs, a first device is connected to the third device, the first device includes one or more STAs, and the method includes: Receiving at least two tunnel direct link setup discovery request TDLS Discovery Request frames, wherein the TDLS Discovery Request frame includes an identifier field indicating an AP within the third device, and different TDLS Discovery Request frames have a one-to-one correspondence with different APs within the third device; Transmitting, by an STA within the plurality of STAs of the second device associated with the AP of the third device, a tunnel direct link setup discovery response TDLS Discovery Response frame.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the identifier field is a basic service set identifier BSSID, and the BSSID is carried in a link identifier element field of the TDLS Discovery Request frame.

9. The method according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the TDLS Discovery Request frame includes a multi-link element field, the multi-link element field includes a Type subfield, and the Type subfield indicates a tunnel direct link setup.

10. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the TDLS Discovery Request frame includes the multi-link element field, the multi-link element field includes an MLD MAC Address field, and the MLD MAC Address field indicates the MAC address of the third device.

11. The method includes: The method according to any one of claims 7 to 10, further comprising the step of binding the MAC address of the third device to a TDLS peer key TPK.

12. A first device, wherein the first device includes one or more local 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, the second device includes a plurality of STAs, and the first device A processing unit configured to determine at least two tunnel direct link setup discovery request TDLS Discovery Request frames, the TDLS Discovery Request frames including an identifier field indicating an AP within the third device, and different TDLS Discovery Request frames having a one-to-one correspondence with different APs within the third device; A first device comprising a transceiver unit configured to transmit the at least two TDLS Discovery Request frames.

13. The first device according to claim 12, wherein the identifier field is a basic service set identifier BSSID, and the BSSID is carried in a link identifier element field of the TDLS Discovery Request frame.

14. The first device according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the TDLS Discovery Request frame includes a multi-link element field, the multi-link element field includes a Type subfield, and the Type subfield indicates a tunnel direct link setup.

15. The first device according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the TDLS Discovery Request frame includes the multi-link element field, the multi-link element field includes an MLD MAC Address field, and the MLD MAC Address field indicates the MAC address of the third device.

16. The first device according to any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein the transceiver unit is further configured to receive a tunnel direct link setup discovery response (TDLS Discovery Response) frame feedback by an STA among the plurality of STAs of the second device, which is associated with the AP of the third device.

17. The first device according to any one of claims 12 to 16, wherein the MAC address of the third device is bound to a TDLS peer key (TPK).

18. A second device, wherein the second device includes a plurality of station STAs, the second device is connected to a third device, the third device includes a plurality of access points (APs), a first device is connected to the third device, the first device includes one or more STAs, and the second device includes a transceiver unit configured to receive at least two tunnel direct link setup discovery request (TDLS Discovery Request) frames, wherein the TDLS Discovery Request frame includes an identifier field indicating an AP in the third device, and different TDLS Discovery Request frames have a one-to-one correspondence with different APs in the third device. A second device, wherein an STA among the plurality of STAs of the second device, which is associated with the AP of the third device, transmits a tunnel direct link setup discovery response (TDLS Discovery Response) frame.

19. The second device according to claim 18, wherein the identifier field is a basic service set identifier (BSSID), and the BSSID is carried in a link identifier element field of the TDLS Discovery Request frame.

20. The second device according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the TDLS Discovery Request frame includes a multi-link element field, the multi-link element field includes a Type sub-field, and the Type sub-field indicates a tunnel direct link setup.

21. The TDLS Discovery Request frame includes the multi-link element field, the multi-link element field includes the MLD MAC Address field, and the MLD MAC Address field indicates the MAC address of the third device. The second device according to any one of claims 18 to 20.

22. The second device according to any one of claims 18 to 21, wherein the MAC address of the third device is bound to the TDLS peer key TPK.

23. A direct link address specifying method applied to a first device, wherein the first device includes one or more local 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, the second device includes a plurality of STAs, and the method includes: Determining protected data, the protected data including 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, 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, or When the first device includes a plurality of 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; and Transmitting a first data unit, the first data unit including a first header, the first header being determined based on the protected data, and the first data unit being transmitted via a direct link between the first device and the second device. A direct link address specifying method including the steps.

24. The first header includes 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. The directory link address designation method according to claim 23.

25. The first header includes a fourth address, a fifth address, and a sixth address. When the first device includes a plurality of STAs, the fourth address corresponds to a first directory link and is the address of an STA within the plurality of STAs of the second device, the fifth address corresponds to the first directory link and is the address of an STA within the plurality of STAs of the first device, the sixth address corresponds to the first directory link and is the address of an AP within the plurality of APs of the third device, and the first directory link is a directory link between the first device and the second device. The directory link address designation method according to claim 23.

26. The first data unit includes a tunnel direct link setup TDLS frame. The TDLS frame includes a first element. The first element is an identifier of a target link or corresponds to the target link and indicates the address of an AP within the plurality of APs of the third device. The target link is a second directory link to which the TDLS frame is applied, and the second directory link is a directory link between the first device and the second device. The directory link address designation method according to any one of claims 23 to 25.

27. The first data unit includes a tunnel direct link setup TDLS frame, the TDLS frame includes a wake-up schedule element and a second element, an offset field in the wake-up schedule element is an offset with respect to a first timing synchronization function threshold of a third direct link, the second element corresponds to an identifier of the third direct link or an AP address in the plurality of APs of the third device, and the third direct link is a direct link between the first device and the second device. The method for specifying a direct link address according to any one of claims 23 to 25.

28. The first data unit includes a third element, the third element instructs to set up at least one fourth direct link on a 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 includes the at least one fourth direct link. The method for specifying a direct link address according to any one of claims 23 to 27.

29. The third element includes a number-of-direct-links field and a direct-link identifier field, the number-of-direct-links field indicates a quantity of fourth direct links requested to be set up, the direct-link identifier field separately corresponds to the at least one fourth direct link and includes an address of at least one AP in the plurality of APs of the third device or an identifier of the at least one fourth direct link. The method for specifying a direct link address according to claim 28.

30. The direct-link identifier field further includes an address of a first STA of the first device and an address of a second STA of the second device. The method for specifying a direct link address according to claim 29.

31. The 7th address is bound to the TDLS peer key TPK, and the 7th address corresponds to the direct link between the first device and the second device, and includes the address of the AP within the plurality of APs of the third device or the addresses of all the APs of the third device, and the address of the third device. The direct link address specifying method according to any one of claims 23 to 30.

32. A direct link address specifying method applied to a second device, wherein the second device includes a plurality of local STAs, the second device is connected to a third device, the third device includes a plurality of access points APs, a first device is connected to the third device, the first device includes one or more STAs, and the method includes: Determining protected data, wherein 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, 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, or When the first device includes a plurality of 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. Transmitting a first data unit, wherein the first data unit includes a first header, the first header is determined based on the protected data, and the first data unit is transmitted via a direct link between the first device and the second device. The direct link address specifying method includes the steps.

33. The first header includes 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. The directory link address specifying method according to claim 32.

34. The first header includes a fourth address, a fifth address, and a sixth address. When the first device includes a plurality of STAs, the fourth address corresponds to a first directory link and is the address of an STA within the plurality of STAs of the first device, the fifth address corresponds to the first directory link and is the address of an STA within the plurality of STAs of the second device, the sixth address corresponds to the first directory link and is the address of an AP within the plurality of APs of the third device, and the first directory link is a directory link between the first device and the second device. The directory link address specifying method according to claim 32.

35. The first data unit includes a tunnel direct link setup TDLS frame. The TDLS frame includes a first element. The first element is an identifier of a target link or corresponds to the target link and indicates the address of an AP within the plurality of APs of the third device. The target link is a second directory link to which the TDLS frame is applied, and the second directory link is a directory link between the first device and the second device. The directory link address specifying method according to any one of claims 32 to 34.

36. The first data unit includes a tunnel direct link setup TDLS frame, the TDLS frame includes a wake-up schedule element and a second element, an offset field in the wake-up schedule element is an offset with respect to a first timing synchronization function threshold of a third direct link, the second element corresponds to an identifier of the third direct link or an address of an AP within the plurality of APs of the third device, and the third direct link is a direct link between the first device and the second device. The direct link address designation method according to any one of claims 32 to 34.

37. The first data unit includes a third element, the third element instructs to set up at least one fourth direct link on a 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 includes the at least one fourth direct link. The direct link address designation method according to any one of claims 32 to 36.

38. The third element includes a direct link number field and a direct link identifier field, the direct link number field indicates a quantity of fourth direct links requested to be set up, the direct link identifier field separately corresponds to the at least one fourth direct link and includes an address of at least one AP within the plurality of APs of the third device or an identifier of the at least one fourth direct link. The direct link address designation method according to claim 37.

39. The direct link identifier field further includes an address of a first STA of the first device and an address of a second STA of the second device. The direct link address designation method according to claim 38.

40. The seventh address is bound to the TDLS peer key TPK, the seventh address corresponding to the direct link between the first device and the second device, and including the address of the AP within the plurality of APs of the third device or the addresses of all the APs of the third device, and the address of the third device, the direct link address specifying method according to any one of claims 32 to 39.

41. A direct link address specifying apparatus, the direct link address specifying apparatus including a unit or module configured to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 6 or claims 23 to 31, the direct link address specifying apparatus.

42. A direct link address specifying apparatus, the direct link address specifying apparatus including a unit or module configured to perform the method according to any one of claims 7 to 11 or claims 32 to 40, the direct link address specifying apparatus.

43. A direct link address specifying apparatus, the direct link address specifying apparatus including a processor, the processor being coupled to a memory, the memory being configured to store a computer program, the processor being configured to execute the computer program stored in the memory such that the direct link address specifying apparatus performs the method according to any one of claims 1 to 11 or claims 23 to 40, the direct link address specifying apparatus.

44. A computer-readable storage medium, the computer-readable storage medium including a computer program or instructions, and when the computer program or instructions are executed on a computer, the computer being enabled to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 11 or claims 23 to 40, the computer-readable storage medium.

45. A computer program product, the computer program product including a computer program or instructions, and when the computer program or instructions are executed on a computer, the computer being enabled to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 11 or claims 23 to 40, the computer program product.

Images