Direct link addressing method and direct link addressing device

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 the priority of Chinese Patent Application No. 202110278095.3, titled "Directory Link Address Designation Method and Directory Link Address Designation Device", filed with the China National Intellectual Property Administration on March 15, 2021, 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 communication devices. A communication device that supports multi-link communication is sometimes called a multi-link device (MLD). A multi-link device may include an access point (a ccess point, AP) MLD and a non-access point (non-AP) MLD. An AP MLD includes multiple APs, and a non-AP MLD includes multiple stations STA. When a communication system includes at least one AP MLD and multiple non-AP MLDs, a non-AP MLD may communicate with the AP MLD via multiple 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 an 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 forwarded using an AP MLD, which increases transmission delay. There is no corresponding solution available in the industry for 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. [Overview of the Initiative] [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] Embodiments of this application provide a direct link addressing method and a direct link addressing device that enable direct communication between non-AP MLDs or between an STA device and a non-AP MLD, thereby improving data transmission efficiency.

[0006] To achieve the aforementioned objectives, this application employs the following technical solutions.

[0007] According to a first embodiment, a direct link addressing method is provided that is applicable to a first device. The first device includes one or more station STAs. The first device is connected to a third device, and the third device includes a plurality of access point APs. A second device is connected to a third device, and the second device includes a plurality of STAs. The direct link addressing method includes the steps of determining protected data and transmitting a first data unit. The protected data includes a first address, a second address, and a third address. If 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. If 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, which 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 direct link addressing method described in the first embodiment, if the first device includes one STA, the protected data is configured 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. If the first device includes multiple STAs, the protected data is configured using the address of the first device, the address of the second device, and the address of the third device. Thus, the first device may transmit the first data unit over the direct link between the first device and the second device, thereby increasing the data transmission speed. In addition, if the first device includes multiple STAs, the protected data is configured using the device addresses, and changes in the direct link do not affect the protected data. Therefore, when data is transmitted over multiple direct links, encryption does not need to be performed again, thereby further increasing the data transmission speed.

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

[0010] In one possible design scheme, the first header may include a fourth address, a fifth address, and a sixth address. If 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 rate.

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

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

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

[0014] Optionally, the TDLS frame may be either a TDLS Channel Switch Request frame or a TDLS Channel Switch Response frame. frame This is used to request the target link to switch from the current channel to another channel, and is called a TDLS Channel Switch Response. frame This indicates whether the target link agrees to switch from the current channel to another channel. In this way, the first and second devices can switch the target link from the current channel to another channel for communication. In a multilink TDLS scenario, the TDLS Channel Switch Request / Response is used. frame It 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, if the first device includes one STA and the TDLS frame is a TDLS discovery request frame, the first element may be a transmission link identifier, or an address of an AP in one of several APs of the third device that corresponds to the transmission link, and the transmission link is the link for sending 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, if 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 the address of an AP in one of several APs of the third device, corresponding to the transmission link, and the transmission link is the link for sending the TDLS discovery request frame. In other words, the configuration of the first element corresponding to a TDLS frame that is a TDLS discovery response frame is the same as the configuration of the first element corresponding to a TDLS frame that 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 rate.

[0018] In one possible design, if the first device includes one STA and the TDLS frame is a TDLS setup request frame, the first element indicates the identifier of the link between the first device and the third device, or the address of the AP in the third device that corresponds to the first device and is among multiple APs, and the transmission link is the link for sending 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.

[0019] 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 switching request frame, a TDLS channel switching response frame, a TDLS peer power saving management request frame, a TDLS peer power saving management response frame, a TDLS peer traffic instruction frame, or a TDLS peer traffic response frame, then for a specific embodiment of the first element, please refer to the aforementioned embodiment of the first element where 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, if the first device includes multiple STAs and the TDLS frame is a TDLS discovery request frame, the first element indicates the identifier of the reference link, or the address of an AP in one of the multiple APs of the third device that corresponds to the reference link. Optionally, the reference link may be the 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, if the first device includes multiple STAs and the TDLS frame is a TDLS discovery response frame, the first element indicates an identifier for a common link for transmitting the TDLS discovery response frame, or the address of an AP in a third device that corresponds to the common link for transmitting the TDLS discovery response frame and is located within a group of APs. The common link is the link between the first and third devices and the link between the second and third devices, 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, non-AP MLDs may communicate with each other via a direct link, thereby increasing the data transmission rate.

[0022] In one possible design, if the first device includes multiple STAs and the TDLS frame is a TDLS setup request frame, a TDLS setup response frame, or a TDLS setup confirmation frame, the first element is the identifier of the reference link, or the address of the AP in the third device's multiple APs that corresponds to the reference link. In this way, the receiving end can know that a particular link is the corresponding reference link.

[0023] In one possible design, if the first device contains multiple 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 which device the frame was sent by and which AP MLD it is associated with.

[0024] In one possible design, the first device includes a plurality of STAs. 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 transmitted the frame.

[0025] 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 in the wake-up schedule element is an offset with respect to the first timing synchronization function threshold of the third direct link. 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, 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 or or a TDLS peer power saving management response frame. In this way, in a multi-link TDLS scenario, TDLS Peer PSM Request / Response frame may be transmitted via the direct link, and the receiving end can correctly parse the wake-up schedule element.

[0027] In one possible design approach, 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 first device and the third device and between the second device and the third device, and the first link may include at least one fourth direct link.

[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 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 required to be set up, and the direct-link identifier field separately corresponds 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 direct-link identifier field can be used to indicate the link on which the direct link is set up.

[0032] In one possible design scheme, the direct 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. In other words, the direct link identifier field may include the addresses of the associated STAs at both ends of the direct link.

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

[0034] According to a second embodiment, a direct-link addressing method is provided that is applicable to a second device. The second device includes a plurality of station STAs. The second device is connected to a third device, and the third device includes a plurality of access point APs. A first device is connected to a third device, and the first device includes one or more STAs. The direct-link addressing method includes the steps of receiving a first data unit and parsing the first data unit to obtain a first header. The first data unit is transmitted over a 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. If 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. If the first device includes multiple STAs, the fourth address corresponds to the first direct link and is the address of an STA in the multiple STAs of the second device; the fifth address corresponds to the first direct link and is the address of an STA in the multiple STAs of the first device; the sixth address corresponds to the first direct link and is the address of an AP in the multiple APs of the third device; and the first direct link is the direct link between the first device and the second device.

[0035] In one possible design scheme, the direct link addressing method provided in the second aspect may further include the step of obtaining protected data based on a first header. The protected data includes a first address, a second address, and a third address. If 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. If 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 scheme, a direct-link addressing method provided in a second aspect may further include the step of parsing a first data unit to obtain a tunneled direct-link setup (TDLS) frame, wherein the TDLS frame may include a first element, the first element may indicate a target link identifier or the address of an AP in a plurality of APs of a third device corresponding to the target link, the target link being a second direct link to which the TDLS frame applies, and the second direct link being a direct link between the first device and the second device.

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

[0038] In one possible design, if the first device includes one STA and the TDLS frame is a TDLS discovery request frame, the first element may be a transmission link identifier, or indicate the address of an AP in one of several APs of the third device that corresponds to the transmission link, and the transmission link is the link for sending the TDLS discovery request frame.

[0039] In one possible design, if 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 the address of an AP in one of several APs of the third device that corresponds to the transmission link, and the transmission link is the link to which the TDLS discovery request frame is sent. In other words, the composition of the first element corresponding to a TDLS frame that is a TDLS discovery response frame is the same as the composition of the first element corresponding to a TDLS frame that is a TDLS discovery request frame.

[0040] In one possible design, if the first device includes one STA and the TDLS frame is a TDLS setup request frame, the first element indicates the identifier of the link between the first device and the third device, or the address of the AP in the third device that corresponds to the first device and is located within multiple APs, and the transmission link is the link for sending 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 switching request frame, a TDLS channel switching response frame, a TDLS peer power saving request frame, a TDLS peer power saving response frame, a TDLS peer traffic instruction frame, or a TDLS peer traffic response frame, then for a specific embodiment of the first element, please refer to the aforementioned embodiment of the first element where the first device includes one STA and the TDLS frame is a TDLS setup request frame. Further details are not provided here.

[0042] In one possible design, if the first device contains multiple STAs 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 in the third device's multiple APs that corresponds to the reference link. 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 indicates an identifier for a common link for transmitting the TDLS discovery response frame, or the address of an AP in a third device that corresponds to the common link for transmitting the TDLS discovery response frame and is located within a group of APs. The common link is the link between the first and third devices and the link between the second and third devices, and the AP of the third device associated with the first device's STA corresponding to the common link is the same as the AP of the third device associated with the second device's STA corresponding to the common link.

[0044] In one possible design, if the first device includes multiple STAs and the TDLS frame is a TDLS setup request frame, a TDLS setup response frame, or a TDLS setup confirmation frame, the first element is the identifier of the reference link, or corresponds to the reference link and indicates the address of the AP within the multiple APs of the third device.

[0045] In one possible design, if the first device contains multiple 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, the first device includes multiple STAs, and if a TDLS frame is a TDLS peer traffic instruction frame or a TDLS peer traffic response frame, the first element indicates the address of the third device.

[0047] In one possible design scheme, 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, wherein the TDLS frame may include a wake-up schedule element and a second element, the offset field in the wake-up schedule element being an offset to a first timing synchronization threshold of the third direct link, the second element being an identifier of the third direct link, or indicating the address of an AP in a plurality of APs of the third device corresponding to the third direct link, the third direct link being a direct link between the first device and the second device.

[0048] Optionally, the TDLS frame is a TDLS peer power saving management request frame. or This may also be a TDLS peer power saving management response frame.

[0049] In one possible design scheme, a direct link addressing method provided in a second aspect may further include the step of parsing a first data unit to obtain a third element, wherein the third element can be instructed 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.

[0050] In one possible design scheme, the third element may include a direct link number field and a direct link identifier field, the direct link number field may indicate the number of fourth direct links requested to be set up, and the direct link identifier field may correspond separately 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.

[0051] In one possible design scheme, the direct 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.

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

[0053] Furthermore, for the technical effects of the direct link addressing method according to the second embodiment, please refer to the technical effects of the direct link addressing method according to the first embodiment. Details will not be described again here.

[0054] According to a third aspect, a direct link addressing method is provided that is applicable to a second device. The second device includes a plurality of station STAs. The second device is connected to a third device, and the third device includes a plurality of access point APs. The first device is connected to a third device, and the first device includes one or more STAs. The direct link addressing method includes the steps of determining protected data and transmitting a first data unit. The protected data includes a first address, a second address, and a third address. If 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. If 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, which 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 scheme, the first header may include a fourth address, a fifth address, and a sixth address. If 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. If 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 non-AP MLDs over the direct link, thereby increasing the data transmission rate.

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

[0057] In one possible design scheme, the first data unit may include a tunnel direct link setup TDLS frame. The TDLS frame may include a first element, which may be a target link identifier or an address of an AP within a group of APs in a third device that corresponds to the target link. The target link is a second direct link to which the TDLS frame applies, and the second direct link is a direct link between the first device and the second device.

[0058] In one possible design scheme, the first data unit may include a tunnel direct link setup TDLS frame, 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 of the third direct link to the first timing synchronization function threshold, the second element may be an identifier for the third direct link, or indicate the address of an AP within a group of APs of the third device that corresponds to the third direct link, the third direct link being a direct link between the first device and the second device.

[0059] In one possible design, if 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 an AP within multiple APs of the third device that corresponds to the reference link. 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, if 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 the address of an AP in one of several APs of the third device, corresponding to the transmission link, and the transmission link is the link to send the TDLS discovery request frame. In other words, the composition of the first element corresponding to a TDLS frame that is a TDLS discovery response frame is the same as the composition of the first element corresponding to a TDLS frame that is a TDLS discovery request frame. In this way, protocol compatibility is maintained.

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

[0062] 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 switching request frame, a TDLS channel switching response frame, a TDLS peer power saving request frame, a TDLS peer power saving response frame, a TDLS peer traffic instruction frame, or a TDLS peer traffic response frame, then for a specific embodiment of the first element, please refer to the aforementioned embodiment of the first element where the first device includes one STA and the TDLS frame is a TDLS setup request frame. Further details are not provided here again. In this way, protocol compatibility is maintained.

[0063] In one possible design, if the first device contains multiple STAs 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 in the third device's multiple APs that corresponds to the reference link. Optionally, the reference link may be the link indicated by the BSSID field in the Link Identifier Element.

[0064] In one possible design, if the first device includes multiple STAs and the TDLS frame is a TDLS discovery response frame, the first element indicates an identifier for a common link for transmitting the TDLS discovery response frame, or the address of an AP in a third device that corresponds to the common link for transmitting the TDLS discovery response frame and is located within a group of APs. The common link is the link between the first and third devices and the link between the second and third devices, and the AP of the third device associated with the first device's STA corresponding to the common link is the same as the AP of the third device associated with the second device's STA corresponding to the common link.

[0065] In one possible design, if the first device includes multiple STAs and the TDLS frame is a TDLS setup request frame, a TDLS setup response frame, or a TDLS setup confirmation frame, the first element is the identifier of the reference link, or corresponds to the reference link and indicates the address of the AP within the multiple APs of the third device.

[0066] In one possible design, if the first device contains multiple STAs and the TDLS frame is a TDLS discard frame, the first element indicates the address of the third device.

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

[0068] In one possible design scheme, the first data unit may include a third element which may instruct the setup of 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 scheme, the third element may include a direct link number field and a direct link identifier field, the direct link number field may indicate the number of fourth direct links requested to be set up, and the direct link identifier field may correspond separately 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.

[0070] In one possible design scheme, the direct 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 scheme, the seventh address is bound to the TDLS peer key TPK, and the seventh address may include the addresses of APs within multiple APs of the third device, or the addresses of all APs of the third device, and the address of the third device itself, corresponding to the direct link between the first and second devices.

[0072] Furthermore, for the technical effects of the direct link addressing method according to the third embodiment, please refer to the technical effects of the direct link addressing method according to the first embodiment. Details will not be described again here.

[0073] According to a fourth aspect, a direct-link addressing method is provided that is applicable to a first device. The first device includes one or more station STAs. The first device is connected to a third device, the third device includes a plurality of access point APs. A second device is connected to the third device, the second device includes a plurality of STAs. The direct-link addressing method includes the steps of receiving a first data unit and parsing the first data unit to obtain a first header. The first data unit is transmitted over a direct link between the first device and the second device. The first header may include a fourth address, a fifth address, and a sixth address. If 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. If 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 first device; the fifth address corresponds to the first direct link and is the address of an STA within the multiple STAs of the second 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 the direct link between the first device and the second device.

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

[0075] In one possible design scheme, a direct link addressing method provided in a fourth aspect may further include the step of parsing a first data unit to obtain a tunnel direct link setup TDLS frame, wherein the TDLS frame may include a first element, the first element may indicate a target link identifier or the address of an AP in a plurality of APs of a third device corresponding to the target link, the target link being a second direct link to which the TDLS frame applies, and the second direct link being a direct link between the first device and the second device.

[0076] In one possible design, if 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 an AP within multiple APs of the third device that corresponds 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, if 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 the address of an AP in one of several APs of the third device that corresponds to the transmission link, and the transmission link is the link to which the TDLS discovery request frame is sent. In other words, the composition of the first element corresponding to a TDLS frame that is a TDLS discovery response frame is the same as the composition of the first element corresponding to a TDLS frame that is a TDLS discovery request frame.

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

[0079] 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 switching request frame, a TDLS channel switching response frame, a TDLS peer power saving request frame, a TDLS peer power saving response frame, a TDLS peer traffic instruction frame, or a TDLS peer traffic response frame, then for a specific embodiment of the first element, please refer to the aforementioned embodiment of the first element where the first device includes one STA and the TDLS frame is a TDLS setup request frame. Further details are not provided here.

[0080] In one possible design, if the first device contains multiple STAs 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 in the third device's multiple APs that corresponds to the reference link. 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 multiple STAs and the TDLS frame is a TDLS discovery response frame, the first element indicates an identifier for a common link for transmitting the TDLS discovery response frame, or the address of an AP in a third device that corresponds to the common link for transmitting the TDLS discovery response frame and is located within a group of APs. The common link is the link between the first and third devices and the link between the second and third devices, and the AP of the third device associated with the first device's STA corresponding to the common link is the same as the AP of the third device associated with the second device's STA corresponding to the common link.

[0082] In one possible design, if the first device includes multiple STAs and the TDLS frame is a TDLS setup request frame, a TDLS setup response frame, or a TDLS setup confirmation frame, the first element is the identifier of the reference link, or corresponds to the reference link and indicates the address of the AP within the multiple APs of the third device.

[0083] In one possible design, if the first device contains multiple 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, the first device includes multiple STAs, and if a TDLS frame is a TDLS peer traffic instruction frame or a TDLS peer traffic response frame, the first element indicates the address of the third device.

[0085] In one possible design scheme, the direct link addressing method provided in a fourth aspect may further include the step of parsing a first data unit to obtain a TDLS frame, wherein the TDLS frame may include a wake-up schedule element and a second element, the offset field in the wake-up schedule element being an offset to a first timing synchronization threshold of the third direct link, the second element being an identifier of the third direct link, or indicating the address of an AP in a plurality of APs of the third device corresponding to the third direct link, the third direct link being a direct link between the first device and the second device.

[0086] Optionally, the TDLS frame is a TDLS peer power saving management request frame. or This may also be a TDLS peer power saving management response frame.

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

[0088] In one possible design scheme, the third element may include a direct link number field and a direct link identifier field, the direct link number field may indicate the number of fourth direct links requested to be set up, and the direct link identifier field may correspond separately 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.

[0089] In one possible design scheme, the direct 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 scheme, the seventh address is bound to the TDLS peer key TPK, and the seventh address may include the addresses of APs within multiple APs of the third device, or the addresses of all APs of the third device, and the address of the third device itself, corresponding to the direct link between the first and second devices.

[0091] Furthermore, for the technical effects of the direct link addressing method according to the fourth embodiment, please refer to the technical effects of the direct link addressing method according to the first embodiment. Details will not be described again here.

[0092] According to a fifth aspect, a direct link addressing method is provided that is applicable to a first device. The first device includes one or more station STAs. The first device is connected to a third device, the third device includes a plurality of access point APs. A second device is connected to the third device, the second device includes a plurality of STAs. The direct link addressing method includes the steps of determining a first data unit and transmitting the first data unit. The first data unit includes a first header, the first header includes a fourth address, a fifth address, and a sixth address.

[0093] If 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. If 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 an AP in one of 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 scheme, the first data unit further includes a frame body, which can be a TDLS frame or data.

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

[0096] According to the direct link addressing method provided in the fifth aspect, if the first device includes one STA, the first header is composed of the address of the first device, the address of the second device, and the address of the first AP connected to the first device. If the first device includes multiple STAs, the first header is composed of the address of the first device, the address of the second device, and the address of the AP in the multiple APs of the third device corresponding to the sixth direct link, the sixth direct link being a link for transmitting TDLS frames between the first device and the second device. Thus, the first device may transmit the first data unit over the direct link between the first device and the second device without forwarding by the third device, thereby increasing the data transmission rate. In addition, the method for configuring the sixth address may be the same both when the first device includes one STA and when the first device includes multiple STAs, in order to avoid frequent modification of the configuration of the sixth address, thereby further reducing 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 does not need to be determined.

[0098] According to a sixth aspect, a direct link addressing method is provided that is applicable to a second device. The second device includes a plurality of station STAs. The second device is connected to a third device, which includes a plurality of access point APs. A first device is connected to a third device, which includes one or more STAs. The direct link addressing method includes the steps of 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] If 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. If 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 an AP in one of 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.

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

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

[0102] Furthermore, for the technical effects of the direct link addressing method according to the sixth aspect, please refer to the technical effects of the direct link addressing method according to the fifth aspect. Details will not be described again here.

[0103] According to a seventh aspect, a direct link addressing method is provided that is applicable to a second device. The second device includes a plurality of station STAs. The second device is connected to a third device, which includes a plurality of access point APs. A first device is connected to a third device, which includes one or more STAs. The direct link addressing method includes the steps of determining a first data unit and transmitting the first data unit. The first data unit includes a first header, the first header includes a fourth address, a fifth address, and a sixth address.

[0104] If 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, and the first device is connected to the first AP of the third device. If the first device includes multiple STAs, the fourth address is the address of the first device, the fifth address is the address of the second device, and the sixth address corresponds to the sixth direct link and is the address of an AP in one of 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.

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

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

[0107] Furthermore, for the technical effects of the direct link addressing method according to the seventh aspect, please refer to the technical effects of the direct link addressing method according to the fifth aspect. Details will not be described again here.

[0108] According to the eighth aspect, a direct link addressing method is provided that is applied to a first device. The first device includes one or more station STAs. The first device is connected to a third device, the third device includes a plurality of access point APs. A second device is connected to the third device, the second device includes a plurality of STAs. The direct link addressing method includes the steps of 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] If 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, and the first device is connected to the first AP of the third device. If the first device includes multiple STAs, the fourth address is the address of the first device, the fifth address is the address of the second device, and the sixth address corresponds to the sixth direct link and is the address of an AP in one of 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.

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

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

[0112] Furthermore, for the technical effects of the direct link addressing method according to the eighth aspect, please refer to the technical effects of the direct link addressing method according to the fifth aspect. Details will not be described again here.

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

[0114] In this application, the direct link addressing device according to the ninth aspect may be the first device, or a chip (system) or another component or assembly that may be located within the first device.

[0115] Furthermore, for the technical effects of the direct link addressing device according to the ninth aspect, please refer to the technical effects of the direct link addressing method according to any embodiment of the first or fifth aspect. Details will not be described again here.

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

[0117] In this application, the direct link addressing device according to the tenth embodiment may be a second device, or a chip (system) or another component or assembly that may be located within the second device.

[0118] Furthermore, for the technical effects of the direct link addressing device according to the tenth embodiment, please refer to the technical effects of the direct link addressing method according to any embodiment of the first or fifth embodiment. Details will not be described again here.

[0119] According to the eleventh aspect, a direct-link addressing device is provided. The direct-link addressing device includes a processor, the processor is coupled to memory, and the memory is configured to store a computer program. The processor is configured to execute the computer program stored in memory so that the direct-link addressing device performs a direct-link addressing method according to any one of the possible embodiments of the first to eighth aspects.

[0120] In one possible design, the direct link addressing device according to the eleventh aspect may further include a transceiver. The transceiver may be a transceiver circuit or an input / output port. The transceiver may be used by the direct link addressing device to communicate with another device.

[0121] In this application, the direct link addressing device according to the eleventh embodiment may be a first device, a second device, or a chip or chip system located inside the first device or the second device.

[0122] Furthermore, for the technical effects of the direct link addressing device according to the eleventh embodiment, please refer to the technical effects of the direct link addressing method according to any embodiment from the first to the eighth embodiment. Details will not be described again here.

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

[0124] According to the thirteenth aspect, a chip system is provided. The chip system includes a processor and input / output ports, the processor being configured to perform the processing functions of the first to eighth aspects, and the input / output ports being configured to perform the transceiver functions of the first to eighth aspects.

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

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

[0127] According to the fourteenth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium containing a computer program or instruction is provided. When the computer program or instruction is executed on the computer, the computer is enabled to perform a direct link addressing method according to any one of the possible embodiments of the first to eighth aspects.

[0128] According to the 15th aspect, a computer program product is provided which includes a computer program or instructions. When the computer program or instructions are executed on a computer, the computer is enabled to perform a direct link addressing method according to any one of the possible embodiments of the first to eighth aspects. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0129] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system according to one embodiment of this application. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram of the structures of AP MLD and non-AP MLD involved in communication according to one embodiment of this application. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram of the frame structure of a multi-link element according to one embodiment of this application. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram of the frame structure of a Link Identifier Element according to one embodiment of this application. [Figure 5] This is a schematic diagram of the frame structure of an AAD according to one embodiment of this application. [Figure 6] This is a schematic diagram of the frame structure of an MPDU according to one embodiment of this application. [Figure 7] This is a schematic flowchart of a direct link addressing method according to one embodiment of this application. [Figure 8] This is a schematic diagram of the structures of the AP MLD, legacy STA, and non-AP MLD2 involved in communication according to one embodiment of this application. [Figure 9] This is a schematic diagram of the structures of AP MLD, non-AP MLD1, and non-AP MLD2 involved in communication according to one embodiment of this application. [Figure 10] This is a schematic diagram of the structures of non-AP MLD1 and non-AP MLD2 involved in communication according to one embodiment of this application. [Figure 11] This is a schematic diagram of the frame structure of a Wakeup Schedule element according to one embodiment of this application. [Figure 12] This is a schematic diagram of the frame structure of another multi-link element according to one embodiment of the present application. [Figure 13] This is a schematic diagram of the frame structure of a frame body according to one embodiment of the present application. [Figure 14] This is a schematic diagram of the frame structure of a TDLS Link Info element according to one embodiment of this application. [Figure 15] This is a schematic flowchart of another direct link addressing method according to one embodiment of this application. [Figure 16] This is a schematic flowchart of yet another direct link addressing method according to one embodiment of this application. [Figure 17] This is a schematic flowchart of yet another direct link addressing method according to one embodiment of this application. [Figure 18] This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a direct link addressing device according to one embodiment of this application. [Figure 19] This is a schematic diagram of the structure of another direct link addressing device according to one embodiment of this application. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

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

[0131] In this application, all aspects, embodiments, or features are presented by describing systems that may include multiple devices, components, modules, etc. It should be recognized and understood that each system may include other devices, components, modules, etc., and / or may not include all of 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” or “for example” are used to indicate an example, an illustrative example, or to provide an explanation. Embodiments or design schemes described as “example” or “for example” in this application should not be described as being more preferable or having more advantages than other embodiments or design schemes. Strictly speaking, the use of words such as “example” or “for example” is intended to present the relevant concepts in a particular manner.

[0133] A multilink device (MLD) includes one or more related stations, where the related stations are logical stations. “A multilink device includes related stations” is also briefly described as “A multilink device includes stations” in embodiments of this application. Related STAs may be APs or non-AP STAs. For ease of explanation, in this application, a multilink device whose related station is an AP is referred to as an AP MLD, multilink AP, multilink AP device, or access point AP. A single-link device whose related station is an AP is referred to as an AP device, access point, AP, single-link AP device, or access point AP. A multilink device whose related station is a non-AP STA is referred to as a non-AP MLD, multilink STA, multilink STA device, STA MLD, etc. A single-link device whose related station is a non-AP STA is referred to as an STA device, station, STA, non-AP STA, etc.

[0134] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application may be applied to various communication systems, such as systems using the IEEE 802.11 standard. For example, the IEEE 802.11 standard includes, but is not limited to, the 802.11be standard and the next-generation 802.11 standard. Scenarios to which the technical solutions of this application may be applied include communication between non-AP MLDs and AP MLDs, communication between STA devices and AP MLDs, communication between non-AP MLDs and non-AP MLDs, and communication between STA devices and non-AP MLDs.

[0135] A multilink 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. Naturally, the other device may or may not be a multilink device.

[0136] The network architectures and service scenarios described in the embodiments of this application are intended to more clearly describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application. Those skilled in the art will understand that, as network architectures evolve and new service scenarios emerge, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application may also be applicable to similar technical problems.

[0137] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, the communication system shown in Figure 1 is used first as an example to describe in detail a communication system applicable to the embodiments of this application. For example, Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system to which the direct link addressing method according to one embodiment of this application is applicable.

[0138] As shown in Figure 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. An AP MLD may contain multiple APs, a non-AP MLD may contain multiple STAs, and an STA device may contain one STA, sometimes referred to as a legacy STA.

[0139] An AP MLD is a device deployed in a wireless communication network that provides wireless communication capabilities to the AP MLD and its associated STA. An AP MLD includes, but is not limited to, access points (APs), evolved node Bs (eNBs), radio network controllers (RNCs), node Bs (NBs), base station controllers (BSCs), base transceiver stations (BTSs), home base stations (e.g., home evolved node Bs or home node Bs, HNBs), baseband units (BBUs), radio relay nodes, radio backhaul nodes, and transmission and reception points (TRPs, or transmission points, TPs) in wireless fidelity (WiFi) systems such as home gateways, routers, servers, switches, and bridges. An AP MLD may, alternatively, be a gNB or transmit / receive point (TRP or TP) of a 5G system, such as a new radio (NR) system, or one antenna panel or a group of antenna panels (including multiple antenna panels) of a base station of a 5G system. An AP MLD may, alternatively, be a network node such as a baseband unit (BBU), distributed unit (DU), or roadside unit (RSU) with base station functionality that constitutes a gNB or transmit / receive point.

[0140] A non-AP MLD or STA device is a terminal that accesses a communication system and has wireless transceiver functionality, or a chip or chip system that may be located within a terminal. Terminal devices may also be called user equipment, access terminals, subscriber units, subscriber stations, mobile stations, remote stations, remote terminals, mobile devices, user terminals, terminals, wireless communication devices, user agents, or user equipment. In embodiments of this application, terminal devices include mobile phones, tablet computers (Pads), computers with wireless transceiver functionality, virtual reality (VR) terminal devices, augmented reality (AR) terminal devices, wireless terminals in industrial control, wireless terminals in self-driving, and telemedicine. telmedicine The terminal device may be a wireless terminal in a smart grid, a wireless terminal in transportation safety, a wireless terminal in a smart city, a wireless terminal in a smart home, an in-vehicle terminal, or an RSU with terminal functionality. The terminal device in the embodiments of this application may, alternatively, be an in-vehicle module, in-vehicle component, in-vehicle chip, or in-vehicle unit incorporated into the vehicle as one or more components or units. The vehicle may implement the direct link addressing method provided in this application by using the embedded in-vehicle module, in-vehicle component, in-vehicle chip, or in-vehicle unit.

[0141] It should be noted that the direct link addressing method provided in the embodiments of this application is applicable to any two nodes shown in Figure 1. For specific embodiments, please refer to the method embodiments described below. Details are not described here.

[0142] It should be noted that the solutions of the embodiments of this application may be used in other communication systems, and the corresponding names may be replaced with the names of the corresponding functions in the other communication systems.

[0143] Please understand that Figure 1 is merely a simplified schematic diagram of an example for ease of understanding. The communication system may include other devices not shown in Figure 1.

[0144] The frequency bands in which multilink devices operate may include, but are not limited to, sub-1GHz, 2.4GHz, 5GHz, 6GHz, and the high frequency 60GHz. In addition, MLDs can communicate over multiple channels within the same frequency band. Multiple frequency bands or multiple channels are sometimes collectively referred to as multilink. Multilink communication methods increase peak throughput, reduce service transmission delay, and increase the communication speed between MLDs.

[0145] Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of the structure of AP MLDs and non-AP MLDs involved in communication. As shown in Figure 2, the AP MLD includes associated AP1 and associated AP2. AP1 and AP2 are independent of each other at the low media access control (MAC) layer and 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 at the low MAC layer and PHY layer, and share the high MAC layer. The AP MLDs and non-AP MLDs 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] A multilink device corresponds to a multilink device address, and each link of a multilink device corresponds to its own link address. An AP MLD is used as an example. The multilink device address can be the AP MLD MAC address. A non-AP MLD is used as an example. The multilink device address can be the STA MLD MAC address. The link address between an AP MLD and a non-AP MLD may include the associated AP MAC address and associated STA MAC address corresponding to both ends of the link.

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

[0148] For example, a multilink device is a device having wireless communication capabilities. The device may be a system-wide device, or it may be a chip or processing system installed within a system-wide device. A device on which a chip or processing system is installed may be controlled by the chip or processing system to implement the methods and functions of the embodiments of this application.

[0149] The following describes in detail the setup of multiple links between non-AP MLD and AP MLD, with reference to Figures 2 and 3.

[0150] A non-AP MLD can perform multilink configuration operations via one of the links to associate multiple links of an AP MLD simultaneously. In the association process, non-AP MLDs and AP MLDs can exchange Association Request / Response frames via a single link. The link used to exchange Association Request / Response frames may be called the transmission link, and another link may be called the non-transmission link. Continu (Link) Association Request / Response frame It should be understood that this can carry information about multiple links that need to be associated in order to associate multiple links simultaneously between non-AP MLDs and AP MLDs.

[0151] For example, referring to Figure 2, a non-AP MLD sends an Association Request frame over Link 1, which carries STA information for Link 1 and STA information for Link 2. Note that Link 1 may also be called a transmission link, and Link 2 may also be called a non-transmission link. An AP MLD sends an Association Response frame over Link 1 to a non-AP MLD, which may carry AP information for Link 1 and AP information for Link 2. Thus, a non-AP MLD and an AP MLD establish an association over Link 1 and Link 2. Furthermore, a non-AP MLD and an AP MLD can transmit data over Link 1 and Link 2.

[0152] To perform multilink operation, information relating to multiple links may be indicated in frames related to the multilink operation. Therefore, the protocol defines a multilink element. For example, as shown in Figure 3, the information carried by a multilink element is mainly divided into two parts. One part is multilink device-level information (MLD-level info), which includes fields such as the Multi-link Control field and the MLD MAC Address field, and the other part is station-specific information (Per-STA Profile) that carries information relating to non-transmission links. The Per-STA Profile indicates the link identifier (Link ID) of the corresponding link, and the link identifier may indicate information about the relevant STA 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, multi-link elements use inheritance structures. If the content of a corresponding element in a non-transmission link is the same as the content of a corresponding element in a transmission link, the corresponding element in the non-transmission link does not need to be carried in the link's Per-STA Profile. The link's Per-STA Profile is carried only if the content of the corresponding element in the non-transmission link differs from the content of the corresponding element in the transmission link.

[0154] Please note that the specific format of the Multi-link element is not limited to that shown in Figure 3, and the specific format of the Link Identifier Element is not limited in this application.

[0155] It should be understood that non-AP MLDs may obtain link information corresponding to each link (e.g., link identifier) ​​by receiving probe response frames or beacon frames, and may further obtain the channel on which each link operates and the address of each link, such as the basic service set identifier (BSSID) of the link.

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

[0157] Assume that both the first STA device and the second STA device are connected to the same AP device, with the first STA device containing one STA and the second STA device containing one STA. If the first and second STA devices are within wireless communication range, a direct link can be established between the first and second STA devices so that they can communicate directly with each other via the direct link without the need for forwarding through the AP device, thereby improving data transmission speed and reducing latency.

[0158] For example, TDLS-related operations include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following: TDLS discovery, TDLS setup, TDLS discard, TDLS channel switching, TDLS power saving, and TDLS traffic instruction. TDLS frames corresponding to TDLS-related operations are shown in Table 1 below. In this embodiment of the present application, TDLS frames may include TDLS action frames and TDLS public action frames. For example, referring to Table 1 below, a 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 and second STA devices may perform corresponding TDLS-related operations by exchanging TDLS frames. For example, the first and second STA devices may perform TDLS power saving by exchanging TDLS Peer Power Saving Management Request frames (TDLS Peer PSM Request frames) and TDLS Peer PSM Response frames. Alternatively, the first or 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 TDLS teardown frames.

[0160] The transmission mode of a TDLS frame can include via AP (Access Point) or direct transmission. Transmitting via AP indicates that the TDLS frame in this transmission mode must be used to transfer data between a first STA device and a second STA device via AP. Direct transmission indicates that the TDLS frame in 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 transmitted by an AP device. It should be understood that some TDLS frames or TDLS frames may be transmitted in one or both ways (both allowed). See Table 1 below for details. Further details are not listed here.

[0161] When TDLS frames are forwarded via AP devices or transmitted via direct links, they are encapsulated in either a data frame or a management frame for transmission. Specifically, TDLS action frames may be encapsulated in a data frame for transmission, while TDLS public action frames may be transmitted directly in the form of a management frame. See Table 1 below for details. Further details are not listed here.

[0162] [Table 1]

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

[0164] As shown in Figure 5, the AAD may include one or more of the following fields: Frame Control field, Address 1 field, Address 2 field, Address 3 field, Sequence Control field, Address 4 field, and 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 may be used for frame filtering. For example, address 3 can be used to determine whether a frame belongs to the basic service set (BSS). If a frame does not belong to the basic service set, the frame is discarded.

[0166] Please note that the specific format of the AAD is not limited to that shown in Figure 5. For example, address 4 in the AAD may be of any choice. The specific format of the AAD is not limited in this application.

[0167] As shown in Figure 6, the MPDU consists 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 quality of service 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, and a message integrity field. code It may include one or more of the following: 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 Figure 6, the MPDU header may include frame control, duration, address 1, address 2, address 3, sequence control, address 4, quality of service control, and high throughput control. The transmitting end calculates the MIC based on the AAD and the MPDU frame body, places the MIC after the frame body, and then encrypts the MPDU frame body and MIC for transmission. After receiving the MPDU, the receiving end performs a MIC check and calculates one MIC. The receiving end then compares the calculated MIC with the received MIC to check whether the MPDU has been tampered with.

[0170] Please note that the specific format of the MPDU is not limited to that shown in Figure 6. For example, address 4 in the MPDU may be of any choice. The specific format of the MPDU is not limited in this application.

[0171] Between legacy STA and AP device Transmitted The address configurations for data frames and management frames are described below with reference to Tables 2 and 3. AP devices may include associated APs.

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

[0173] For example, addresses 1, 2, 3, and 4 in the MPDU header of a data frame, and addresses 1, 2, 3, and 4 in the AAD are shown in Table 2. In Table 2, if To distributed system (To DS) = 0 and From DS = 0, it indicates point-to-point (P2P), i.e., a direct link, and communication takes place between STAs. If To DS = 0 and From DS = 1, it indicates downlink transmission, i.e., the DS side sends information to the STA. If To DS = 1 and From DS = 0, it indicates uplink transmission, i.e., the STA sends 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 configurations for addresses 3 and 4 can be divided into two cases: the MAC service data unit and short aggregate MAC service data unit case (MSDU and Short A-MSDU case) and the Basic A-MSDU and Dynamic A-MSDU case.

[0174] [Table 2]

[0175] For example, addresses 1, 2, and 3 in the MPDU header of the management frame, as well as addresses 1, 2, and 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 refers to the differences between non-AP MLD and AP MLD, as shown in Tables 4 and 5. Transmitted The address configuration of data frames and management frames is described. Non-AP MLDs may contain multiple associated STAs, and AP MLDs may contain multiple associated APs.

[0178] For example, Table 4 shows the specific configuration of addresses 1, 2, and 3 in the AAD for a data frame transmitted between a Non-AP MLD and an AP MLD. In the case of a data frame, addresses 1 and 2 are set to the corresponding device addresses when the AAD is configured. In the case of an MSDU, address 3 is set as the destination address for uplink data, and as the source address for downlink data. In the case of an A-MSDU, address 3 is set to the address of the AP MLD. When transmitted via an air interface, addresses 1 and 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, Table 5 shows the specific configuration of addresses 1, 2, and 3 in the AAD for a management frame transmitted between a Non-AP MLD and an AP MLD.

[0181] Note that in the case of multiple links, 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, for example, a channel switching request / response frame. An MLD-level management frame is for the entire multilink device, for example, an Add block ACK (ADDBA) frame.

[0182] [Table 5]

[0183] The rules for configuring addresses 1, 2, and 3 in the AAD of a management frame, and the rules for configuring addresses 1, 2, and 3 in the MPDU header during transmission over an air interface, are as follows: For addresses 1 and 2, if an AAD is configured, addresses 1 and 2 are set to the addresses of the corresponding MLDs, and if transmitted over an air interface, addresses 1 and 2 in the MPDU header are replaced with the corresponding link addresses. For address 3, if 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. If transmitted over an air interface, A3 in the MPDU header is the same as A3 in the AAD. For MLD-level management frames, A3 in the AAD is set to the AP MLD address. If transmitted over an air interface, A3 in the MPDU header is the same as A3 in the AAD.

[0184] The direct link addressing method provided in the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 7 to 17.

[0185] For example, Figure 7 is a schematic flowchart of a direct link addressing method according to one embodiment of the present application. An example in which the first device is used as a TDLS initiator is used for the explanation. The direct link addressing method is applicable to communication between the STA device shown in Figure 1 and a non-AP MLD2, or between the non-AP MLD1 and non-AP MLD2 shown in Figure 1.

[0186] As shown in Figure 7, the direct link addressing method includes the following steps.

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

[0188] For example, the first device may include one or more station STAs, and the first device may be connected to a third device, and the third device may include multiple APs. If the first device includes one STA, the first device may be the STA device shown in Figure 1. The STA device is sometimes called a legacy STA. For ease of understanding, the legacy STA is used as an example for illustrative purposes in the following embodiments of this application. If the first device includes multiple STAs, the first device may be the non-AP MLD1 shown in Figure 1. The third device may be the AP MLD shown in Figure 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 Figure 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, if 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, and the second device may include multiple STAs, and the second device may be a non-AP MLD2 as shown in Figure 1.

[0192] For example, Figure 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 Figure 8, the AP MLD includes AP1, AP2, and AP3. The legacy STA is connected to AP1 of the AP MLD, and the 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, e.g., the non-AP MLD2 MAC Address, the second address is the address of the legacy STA, e.g., the legacy STA MAC Address, and the third address is the address of AP1, e.g., the BSSID of AP1.

[0193] [Table 6]

[0194] In some embodiments, if 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.

[0195] [Table 7]

[0196] For example, Figure 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 Figure 9, AP MLD includes AP1, AP2, and AP3, with STA1 and STA2 of non-AP MLD1 connected to AP1 and AP3 of AP MLD respectively, and STA1 and STA2 of non-AP MLD2 connected to AP1 and AP2 of AP MLD respectively. As shown in Table 7, the first address is the address of non-AP MLD2, e.g., non-AP MLD2 MAC Address, the second address is the address of non-AP MLD1, e.g., non-AP MLD1 MAC Address, and the third address is the address of AP MLD, e.g., AP MLD MAC Address.

[0197] Please note that Figures 8 and 9 are merely examples provided in this embodiment of the present application. The number of STAs included in the non-AP MLD2 and the number of APs included in the AP MLD are not limited, nor are the ways in which the non-AP MLD2 and legacy STAs are connected to the AP MLDs limited.

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

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

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

[0201] Referring to Figure 9, the first data unit may be transmitted via link 1 between the first device and the second device, and does not 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 in 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 also include the fourth address, the fifth address, and the sixth address.

[0205] For example, the first header may be the MPDU header shown in Figure 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, if 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, Figure 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 Figure 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. Table 8 shows the address configuration within the first data unit when the first device sends the first data unit to the second device. The fourth address is the address of the non-AP MLD2, e.g., the non-AP MLD2 MAC address. The fifth address is the address of the legacy STA, e.g., the legacy STA MAC address. The sixth address is the address of AP1, e.g., the BSSID of AP1.

[0208] The fourth, fifth, and sixth addresses in the first header may be the same as the first, second, and third addresses in the protected data, respectively.

[0209] [Table 8]

[0210] In some embodiments, if the first device includes multiple STAs, the fourth address corresponds to the first direct link and is the address of an STA in the multiple STAs of the second device; the fifth address corresponds to the first direct link and is the address of an STA in the multiple STAs of the first device; the sixth address corresponds to the first direct link and is the address of an AP in the multiple 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, Figures 9 and 10 show an example where the first device is a non-AP MLD1, the second device is a non-AP MLD2, and the third device is an AP MLD. As shown in Figure 9, links 1-1 and 3 are set up between the first and third devices, and links 1-2 and 2 are set up between the second and third devices. As shown in Figure 10, STA1 of non-AP MLD1 is connected to STA1 of non-AP MLD2 and corresponds to direct link 1. Table 9 shows the address configuration within the first data unit when the first device sends the first data unit to the second device. 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 or the Affiliated AP1 MAC address of the AP MLD.

[0212] Note that if multiple direct links exist between the first device and the second device, the first direct link may be the direct link for transmitting the first data unit 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 a target link identifier (ID), or it may indicate the address of an AP within a group of APs on a third device that corresponds to the target link. For example, the first element may be set to the BSSID corresponding to the target link.

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

[0217] The third device is assumed to include AP1, AP2, and AP3, with AP2 corresponding to the target link. In this case, the address of the AP corresponding to the target link and located within the third device's multiple APs is the address of AP2 on the third device, i.e., the Affiliated AP2 BSSID of the 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] Direct links 1 and 2 exist between the first device and the second device, and the TDLS frame is a TDLS channel switching request frame. or It is assumed that the target link corresponding to the TDLS channel switching request / response frame is Direct Link 2, and that Direct Link 2 can be switched from the current channel to the specified channel based on the first element corresponding to the TDLS channel switching request / response frame.

[0220] In a multilink TDLS scenario, the first element directs the target link and initiates the TDLS Channel Switch Request / Response. frameThis does not necessarily mean a TDLS channel Switch Request / Response frame Instead of being transmitted via a target link to which it should be switched, it may be transmitted via any direct link, thereby increasing transmission flexibility.

[0221] Optionally, the first element may be a Link Identifier element as shown in Figure 4, or a newly defined element. In some embodiments, the first field within the first element may be a target link identifier, or the address of an AP within a group of APs on a third device that corresponds to the target link. 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 in the wake-up schedule element is an offset of the third direct link to the first timing synchronization function threshold, the second element is an identifier of the third direct link, or corresponds to the third direct link and indicates the address of an AP within multiple APs of the third device, and the third direct link is a direct link between the first device and the second device.

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

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

[0226] Optionally, the TDLS frame is a TDLS peer power saving management request frame. or This may also be a TDLS peer power saving management response frame.

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

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

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

[0230] For example, referring to Figure 11, a Wakeup Schedule element may include one or more of the following fields: Element ID field, Length field, Offset field, Interval field, Awake window Slots field, Maximum Awake Window Duration field, and Idle Count field.

[0231] The offset field may indicate the offset of the first wake window relative to TSF0. TSF may be a counter, and the value stored in the counter represents a time value. The interval field may indicate the 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 a TDLS peer end is allowed to lapse before removing the periodic wake-up schedule. An idle wake window means that no unicast frames are received from the TDLS peer end within the wake window. For example, if the first device does not receive any unicast frames from the second device during the process of the first device lapsed the number of wake windows indicated by the idle count field, the second device may remove the wake-up schedule element.

[0232] It should be noted that methods 2 and 3 may be used independently or in combination. When used in combination, the first and second elements may be the same element, for example, the first element, so the first element may be a target link identifier, or a target link corresponding to an AP address within multiple APs of the third device, or a third direct link identifier, or a third direct link corresponding to an AP address within multiple 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 the link identifier element or the newly defined element is constructed, referring to Table 10. In other words, if the TDLS frames are different frames, the link identifier element, the newly defined element, the BSSID field within the link identifier element, or the first field of the newly defined element may correspond to different configurations. For ease of explanation, the link identifier element, the newly defined element, the first element, and the second element will be collectively referred to as the first element below.

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

[0235] If the first device includes one STA and the TDLS frame is a TDLS discovery response frame, the first element indicates the identifier of the transmission link, or the address of an AP within one of several APs of the third device that corresponds to the transmission link. The transmission link is the link from which the TDLS discovery request frame is sent.

[0236] [Table 10A] [Table 10B]

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

[0238] If the first device includes one STA and the TDLS frame is a TDLS setup request frame, the first element indicates the identifier of the link between the first device and the third device, or the address of an AP within one of the third device's multiple APs, corresponding to the first device. The transmission link is the link to which the TDLS discovery request frame is sent. For example, the first element may be set to the BSSID corresponding to the link on which the Legacy STA is located.

[0239] 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 switching request frame, a TDLS channel switching response frame, a TDLS peer power saving management request frame, a TDLS peer power saving management response frame, a TDLS peer traffic instruction frame, or a TDLS peer traffic response frame, then for specific embodiments of the first element, please 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. Further details are not provided here again.

[0240] In some other scenarios, if the first device contains multiple STAs and the TDLS frame is a TDLS discovery request frame, the first element indicates the identifier of the reference link, or the address of an AP within multiple APs of the third device that corresponds to the reference link. Optionally, 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.

[0241] If the first device includes multiple STAs and the TDLS frame is a TDLS discovery response frame, the first element indicates an identifier for a common link for transmitting the TDLS discovery response frame, or the address of an AP in one of the multiple APs of the third device that corresponds to the common link for transmitting the TDLS discovery response frame. The common link is 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, if the first device includes multiple STAs, the TDLS discovery response frame may be transmitted over any common link.

[0243] If the first device includes multiple STAs and the TDLS frame is a TDLS setup request frame, a TDLS setup response frame, or a TDLS setup confirmation frame, the first element is the identifier of the reference link, or the address of an AP within the multiple APs of the third device that corresponds to the reference link. For example, the first element may be set to the BSSID corresponding to the reference link.

[0244] If the first device includes multiple STAs and the TDLS frame is a TDLS discard frame, the first element may indicate the address of the third device, which may indicate that all direct links between the first and second devices should be discarded. For example, the first element may be set to the AP MLD MAC address. Alternatively, the first element may indicate the address of an AP within the third device's multiple APs that corresponds to the direct link between the first and second devices, for example, the BSSID corresponding to the direct link. For example, if the first element is set to the address of an affiliated AP corresponding to the direct link between the first and second devices, it indicates that the direct link should be discarded, i.e., that no data can subsequently be received or transmitted over that direct link.

[0245] If the first device includes multiple STAs and the TDLS frame is a TDLS channel switching request frame or a TDLS channel switching response frame, refer to Method 2 above for a specific embodiment of the first element. Details are not described again here. For example, the first element may be set to the BSSID corresponding to the target link.

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

[0247] If the first device includes multiple STAs and the TDLS frame is a TDLS peer traffic instruction 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 following details the reference links, transmission links, and common links.

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

[0250] Specifically, to set up a multi-link TDLS, if the first device contains multiple STAs, the multi-link element will trigger a TDLS Setup Request / Response. frame or TDLS Discovery Request / Response frame In some cases, it may need to be carried in the TDLS action frame. After the TDLS initiator and TDLS responder successfully exchange TDLS Discovery Request / Response frames, the non-AP MLD knows whether the peer end is an MLD. If both the TDLS initiator and TDLS responder are MLDs, the Multi-link element may be carried in the subsequent TDLS Setup Request / Response frame.

[0251] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of the frame structure of another Multi-link element according to one embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 12, the Type subfield is set to the number corresponding to the TDLS. The Transparent / non-transparent transmission bit indicates the address mode used by the non-AP MLD. If 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. If the address mode is non-transparent, it indicates that different links corresponding to the non-AP MLD use different link addresses, and that 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, must 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 specific formatting of the frame body, please refer to Figure 13. The frame body may include information about reference links (Element ID#1, Element ID#2, etc.) and information about other links (Multi-link element). For example, referring to Figure 3 or Figure 12, information about other links may be carried in the Per-STA Profile within the Multi-link element.

[0253] Transmission link ( Transmission Link): Indicates the link on which the frame is transmitted. The corresponding link is called the transmission link. Assuming the TDLS frame is transmitted over link 1, link 1 is called the transmission link.

[0254] For TDLS frames 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 sent, the transmission link is usually required to match the reference link. For example, if an initiator sends a multilink association request frame over link 1, the responder must also return a multilink association response frame over link 1.

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

[0256] For example, the methods for sending a data frame may include the following: One possible way is that the data frame is sent according to the requirements for sending a management frame, specifically that the data frame is sent back via the link to which it was sent. Transmission The link matches the reference link. Another possible approach is that the dataframe is sent according to the requirements for sending the dataframe, specifically that the dataframe is transmitted over any link. For example, TDLS Setup Request. frame The following is sent via link1: TDLS Setup Response frame This is sent via link2. In this case, Transmission The 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 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 speed.

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

[0263] Specifically, the identifier field of the direct link 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. In other words, the identifier field of the direct link may separately correspond to at least one fourth direct link 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 fourth direct link. In this way, the link on which the direct link is set can be indicated.

[0264] In the embodiments of this application, it should be noted that "AP's MAC address," "AP's BSSID," and "AP's address" may have the same meaning unless the differences between "AP's MAC address," "AP's BSSID," and "AP's address" are emphasized.

[0265] Alternatively, the direct link identifier field may optionally 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 correspond separately to at least one fourth direct link and include the address of at least one AP within multiple 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 in which the direct link is set up on a common link. In one possible design solution, the direct link may be set up on a non-common link between the first and second devices. When the direct link is set up on a non-common link, the embodiment of the third element is similar to the specific embodiment of the third element corresponding to the scenario in which the direct link is set up on a common link.

[0268] For example, the third element may instruct that at least one fifth direct link be set up on the second link. The second link is a different link 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 and third devices and between the second and third devices, 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 and second devices can set up a direct link over the non-common link to increase the data transmission speed.

[0270] In some embodiments, the third element may include a direct link number field and a direct link identifier field. The direct link number field may indicate the quantity of fifth direct links that are requested to be set up. In this way, the quantity of fifth direct links to be set up is indicated so that the fifth direct links can be set up on some or all of the second links, thereby increasing the flexibility of direct link setup.

[0271] Specifically, the direct link identifier field may correspond separately to at least one fifth direct link and include the address of at least one AP within multiple APs of the third device, or the identifier of at least one fifth direct link. 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 direct link identifier field may include the address of an AP within multiple APs of the third device that corresponds to the STA of the first device, or the address of an AP within multiple APs of the third device that corresponds to the STA of the second device.

[0272] In other words, the direct link identifier field may contain 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, an indirect link may be represented by using the address of the associated AP corresponding to the initiator setting up the direct link, or the identifier of a second link corresponding to the associated AP. For example, if the direct link setup is initiated by the first device, the direct link identifier field may contain the address of an AP in one of the multiple APs of the third device, corresponding to the STA of the first device, or the identifier of a second link corresponding to the associated AP.

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

[0275] Note that the format of the third element is not limited to this embodiment of the present application, and Figure 14 is merely an example of the present application.

[0276] It should be noted that the aforementioned methods 1 to 4 may be used in combination with the direct link addressing method shown in Figure 7, and that methods 1 to 4 may be used independently or in combination with each other. This is not limited to 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 and second devices and includes the addresses of APs within multiple APs of the third device or all APs of the third device, as well as the address of the third device itself.

[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 Step 2. Steps 1 and Step 2 may be used independently, or it should be noted that they may be used in combination with the method, Method 1, Method 2, Method 3, and / or Method shown in FIG. 7. 4 Note that they may also be used in combination.

[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, an AKM suite selector may include one or more of the following: organizationally unique identifier (OUI), suite type, authentication, key management, key derivation, and authentication numbers. See Table 11 for specific details of each item. Further details are not provided here.

[0284] [Table 11]

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

[0286] Optionally, 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 the hash algorithm, SNonce (supplicant nonce) represents the requester's random number, ANonce (authenticator nonce) represents the authenticationer's random number, || represents concatenation or inclusion, the mathematical symbol min represents taking the minimum value, and the mathematical symbol max represents taking the maximum value. 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 Address 1 || …. Affiliated AP Address n) (2) In equation (2) above, 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 (AP of the third device) corresponding to the direct link between the first device and the second device. If 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 steps 1 and 2 described above may also be applied to the derivation of a pairwise master key (PTK), and the seventh address may be bound to the PTK. Further details are not provided here.

[0288] In some embodiments, the first and second devices handle TDLS Setup Request / Response / Confirm frame The TPK derivation handshake negotiation can be completed by exchanging (see steps a to c below for details). Specifically, steps 1 and 2 described above can be used in combination with steps a to c below to complete the TPK derivation handshake negotiation.

[0289] An example is used in which the first device is used as a TDLS initiator.

[0290] Step a: The first device sends a TDLS Setup Request frame to the second device. In response, the second device receives a TDLS Setup Request frame from the first device.

[0291] Step b: The second device sends a TDLS Setup Response frame to the first device. In response, the first device receives a 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 TDLS Link Info element.

[0293] For example, a TDLS Setup Response frame may include accepting or rejecting a TDLS setup request. For instance, the Status Code of the TDLS Setup Response frame indicates whether it is accepted or rejected.

[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 direct link addressing method shown in Figure 7, if the first device includes one STA, the protected data is constructed using the address of the first device, the address of the second device, and the address of the first AP connected to the first device. If the first device includes multiple STAs, the protected data is constructed using the address of the first device, the address of the second device, and the address of the third device. Therefore, the first device may transmit the first data unit over the direct link between the first device and the second device, thereby increasing the data transmission speed. In addition, if the first device includes multiple STAs, the protected data is constructed using the device addresses, and changes in the direct link do not affect the protected data. Therefore, when data is transmitted over multiple direct links, encryption does not need to be performed again, thereby further increasing the data transmission speed.

[0296] For example, Figure 15 is a schematic flowchart of another direct link addressing method according to one embodiment of the present application. An example in which a second device is used as a TDLS initiator is used for the explanation. The direct link addressing method is applicable to communication between the STA device shown in Figure 1 and a non-AP MLD2, or between the non-AP MLD1 and non-AP MLD2 shown in Figure 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, if 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] In relation to Figure 8, Table 12 shows the first, second, and third addresses of the protected data when the first device includes one STA and the second device is used as a TDLS initiator. The difference from Table 6 in S701 is that the configuration of the first address and the configuration of the second address are swapped, and since the responder is the first device, the first address is the address of the legacy STA, e.g., the legacy STA MAC Address, and since the initiator is the second device, the second address is the address of the non-AP MLD2, e.g., the 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, e.g., the BSSID of AP1.

[0301] [Table 12]

[0302] In some embodiments, if the first device includes multiple STAs, the first address is the address of the first device, the second address is the address of the second device, and the third address is the address of the third device.

[0303] In relation to Figure 9, Table 13 shows the first, second, and third addresses of the protected data when the first device contains multiple STAs and the second device is used as a TDLS initiator. Because the initiator and responder change, the difference between Table 13 and Table 7 in S701 is that the configuration of the first address and the configuration of the second address are swapped. See Table 13 for details. Further details are not provided here.

[0304] [Table 13]

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

[0306] The first data unit includes a first header, which 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 as shown in Figure 6, and the first header may be an MPDU header as shown in Figure 6.

[0308] Optional, S 15 02 2 The first data unit may be determined before or during the process in which the device transmits the first data unit. 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 also include the fourth address, the fifth address, and the sixth address.

[0311] For example, the first header may be the MPDU header shown in Figure 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.

[0312] In some embodiments, if 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 relation to Figure 8, Table 14 shows the fourth, fifth, and sixth addresses of the MPDU header when the first device contains one STA and the second device is used as a TDLS initiator. Because the initiator and responder change, the difference between Table 14 and Table 8 in the aforementioned Method 1 is that the configuration of the fourth address and the configuration of the fifth address are swapped. See Table 14 for details. Further details are not provided here.

[0314] [Table 14]

[0315] In some embodiments, if the first device includes multiple STAs, the fourth address corresponds to the first direct link and is the address of an STA in the multiple STAs of the first device; the fifth address corresponds to the first direct link and is the address of an STA in the multiple STAs of the second device; and the sixth address corresponds to the first direct link and is the address of an AP in the multiple APs of the third device. The first direct link is the direct link between the first device and the second device.

[0316] In relation to Figures 9 and 10, Table 15 shows the fourth, fifth, and sixth addresses of the MPDU header when the first device contains multiple STAs and the second device is used as a TDLS initiator. Because the initiator and responder change, the difference between Table 15 and Table 9 in the aforementioned Method 1 is that the configuration of the fourth address and the configuration of the fifth address are swapped. See Table 15 for details. Further details are not provided here.

[0317] Note that if multiple direct links exist between the first device and the second device, the first direct link may be the 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, the TDLS frame including a first element. The first element is a target link identifier, or indicates the address of an AP within a group of APs on a third device that corresponds to the target link. For example, the first element may 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, please refer to Method 2 described above. Details are not provided again here.

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

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

[0325] It should be noted that, as with Methods 2 and 3, Methods 6 and 7 may be used independently or in combination, and further details are not provided here.

[0326] [Table 16A] [Table 16B]

[0327] For different TDLS frames, the following describes how the link identifier element or the newly defined element is constructed, referring to Table 16 above. In other words, if the TDLS frames are different frames, the link identifier element, the newly defined element, the BSSID field within the link identifier element, or the first field of the newly defined element may correspond to different configurations. For ease of explanation, the link identifier element, the newly defined element, the first element, and the second element will be collectively referred to as the first element below.

[0328] The main difference between the configuration of the first element when the second device is used as the TDLS initiator and the configuration of the first element when the first device is used as the 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, if 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 an AP within one of the multiple APs of the third device that corresponds 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 specific embodiments of the first element, please refer to the corresponding embodiments of the first element in Table 10 when the first device is used as a TDLS initiator. Further details are not provided here.

[0331] For specific embodiments of the reference link, transmission link, and common link, please refer to the corresponding embodiments of Method 3 described above. Further details are not provided here.

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

[0333] Optionally, the first data unit may include a third element which may instruct the setup of at least one fourth direct link on the first link, the first link being 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 including at least one fourth direct link. For specific embodiments, please refer to the corresponding embodiments of Method 4 described above. Details are not described again here.

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

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

[0336] It should be noted that methods 5 through 8 described above may be used in combination with the direct link addressing method shown in Figure 15, and that methods 5 through 8 may be used independently or in combination with each other. This is not limited to the present application.

[0337] In some embodiments, the seventh address is bound to the TDLS peer key TPK. Optionally, the seventh address may correspond to a direct link between the first and second devices and include the addresses of APs within multiple APs of the third device, or the addresses of all APs of the third device, and the address of the third device itself. For specific embodiments, see the embodiment in which the first device binds the seventh address to the TPK. Further details are not provided here.

[0338] In one possible design solution, the direct link addressing method provided in this embodiment of the present application may further include the TPK derivation process shown in steps 3 and 4 below. Note that steps 3 and 4 may be used independently or in combination with the method, formula 5, formula 6, formula 7, and / or formula 8 shown in Figure 15.

[0339] Step 3: The first device 、A Negotiate with a second device to determine the KM suite selector. For specific embodiments, please refer to step 1 above, as further details will not be described here.

[0340] Step 4: The first device negotiates with the second device to derive the TDLS peer key TPK. For specific embodiments, please refer to Step 2 above, as further details are not provided here.

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

[0342] In some embodiments, the first and second devices handle TDLS Setup Request / Response / Confirm frame The TPK derivation handshake negotiation can be completed by exchanging (see steps d through f below for details). Specifically, steps 3 and 4 described above can be used in combination with steps d through f below to complete the TPK derivation handshake negotiation.

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

[0344] Steps d through f are the same as steps a through c described above, and steps d through f correspond to steps a through c described above, respectively. The main difference is that the first device in steps a through 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 direct link addressing method shown in Figure 15, if the first device includes one STA, the protected data is configured 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. If the first device includes multiple STAs, the protected data is configured 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 over the direct link between the first and second devices without transfer by the third device, thereby increasing the data transmission speed. In addition, if the first device includes multiple STAs, the protected data is configured using the device addresses, and changes in the direct link do not affect the protected data. Therefore, when data is transmitted over multiple direct links, encryption does not need to be performed again, thereby further increasing the data transmission speed.

[0346] For example, Figure 16 is a schematic flowchart of yet another direct link addressing method according to one embodiment of the present application. An example in which the first device is used as a TDLS initiator is used for the explanation. The direct link addressing method is applicable to communication between the STA device shown in Figure 1 and a non-AP MLD2, or between the non-AP MLD1 and non-AP MLD2 shown in Figure 1.

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

[0348] The first data unit includes a first header, which 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 as shown in Figure 6, and the first header may be an MPDU header as shown in Figure 6, and the TDLS frame or data is carried in the Frame Body field.

[0351] In some embodiments, if 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] In relation to Figure 8, the first AP is AP1 in Figure 8. Table 17 shows the fourth, fifth, and sixth addresses of the MPDU header when the first device includes one STA and the first device is used as a TDLS initiator. The fourth address is the address of the non-AP MLD2, e.g., the non-AP MLD2 MAC Address. The fifth address is the address of the legacy STA, e.g., the legacy STA MAC Address. The sixth address is the address of AP1, e.g., the BSSID of AP1.

[0353] [Table 17]

[0354] In some embodiments, if the first device includes multiple STAs, the fourth address is the address of the second device, the fifth address is the address of the first device, and the sixth address corresponds to a sixth direct link and is the address of an AP within multiple APs of the third device, the sixth direct link being 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, Figures 9 and 10 show an example where the first device is a non-AP MLD1, the second device is a non-AP MLD2, and the third device is an AP MLD. The fourth, fifth, and sixth addresses of the MPDU header when the first device contains multiple STAs and the first device is used as a TDLS initiator are shown in Table 18. It is assumed that the first data unit is transmitted over direct link 1, the fourth address is the address of STA1 of non-AP MLD2, e.g., non-AP MLD2 MAC Address, the fifth address is the address of STA1 of non-AP MLD1, e.g., non-AP MLD1 MAC Address, and the sixth address is the address of AP1 corresponding to direct link 1, e.g., the Affiliated AP1 BSSID of the AP MLD.

[0356] [Table 18]

[0357] Specifically, the configuration method for the sixth address corresponding to Tables 17 and 18 may be the same whether the first device contains one STA or multiple STAs, thereby reducing transmission delay and avoiding frequent modifications to the configuration of the sixth address.

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

[0359] Tables 17 and 18 show possible address configurations for 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 does not need to be determined.

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

[0361] According to the direct link addressing method shown in Figure 16, if the first device includes one STA, the first header is composed of the address of the first device, the address of the second device, and the address of the first AP connected to the first device. If the first device includes multiple STAs, the first header is composed of the address of the first device, the address of the second device, and the address of the AP in the multiple APs of the third device, corresponding to the sixth direct link, where 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 forwarding by the third device, thereby increasing the data transmission speed. In addition, the method for configuring the sixth address may be the same whether the first device includes one STA or multiple STAs, in order to avoid frequent modifications to the configuration of the sixth address, thereby further reducing transmission delay.

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

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

[0364] The first data unit includes a first header, which 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 as shown in Figure 6, and the first header may be an MPDU header as shown in Figure 6, and the TDLS frame or data is carried in the Frame Body field.

[0367] In some embodiments, if 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] In relation to Figure 8, Table 19 shows the fourth, fifth, and sixth addresses of the MPDU header when the first device contains one STA and the second device is used as a TDLS initiator. Because the initiator and responder change, the difference between Table 19 and Table 17 in S1601 is that the configuration of the fourth address and the configuration of the fifth address are swapped. See Table 19 for details. Further details are not provided here.

[0369] [Table 19]

[0370] In some embodiments, if the first device includes multiple STAs, the fourth address is the address of the first device, the fifth address is the address of the second device, and the sixth address corresponds to a sixth direct link and is the address of an AP within multiple APs of the third device, the sixth direct link being 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] In relation to Figures 9 and 10, Table 20 shows the fourth, fifth, and sixth addresses of the MPDU header when the first device contains multiple STAs and the second device is used as a TDLS initiator. Because the initiator and responder change, the difference between Table 20 and Table 18 in S1601 is that the configuration of the fourth address and the configuration of the fifth address are swapped. See Table 20 for details. Further details are not provided here.

[0372] [Table 20]

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

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

[0375] For the technical effects of the method shown in Figure 17, please refer to the technical effects of the method shown in Figure 16. Further details are not provided here.

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

[0377] The following describes some specific application scenarios to which embodiments of this application may be applied. It should be understood that the application scenarios of embodiments of this application are not limited to the following specific scenarios.

[0378] Scenario 1 An 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 the AP MLD, and link1 and link3 are set up between non-AP MLD2 and the AP MLD. In this case, non-AP MLD1 and non-AP MLD2 can set up a multilink TDLS. Link1 is called the common link, and the other links are called non-common links. The link identifier corresponding to link1 can be indicated by the Link ID or the BSSID of the AP associated with either end of the link. In the case of data transmission over a non-common link, both ends of the non-common link can negotiate via the common link on which the channel data is transmitted. For example, if a non-common link is switched to a channel on which one end is located for transmission, the peer end is in off-channel transmission mode, and the peer end must notify the AP that it is entering a doze state, and then switch to a channel on which the other end is located for direct transmission.

[0379] In the scenario described above, at least one common link must exist to set up a direct link between non-AP MLDs. Otherwise, the TDLS Discovery Response will fail. frame Either a reply is not allowed, or TDLS Setup is initiated. If multiple common links exist between non-AP MLDs, TDLS Discovery Response frame This can be replied to via any common link. However, if the link corresponding to the BSSID field in the Link Identifier Element is also a common link, the TDLS Discovery Response frame This can preferably be replied to via a common link.

[0380] In addition, the non-AP MLDs at both ends can use different address modes, such as transparent transmission mode and 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 non-AP MLD1 and the AP MLD, and the legacy STA is associated with link2. If the non-AP MLD acts as an initiator and sends a 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 link1, then if the Legacy STA, after receiving the TDLS Discovery Request frame, discovers that the BSSID where the legacy STA is located does not match the BSSID in the Link Identifier element, the legacy STA will 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, nor does it 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, if the Legacy STA, after receiving the TDLS Discovery Request frame, 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, and the discovery is successful.

[0383] Scenario 3 The 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 the AP MLD, and the legacy STA is associated with link2. If the Legacy STA, as the initiator, sends a TDLS Discovery Request frame on link2, then after receiving the TDLS Discovery Request frame, the Non-AP MLD can only return a TDLS Discovery Response frame via the link indicated by the BSSID in the Link Identifier Element (i.e., link2).

[0384] If both the TDLS initiator and TDLS responder are MLDs, then TDLS Discovery Request frame The TDLS Discovery Response frame then carries each of the Multi-link elements. In this way, both ends learn through the TDLS discovery process that the peer end is also an MLD device. In addition, through the TDLS discovery process, the TDLS initiator and TDLS responder can learn which link is the common link.

[0385] The direct link addressing method provided in the embodiments of this application has been described in detail above with reference to Figures 7 to 17. The direct link addressing device provided in the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 18 and 19.

[0386] Figure 18 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a direct link addressing device that can be configured to perform the direct link addressing method provided in embodiments of this application. The direct link addressing device 1800 may be a first device or a second device, or a chip applied to the first device or the second device or another component having a corresponding function. As shown in Figure 18, the direct link addressing device 1800 may include a processor 1801 and a transceiver 1803. The direct link addressing device 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 in detail each component of the direct link addressing device 1800 with reference to Figure 18.

[0388] The processor 1801 is the control center of the direct link addressing device 1800, and may be a single processor or a collective term for multiple processing elements. For example, the processor 1801 may be one or more central processing units (CPUs), or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or one or more integrated circuits for carrying out this embodiment of the present application, such as one or more digital signal processors (DSPs) or one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs).

[0389] The processor 1801 can perform various functions of the direct link addressing device 1800 by operating or executing software programs stored in memory 1802 and by retrieving data stored in 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 Figure 18.

[0391] In a specific implementation, in one embodiment, the direct link addressing device 1800 may, alternatively, include a plurality of processors, for example, processors 1801 and 1804 shown in Figure 18. Each of the processors may be a single-core processor (single-CPU) or a multi-core processor (multi-CPU). The processors 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 may be a read-only memory (ROM) or another type of static storage communication device capable of storing static information and instructions, a random access memory (RAM) or another type of dynamic storage communication device capable of storing information and instructions, an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or another compact disc storage device, an optical disc storage device (including compact discs, laser discs, optical discs, digital multipurpose discs, Blu-ray discs, etc.), a magnetic disc storage medium or another magnetic storage communication device, or any other medium that can be used to carry or store expected program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a computer. However, memory 1802 is not limited to these. Memory 1802 may be integrated with the processor 1801 or may exist independently, and may be coupled to the processor 1801 via the input / output ports of a direct link addressing device 1800 (not shown in Figure 18). This is not specifically limited to this embodiment of the present application.

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

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

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

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

[0397] The operations of the second device in steps S1501 and S1502 and steps S1701 and S1702 described above may be performed by the processor 1801 in the direct link addressing device 1800 shown in Figure 18 by calling application program code stored in memory 1802 to instruct the remote terminal device to perform the operations. This is not limited to this embodiment.

[0398] Figure 19 is a schematic diagram of the structure of another direct link addressing device according to one embodiment of the present application. For ease of explanation, Figure 19 shows only the main components of the direct link addressing device.

[0399] The direct link addressing device 1900 includes a transceiver module 1901. Optionally, the direct link addressing device 1900 may further include a processing module 1902. The direct link addressing device 1900 may be the first device or the second device in the method embodiment described above. The transceiver module 1901 may also be called a transceiver unit and is configured to perform the transceiver function performed by the first device or the second device in any one of the method embodiments described above.

[0400] It should be noted that the transceiver module 1901 may include a receiving module and a transmitting module (not shown in Figure 19). The receiving module is configured to perform the receiving function performed by the first or second device in any one of the method embodiments described above. The transmitting module is configured to perform the transmitting function performed by the first or second device in any one of the method embodiments described above. Specific embodiments of the transceiver module 1901 are not specifically limited in this application.

[0401] The processing module 1902 may also be called a processing unit and may be configured to perform processing functions performed by the first or second device in any one of the method embodiments described above. The processing module 1902 may also be a processor.

[0402] In this embodiment, the direct link addressing device 1900 is presented in a manner that integrates the functional modules. In this case, “module” may be a specific ASIC, circuit, processor running one or more software or firmware programs, memory, integrated logic circuitry, and / or other components capable of providing the aforementioned functions. Those skilled in the art will understand that in a simple embodiment, the direct link addressing device 1900 may take the form of the direct link addressing device 1800 shown in Figure 18.

[0403] For example, the processor 1801 in the direct link addressing device 1800 shown in Figure 18 may call a computer executable instruction stored in memory 1802 so that the direct link addressing device 1800 performs the direct link addressing method in the method embodiment described above.

[0404] Specifically, the functions / implementation processes of the transceiver module 1901 and processing module 1902 in Figure 19 may be performed by a processor 1801 in the direct-link addressing device 1800 shown in Figure 18, which calls computer-executable instructions stored in memory 1802. Alternatively, the functions / implementation processes of the processing module 1902 in Figure 19 may be performed by a processor 1801 in the direct-link addressing device 1800 shown in Figure 18, which calls computer-executable instructions stored in memory 1802, and the functions / implementation processes of the transceiver module 1901 in Figure 19 may be performed by a transceiver 1803 in the direct-link addressing device 1800 shown in Figure 18.

[0405] Since the direct link addressing device 1900 provided in this embodiment can perform the direct link addressing method described above, please refer to the method embodiment described above for the technical effects that can be achieved by the direct link addressing device 1900. Details are not described again here.

[0406] In one possible design solution, the direct link addressing device 1900 shown in Figure 19 is applicable to the communication system shown in Figure 1 and performs the function of the first device in the direct link addressing method shown in Figure 7. The direct link addressing device 1900 includes one or more station STAs. The direct link addressing device 1900 is connected to a third device, which includes multiple access point APs. A second device is connected to the third device, which includes multiple STAs.

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

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

[0409] Optionally, the direct link addressing device 1900 may further include a storage module (not shown in Figure 19) which stores a program or instruction. When the processing module 1902 executes the program or instruction, the direct link addressing device 1900 may perform the function of the first device in the direct link addressing method shown in Figure 7.

[0410] It should be noted that the direct link addressing device 1900 may be the first device, or a chip (system) or other component or assembly that may be located within the first device. This is not limited to the present application.

[0411] Furthermore, for the technical effects of the direct link addressing device 1900, please refer to the technical effects of the direct link addressing method shown in Figure 7. Further details are not provided here.

[0412] In another possible design solution, the direct link addressing device 1900 shown in Figure 19 is applicable to the communication system shown in Figure 1 and performs the function of the second device in the direct link addressing method shown in Figure 7. The direct link addressing device 1900 includes multiple station STAs. The direct link addressing device 1900 is connected to a third device, which includes multiple access point APs. The first device is connected to the third device, which 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, which is determined based on protected data, and the first data unit is transmitted over a direct link between the first device and the direct link addressing device 1900. The protected data includes a first address, a second address, and a third address. If the first device includes one STA, the first address is the address of the direct link addressing device 1900, the second address is the address of the first device, 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. If the first device includes multiple STAs, the first address is the address of the direct link addressing device 1900, the second address is the address of the first device, and the third address is the address of the third device.

[0414] Optionally, the direct link addressing device 1900 may further include a processing module 1902 and a storage module (not shown in Figure 19), the storage module storing a program or instruction. When the processing module 1902 executes the program or instruction, the direct link addressing device 1900 may perform the function of the second device in the direct link addressing method shown in Figure 7.

[0415] It should be noted that the direct link addressing device 1900 may be a second device, or a chip (system) or another component or assembly that may be located within the second device. This is not limited to the present application.

[0416] Furthermore, for the technical effects of the direct link addressing device 1900, please refer to the technical effects of the direct link addressing method shown in Figure 7. Further details are not provided here.

[0417] In yet another possible design solution, the direct link addressing device 1900 shown in Figure 19 is applicable to the communication system shown in Figure 1 and performs the function of the second device in the direct link addressing method shown in Figure 15. The direct link addressing device 1900 includes multiple station STAs, the direct link addressing device 1900 is connected to a third device, the third device includes multiple access point APs, the first device is connected to the third device, and the first device includes one or more STAs.

[0418] The processing module 1902 is configured to determine protected data. Protected data includes a first address, a second address, and a third address. If the first device includes one STA, the first address is the address of the first device, the second address is the address of the direct link addressing device 1900, 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. If the first device includes multiple STAs, the first address is the address of the first device, the second address is the address of the direct link addressing device 1900, and the third address is the address of the third device.

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

[0420] Optionally, the direct link addressing device 1900 may further include a storage module (not shown in Figure 19) which stores a program or instruction. When the processing module 1902 executes the program or instruction, the direct link addressing device 1900 may perform the function of a second device in the direct link addressing method shown in Figure 15.

[0421] It should be noted that the direct link addressing device 1900 may be a second device, or a chip (system) or another component or assembly that may be located within the second device. This is not limited to the present application.

[0422] Furthermore, for the technical effects of the direct link addressing device 1900, please refer to the technical effects of the direct link addressing method shown in Figure 15. Details are not described again here.

[0423] In yet another possible design solution, the direct link addressing device 1900 shown in Figure 19 is applicable to the communication system shown in Figure 1 and performs the function of the first device in the direct link addressing method shown in Figure 15. The direct link addressing device 1900 includes one or more station STAs. The direct link addressing device 1900 is connected to a third device, the third device includes multiple access point APs, and a second device is connected to the third device, the second device includes multiple STAs.

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

[0425] Optionally, the direct link addressing device 1900 may further include a processing module 1902 and a storage module (not shown in Figure 19), the storage module storing a program or instruction. When the processing module 1902 executes a program or instruction, the direct link addressing device 1900 may perform the functions of the first device in the direct link addressing method shown in Figure 15.

[0426] It should be noted that the direct link addressing device 1900 may be the first device, or a chip (system) or other component or assembly that may be located within the first device. This is not limited to the present application.

[0427] Furthermore, for the technical effects of the direct link addressing device 1900, please refer to the technical effects of the direct link addressing method shown in Figure 15. Details are not described again here.

[0428] In yet another possible design solution, the direct link addressing device 1900 shown in Figure 19 is applicable to the communication system shown in Figure 1 and performs the function of the first device in the direct link addressing method shown in Figure 16. The direct link addressing device 1900 includes one or more station STAs. The direct link addressing device 1900 is connected to a third device, the third device includes multiple access point APs, and a second device is connected to the third device, the second device includes multiple 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, the first header including a fourth address, a fifth address, and a sixth address. If the direct link addressing device 1900 includes one STA, the fourth address is the address of the second device, the fifth address is the address of the direct link addressing device 1900, and the sixth address is the address of the first AP of the third device, and the direct link addressing device 1900 is connected to the first AP of the third device. If the Direct Link Addressing Device 1900 includes multiple STAs, the fourth address is the address of the second device, the fifth address is the address of the Direct Link Addressing Device 1900, the sixth address corresponds to the sixth direct link and is the address of an AP within the multiple APs of the third device, and the sixth direct link is a link for transmitting TDLS frames between the Direct Link Addressing 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 direct link addressing device 1900 and the second device.

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

[0432] Optionally, the direct link addressing device 1900 may further include a storage module (not shown in Figure 19) which stores a program or instruction. When the processing module 1902 executes the program or instruction, the direct link addressing device 1900 may perform the functions of the first device in the direct link addressing method shown in Figure 16.

[0433] It should be noted that the direct link addressing device 1900 may be the first device, or a chip (system) or other component or assembly that may be located within the first device. This is not limited to the present application.

[0434] Furthermore, for the technical effects of the direct link addressing device 1900, please refer to the technical effects of the direct link addressing method shown in Figure 16. Details are not described again here.

[0435] In yet another possible design solution, the direct link addressing device 1900 shown in Figure 19 is applicable to the communication system shown in Figure 1 and performs the function of the second device in the direct link addressing method shown in Figure 16. The direct link addressing device 1900 includes multiple station STAs. The direct link addressing device 1900 is connected to a third device, which includes multiple access point APs. The first device is connected to the third device, which 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, the first header including a fourth address, a fifth address, and a sixth address.

[0437] If the first device includes one STA, the fourth address is the address of the direct link addressing device 1900, the fifth address is the address of the first device, and the sixth address is the address of the first AP of the third device, and the first device is connected to the first AP of the third device. If the first device includes multiple STAs, the fourth address is the address of the direct link addressing device 1900, the fifth address is the address of the first device, and the sixth address corresponds to the sixth direct link and is the address of an AP in one of the multiple APs of the third device, and the sixth direct link is a link for transmitting TDLS frames between the first device and the direct link addressing device 1900. The first data unit is transmitted via the direct link between the first device and the direct link addressing device 1900.

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

[0439] Optionally, the direct link addressing device 1900 may further include a processing module 1902 and a storage module (not shown in Figure 19), the storage module storing a program or instruction. When the processing module 1902 executes the program or instruction, the direct link addressing device 1900 may perform the function of a second device in the direct link addressing method shown in Figure 16.

[0440] It should be noted that the direct link addressing device 1900 may be a second device, or a chip (system) or another component or assembly that may be located within the second device. This is not limited to the present application.

[0441] Furthermore, for the technical effects of the direct link addressing device 1900, please refer to the technical effects of the direct link addressing method shown in Figure 16. Details are not described again here.

[0442] In yet another possible design solution, the direct link addressing device 1900 shown in Figure 19 is applicable to the communication system shown in Figure 1 and performs the function of the second device in the direct link addressing method shown in Figure 17. The direct link addressing device 1900 includes multiple station STAs. The direct link addressing device 1900 is connected to a third device, which includes multiple access point APs. The first device is connected to the third device, which 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, the first header including a fourth address, a fifth address, and a sixth address.

[0444] The transceiver module 1901 is configured to transmit a first data unit. If the first device includes one STA, the fourth address is the address of the first device, the fifth address is the address of the direct link addressing device 1900, and the sixth address is the address of the first AP of the third device, and the first device is connected to the first AP of the third device. If the first device includes multiple STAs, the fourth address is the address of the first device, the fifth address is the address of the direct link addressing device 1900, and the sixth address corresponds to the sixth direct link and is the address of an AP in one of the multiple APs of the third device. The sixth direct link is a link for transmitting TDLS frames between the first device and the direct link addressing device 1900. The first data unit is transmitted via the direct link between the first device and the direct link addressing device 1900.

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

[0446] Optionally, the direct link addressing device 1900 may further include a processing module 1902 and a storage module (not shown in Figure 19), the storage module storing a program or instruction. When the processing module 1902 executes the program or instruction, the direct link addressing device 1900 may perform the function of a second device in the direct link addressing method shown in Figure 17.

[0447] It should be noted that the direct link addressing device 1900 may be a second device, or a chip (system) or another component or assembly that may be located within the second device. This is not limited to the present application.

[0448] Furthermore, for the technical effects of the direct link addressing device 1900, please refer to the technical effects of the direct link addressing method shown in Figure 17. Details are not described again here.

[0449] In yet another possible design solution, the direct link addressing device 1900 shown in Figure 19 is applicable to the communication system shown in Figure 1 and performs the function of the first device in the direct link addressing method shown in Figure 17. The direct link addressing device 1900 includes one or more station STAs. The direct link addressing device 1900 is connected to a third device, which includes multiple access point APs. A second device is connected to the third device, which includes multiple 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, the first header including a fourth address, a fifth address, and a sixth address.

[0451] If the Direct Link Addressing Device 1900 includes one STA, the fourth address is the address of the Direct Link Addressing Device 1900, the fifth address is the address of the second device, and the sixth address is the address of the first AP of the third device, and the Direct Link Addressing Device 1900 is connected to the first AP of the third device. If the Direct Link Addressing Device 1900 includes multiple STAs, the fourth address is the address of the Direct Link Addressing Device 1900, the fifth address is the address of the second device, and the sixth address corresponds to the sixth direct link and is the address of an AP within the multiple APs of the third device. The sixth direct link is a link for transmitting TDLS frames between the Direct Link Addressing Device 1900 and the second device. The first data unit is transmitted via the direct link between the Direct Link Addressing Device 1900 and the second device.

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

[0453] Optionally, the direct link addressing device 1900 may further include a processing module 1902 and a storage module (not shown in Figure 19), the storage module storing a program or instruction. When the processing module 1902 executes a program or instruction, the direct link addressing device 1900 may perform the functions of the first device in the direct link addressing method shown in Figure 17.

[0454] It should be noted that the direct link addressing device 1900 may be the first device, or a chip (system) or other component or assembly that may be located within the first device. This is not limited to the present application.

[0455] Furthermore, for the technical effects of the direct link addressing device 1900, please refer to the technical effects of the direct link addressing method shown in Figure 17. Details are not described again here.

[0456] One embodiment of this application provides a communication system. The communication system includes a first device and a second device. 3 The system may further include the following devices. The first device is configured to perform the operation of the first device in the method embodiment described above. For specific methods and processes, please refer to the method embodiment described above. Details are not described again here. The second device is configured to perform the operation of the second device in the method embodiment described above. For specific methods and processes, please refer to the method embodiment described above. Details are not described again here. The third device is configured to perform the operation of the third device in the method embodiment described above. For specific methods and processes, please refer to the method embodiment described above. Details are not described again here.

[0457] One embodiment of this application provides a chip system. The chip system includes a processor and input / output ports. The processor is configured to perform processing functions in the direct link addressing method provided in the embodiment of this application. The input / output ports are configured to perform transceiver functions in the direct link addressing method provided in the embodiment of this application.

[0458] In one possible design, the chip system further includes memory. The memory is configured to store program instructions and data for performing the functions in the direct-link addressing method provided in embodiments of this application.

[0459] The chip system may include a chip, or it 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 direct link addressing 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 direct link addressing method provided in the embodiment of this application.

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

[0463] It should be further understood that the memory in the embodiments of this application may be volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memory. Non-volatile memory may be read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or flash memory. Volatile memory may be random access memory (RAM) used as an external cache. Rather than being a restrictive explanation, many forms of random access memory (RAM), such as static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (synchronous DRAM, SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (enhanced SDRAM, ESDRAM), synchlink dynamic random access memory (synchlink DRAM, SLDRAM), and direct rambus random access memory (DR RAM), may be used.

[0464] All or part of the embodiments described above may be implemented using software, hardware (e.g., circuitry), firmware, or any combination thereof. Where software is used to implement the embodiments, the embodiments described above may be implemented all or partly in the form of a computer program product. A computer program product includes one or more computer instructions or computer programs. When the program instructions or computer programs are loaded into a computer and executed, all or part of the procedures or functions according to the embodiments of this application are generated. The computer may be a general-purpose computer, a dedicated computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. Computer instructions may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, computer instructions may be transmitted by wired means (e.g., infrared, wireless, or microwave) from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center. The computer-readable storage medium may be any available medium accessible by a computer, or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The usable media may be magnetic media (e.g., floppy disks, hard disks, or magnetic tapes), optical media (e.g., DVDs), or semiconductor media. Semiconductor media may include solid-state drives.

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

[0466] In this application, “at least one” means one or more, and “multiple” 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 or plural items (parts). For example, at least one of a, b, or c may refer to a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, or abc, where a, b, and c may be singular or plural.

[0467] It should be understood that the sequence numbers of the processes described above do not represent the execution order in the various embodiments of this application. The execution order of the processes should be determined based on the function and internal logic of the processes and should not be interpreted as a limitation on the implementation processes of the embodiments of this application.

[0468] A person skilled in the art will recognize, in combination with the examples described in the embodiments disclosed herein, that the units and algorithmic steps can be implemented by electronic hardware, or by a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether the function is performed by hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. A person skilled in the art may implement the described function using different methods for different specific applications, but such embodiments should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0469] For the sake of brevity of description, detailed operating processes of the aforementioned systems, apparatus, and units should be referred to the corresponding processes in the aforementioned method embodiments, and it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that such details are not described again in this specification.

[0470] It should be understood that in some embodiments provided in this application, the disclosed systems, apparatus, and methods may be implemented in other ways. For example, the described apparatus embodiments are merely examples. For example, the division into units is merely a logical functional division, and other divisions may be present in actual embodiments. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, and some features may be ignored or omitted. In addition, the mutual coupling, direct coupling, or communication connection shown or discussed may be implemented through some interfaces. Indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatus or units may be implemented in electronic, mechanical, or other forms.

[0471] Units described as separate parts may or may not be physically separate, and parts shown as units may or may not be physical units, and may be located in one location or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units may be selected based on actual requirements in order to achieve the objectives of the embodiment's solution.

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

[0473] When a function is implemented in the form of a software function unit and sold or used as an independent product, the function may be stored on a computer-readable storage medium. Based on such understanding, the technical solution of this application, or a part of the technical solution, is essentially, or contributes to the prior art. computerThe invention may be implemented in the form of a software product. The computer software product is stored on 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 capable of storing program code, such as a USB flash drive, a removable hard disk, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk, or an optical disk.

[0474] The foregoing description is merely a specific embodiment of the present application and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Any modifications or substitutions that are readily conceived by a person skilled in the art within the scope of the art disclosed herein shall fall within the scope of protection of this application. Accordingly, the scope of protection of this application shall be subject to the scope of protection of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0475] 1. Address, direct link, method 2. Address, direct link, method 3. Address, Link, Method 4. Address, method 1800 Direct Link Addressing Device 1801 Processor 1802 memory 1803 Transceiver 1804 Processor 1900 Direct Link Addressing Device 1901 Transceiver Module 1902 Processing Module

Claims

1. A direct link addressing method applied to 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 point APs, the first device is connected to the third device, the first device includes one or more STAs, and the method is: Steps include receiving at least two Tunnel Direct Link Setup Discovery Request (TDLS) frames, wherein each TDLS Discovery Request frame includes an identifier field indicating an AP in the third device, each TDLS Discovery Request frame includes a multilink element field, each multilink element field includes a Type subfield, the Type subfield indicates a Tunnel Direct Link Setup, and each different TDLS Discovery Request frame corresponds one-to-one to a different AP in the third device. A method comprising the step of transmitting a Tunnel Direct Link Setup Discovery Response (TDLS) frame by an STA in the plurality of STAs of the second device, associated with the AP of the third device.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein 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.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the TDLS Discovery Request frame includes the multilink element field, the multilink element field further includes an MLD MAC Address field, the MLD MAC Address field indicates the MAC address of the third device.

4. The aforementioned method, The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising the step of binding the MAC address of the third device to a TDLS peer key TPK.

5. 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 point APs, the first device is connected to the third device, the first device includes one or more STAs, and the second device is A transceiver unit configured to receive at least two Tunnel Direct Link Setup Discovery Request (TDLS) frames, wherein each TDLS Discovery Request frame includes an identifier field indicating an AP in the third device, each TDLS Discovery Request frame includes a multilink element field, each multilink element field includes a Type subfield, the Type subfield indicates a Tunnel Direct Link Setup, and each different TDLS Discovery Request frame corresponds one-to-one to a different AP in the third device. The second device transmits a Tunnel Direct Link Setup Discovery Response (TDLS) frame to the STAs within the plurality of STAs of the second device, which are associated with the AP of the third device.

6. The second device according to claim 5, wherein 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.

7. The second device according to claim 5, wherein the TDLS Discovery Request frame includes the multilink element field, the multilink element field further includes an MLD MAC Address field, the MLD MAC Address field indicates the MAC address of the third device.

8. The second device according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the MAC address of the third device is bound to a TDLS peer key TPK.

9. An apparatus configured to perform the method described in any one of claims 1 to 4.

10. A computer-readable storage medium, wherein the computer-readable storage medium includes a computer program or instruction, and when the computer program or instruction is executed on the computer, the computer is enabled to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

11. A chip comprising a processor and input / output ports, wherein, when a computer program or instruction is executed, the chip is enabled to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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