METHODS AND DEVICES FOR DIRECT-LINK ADDRESSING

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and apparatus for direct link addressing, such that direct communication can be made between a non-access point multi-link device (non-AP MLD) and a non-AP MLD, or between a station device (STA) and a non-AP MLD, thereby improving data transmission performance. The invention is applicable to wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) systems. The method is applied to a first device, which comprises one or more STA stations. The first device is connected to a third device, which comprises multiple access points (APs). The second device is connected to a third device, which comprises multiple STA stations. When the first device includes an 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.When the first device comprises 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 can transmit the first data unit through the direct link between the first and second devices, thereby increasing data transmission speed.

Description

Direct link addressing method and device

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the State Intellectual Property Office on March 15, 2021, with application number 202110278095.3 and application name “Direct Link Addressing Method and Device”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

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

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

[0004] However, communications between two non-AP MLDs, or between a STA and a non-AP MLD, still need to be forwarded through the AP MLD, increasing transmission latency. The industry has yet to provide a solution for establishing a direct link between a first non-AP MLD and a second non-AP MLD, or between a STA and a non-AP MLD.

[0005] Summary of the Invention

[0006] The embodiments of the present application provide a direct link addressing method and apparatus, which enable direct communication between non-AP MLDs or between STA devices and non-AP MLDs, thereby improving data transmission efficiency.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, this application adopts the following technical solutions:

[0008] In a first aspect, a direct link addressing method is provided, which is applied to a first device, wherein the first device includes one or more stations STA, the first device is connected to a third device, the third device includes multiple access points AP, the second device is connected to the third device, and the second device includes multiple STAs. The direct link addressing method includes: determining protected data and sending a first data unit. The protected data includes a first address, a second address, and a third address. When the first device includes one STA, the first address is the address of the second device, the second address is the address of the first device, and the third address is the address of the first AP of the third device, and the first device is connected to the first AP of the third device. When the first device includes multiple STAs, the first address is the address of the second device, the second address is the address of the first device, and the third address is the address of the third device. The first data unit includes a first header, the first header is determined based on the protected data, and the first data unit is transmitted via the direct link between the first device and the second device.

[0009] Based on the direct link addressing method described in the first aspect, when the first device includes one STA, the protected data is constructed using the address of the first device, the address of the second device, and the address of the first AP to which the first device is connected. When the first device includes multiple STAs, the protected data is constructed using the address of the first device, the address of the second device, and the address of the third device. Thus, the first device can transmit the first data unit through the direct link between the first device and the second device, which can improve the data transmission rate. In addition, when the first device includes multiple STAs, the protected data is constructed using the device address, and the change of the direct link does not affect the protected data. Therefore, when transmitting data across links between multiple direct links, there is no need to re-encrypt, which can further improve the data transmission rate.

[0010] Optionally, the protected data may be additional authentic data (AAD), and the first data unit may be a management protocol data unit (MPDU).

[0011] In one possible design, the first header may include a fourth address, a fifth address, and a sixth address. When the first device includes a STA, the fourth address is the address of the 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. This allows the legacy STA and the second device to communicate over a direct link, improving data transmission rates.

[0012] Optionally, the first header may be an MPDU header.

[0013] In one possible design, the first header may include a fourth address, a fifth address, and a sixth address. When the first device includes multiple STAs, the fourth address is the address of the STA corresponding to the first direct link among the multiple STAs of the second device, the fifth address is the address of the STA corresponding to the first direct link among the multiple STAs of the first device, and the sixth address is the address of the AP corresponding to the first direct link among the multiple APs of the third device, where the first direct link is a direct link between the first and second devices. In this way, non-AP MLDs can communicate with non-AP MLDs via the direct link, thereby improving the data transmission rate.

[0014] In one possible design, the first data unit may include a tunneled direct-link setup (TDLS) frame. The TDLS frame may include a first element, which may be used to indicate an identifier of a target link or an address of an AP corresponding to the target link among multiple APs of a third device. 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. In this way, for a link-level TDLS frame, it is possible to indicate on which direct link the TDLS frame is applied.

[0015] Optionally, the TDLS frame can be a TDLS Channel Switch Request frame or a TDLS Channel Switch Response frame. TDLS Channel Switch Request is used to request that the target link be switched from the current channel to another channel, and TDLS Channel Switch Response is used to indicate whether or not to agree to the target link being switched from the current channel to another channel. In this way, the first device and the second device can switch the target link from the current channel to another channel for communication. In a multi-link TDLS scenario, the TDLS Channel Switch Request / Response can be transmitted through any directly connected link.

[0016] Optionally, the first element may be a link identifier element (Link Identifier element) or a newly defined element.

[0017] In one possible design, when the first device includes a single STA and the TDLS frame is a TDLS discovery request frame, the first element may be used to indicate the identifier of a transmission link, or the address of an AP among multiple APs of a third device that corresponds to the transmission link, where the transmission link is the link through which the TDLS discovery request frame is sent. This allows the legacy STA and the second device to communicate via a direct link, improving the data transmission rate.

[0018] In one possible design, when the first device includes a STA and the TDLS frame is a TDLS discovery response frame, the first element is used to indicate the identifier of the transmission link, or the address of the AP corresponding to the transmission link among multiple APs of the third device, and the transmission link is the link that sends the TDLS discovery request frame. In other words, the setting content of the first element corresponding to the TDLS frame being a TDLS discovery response frame is the same as the setting content of the first element corresponding to the TDLS frame being a TDLS discovery request frame. In this way, the Legacy STA and the second device can communicate through a direct link, which can improve the data transmission rate.

[0019] In one possible design, when the first device includes a single 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 corresponding to the first device among multiple APs on the third device. The transmission link is the link over which the TDLS discovery request frame is sent. This allows the legacy STA and the second device to communicate over a direct link, improving the data transmission rate.

[0020] In one possible design, when the first device includes a STA and the TDLS frame is a TDLS setup response frame, a TDLS setup confirmation frame, a TDLS teardown frame, a TDLS channel switch request frame, a TDLS channel switch response frame, a TDLS peer energy saving management request frame, a TDLS peer energy saving management response frame, a TDLS peer traffic indication frame, or a TDLS peer traffic response frame, the specific implementation method of the first element can refer to the implementation method of the first element when the first device includes a STA and the TDLS frame is a TDLS setup request frame, and will not be repeated here. In this way, non-AP MLDs can communicate with non-AP MLDs through a direct link, which can improve the data transmission rate.

[0021] In one possible design, when the first device includes multiple STAs and the TDLS frame is a TDLS discovery request frame, the first element is used to indicate the identifier of the reference link, or the address of the AP corresponding to the reference link among multiple APs of the third device. Optionally, the reference link can be the link indicated by the BSSID field in the Link Identifier Element. In this way, non-AP MLDs can communicate with non-AP MLDs through a direct link, which can improve the data transmission rate.

[0022] In one possible design, when the first device includes multiple STAs and the TDLS frame is a TDLS discovery response frame, the first element is used to indicate the identifier of the public link for transmitting the TDLS discovery response frame, or the address of the AP corresponding to the public link for transmitting the TDLS discovery response frame among the multiple APs of the third device. The public 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 AP of the third device associated with the STA of the first device corresponding to the public link is the same as the AP of the third device associated with the STA of the second device corresponding to the public link. In this way, non-AP MLDs can communicate with non-AP MLDs through a direct link, which can improve the data transmission rate.

[0023] In one possible design, when the first device includes multiple STAs and the TDLS frame is a TDLS setup request frame, a TDLS setup response frame, or a TDLS setup confirmation frame, the first element is used to indicate the identifier of the reference link or the address of the AP corresponding to the reference link among multiple APs of the third device. In this way, the receiving end can know which link corresponds to the reference link.

[0024] In one possible design, when the first device includes multiple STAs and the TDLS frame is a TDLS teardown frame, the first element is used to indicate the address of the third device. In this way, the receiving end can know which device associated with which AP MLD sent the frame.

[0025] In one possible design, when the first device includes multiple STAs and the TDLS frame is a TDLS peer traffic indication frame or a TDLS peer traffic response frame, the first element is used to indicate the address of the third device. This allows the receiving end to know which device, associated with which AP MLD, sent the frame.

[0026] In one possible design, the first data unit may include a tunnel direct link establishment TDLS frame, which may include a wakeup schedule element and a second element. The offset field in the wakeup schedule element is an offset relative to the first timing synchronization function threshold of the third direct link, and the second element may be used to indicate the identifier of the third direct link or the address of the AP corresponding to the third direct link among multiple APs of the third device. The third direct link is the direct link between the first and second devices. This allows accurate knowledge of when to periodically wake up and transmit and receive data, thereby saving power.

[0027] Optionally, the TDLS frames can be TDLS peer PSM request frames and TDLS peer PSM response frames. In this way, in a multi-link TDLS scenario, the TDLS Peer PSM Request / Response can be transmitted over any directly connected link, and the receiver can correctly interpret the wakeup scheduling elements.

[0028] In one possible design, the first data unit may include a third element, where the third element may be used to indicate establishment 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 the at least one fourth direct link.

[0029] In this way, the first device and the second device can establish a direct link on the public link to increase the data transmission rate.

[0030] That is to say, the first link can be a common link between the first device and the third device, and 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.

[0031] In one possible design, the third element may include a direct link quantity field and a direct link identifier field. The direct link quantity field may be used to indicate the number of fourth direct links requested to be established, and the direct link identifier field may include the address of at least one AP among multiple APs of the third device that corresponds to the at least one fourth direct link or the identifier of the at least one fourth direct link.

[0032] In this way, by indicating the number of fourth direct links to be established, the fourth direct links can be established on some or all of the first links, thereby improving the flexibility of establishing direct links. The direct link identifier field can be used to indicate on which links the direct links are to be established.

[0033] In one possible design, the direct link identifier field may also include the address of the first STA of the first device and the address of the second STA of the second device. In other words, the direct link identifier field may include the addresses of the subordinate STAs at both ends of the direct link.

[0034] In one possible design, the seventh address is bound to a TDLS peer key (TPK) and is the address of an AP among multiple APs of the third device that corresponds to the direct link between the first and second devices, or the addresses of all APs of the third device, as well as the address of the third device. This improves the security of communication between the first and second devices via the direct link.

[0035] In a second aspect, a direct link addressing method is provided, which is applied to a second device, wherein the second device includes multiple stations (STAs), the second device is connected to a third device, the third device includes multiple access points (APs), and a first device is connected to the third device, the first device includes one or more STAs. The direct link addressing method includes: receiving a first data unit, parsing the first data unit to obtain a first header. The first data unit is transmitted via a direct link between the first and second devices, and the first header may include a fourth address, a fifth address, and a sixth address. When the first device includes one STA, the fourth address is the address of the second device, the fifth address is the address of the first device, and the sixth address is the address of the first access point (AP) of the third device. When the first device includes multiple STAs, the fourth address is the address of the STA corresponding to the first direct link among the multiple STAs of the second device, the fifth address is the address of the STA corresponding to the first direct link among the multiple STAs of the first device, and the sixth address is the address of the AP corresponding to the first direct link among the multiple APs of the third device, where the first direct link is the direct link between the first and second devices.

[0036] In one possible design, the direct link addressing method provided in the second aspect may further include: obtaining protected data based on the first header. The protected data includes a first address, a second address, and a third address. When the first device includes one STA, the first address is the address of the second device, the second address is the address of the first device, and the third address is the address of the first AP of the third device, and the first device is connected to the first AP of the third device. When the first device includes multiple STAs, the first address is the address of the second device, the second address is the address of the first device, and the third address is the address of the third device.

[0037] In one possible design, the direct link addressing method provided by the second aspect may further include: parsing the first data unit to obtain a tunneled direct-link setup (TDLS) frame, the TDLS frame may include a first element, the first element may be used to indicate the identifier of the target link or the address of the AP corresponding to the target link among multiple APs of the third device, the target link is the second direct link applied by the TDLS frame, and the second direct link is the direct link between the first device and the second device.

[0038] Optionally, the TDLS frame may be a TDLS Channel Switch Request frame or a TDLS Channel Switch Response frame. The TDLS Channel Switch Request frame is used to request that the target link be switched from the current channel to another channel, and the TDLS Channel Switch Response frame is used to indicate whether or not to agree to switch the target link from the current channel to another channel.

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

[0040] In one possible design, when the first device includes a STA and the TDLS frame is a TDLS discovery response frame, the first element is used to indicate the identifier of the transmission link, or the address of the AP corresponding to the transmission link among multiple APs of the third device, where the transmission link is the link through which the TDLS discovery request frame is sent. In other words, the setting content of the first element corresponding to the TDLS discovery response frame of the TDLS frame can be the same as the setting content of the first element corresponding to the TDLS discovery request frame of the TDLS frame.

[0041] In one possible design, when the first device includes an STA and the TDLS frame is a TDLS establishment request frame, the first element is used to indicate the identifier of the link between the first device and the third device, or the address of the AP corresponding to the first device among multiple APs of the third device, and the transmission link is the link for sending the TDLS discovery request frame.

[0042] In one possible design, when the first device includes a STA, and the TDLS frame is a TDLS establishment response frame, a TDLS establishment confirmation frame, a TDLS teardown frame, a TDLS channel switching request frame, a TDLS channel switching response frame, a TDLS peer energy saving management request frame, a TDLS peer energy saving management response frame, a TDLS peer traffic indication frame or a TDLS peer traffic response frame, the specific implementation method of the first element can refer to the above-mentioned implementation method of the first element when the first device includes a STA and the TDLS frame is a TDLS establishment request frame, and will not be repeated here.

[0043] In one possible design, when the first device includes multiple STAs and the TDLS frame is a TDLS discovery request frame, the first element is used to indicate the identifier of the reference link, or the address of the AP corresponding to the reference link among multiple APs of the third device. Optionally, the reference link can be the link indicated by the BSSID field in the Link Identifier Element.

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

[0045] In one possible design, when the first device includes multiple STAs and the TDLS frame is a TDLS establishment request frame, a TDLS establishment response frame or a TDLS establishment confirmation frame, the first element is used to indicate the identifier of the reference link, or the address of the AP corresponding to the reference link among the multiple APs of the third device.

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

[0047] In one possible design, when the first device includes multiple STAs and the TDLS frame is a TDLS peer traffic indication frame or a TDLS peer traffic response frame, the first element is used to indicate the address of the third device.

[0048] In one possible design, the direct link addressing method provided in the second aspect may further include: parsing the first data unit to obtain a TDLS frame, where the TDLS frame may include a wakeup schedule element and a second element. The offset field in the wakeup schedule element is an offset relative to a first timing synchronization function threshold of a third direct link, and the second element may be used to indicate an identifier of the third direct link or an address of an AP corresponding to the third direct link among multiple APs of a third device, where the third direct link is a direct link between the first device and the second device.

[0049] Optionally, the TDLS frame may be a TDLS peer-end energy saving management request frame and a TDLS peer-end energy saving management response frame.

[0050] In one possible design, the direct link addressing method provided in the second aspect may further include: parsing the first data unit to obtain a third element, where the third element may be used to indicate establishment 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 the at least one fourth direct link.

[0051] In one possible design, the third element may include a direct link quantity field and a direct link identifier field. The direct link quantity field may be used to indicate the number of fourth direct links requested to be established, and the direct link identifier field may include the address of at least one AP among multiple APs of the third device that corresponds to the at least one fourth direct link or the identifier of the at least one fourth direct link.

[0052] In one possible design, the direct link identifier field may also include the address of the first STA of the first device and the address of the second STA of the second device.

[0053] In one possible design, the seventh address is bound to the TDLS peer key, and the seventh address may include the address of the AP corresponding to the direct link between the first device and the second device among multiple APs of the third device or the addresses of all APs of the third device, as well as the address of the third device.

[0054] In addition, the technical effects of the direct link addressing method described in the second aspect can refer to the technical effects of the direct link addressing method described in the first aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0055] In a third aspect, a direct link addressing method is provided, which is applied to a second device, wherein the second device includes multiple stations STA, the second device is connected to a third device, the third device includes multiple access points AP, the first device is connected to the third device, and the first device includes one or more STAs. The direct link addressing method includes: determining protected data and sending a first data unit. The protected data includes a first address, a second address, and a third address. When the first device includes one STA, the first address is the address of the first device, the second address is the address of the second device, the third address is the address of the first AP of the third device, and the first device is connected to the first AP of the third device. When the first device includes multiple STAs, the first address is the address of the first device, the second address is the address of the second device, and the third address is the address of the third device. The first data unit includes a first header, the first header is determined based on the protected data, and the first data unit is transmitted via the direct link between the first device and the second device.

[0056] In one possible design, the first header can include the fourth address, the fifth address, and the sixth address. When the first device includes a STA, the fourth address is the address of the first device, the fifth address is the address of the second device, and the sixth address is the address of the first AP of the third device. This maintains protocol compatibility and allows the legacy STA to correctly parse the first data unit when the second device acts as the TDLS initiator. This allows the legacy STA to communicate with the non-AP MLD over a direct link, improving data transmission rates.

[0057] In one possible design, the first header includes a fourth address, a fifth address, and a sixth address. When the first device includes multiple STAs, the fourth address is the address of the STA corresponding to the first direct link among the multiple STAs of the first device, the fifth address is the address of the STA corresponding to the first direct link among the multiple STAs of the second device, and the sixth address is the address of the AP corresponding to the first direct link among the multiple APs of the third device, where the first direct link is a direct link between the first device and the second device.

[0058] In one possible design, the first data unit may include a tunnel direct link to establish a TDLS frame, and the TDLS frame may include a first element, which can be used to indicate the identifier of the target link or the address of the AP corresponding to the target link among multiple APs of the third device. The target link is the second direct link applied by the TDLS frame, and the second direct link is the direct link between the first device and the second device.

[0059] In one possible design, the first data unit may include a tunnel direct link establishment TDLS frame, which may include a wakeup schedule element and a second element. The offset field in the wakeup schedule element is an offset relative to a first timing synchronization function threshold of a third direct link, and the second element may be used to indicate an identifier of the third direct link or an address of an AP corresponding to the third direct link among multiple APs of a third device, where the third direct link is a direct link between the first device and the second device.

[0060] In one possible design, when the first device includes a STA and the TDLS frame is a TDLS discovery request frame, the first element is used to indicate the identifier of a reference link, or the address of an AP corresponding to the reference link among multiple APs of the third device. The reference link can be the link indicated by the BSSID field in the Link Identifier Element. In this way, protocol compatibility is maintained.

[0061] In one possible design, when the first device includes a STA and the TDLS frame is a TDLS discovery response frame, the first element is used to indicate the identifier of the transmission link, or the address of the AP corresponding to the transmission link among multiple APs of the third device, where the transmission link is the link that sends the TDLS discovery request frame. In other words, the setting content of the first element corresponding to the TDLS frame being a TDLS discovery response frame can be the same as the setting content of the first element corresponding to the TDLS frame being a TDLS discovery request frame. In this way, the compatibility of the protocol is maintained.

[0062] In one possible design, when the first device includes a STA and the TDLS frame is a TDLS setup request frame, the first element is used to indicate the identifier of the link between the first device and the third device, or the address of the AP corresponding to the first device among multiple APs of the third device, and the transmission link is the link through which the TDLS discovery request frame is sent. In this way, protocol compatibility is maintained.

[0063] In one possible design, when the first device includes a STA, and the TDLS frame is a TDLS setup response frame, a TDLS setup confirmation frame, a TDLS teardown frame, a TDLS channel switching request frame, a TDLS channel switching response frame, a TDLS peer energy saving management request frame, a TDLS peer energy saving management response frame, a TDLS peer traffic indication frame, or a TDLS peer traffic response frame, the specific implementation method of the first element can refer to the above-mentioned implementation method of the first element when the first device includes a STA and the TDLS frame is a TDLS setup request frame, which will not be repeated here. In this way, the compatibility of the protocol is maintained.

[0064] In one possible design, when the first device includes multiple STAs and the TDLS frame is a TDLS discovery request frame, the first element is used to indicate the identifier of the reference link, or the address of the AP corresponding to the reference link among multiple APs of the third device. Optionally, the reference link can be the link indicated by the BSSID field in the Link Identifier Element.

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

[0066] In one possible design, when the first device includes multiple STAs and the TDLS frame is a TDLS establishment request frame, a TDLS establishment response frame or a TDLS establishment confirmation frame, the first element is used to indicate the identifier of the reference link, or the address of the AP corresponding to the reference link among the multiple APs of the third device.

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

[0068] In one possible design, when the first device includes multiple STAs and the TDLS frame is a TDLS peer traffic indication frame or a TDLS peer traffic response frame, the first element is used to indicate the address of the third device.

[0069] In one possible design, the first data unit may include a third element, where the third element may be used to indicate establishment 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 the at least one fourth direct link.

[0070] In one possible design, the third element may include a direct link quantity field and a direct link identifier field. The direct link quantity field may be used to indicate the number of fourth direct links requested to be established, and the direct link identifier field may include the address of at least one AP among multiple APs of the third device that corresponds to the at least one fourth direct link or the identifier of the at least one fourth direct link.

[0071] In one possible design, the direct link identifier field may also include the address of the first STA of the first device and the address of the second STA of the second device.

[0072] In one possible design, the seventh address is bound to the TDLS peer key TPK, and the seventh address may include the address of the AP corresponding to the direct link between the first device and the second device among multiple APs of the third device or the addresses of all APs of the third device, as well as the address of the third device.

[0073] In addition, the technical effects of the direct link addressing method described in the third aspect can refer to the technical effects of the direct link addressing method described in the first aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0074] In a fourth aspect, a direct link addressing method is provided, which is applied to a first device, wherein the first device includes one or more stations (STAs), the first device is connected to a third device, the third device includes multiple access points (APs), and the second device is connected to the third device, the second device includes multiple STAs. The direct link addressing method includes: receiving a first data unit, parsing the first data unit to obtain a first header. The first data unit is transmitted via a direct link between the first device and the second device. The first header may include a fourth address, a fifth address, and a sixth address. When the first device includes one STA, the fourth address is the address of the first device, the fifth address is the address of the second device, and the sixth address is the address of the first access point (AP) of the third device. When the first device includes multiple STAs, the fourth address is the address of the STA corresponding to the first direct link among the multiple STAs of the first device, the fifth address is the address of the STA corresponding to the first direct link among the multiple STAs of the second device, and the sixth address is the address of the AP corresponding to the first direct link among the multiple APs of the third device, where the first direct link is the direct link between the first device and the second device.

[0075] In one possible design, the direct link addressing method provided in the fourth aspect may further include: obtaining protected data based on the first header. The protected data includes a first address, a second address, and a third address. When the first device includes one STA, the first address is the address of the first device, the second address is the address of the second device, and the third address is the address of the first AP of the third device. The first device is connected to the first AP of the third device, and the first device includes one STA. When the first device includes multiple STAs, the first address is the address of the first device, the second address is the address of the second device, and the third address is the address of the third device.

[0076] In one possible design, the direct link addressing method provided in the fourth aspect may also include: parsing the first data unit to obtain a tunnel direct link to establish a TDLS frame, the TDLS frame may include a first element, the first element may be used to indicate the identifier of the target link or the address of the AP corresponding to the target link among multiple APs of the third device, the target link is the second direct link applied by the TDLS frame, and the second direct link is the direct link between the first device and the second device.

[0077] In one possible design, when the first device includes an STA and the TDLS frame is a TDLS discovery request frame, the first element is used to indicate the identifier of the reference link, or the address of the AP corresponding to the reference link among multiple APs of the third device. The reference link can be the link indicated by the BSSID field in the Link Identifier Element.

[0078] In one possible design, when the first device includes a STA and the TDLS frame is a TDLS discovery response frame, the first element is used to indicate the identifier of the transmission link, or the address of the AP corresponding to the transmission link among multiple APs of the third device, where the transmission link is the link through which the TDLS discovery request frame is sent. In other words, the setting content of the first element corresponding to the TDLS discovery response frame of the TDLS frame can be the same as the setting content of the first element corresponding to the TDLS discovery request frame of the TDLS frame.

[0079] In one possible design, when the first device includes an STA and the TDLS frame is a TDLS establishment request frame, the first element is used to indicate the identifier of the link between the first device and the third device, or the address of the AP corresponding to the first device among multiple APs of the third device, and the transmission link is the link for sending the TDLS discovery request frame.

[0080] In one possible design, when the first device includes a STA, and the TDLS frame is a TDLS establishment response frame, a TDLS establishment confirmation frame, a TDLS teardown frame, a TDLS channel switching request frame, a TDLS channel switching response frame, a TDLS peer energy saving management request frame, a TDLS peer energy saving management response frame, a TDLS peer traffic indication frame or a TDLS peer traffic response frame, the specific implementation method of the first element can refer to the above-mentioned implementation method of the first element when the first device includes a STA and the TDLS frame is a TDLS establishment request frame, and will not be repeated here.

[0081] In one possible design, when the first device includes multiple STAs and the TDLS frame is a TDLS discovery request frame, the first element is used to indicate the identifier of the reference link, or the address of the AP corresponding to the reference link among multiple APs of the third device. Optionally, the reference link can be the link indicated by the BSSID field in the Link Identifier Element.

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

[0083] In one possible design, when the first device includes multiple STAs and the TDLS frame is a TDLS establishment request frame, a TDLS establishment response frame or a TDLS establishment confirmation frame, the first element is used to indicate the identifier of the reference link, or the address of the AP corresponding to the reference link among the multiple APs of the third device.

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

[0085] In one possible design, when the first device includes multiple STAs and the TDLS frame is a TDLS peer traffic indication frame or a TDLS peer traffic response frame, the first element is used to indicate the address of the third device.

[0086] In one possible design, the direct link addressing method provided in the fourth aspect may further include: parsing the first data unit to obtain a TDLS frame, where the TDLS frame may include a wakeup schedule element and a second element. The offset field in the wakeup schedule element is an offset relative to a first timing synchronization function threshold of a third direct link, and the second element may be used to indicate an identifier of the third direct link or an address of an AP corresponding to the third direct link among multiple APs of a third device, where the third direct link is a direct link between the first device and the second device.

[0087] Optionally, the TDLS frame may be a TDLS peer-end energy saving management request frame and a TDLS peer-end energy saving management response frame.

[0088] In one possible design, the direct link addressing method provided in the fourth aspect may further include: parsing the first data unit to obtain a third element, where the third element may be used to indicate establishment 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 the at least one fourth direct link.

[0089] In one possible design, the third element may include a direct link quantity field and a direct link identifier field. The direct link quantity field may be used to indicate the number of fourth direct links requested to be established, and the direct link identifier field may include the address of at least one AP among multiple APs of the third device that corresponds to the at least one fourth direct link or the identifier of the at least one fourth direct link.

[0090] In one possible design, the direct link identifier field may also include the address of the first STA of the first device and the address of the second STA of the second device.

[0091] In one possible design, the seventh address is bound to the TDLS peer key TPK, and the seventh address may include the address of the AP corresponding to the direct link between the first device and the second device among multiple APs of the third device or the addresses of all APs of the third device, as well as the address of the third device.

[0092] In addition, the technical effects of the direct link addressing method described in the fourth aspect can refer to the technical effects of the direct link addressing method described in the first aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0093] In a fifth aspect, a direct link addressing method is provided, applied to a first device, the first device including one or more stations (STAs), the first device connected to a third device including multiple access points (APs), and a second device connected to the third device including multiple STAs. The direct link addressing method includes: determining a first data unit and sending the first data unit. The first data unit includes a first header, the first header including a fourth address, a fifth address, and a sixth address.

[0094] When the first device includes a single STA, the fourth address is the address of the second device, the fifth address is the address of the first device, and the sixth address is the address of the first AP of the third device. The first device is connected to the first AP of the third device. When the first device includes multiple STAs, the fourth address is the address of the second device, the fifth address is the address of the first device, and the sixth address is the address of the AP corresponding to the sixth direct link among the multiple APs of the third device. The sixth direct link is the link for transmitting the first data unit between the first and second devices. The first data unit is transmitted via the direct link between the first and second devices.

[0095] In a possible design, the first data unit also includes a frame body, which may be a TDLS frame or data.

[0096] Optionally, the TDLS frame may be a TDLS discovery response frame.

[0097] Based on the direct link addressing method provided in the fifth aspect, when the first device includes one STA, the first header is constructed using the address of the first device, the address of the second device, and the address of the first AP to which the first device is connected. When the first device includes multiple STAs, the first header is constructed using the address of the first device, the address of the second device, and the address of the AP corresponding to the sixth direct link among the multiple APs of the third device. The sixth direct link is a link for transmitting TDLS frames between the first device and the second device. Thus, the first device can transmit the first data unit through the direct link between the first device and the second device without the need for forwarding by the third device, which can increase the data transmission rate. In addition, the setting method of the sixth address can be compatible with the situation where the first device includes one STA and the first device includes multiple STAs, and can avoid frequent modifications to the setting content of the sixth address, thereby further reducing the transmission delay.

[0098] Optionally, the TDLS frame may be a TDLS discovery response frame. The TDLS discovery response frame is encapsulated into a common management frame and does not require encryption, so the corresponding AAD structure may not be determined.

[0099] In a sixth aspect, a direct link addressing method is provided, applied to a second device, the second device including multiple stations (STAs), the second device being connected to a third device including multiple access points (APs), and a first device being connected to the third device, the first device including one or more STAs. The direct link addressing method includes: receiving a first data unit, parsing the first data unit to obtain a first header, wherein the first header includes a fourth address, a fifth address, and a sixth address.

[0100] When the first device includes a single STA, the fourth address is the address of the second device, the fifth address is the address of the first device, and the sixth address is the address of the first AP of the third device. The first device is connected to the first AP of the third device. When the first device includes multiple STAs, the fourth address is the address of the second device, the fifth address is the address of the first device, and the sixth address is the address of the AP corresponding to the sixth direct link among the multiple APs of the third device. The sixth direct link is the link for transmitting the first data unit between the first and second devices. The first data unit is transmitted via the direct link between the first and second devices.

[0101] In a possible design, the direct link addressing method provided in the sixth aspect may further include: parsing the first data unit to obtain a frame body, where the frame body may be a TDLS frame or data.

[0102] Optionally, the TDLS frame may be a TDLS discovery response frame.

[0103] In addition, the technical effects of the direct link addressing method described in the sixth aspect can refer to the technical effects of the direct link addressing method described in the fifth aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0104] In a seventh aspect, a direct link addressing method is provided, applied to a second device, the second device including multiple stations (STAs), the second device being connected to a third device including multiple access points (APs), and a first device being connected to the third device, the first device including one or more STAs. The direct link addressing method includes: determining a first data unit and sending the first data unit. The first data unit includes a first header, the first header including a fourth address, a fifth address, and a sixth address.

[0105] When the first device includes a single STA, the fourth address is the address of the first device, the fifth address is the address of the second device, and the sixth address is the address of the first AP of the third device. The first device is connected to the first AP of the third device. When the first device includes multiple STAs, the fourth address is the address of the first device, the fifth address is the address of the second device, and the sixth address is the address of the AP corresponding to the sixth direct link among the multiple APs of the third device. The sixth direct link is the link for transmitting the first data unit between the first and second devices. The first data unit is transmitted via the direct link between the first and second devices.

[0106] In a possible design, the first data unit also includes a frame body, which may be a TDLS frame or data.

[0107] Optionally, the TDLS frame may be a TDLS discovery response frame.

[0108] In addition, the technical effects of the direct link addressing method described in the seventh aspect can refer to the technical effects of the direct link addressing method described in the fifth aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0109] In an eighth aspect, a direct link addressing method is provided, applied to a first device, the first device including one or more stations (STAs), the first device connected to a third device including multiple access points (APs), and a second device connected to the third device, the second device including multiple STAs. The direct link addressing method includes: receiving a first data unit, parsing the first data unit to obtain a first header, wherein the first header includes a fourth address, a fifth address, and a sixth address.

[0110] When the first device includes a single STA, the fourth address is the address of the first device, the fifth address is the address of the second device, and the sixth address is the address of the first AP of the third device. The first device is connected to the first AP of the third device. When the first device includes multiple STAs, the fourth address is the address of the first device, the fifth address is the address of the second device, and the sixth address is the address of the AP corresponding to the sixth direct link among the multiple APs of the third device. The sixth direct link is the link for transmitting the first data unit between the first and second devices. The first data unit is transmitted via the direct link between the first and second devices.

[0111] In a possible design, the direct link addressing method provided in the eighth aspect may further include: parsing the first data unit to obtain a frame body, where the frame body may be a TDLS frame or data.

[0112] Optionally, the TDLS frame may be a TDLS discovery response frame.

[0113] In addition, the technical effects of the direct link addressing method described in the eighth aspect can refer to the technical effects of the direct link addressing method described in the fifth aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0114] In a ninth aspect, a direct link addressing device is provided, comprising: a unit or module for executing the method described in any one of the first aspect, the fourth aspect, the fifth aspect, or the eighth aspect.

[0115] In the present application, the direct link addressing device described in the ninth aspect may be a first device, or may be provided in a chip (system) or other parts or components of the first device.

[0116] In addition, the technical effects of the direct link addressing device described in the ninth aspect can refer to the technical effects of the direct link addressing method described in any one of the implementations of the first aspect or the fifth aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0117] In a tenth aspect, a direct link addressing device is provided, comprising: a unit or module for executing the method described in any one of the second aspect, the third aspect, the sixth aspect, or the seventh aspect.

[0118] In the present application, the direct link addressing device described in the tenth aspect may be a second device, or may be provided in a chip (system) or other parts or components of the second device.

[0119] In addition, the technical effects of the direct link addressing device described in the tenth aspect can refer to the technical effects of the direct link addressing method described in any one of the implementations of the first aspect or the fifth aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0120] In an eleventh aspect, a direct link addressing apparatus is provided. The direct link addressing apparatus includes a processor coupled to a memory configured to store a computer program. The processor is configured to execute the computer program stored in the memory, causing the direct link addressing apparatus to perform the direct link addressing method as described in any possible implementation of aspects 1 to 8.

[0121] In one possible design, the direct link addressing apparatus described in 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 for the direct link addressing apparatus to communicate with other devices.

[0122] In the present application, the direct link addressing device described in the eleventh aspect may be the first device, or the second device, or a chip or chip system disposed inside the first device or the second device.

[0123] In addition, the technical effects of the direct link addressing device described in the eleventh aspect can refer to the technical effects of the direct link addressing method described in any implementation of the first to eighth aspects, and will not be repeated here.

[0124] In a twelfth aspect, a communication system is provided, which includes a first device and a second device.

[0125] In the thirteenth aspect, a chip system is provided, which includes a processor and an input / output port, wherein the processor is used to implement the processing functions involved in the first to eighth aspects, and the input / output port is used to implement the transceiver functions involved in the first to eighth aspects.

[0126] In one possible design, the chip system also includes a memory, which is used to store program instructions and data for implementing the functions involved in the first to eighth aspects.

[0127] The chip system may be composed of chips, or may include chips and other discrete devices.

[0128] In a fourteenth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, comprising: a computer program or instructions; when the computer program or instructions are executed on a computer, the computer is caused to execute the direct link addressing method described in any possible implementation of the first to eighth aspects.

[0129] In a fifteenth aspect, a computer program product is provided, comprising a computer program or instructions, which, when executed on a computer, enables the computer to execute the direct link addressing method described in any one of the possible implementations of aspects one to eight. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0130] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0131] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an AP MLD and a non-AP MLD participating in communication according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0132] FIG3 is a schematic diagram of a frame structure of a Multi-link element provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0133] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of a frame structure of a Link Identifier element provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0134] FIG5 is a schematic diagram of a frame structure of an AAD provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0135] FIG6 is a schematic diagram of a frame structure of an MPDU provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0136] FIG7 is a schematic diagram of a flow chart of a direct link addressing method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0137] FIG8 is a schematic structural diagram of an AP MLD, a legacy STA, and a non-AP MLD2 participating in communication according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0138] FIG9 is a schematic structural diagram of an AP MLD, non-AP MLD1, and non-AP MLD2 participating in communication provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0139] FIG10 is a schematic structural diagram of a non-AP MLD1 and a non-AP MLD2 participating in communication provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0140] FIG11 is a schematic diagram of a frame structure of a Wakeup Schedule element provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0141] FIG12 is a schematic diagram of a frame structure of another Multi-link element provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0142] FIG13 is a schematic diagram of a frame structure of a frame body provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0143] FIG14 is a schematic diagram of a frame structure of a TDLS Link Info element provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0144] FIG15 is a flow chart of another direct link addressing method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0145] FIG16 is a schematic diagram of a flow chart of another direct link addressing method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0146] FIG17 is a schematic diagram of a flow chart of another direct link addressing method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0147] FIG18 is a schematic structural diagram of a direct link addressing device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0148] FIG19 is a schematic structural diagram of another direct link addressing device provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0149] In the description of this application, unless otherwise specified, " / " means "or", for example, A / B can mean A or B. "And / or" in this article is merely a description of the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists alone. In addition, "at least one" means one or more, and "a plurality" means two or more. Words such as "first" and "second" do not limit the quantity and execution order, and words such as "first" and "second" do not limit them to be necessarily different.

[0150] This application will present various aspects, embodiments, or features in the context of systems that may include multiple devices, components, modules, etc. It should be understood and appreciated that each system may include additional devices, components, modules, etc., and / or may not include all of the devices, components, modules, etc. discussed in conjunction with the figures. Furthermore, combinations of these aspects may also be used.

[0151] In this application, words such as "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or descriptions. Any embodiment or design described in this application as "exemplary" or "for example" should not be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or designs. Rather, the use of words such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a concrete manner.

[0152] A multi-link device (MLD) includes one or more subordinate sites, and the subordinate sites are logical sites. In the embodiments of the present application, "a multi-link device includes subordinate sites" is also briefly described as "a multi-link device includes sites". The subordinate sites can be APs or non-access point sites (non-AP STAs). For the convenience of description, the present application refers to a multi-link device whose subordinate site is an AP as an AP MLD, or a multi-link AP, or a multi-link AP device, or an access point AP. A single-link device whose subordinate site is an AP is referred to as an AP device, or an access point, or an AP, or a single-link AP device, etc., or an access point AP. A multi-link device whose subordinate site is a non-AP STA is referred to as a non-AP MLD, or a multi-link STA, or a multi-link STA device, or a STA MLD, etc. A single-link device whose subordinate site is a non-AP STA is referred to as a STA device, or a site, or a STA, or a non-AP STA, etc.

[0153] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application can be applied to various communication systems, such as systems that adopt the IEEE 802.11 standard. Exemplary IEEE 802.11 standards include, but are not limited to, 802.11be or later-generation 802.11 standards. The technical solutions of the present application are applicable to scenarios including 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.

[0154] The multi-link device MLD can implement wireless communication in accordance with the IEEE 802.11 series of standards, for example, extremely high throughput (EHT), or 802.11be-based or compatible, to communicate with other devices. Of course, the other devices may or may not be multi-link devices.

[0155] The network architecture and business scenarios described in the embodiments of the present application are intended to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application. Ordinary technicians in this field will know that with the evolution of network architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0156] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of the present application, a communication system applicable to the embodiments of the present application is first described in detail using the communication system shown in Figure 1 as an example. For example, Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system applicable to the direct link addressing method provided in the embodiments of the present application.

[0157] 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 also include at least one STA device. The AP MLD may include multiple APs, the non-AP MLD may include multiple STAs, and the STA device may include a single STA, which may be referred to as a legacy STA.

[0158] The AP MLD is a device deployed in a wireless communication network to provide wireless communication functions for its associated STAs. The AP MLD includes, but is not limited to, access points (APs) in wireless fidelity (WiFi) systems, such as home gateways, routers, servers, switches, and bridges, evolved Node Bs (eNBs), radio network controllers (RNCs), Node Bs (NBs), base station controllers (BSCs), base transceiver stations (BTSs), home base stations (e.g., home evolved NodeBs or home Node Bs, HNBs), baseband units (BBUs), wireless relay nodes, wireless backhaul nodes, transmission and reception points (TRPs or TPs), and the like. It may also be a 5G network, such as a gNB in ​​a new radio (NR) system, or a transmission point (TRP or TP), one or a group of antenna panels (including multiple antenna panels) of a base station in a 5G system, or a network node constituting a gNB or a transmission point, such as a baseband unit (BBU) or a distributed unit (DPU). unit (DU), road side unit (RSU) with base station function, etc.

[0159] The non-AP MLD or STA device is a terminal that accesses the communication system and has a wireless transceiver function, or a chip or chip system that can be set in the terminal. The terminal device can also be called a user device, an access terminal, a user unit, a user station, a mobile station, a mobile station, a remote station, a remote terminal, a mobile device, a user terminal, a terminal, a wireless communication device, a user agent or a user device. The terminal device in the embodiment of the present application can be a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a computer with a wireless transceiver function, a virtual reality (VR) terminal device, an augmented reality (AR) terminal device, a wireless terminal in industrial control, a wireless terminal in self-driving, a wireless terminal in remote medical care, a wireless terminal in smart grid, a wireless terminal in transportation safety, a wireless terminal in smart city, a wireless terminal in smart home, a vehicle-mounted terminal, an RSU with terminal function, etc. The terminal device of the present application can also be a vehicle-mounted module, vehicle-mounted module, vehicle-mounted component, vehicle-mounted chip or vehicle-mounted unit that is built into the vehicle as one or more components or units. The vehicle can implement the direct link addressing method provided by the present application through the built-in vehicle-mounted module, vehicle-mounted module, vehicle-mounted component, vehicle-mounted chip or vehicle-mounted unit.

[0160] It should be noted that the direct link addressing method provided in the embodiment of the present application can be applied between any two nodes shown in Figure 1. For specific implementation, please refer to the following method embodiment, which will not be repeated here.

[0161] It should be noted that the solutions in the embodiments of the present application can also be applied to other communication systems, and the corresponding names can also be replaced by the names of corresponding functions in other communication systems.

[0162] It should be understood that FIG1 is only a simplified schematic diagram for ease of understanding, and the communication system may also include other devices that are not shown in FIG1 .

[0163] Multilink devices operate in frequency bands including, but not limited to, sub-1 GHz, 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz, and high-frequency 60 GHz. Furthermore, MLDs can communicate using multiple channels within the same frequency band. These multiple frequency bands or channels are collectively referred to as multilinks. Multilink communication improves peak throughput, reduces service transmission latency, and increases the communication rate between MLDs.

[0164] Figure 2 shows the structure of the AP MLD and non-AP MLD involved in communication. As shown in Figure 2, the AP MLD includes subordinate AP1 and AP2. AP1 and AP2 are independent of each other at the low media access control (MAC) and physical (PHY) layers, but share the high MAC layer. The non-AP MLD includes subordinate STA1 and STA2. STA1 and STA2 are independent of each other at the low MAC and PHY layers, but share the high MAC layer. The AP MLD and non-AP MLD can communicate via Link 1 and Link 2. Link 1 connects to AP1 (AP MLD) at one end and to STA1 (non-AP MLD) at the other. Link 2 connects to AP2 (AP MLD) at one end and to STA2 (non-AP MLD) at the other.

[0165] A multi-link device corresponds to a multi-link device address, and each link of the multi-link device corresponds to its own link address. Taking the AP MLD as an example, the multi-link device address can be the AP MLD MAC address. Taking the non-AP MLD as an example, the multi-link device address can be the STA MLD MAC address. The link address between the AP MLD and non-AP MLD can include the affiliated AP MAC address and affiliated STA MAC address corresponding to each end of the link.

[0166] It should be noted that FIG2 only shows that AP MLD and non-AP MLD work on two links. The embodiment of the present application does not limit the number of links on which AP MLD and non-AP MLD work.

[0167] Exemplarily, a multi-link device is a device with wireless communication capabilities. The device can be a complete device, or a chip or processing system installed in the complete device. Devices installed with these chips or processing systems can implement the methods and functions of the embodiments of the present application under the control of these chips or processing systems.

[0168] The following describes how to establish multiple links between non-AP MLD and AP MLD in detail with reference to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 .

[0169] A non-AP MLD can establish associations with multiple links of an AP MLD simultaneously by performing a multi-link establishment operation on one of its links. During the association process, the non-AP MLD and the AP MLD can exchange Association Request / Response frames on a single link. The link used to exchange Association Request / Response frames is called a transmission link, while the other links are non-transmitted links. It should be understood that the Association Request / Response can carry information about multiple links to be associated, enabling the non-AP MLD and AP MLD to associate multiple links simultaneously.

[0170] For example, referring to Figure 2, the non-AP MLD sends an Association Request frame on Link 1. The Association Request frame carries STA-side information for Link 1 and STA-side information for Link 2. It should be understood that Link 1 can be referred to as a transmission link, and Link 2 can be referred to as a non-transmission link. The AP MLD sends an Association Response frame on Link 1 to the non-AP MLD. The Association Response frame carries AP-side information for Link 1 and AP-side information for Link 2. Thus, the non-AP MLD and the AP MLD establish an association on Links 1 and 2. Furthermore, the non-AP MLD and the AP MLD can now transmit data on Links 1 and 2.

[0171] In order to perform multi-link operations, relevant information of multiple links can be indicated in frames related to multi-link operations. To this end, the protocol defines a multi-link element (Multi-link element). For example, as shown in Figure 3, the information carried by the Multi-link element is mainly divided into two parts, one part is multi-link device-level information (MLD-level info), including Multi-link Control field, MLD MAC Address and other fields, and the other part is each station (Per-STA Profile) information, which carries relevant information of non-transmission links. The link identifier (Link ID) of the corresponding link will be indicated in the Per-STA Profile, and the link identifier can be used to indicate which link the Per-STA profile corresponds to the relevant STA information. Among them, the MLD MAC Address field carries the MLD MAC Address of the sender.

[0172] To reduce signaling overhead, the Multi-link element adopts an inheritance structure. If the content of the corresponding element in a non-transmitting link is the same as that in a transmitting link, the corresponding element in the non-transmitting link does not need to be included in the Per-STA profile of that link. Only when the content of the corresponding element is different is it included in the Per-STA profile of that link.

[0173] It should be noted that the specific format of the multi-link element is not limited to that shown in FIG3 , and this application does not limit the specific format of the link identification element.

[0174] It should be understood that the non-AP MLD can obtain link information (such as a link identifier) ​​corresponding to each link by receiving a probe response frame or a beacon frame, and can also obtain the channel on which each link operates and the address of each link, such as the basic service set identifier (BSSID) of the link.

[0175] The following specifically describes the tunneled direct-link setup (TDLS) between two STA devices in conjunction with Table 1 and FIG4 . FIG4 is a schematic diagram of a frame structure of a Link Identifier element provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0176] Assume that a first STA device and a second STA device are both connected to the same AP device. The first STA device includes one STA, and the second STA device includes one STA. If the first STA device and the second STA device are within wireless communication range, a direct link can be established between the first STA device and the second STA device. The first STA device and the second STA device can communicate directly over this direct link without forwarding through the AP device, which can improve data transmission rate and reduce latency.

[0177] Exemplarily, TDLS-related operations include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following: TDLS discovery, TDLS establishment, TDLS removal, TDLS channel switching, TDLS energy saving, and TDLS service indication. The TDLS frames corresponding to the TDLS-related operations are shown in Table 1 below. In an embodiment of the present application, the TDLS frame may include: a TDLS action frame and a TDLS public action frame (public action frame). For example, in conjunction with Table 1 below, the TDLS Discovery Response frame belongs to the TDLS public action frame, and all TDLS frames except the TDLS Discovery Response frame belong to the TDLS action frame.

[0178] It should be understood that the first STA device and the second STA device can implement corresponding TDLS-related operations by exchanging TDLS frames. For example, the first STA device and the second STA device can implement TDLS energy saving by exchanging TDLS peer power saving management request frames (TDLS Peer Power Saving Management Request frame, TDLS Peer PSM Request frame) and TDLS peer power saving management response frames (TDLS Peer PSM Response frame). Alternatively, the first STA device or the second STA device can use TDLS frames to implement corresponding TDLS-related operations. For example, the first STA device can use a TDLS teardown frame to implement TDLS teardown.

[0179] The transmission mode of TDLS frame may include: forwarding through AP device (via AP) or direct transmission. Among them, forwarding through AP device means that the TDLS frame using this transmission mode needs to forward the data between the first STA device and the second STA device through AP. Direct transmission means that the TDLS frame using this transmission mode can be transmitted from one STA device to another STA device through the direct link between the STA device and the STA device, without the need for AP device forwarding. It should be understood that some or a certain TDLS frame can be transmitted using one or both of the above methods (both allowed). Please refer to Table 1 below for details, which will not be elaborated here.

[0180] When a TDLS frame is forwarded by an AP or sent over a direct link, it is encapsulated into a data frame or a management frame. Specifically, a TDLS action frame can be encapsulated into a data frame, while a TDLS public action frame can be sent directly as a management frame. See Table 1 below for details, which are not detailed here.

[0181] Table 1

[0182]

[0183] The following describes the AAD and MPDU involved in the following embodiments of the present application in conjunction with Figures 5 and 6.

[0184] As shown in FIG5 , AAD may include one or more of the following fields: Frame Control, Address 1, Address 2, Address 3, Sequence Control, Address 4, and Quality of Service Control (QoS Control).

[0185] Specifically, address 1 indicates the receiver address (RA), address 2 indicates the transmitter address (TA), and address 3 indicates the address of the AP MLD associated with the receiver, or the address of the AP associated with the receiver (referring to the AP in the AP MLD). For management frames, address 3 is used for frame filtering. For example, address 3 can be used to determine whether the frame belongs to the basic service set (BSS). If not, the frame will be discarded.

[0186] It should be noted that the specific format of AAD is not limited to that shown in FIG. 5 . For example, address 4 in AAD may be optional, and this application does not limit the specific format of AAD.

[0187] As shown in Figure 6, the MPDU may include one or more of the following fields: frame control, duration, address 1, address 2, address 3, sequence control, address 4, quality of service control, high throughput control (HT Control), cipher-block chaining message authentication code protocol header (CCMP Header), frame body, message integrity code (MIC), and frame check sequence (FCS).

[0188] Specifically, address 1 is used to indicate a receiving address, address 2 is used to indicate a sending address, and address 3 is used to indicate the address of the AP MLD associated with the receiving end, or the address of the AP associated with the receiving end (referring to the AP in the AP MLD), or the address of the AP associated with the link between the sending end and the receiving end (referring to the AP in the AP MLD).

[0189] 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 sender calculates the MIC based on the AAD and the MPDU frame body and places it after the frame body. The MPDU frame body and MIC are then encrypted for transmission. After receiving the MPDU, the receiver performs MIC verification, calculates a MIC, and compares the calculated MIC with the received MIC to determine whether the MPDU has been tampered with.

[0190] It should be noted that the specific format of the MPDU is not limited to that shown in FIG. 6 . For example, address 4 in the MPDU may be optional, and this application does not limit the specific format of the MPDU.

[0191] The following describes the address settings for data frames and management frames between a legitimate STA and an AP device in conjunction with Table 2 and Table 3. The AP device may include a subordinate AP.

[0192] For data frames and management frames transmitted between legacy STAs and APs, Address 1, Address 2, Address 3, and Address 4 in the MPDU header correspond to Address 1, Address 2, Address 3, and Address 4 in the AAD. Specific settings are shown in Tables 2 and 3.

[0193] Exemplarily, address 1, address 2, address 3 and address 4 in the MPDU header of the data frame, and address 1, address 2, address 3 and address 4 in the AAD are shown in Table 2. In Table 2, when To distributed system (To DS) = 0 and From DS = 0, it indicates point-to-point (P2P), that is, a direct link, and communication is carried out between STAs. When To DS = 0 and From DS = 1, it indicates downlink transmission, that is, the DS side sends information to the STA. When To DS = 1 and From DS = 0, it indicates uplink transmission, that is, the STA sends information to the DS side. DA refers to the destination address (DA), SA refers to the source address (SA), and BSSID indicates the address of the AP to which the AP device belongs. The settings of address 3 and address 4 are divided into two examples: MAC service data unit and short aggregate MAC service data unit case (MSDU and Short A-MSDU case) and Basic A-MSDU and Dynamic A-MSDU case.

[0194] Table 2

[0195]

[0196] For example, address 1, address 2, and address 3 in the MPDU header of the management frame, and address 1, address 2, and address 3 in the AAD are shown in Table 3. STA MAC Address is the address of the legacy STA, and BSSID indicates the address of the AP to which the AP device belongs.

[0197] Table 3

[0198]

[0199] The following describes the address settings for data frames and management frames between a Non-AP MLD and an AP MLD in conjunction with Table 4 and Table 5. A Non-AP MLD may include multiple subordinate STAs, and an AP MLD may include multiple subordinate APs.

[0200] For example, for data frames transmitted between a non-AP MLD and an AP MLD, the specific settings for Address 1, Address 2, and Address 3 in the AAD are shown in Table 4. For data frames, when constructing the AAD, Address 1 and Address 2 are set to the corresponding device addresses. In the case of an MSDU, Address 3 is set to the destination address for uplink data and 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 over the air interface, Address 1 and Address 2 in the MPDU header are set to the corresponding link addresses, and Address 3 in the MPDU header is set to the same as Address 3 in the AAD.

[0201] Table 4

[0202]

[0203] For example, for the management frame transmitted between the Non-AP MLD and the AP MLD, the specific settings of address 1, address 2, and address 3 in the AAD are shown in Table 5.

[0204] It's worth noting that in a multi-link scenario, management frames can be categorized as link-level and device-level (MLD) management frames. Link-level management frames are for a specific link, such as a channel switch request / response frame. MLD-level management frames are for the entire multi-link device, such as an Add Block Acknowledgement (ADDBA) frame.

[0205] Table 5

[0206]

[0207] The rules for setting address 1, address 2, and address 3 in the AAD of the above-mentioned management frame and the rules for setting address 1, address 2, and address 3 in the MPDU header during air interface transmission are as follows: For address 1 and address 2, when constructing the AAD, address 1 and address 2 are set to the addresses of the corresponding MLD; during air interface transmission, address 1 and address 2 in the MPDU Header are replaced with the corresponding link address. For address 3, when the management frame is a link-level management frame, A3 in the AAD is set to the affiliated AP address corresponding to the destination link; during air interface transmission, A3 in the MPDU Header is the same as A3 in the AAD. For MLD-level management frames, A3 in the AAD is set to the address of the AP MLD; during air interface transmission, A3 in the MPDU Header is the same as A3 in the AAD.

[0208] The direct link addressing method provided in the embodiment of the present application will be described in detail below with reference to FIG. 7 to FIG. 17 .

[0209] For example, Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating a direct link addressing method provided in an embodiment of the present application. This method is described using a first device as a TDLS initiator. This direct link addressing method can be applied to communications between a STA device and non-AP MLD2, or between non-AP MLD1 and non-AP MLD2, as shown in Figure 1.

[0210] As shown in FIG7 , the direct link addressing method includes the following steps:

[0211] S701: The first device determines protected data.

[0212] For example, the first device may include one or more STAs, and the first device may be connected to a third device, which may include multiple APs. When the first device includes one STA, the first device may be the STA device shown in Figure 1, which may be referred to as a legacy STA. For ease of understanding, the following embodiments of this application use a legacy STA as an example. When the first device includes multiple STAs, the first device may be the non-AP MLD1 shown in Figure 1. The third device may be the AP MLD shown in Figure 1.

[0213] The protected data may include a first address, a second address, and a third address.

[0214] Exemplarily, the protected data may be AAD shown in FIG. 5 , the first address may be address 1 in AAD, the second address may be address 2 in AAD, and the third address may be address 3 in AAD.

[0215] In some embodiments, when a first device includes a single STA, the first address is the address of a second device, the second address is the address of the first device, and the third address is the address of a first AP of the third device, the first device is connected to the first AP of the third device. A second device is connected to the third device, the second device may include multiple STAs, and the second device may be non-AP MLD2 shown in Figure 1.

[0216] For example, with reference to Figure 8 , consider a scenario where the first device is a legacy STA, the second device is non-AP MLD2, and the third device is an AP MLD. As shown in Figure 8 , the AP MLDs include AP1, AP2, and AP3. The legacy STA is connected to AP1 of the AP MLD, and STA1 and STA2 of 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 non-AP MLD2, such as the non-AP MLD2 MAC Address; the second address is the address of the legacy STA, such as the legacy STA MAC Address; and the third address is the address of AP1, such as the BSSID of AP1.

[0217] Table 6

[0218]

[0219] In some embodiments, when the first device includes multiple STAs, the first address is the address of the second device, the second address is the address of the first device, and the third address is the address of the third device.

[0220] Table 7

[0221]

[0222] For example, with reference to Figure 9 , consider the following example: 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 MLDs include AP1, AP2, and AP3. STA1 and STA2 of non-AP MLD1 are connected to AP1 and AP3 of AP MLD, respectively. STA1 and STA2 of non-AP MLD2 are connected to AP1 and AP2 of AP MLD, respectively. As shown in Table 7 above, the first address is the address of non-AP MLD2, such as non-AP MLD2 MAC Address. The second address is the address of non-AP MLD1, such as non-AP MLD1 MAC Address. The third address is the address of AP MLD, such as AP MLD MAC Address.

[0223] It should be noted that Figures 8 and 9 are only examples provided in the embodiments of the present application. They do not limit the number of STAs included in non-AP MLD2 and the number of APs included in AP MLD, nor do they limit how non-AP MLD2 is connected to AP MLD, or how legacy STAs are connected to AP MLD.

[0224] S702: The first device sends a first data unit. Correspondingly, the second device receives the first data unit from the first device.

[0225] The first data unit may include a first header, the first header is determined according to the protected data, and the first data unit is transmitted through a direct link between the first device and the second device.

[0226] Exemplarily, the first data unit may be the MPDU shown in FIG. 6 , and the first header may be the MPDU header shown in FIG. 6 .

[0227] As shown in FIG9 , the first data unit can be transmitted through the link 1 between the first device and the second device without being forwarded through the second device, thereby reducing transmission delay.

[0228] Optionally, before or during the first device sending the first data unit in the above S702, the first data unit may be determined. Specifically, one or more of the following methods 1 to 4 may be adopted.

[0229] In mode 1, the first device determines a first header of a first data unit.

[0230] Optionally, the first header may include a fourth address, a fifth address, and a sixth address.

[0231] Exemplarily, 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.

[0232] In some embodiments, when the first device includes a STA, the fourth address is the address of the second device, the fifth address is the address of the first device, and the sixth address is the address of the first AP of the third device.

[0233] For example, with reference to Figure 8 , consider a scenario where the first device is a legacy STA, the second device is 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 AP MLD's AP1, and STA1 and STA2 of non-AP MLD2 are connected to AP MLD's AP1 and AP2, respectively. When the first device sends a first data unit to the second device, the addresses in the first data unit are set as shown in Table 8. The fourth address is the address of non-AP MLD2, such as the non-AP MLD2 MAC Address. The fifth address is the address of the legacy STA, such as the legacy STA MAC Address. The sixth address is the address of AP1, such as the BSSID of AP1.

[0234] The fourth address, the fifth address, and the sixth address of the first header may be the same as the first address, the second address, and the third address of the protected data, respectively.

[0235] Table 8

[0236]

[0237] In some embodiments, when the first device includes multiple STAs, the fourth address is the address of the STA corresponding to the first direct link among the multiple STAs of the second device, the fifth address is the address of the STA corresponding to the first direct link among the multiple STAs of the first device, and the sixth address is the address of the AP corresponding to the first direct link among the multiple APs of the third device, and the first direct link is a direct link between the first device and the second device.

[0238] For example, in conjunction with Figures 9 and 10, consider a case 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, links 1-1 and 3 are established between the first device and the third device, and links 1-2 and 2 are established between the second device and the third device. As shown in Figure 10, STA1 of non-AP MLD1 is connected to STA1 of non-AP MLD2, corresponding to direct link 1. When the first device sends a first data unit to the second device, the addresses in the first data unit are set as shown in Table 9. The fourth address is the address of STA1 of non-AP MLD2, such as Affiliated STA 1 MAC Address of non-AP MLD 2; the fifth address is the address of STA1 of non-AP MLD1, such as Affiliated STA 1 MAC Address of non-AP MLD 1; and the sixth address is the address of AP1 corresponding to link 1, such as Affiliated AP1 BSSID of AP MLD or Affiliated AP1 MAC Address of AP MLD.

[0239] It should be noted that, when multiple direct links exist between the first device and the second device, the first direct link may be a direct link that transmits the first data unit among the direct links between the first device and the second device.

[0240] Table 9

[0241]

[0242] In method 2, the first device determines the first element of the first data unit.

[0243] Specifically, the first data unit may include a TDLS frame, and the TDLS frame includes a first element. The first element may be used to indicate an identifier (ID) of a target link or an address of an AP corresponding to the target link among multiple APs of the third device. For example, the first element may be set to a BSSID corresponding to the target link.

[0244] Optionally, the TDLS frame may be a TDLS channel switching request frame or a TDLS channel switching response frame.

[0245] Assume that the third device includes AP1, AP2 and AP3, and AP2 corresponds to the target link. Then, the address of the AP corresponding to the target link among the multiple APs of the third device is the address of AP2 of the third device, that is, the Affiliated AP2 BSSID of the AP MLD.

[0246] Optionally, the target link is a second direct link applied by the TDLS frame, and the second direct link is a direct link between the first device and the second device.

[0247] Assume that there are direct link 1 and direct link 2 between the first device and the second device, the TDLS frames are a TDLS channel switching request frame and a TDLS channel switching response frame, and the target link corresponding to the TDLS channel switching request / response frame is direct link 2. Then, according to the first element corresponding to the TDLS channel switching request / response frame, direct link 2 can be switched from the current channel to the specified channel.

[0248] In a multi-link TDLS scenario, by using the first element to indicate the target link, the TDLS Channel Switch Request / Response can be transmitted through any directly connected link, not necessarily on the target link to be switched, which improves transmission flexibility.

[0249] Optionally, the first element may be the Link Identifier element shown in FIG. 4 above, or a newly defined element. In some embodiments, the first field in the first element may indicate the identifier of the target link or the address of the AP corresponding to the target link among multiple APs of the third device. For example, the first field may be the BSSID field of the Link Identifier element.

[0250] In mode 3, the first device determines the second element of the first data unit.

[0251] Specifically, 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 relative to a first timing synchronization function threshold of a third direct link, and the second element is used to indicate an identifier of the third direct link or an address of an AP corresponding to the third direct link among multiple APs of the third device, where the third direct link is a direct link between the first device and the second device.

[0252] Assume that direct link 1 and direct link 2 exist between the first device and the second device, and the third device includes AP1, AP2, and AP3. Direct link 1 corresponds to AP1, and direct link 2 corresponds to AP2. The offset field in the wake-up scheduling element is an offset relative to the first timing synchronization function threshold of direct link 2. The second element is used to indicate the identifier of direct link 2 or the address of AP2 of the third device, such as the Affiliated AP2 BSSID of the AP MLD.

[0253] Different subordinate APs of the AP MLD may have independent timing synchronization functions (TSFs). Thus, the TSF of the direct link to which the offset field in the wake-up schedule element is relative may be obtained through the identifier or address indicated by the second element.

[0254] Optionally, the TDLS frame may be a TDLS peer-end energy saving management request frame and a TDLS peer-end energy saving management response frame.

[0255] In this way, after the TDLS initiator and responder exchange TDLS peer energy-saving management request frames and TDLS peer energy-saving management response frames, they can periodically wake up and transmit and receive data based on the wake-up scheduling elements carried in the TDLS peer energy-saving management request frames and / or TDLS peer energy-saving management response frames, thereby saving power consumption. In addition, by indicating the third direct link relative to the offset field, it is possible to achieve transmission of the TDLS Peer PSM Request / Response through any direct link in a multi-link TDLS scenario, and the end can correctly parse the wake-up scheduling elements, which can improve transmission flexibility.

[0256] Optionally, the second element may be the Link Identifier element shown in FIG. 4 above, or a newly defined element. In some embodiments, the first field of the second element may indicate the identifier of the third direct link or the address of the AP corresponding to the third direct link among the multiple APs of the third device. For example, the first field may be the BSSID field of the Link Identifier element.

[0257] Optionally, the wake-up scheduling element may reuse an existing wake-up scheduling element, or be a newly defined element.

[0258] Exemplarily, in conjunction with Figure 11, the wakeup schedule element may include one or more of the following fields: Element ID, Length, Offset, Interval, Awake Window Slots, Maximum Awake Window Duration, and Idle Count.

[0259] Among them, the offset field can be used to indicate the offset of the first wake-up window relative to TSF0, and TSF can be a counter, and the value stored in the counter represents a time value. The interval field can be used to indicate the time interval between two adjacent wake-up windows. The wake-up window time slot field is used to indicate the duration of the wake-up window. The maximum wake-up window duration field is used to indicate the maximum duration of the wake-up window. The idle number field is used to indicate the number of idle wake-up windows allowed to be experienced before the TDLS peer deletes the periodic wake-up schedule. An idle wake-up window refers to a wake-up window in which no unicast frames are received from the TDLS peer. For example, if the first device has not received any unicast frames from the second device during the process of experiencing the number of wake-up windows indicated by the idle number field, the second device may delete the wake-up schedule element.

[0260] It should be noted that Method 2 and Method 3 can be used independently or in combination. When used in combination, the first element and the second element can be the same element, such as the first element. Thus, the first element can be used to indicate the identifier of the target link or the address of the AP corresponding to the target link among the multiple APs of the third device, and can be used to indicate the identifier of the third direct link or the address of the AP corresponding to the third direct link among the multiple APs of the third device. In other words, the target link and the third direct link are the same direct link.

[0261] The following describes how to set the link identification element, or a newly defined element, for different TDLS frames in conjunction with Table 10. That is, when the TDLS frame is different, the link identification element, or a newly defined element, or the BSSID field in the link identification element, or the first field of the newly defined element may correspond to different settings. For ease of description, the link identification element, the newly defined element, the first element, and the second element are collectively referred to as the first element.

[0262] In some scenarios, when the first device includes a single STA and the TDLS frame is a TDLS discovery request frame, the first element is used to indicate the identifier of the transmission link, or the address of the AP corresponding to the transmission link among multiple APs of the third device. The transmission link is the link through which the TDLS discovery request frame is sent. For example, the first element can be set to the BSSID corresponding to the transmission link.

[0263] When the first device includes an STA and the TDLS frame is a TDLS discovery response frame, the first element is used to indicate the identifier of the transmission link, or the address of the AP corresponding to the transmission link among multiple APs of the third device, and the transmission link is the link for sending the TDLS discovery request frame.

[0264] Table 10

[0265]

[0266]

[0267] That is, the setting content of the first element corresponding to the TDLS discovery response frame of the TDLS frame can be the same as the setting content of the first element corresponding to the TDLS discovery request frame of the TDLS frame. For example, the first element can be set to the BSSID corresponding to the transmission link of the TDLS discovery request frame.

[0268] When the first device includes a single 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 corresponding to the first device among multiple APs on the third device. The transmission link is the link over which the TDLS discovery request frame is sent. For example, the first element can be set to the BSSID corresponding to the link where the legacy STA is located.

[0269] When the first device includes a STA, and the TDLS frame is a TDLS establishment response frame, a TDLS establishment confirmation frame, a TDLS teardown frame, a TDLS channel switching request frame, a TDLS channel switching response frame, a TDLS peer energy saving management request frame, a TDLS peer energy saving management response frame, a TDLS peer traffic indication frame or a TDLS peer traffic response frame, the specific implementation method of the first element can refer to the above-mentioned implementation method of the first element when the first device includes a STA and the TDLS frame is a TDLS establishment request frame, and will not be repeated here.

[0270] In other scenarios, when the first device includes multiple STAs and the TDLS frame is a TDLS discovery request frame, the first element is used to indicate the identifier of the reference link, or the address of the AP corresponding to the reference link among multiple APs of the third device. Optionally, the reference link can be the link indicated by the BSSID field in the Link Identifier Element. For example, the first element can be set to the BSSID corresponding to the reference link.

[0271] When the first device includes multiple STAs and the TDLS frame is a TDLS discovery response frame, the first element is used to indicate the identifier of the common link for transmitting the TDLS discovery response frame, or the address of the AP corresponding to the common link for transmitting the TDLS discovery response frame among multiple APs of the third device. The common link is a 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 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.

[0272] Optionally, when the first device includes multiple STAs, the TDLS discovery response frame may be transmitted on any public link.

[0273] When the first device includes multiple STAs and the TDLS frame is a TDLS setup request frame, a TDLS setup response frame, or a TDLS setup confirmation frame, the first element is used to indicate the identifier of the reference link or the address of the AP corresponding to the reference link among the multiple APs of the third device. For example, the first element can be set to the BSSID corresponding to the reference link.

[0274] When the first device includes multiple STAs and the TDLS frame is a TDLS demolition frame, the first element is used to indicate the address of the third device, which may indicate the demolition of all direct links between the first device and the second device. For example, the first element may be set to the MAC address of the AP MLD. Alternatively, the first element is used to indicate the address of the AP corresponding to the direct link between the first device and the second device among the multiple APs of the third device. For example, the BSSID corresponding to a direct link. Exemplarily, when the first element is set to the address of the affiliated AP corresponding to a direct link between the first device and the second device, it indicates the demolition of the direct link, that is, data can no longer be sent or received through the direct link subsequently.

[0275] When the first device includes multiple STAs and the TDLS frame is a TDLS channel switch request frame or a TDLS channel switch response frame, the specific implementation of the first element can refer to the above method 2 and will not be repeated here. For example, the first element can be set to the BSSID corresponding to the target link.

[0276] When the first device includes multiple STAs and the TDLS frame is a TDLS peer energy-saving management request frame or a TDLS peer energy-saving management response frame, the specific implementation of the first element can refer to the above method 3 and is not repeated here. For example, the first element can be set to the BSSID of the third direct link corresponding to the wake-up scheduling element.

[0277] When the first device includes multiple STAs and the TDLS frame is a TDLS peer traffic indication frame or a TDLS peer traffic response frame, the first element is used to indicate the address of the third device. For example, the first element can be set to the MAC address of the AP MLD.

[0278] The reference link, transmission link and public link are described in detail below.

[0279] 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 the reference link. For example, the specific format of the MPDU can be shown in Figure 6, the specific format of the Multi-link element can be shown in Figure 3 or Figure 12, and the specific format of the Link Identifier Element can be shown in Figure 4.

[0280] Specifically, when establishing multi-link TDLS, if the first device includes multiple STAs, it may be necessary to carry a Multi-link element in the following TDLS action frames, such as the TDLS Setup Request / Response and TDLS Discovery Request / Response. After the TDLS initiator and responder successfully exchange TDLS Discovery Request / Response frames, the non-AP MLD will determine whether the other end is an MLD. If both the TDLS initiator and responder are MLDs, the Multi-link element can be carried in the subsequent TDLS Setup Request / Response frames.

[0281] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of the frame structure of another Multi-link element provided in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 12, the Type subfield is set to the number corresponding to TDLS. The transparent transmission / non-transparent transmission (Transparent / non-transparent) bit indicates the address mode adopted by the non-AP MLD. When the address mode is Transparent, it means that the link address of the non-AP MLD is the same as the non-AP MLD address; when the address mode is non-transparent, it means that different links corresponding to the non-AP MLD use different link addresses, and the non-APMLD address is different from the link address of the non-AP MLD. At this time, it is necessary to indicate the corresponding link ID and the address used by the affiliated STA, that is, the link address, at the beginning of each Per-STA Profile. The MLD MAC Address field is always set to the MAC address of the AP MLD.

[0282] The specific format of the frame body is shown in Figure 13. The frame body can include information about the reference link (such as Element ID#1, Element ID#2, etc.) and information about other links (Multi-link element). For example, in conjunction with Figure 3 or Figure 12, information about other links can be carried in the Per-STA Profile in the Multi-link element.

[0283] Transmitting Link: This refers to the link over which the frame is sent. The corresponding link is called a transmission link. For example, if a TDLS frame is sent over link 1, link 1 is called a transmission link.

[0284] For TDLS frames encapsulated as management frames and transmitted directly (such as the TDLS Discovery Response), the transmission link is the reference link. Specifically, when sending management frames, the transmission link and the reference link are generally required to be consistent. For example, if the initiator sends a Multilink Association Request frame on link 1, the responder must also respond with a Multilink Association Response frame on link 1.

[0285] For TDLS frames encapsulated as data frames, the transmission link and the reference link may be different. Specifically, when sending a data frame, the transmission link can be any link, that is, the data frame can be sent on any link, so the transmission link and the reference link may be the same or different.

[0286] For example, data frame transmission methods include: One possibility is to transmit data frames according to management frame transmission requirements, i.e., the data frames are sent back on the same link as the transmission link. Meanwhile, the Transmitting Link and the Reference Link are consistent. Another possibility is to transmit data frames according to the data frame transmission requirements, i.e., to transmit them on any link. For example, a TDLS Setup Request is sent on Link 1, and a TDLS Setup Response is returned on Link 2. In this case, the Transmitting Link and the Reference Link are not required to be consistent.

[0287] Common Link: The direct link between two STAs (STAs refer to legacy STAs or STAs affiliated with non-AP MLD) associated with the same AP is called a common link. In the (legacy STA, MLD) scenario, the link associated with the legacy STA is the common link. In the (non-AP MLD1, non-AP MLD2) scenario, multiple common links may exist.

[0288] For example, assume that AP MLD corresponds to Links 1, 2, and 3. Links 1 and 2 are established between non-AP MLD1 and AP MLD, and Links 1 and 3 are established between non-AP MLD2 and AP MLD. STA1 of non-AP MLD1 and STA1 of non-AP MLD2 are both associated with AP MLD's AP1, corresponding to Link 1. STA2 of non-AP MLD1 is associated with AP2 of AP MLD, corresponding to Link 2. STA3 of non-AP MLD2 is associated with AP3 of AP MLD, corresponding to Link 3. Direct Links 1 and 2 are established, and STA1 of non-AP MLD1 and STA1 of non-AP MLD2 correspond to Direct Link 1, while STA2 of non-AP MLD1 and STA3 of non-AP MLD2 correspond to Direct Link 2. Direct Link 1 can be called a common link.

[0289] In mode 4, the first device determines the third element of the first data unit.

[0290] Optionally, the first data unit may include a third element, and the third element may be used to indicate that at least one fourth direct link is established 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 the at least one fourth direct link.

[0291] In other words, the first link can be a public link between the first device and the third device, and between the second device and the third device. 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 and second devices can establish a direct link over the public link to increase the data transmission rate.

[0292] In some embodiments, the third element may include a direct link quantity field and a direct link identifier field. The direct link quantity field may be used to indicate the number of fourth direct links requested for establishment. By indicating the number of fourth direct links to be established, fourth direct links can be established on some or all of the first links, thereby increasing the flexibility of establishing direct links.

[0293] Specifically, the direct link identifier field may include the address of at least one AP among the plurality of APs of the third device that corresponds to the at least one fourth direct link, or the identifier of the at least one fourth direct link. In other words, the direct link identifier field may include the BSSID of at least one AP among the plurality of APs of the third device that corresponds to the at least one fourth direct link, or the link ID of the at least one fourth direct link. In this way, it is possible to indicate the links over which the direct link is established.

[0294] It should be noted that in the embodiments of the present application, "AP's MAC address", "AP's BSSID", and "AP's address" can express the same meaning when the distinction between them is not emphasized.

[0295] Alternatively, the direct link identifier field may include the address of the first STA of the first device and the address of the second STA of the second device. In other words, the direct link identifier field may include the addresses of the subordinate STAs at both ends of the direct link, such as the MAC address of the first STA and the MAC address of the second STA.

[0296] Alternatively, optionally, the direct link identifier field may include the address of at least one AP among multiple APs of the third device that corresponds to at least one fourth direct link, or the identifier of at least one fourth direct link, as well as the address of the first STA of the first device and the address of the second STA of the second device.

[0297] The third element in Method 4 is described in the scenario of establishing a direct link over a public link. In one possible design, a direct link can be established between the first device and the second device over a non-public link. When establishing a direct link over a non-public link, the implementation of the third element is similar to the specific implementation of the third element in the scenario of establishing a direct link over a public link.

[0298] For example, the third element may be used to indicate that at least one fifth direct link is established on the second link. The second link is a link between the first device and the third device, and a link between the second device and the third device, and the second link may include the at least one fifth direct link.

[0299] In other words, the second link can be a non-public link between the first device and the third device, or between the second device and the third device. 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 establish a direct link over the non-public link to increase the data transmission rate.

[0300] In some embodiments, the third element may include a direct link quantity field and a direct link identifier field. The direct link quantity field may be used to indicate the number of fifth direct links requested for establishment. In this way, by indicating the number of fifth direct links to be established, fifth direct links can be established on some or all of the second links, thereby increasing the flexibility of establishing direct links.

[0301] Specifically, the direct link identifier field may include the address of at least one AP among the multiple APs of the third device that corresponds to the at least one fifth direct link, or the identifier of the at least one fifth direct link. For example, if one end of the fifth direct link corresponds to the STA of the first device and the other end corresponds to the STA of the second device, the direct link identifier field may include the address of the AP among the multiple APs of the third device that corresponds to the STA of the first device, or the address of the AP among the multiple APs of the third device that corresponds to the STA of the second device.

[0302] That is, the direct link identifier field may include the BSSID of the AP corresponding to either end of the fifth direct link or the identifier of the second link corresponding to the AP.

[0303] Alternatively, the indirect link may be represented by the address of the subordinate AP corresponding to the initiator of establishing the direct link, or the identifier of the second link corresponding to the subordinate AP. For example, when the first device initiates the establishment of the direct link, the direct link identifier field may include the address of the AP corresponding to the STA of the first device among multiple APs of the third device, or the identifier of the second link corresponding to the subordinate AP.

[0304] In some embodiments, the third element may be a TDLS Link Info element. As shown in FIG14 , the TDLS Link Info element may include one or more of the following fields: Element ID, Length, Number of Direct Links, and Direct Link Identifier.

[0305] It should be noted that the embodiment of the present application does not limit the format of the third element, and Figure 14 is only an example of the present application.

[0306] It should be noted that the above-mentioned methods 1 to 4 can not only be used in combination with the direct link addressing method shown in Figure 7 above, but the above-mentioned methods 1 to 4 can also be used separately or in combination with each other, and this application does not limit this.

[0307] In some embodiments, the seventh address is bound to the TPK.

[0308] Optionally, the seventh address includes an address of an AP corresponding to the direct link between the first device and the second device among multiple APs of the third device or addresses of all APs of the third device, and the address of the third device.

[0309] That is to say, the address of the subordinate AP corresponding to the direct link (such as the BSSID of the subordinate AP) and the address of the third device can be bound to the TPK, or the addresses of all subordinate APs of the third device (such as the BSSIDs of all subordinate APs) and the address of the third device can be bound to the TPK.

[0310] Optionally, when the first device includes multiple STAs, the first device and the second device can negotiate to establish a direct link on part or all of the links, thereby binding the address of the subordinate AP corresponding to the established direct link and the address of the third device to the TPK, or binding the addresses of all subordinate APs of the third device and the address of the third device to the TPK, thereby ensuring the security of communication between the first device and the second device through the direct link.

[0311] In some embodiments, the direct link addressing method provided in the embodiments of the present application may further include the TPK derivation process shown in the following steps 1 and 2. It should be noted that steps 1 and 2 can be used alone or in combination with the method, method 1, method 2, method 3, and / or method 3 shown in FIG7 .

[0312] In step 1, the first device negotiates with the second device to determine an authentication and key management (AKM) suite selector.

[0313] For example, as shown in Table 11, the AKM suite selector can include one or more of the following: organizationally unique identifier (OUI), suite type, authentication, key management, key derivation, and authentication numbers. The specific corresponding contents of each item are detailed in Table 11 and are not repeated here.

[0314] Table 11

[0315]

[0316] Step 2: The first device negotiates with the second device to derive a TDLS peer key TPK.

[0317] Alternatively, the following formula (1) and formula (2) may be used to determine TPK.

[0318] TPK-Key-Input=Hash(min(SNonce,ANonce)||max(SNonce,ANonce)) (1)

[0319] In the above formula (1), Hash represents a hash algorithm, SNonce (supplicant nonce) represents a requester's random number, ANonce (authenticator nonce) represents an authenticator's random number, || represents concatenation or inclusion, the mathematical symbol min represents a minimum value, and the mathematical symbol max represents a maximum value.

[0320] TPK=KDF-Hash-Length(TPK-Key-Input,“TDLS MLD PMK”,min(MAC_I,MAC_R)||max(MAC_I,MAC_R)||AP MLD MAC Address||Affiliated AP Address1||….Affiliated AP Addressn) (2)

[0321] In the above formula (2), TPK represents the TDLS peer key, KDF-Hash-lenrth represents the key derivation function, "TDLS MLD PMK" represents the TDLS MLD pairwise master key (PMK), || represents concatenation or inclusion, the mathematical symbol min represents the minimum value, and the mathematical symbol max represents the maximum value, AP MLD MAC Address represents the address of the third device (AP MLD), Affiliated AP Address1 represents the address of the affiliated AP (the AP of the third device) corresponding to the direct link between the first device and the second device, when the first device is the initiator, MAC_I represents the MAC address of the first device, and MAC_R represents the MAC address of the second device.

[0322] It should be noted that the above steps 1 and 2 can also be applied to the derivation of the pairwise master key (PTK), and the seventh address can be bound to the PTK, which will not be described in detail here.

[0323] In some embodiments, the first device and the second device can complete the TPK-derived handshake negotiation by exchanging TDLS Setup Request / Response / Confirm (see steps a-c below for details). That is, the above steps one to two can be combined with steps a-c below to complete the TPK-derived handshake negotiation.

[0324] Take the first device as an example of a TDLS initiator.

[0325] In step a, the first device sends a TDLS Setup Request frame to the second device. In response, the second device receives the TDLS Setup Request frame from the first device.

[0326] In step b, the second device sends a TDLS Setup Response frame to the first device. Correspondingly, the first device receives the TDLS Setup Response frame from the second device.

[0327] Optionally, the second device may send a TDLS Setup Response frame to the first device according to the Link Identifier element and / or the TDLS Link Info element.

[0328] For example, the TDLS Setup Response frame may include acceptance of the TDLS setup request or rejection of the TDLS setup request, such as the acceptance or rejection displayed in the status code (Status Code) of the TDLS Setup Response frame.

[0329] Step c: If the TDLS Setup Response frame indicates acceptance, the first device sends a TDLS Setup Confirm frame to the second device, thereby completing the TPK-derived handshake negotiation.

[0330] Based on the direct link addressing method described in FIG7 , when the first device includes one STA, the protected data is constructed using the address of the first device, the address of the second device, and the address of the first AP to which the first device is connected. When the first device includes multiple STAs, the protected data is constructed using the address of the first device, the address of the second device, and the address of the third device. Thus, the first device can transmit the first data unit through the direct link between the first device and the second device, which can improve the data transmission rate. In addition, when the first device includes multiple STAs, the protected data is constructed using the device address, and changes in the direct link do not affect the protected data. Therefore, when data is transmitted across multiple direct links, there is no need to re-encrypt, which can further improve the data transmission rate.

[0331] For example, Figure 15 is a flowchart illustrating another direct link addressing method provided in an embodiment of the present application. This method is described using the second device as the TDLS initiator. This direct link addressing method can be applied to communications between the STA device and non-AP MLD2, or between non-AP MLD1 and non-AP MLD2, as shown in Figure 1.

[0332] S1501: The second device determines protected data.

[0333] The protected data includes a first address, a second address and a third address.

[0334] In some embodiments, when the first device includes a STA, the first address is the address of the first device, the second address is the address of the second device, the third address is the address of the first AP of the third device, and the first device is connected to the first AP of the third device.

[0335] In conjunction with Figure 8 , when the first device includes a single STA and the second device acts as the TDLS initiator, the first, second, and third addresses of the protected data are shown in Table 12. This differs from Table 6 in S701 above in that the first and second addresses are swapped. The responder is the first device, so the first address is the legacy STA address, such as the legacy STA MAC Address; the initiator is the second device, so the second address is the non-AP MLD2 address, such as the non-AP MLD2 MAC Address. The third address is the same as the third address in Table 6 above and is the address of AP1, such as AP1's BSSID.

[0336] Table 12

[0337]

[0338] In some embodiments, when the first device includes multiple STAs, the first address is the address of the first device, the second address is the address of the second device, and the third address is the address of the third device.

[0339] In conjunction with Figure 9, when the first device includes multiple STAs and the second device acts as the TDLS initiator, the first, second, and third addresses of the protected data are shown in Table 13. Due to the changes in the initiator and responder, Table 13 differs from Table 7 in S701 above in that the settings of the first and second addresses are interchanged. See Table 13 for details and will not be repeated here.

[0340] Table 13

[0341]

[0342] S1502: The second device sends a first data unit.

[0343] The first data unit includes a first header, the first header is determined according to the protected data, and the first data unit is transmitted through a direct link between the first device and the second device.

[0344] Exemplarily, the first data unit may be the MPDU shown in FIG. 6 , and the first header may be the MPDU header shown in FIG. 6 .

[0345] Optionally, before or during the first device sending the first data unit in the above S702, the first data unit may be determined. Specifically, one or more of the following methods 5 to 8 may be adopted.

[0346] In mode 5, the second device determines the first header of the first data unit.

[0347] Optionally, the first header may include a fourth address, a fifth address, and a sixth address.

[0348] Exemplarily, 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.

[0349] In some embodiments, when the first device includes a STA, the fourth address is the address of the first device, the fifth address is the address of the second device, and the sixth address is the address of the first AP of the third device.

[0350] With reference to Figure 8 , when the first device includes a single STA and the second device functions as the TDLS initiator, the fourth, fifth, and sixth addresses of the MPDU header are as shown in Table 14. Because the initiator and responder have changed, Table 14 differs from Table 8 in Method 1 above in that the settings for the fourth and fifth addresses are swapped. See Table 14 for details and will not be repeated here.

[0351] Table 14

[0352]

[0353] In some embodiments, when the first device includes multiple STAs, the fourth address is the address of the STA corresponding to the first direct link among the multiple STAs of the first device, the fifth address is the address of the STA corresponding to the first direct link among the multiple STAs of the second device, and the sixth address is the address of the AP corresponding to the first direct link among the multiple APs of the third device, and the first direct link is a direct link between the first device and the second device.

[0354] In conjunction with Figures 9 and 10, when the first device includes multiple STAs and the second device acts as the TDLS initiator, the fourth, fifth, and sixth addresses of the MPDU header are shown in Table 15. Due to the changes in the initiator and responder, Table 15 differs from Table 9 in the above-mentioned method 1 in that the settings of the fourth and fifth addresses are interchanged. For details, see Table 15 and are not further described here.

[0355] It should be noted that, when multiple direct links exist between the first device and the second device, the first direct link may be a direct link that transmits the first data unit among the direct links between the first device and the second device.

[0356] Table 15

[0357]

[0358] In mode 6, the second device determines the first element of the first data unit.

[0359] In some embodiments, the first data unit may include a TDLS frame, the TDLS frame including a first element. The first element is used to indicate an identifier of a target link or an address of an AP corresponding to the target link among multiple APs of the third device. For example, the first element may be set to a BSSID corresponding to the target link.

[0360] Optionally, the target link is a second direct link applied by the TDLS frame, and the second direct link is a direct link between the first device and the second device.

[0361] Regarding the specific implementation of method 6, the TDLS frame, and the first element, please refer to the above method 2 and will not be repeated here.

[0362] In mode 7, the second device determines the second element of the first data unit.

[0363] In some embodiments, the first data unit may include a TDLS frame, which may include a wakeup schedule element and a second element. The offset field in the wakeup schedule element is an offset relative to the first timing synchronization function threshold of the third direct link. The second element may be used to indicate the identifier of the third direct link or the address of an AP corresponding to the third direct link among multiple APs of the third device. The third direct link is a direct link between the first device and the second device. For specific implementation methods, refer to the corresponding implementation methods in the above-mentioned method 3 and are not further described here.

[0364] It should be noted that, similar to Method 2 and Method 3, Method 6 and Method 7 can be used independently or in combination, and will not be described in detail here.

[0365] Table 16

[0366]

[0367]

[0368] The following describes how to set the link identification element, or a newly defined element, for different TDLS frames in conjunction with Table 16. That is, when the TDLS frame is different, the link identification element, or a newly defined element, or the BSSID field in the link identification element, or the first field of the newly defined element may correspond to different settings. For ease of description, the link identification element, the newly defined element, the first element, and the second element are collectively referred to as the first element.

[0369] When the second device acts as a TDLS initiator, the first element setting method is mainly different from the first element setting method when the first device acts as a TDLS initiator in that the first device includes an STA and the TDLS frame is a TDLS discovery request frame.

[0370] Exemplarily, when the first device includes a single STA and the TDLS frame is a TDLS discovery request frame, the first element is used to indicate the identifier of a reference link, or the address of an AP corresponding to the reference link among multiple APs of the third device. 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.

[0371] In other scenarios shown in Table 16, the specific implementation of the first element can refer to the implementation of the corresponding first element when the first device acts as the TDLS initiator in Table 10 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0372] Regarding the specific implementation methods of the reference link, transmission link and public link, please refer to the corresponding implementation methods in the above-mentioned method 3, which will not be repeated here.

[0373] In mode 8, the second device determines the third element of the first data unit.

[0374] Optionally, the first data unit may include a third element, which may be used to indicate that at least one fourth direct link is established 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 includes the at least one fourth direct link. For specific implementations, refer to the corresponding implementation in Method 4 above and are not further described here.

[0375] In one possible design, a direct link may be established between the first device and the second device over a non-public link. When the direct link is established over the non-public link, the implementation of the third element is similar to the specific implementation of the third element in the scenario of establishing a direct link over a public link.

[0376] For example, the third element can be used to indicate the establishment of at least one fifth direct link on the second link. The second link is a link between the first device and the third device, and a link between the second device and the third device, which is different from the link between the second device and the third device. The second link can include at least one fifth direct link. In this way, the first device and the second device can establish a direct link on a non-public link to increase the data transmission rate. The specific implementation method can refer to the corresponding implementation method in the above-mentioned method 4 and will not be repeated here.

[0377] It should be noted that the above-mentioned methods 5 to 8 can not only be used in combination with the direct link addressing method shown in Figure 15 above, but the above-mentioned methods 5 to 8 can also be used separately or in combination with each other, and this application does not limit this.

[0378] In some embodiments, the seventh address is bound to a TDLS peer key (TPK). Optionally, the seventh address may include the address of an AP corresponding to a direct link between the first and second devices among multiple APs of the third device, or the addresses of all APs of the third device, as well as the address of the third device. The specific implementation method can refer to the binding of the seventh address to the TPK by the first device described above, and will not be further described here.

[0379] In one possible design, the direct link addressing method provided in the embodiment of the present application may further include the TPK derivation process shown in steps 3 and 4 below. It should be noted that steps 3 and 4 may be used alone or in combination with the method shown in FIG15 , method 5, method 6, method 7, and / or method 8.

[0380] Step 3: The first device negotiates with the second device to determine the authentication and AKM suite selector. The specific implementation method can refer to the above step 1 and will not be repeated here.

[0381] Step 4: The first device and the second device negotiate to derive a TDLS peer key TPK. The specific implementation method can refer to the above step 2 and will not be repeated here.

[0382] It should be noted that the above steps 3 to 4 can also be applied to the derivation of the pairwise master key (PTK), and the seventh address can be bound to the PTK, which will not be described in detail here.

[0383] In some embodiments, the first device and the second device can complete the TPK-derived handshake negotiation by exchanging TDLS Setup Request / Response / Confirm (see steps d-f below for details). That is, the above steps 3 to 4 can be combined with steps d-f below to complete the TPK-derived handshake negotiation.

[0384] Take the second device as the TDLS initiator as an example.

[0385] Steps d to f are similar to the above steps a to c. Steps d to f correspond to the above steps a to c respectively. The main difference is that the first device in the above steps a to c is replaced by the second device, and the second device is replaced by the first device. They will not be repeated here.

[0386] Based on the direct link addressing method described in Figure 15, when the first device includes one STA, the protected data is constructed using the address of the first device, the address of the second device, and the address of the first AP to which the first device is connected. When the first device includes multiple STAs, the protected data is constructed using the address of the first device, the address of the second device, and the address of the third device. Thus, the first device can transmit the first data unit through the direct link between the first device and the second device without the need for forwarding by a third device, which can improve the data transmission rate. In addition, when the first device includes multiple STAs, the protected data is constructed using the device address, and changes in the direct link do not affect the protected data. Therefore, when data is transmitted across multiple direct links, there is no need to re-encrypt, which can further improve the data transmission rate.

[0387] For example, Figure 16 is a flowchart illustrating another direct link addressing method provided in an embodiment of the present application. This method is described using a first device as a TDLS initiator as an example. This direct link addressing method can be applied to communications between a STA device and non-AP MLD2, or between non-AP MLD1 and non-AP MLD2, as shown in Figure 1.

[0388] S1601: A first device determines a first data unit.

[0389] The first data unit includes a first header, and the first header includes a fourth address, a fifth address, and a sixth address.

[0390] In some embodiments, the first data unit may include a frame body, for example, the frame body may be a TDLS frame or data.

[0391] Exemplarily, the first data unit may be the MPDU shown in FIG. 6 , the first header may be the MPDU header shown in FIG. 6 , and the TDLS frame or data is carried in the Frame Body field.

[0392] In some embodiments, when the first device includes a STA, the fourth address is the address of the second device, the fifth address is the address of the first device, the sixth address is the address of the first AP of the third device, and the first device is connected to the first AP of the third device.

[0393] In conjunction with Figure 8 , the first AP is AP1 in Figure 8 . When the first device includes one STA and the first device acts as a TDLS initiator, the fourth address, the fifth address, and the sixth address of the MPDU header are as shown in Table 17. The fourth address is the address of the non-AP MLD2, such as the non-AP MLD2 MAC Address. The fifth address is the address of the legacy STA, such as the legacy STA MAC Address. The sixth address is the address of AP1, such as the BSSID of AP1.

[0394] Table 17

[0395]

[0396] In some embodiments, when the first device includes multiple STAs, the fourth address is the address of the second device, the fifth address is the address of the first device, and the sixth address is the address of an AP corresponding to a sixth direct link among multiple APs of the third device. 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.

[0397] For example, in conjunction with Figures 9 and 10, assuming that the first device is non-AP MLD1, the second device is non-AP MLD2, and the third device is AP MLD, when the first device includes multiple STAs and acts as the TDLS initiator, the fourth address, fifth address, and sixth address of the MPDU header are as shown in Table 18. Assuming that the first data unit is transmitted on direct link 1, the fourth address is the address of STA1 of non-AP MLD2, such as the non-AP MLD2 MAC Address; the fifth address is the address of STA1 of non-AP MLD1, such as the non-AP MLD1 MAC Address; and the sixth address is the address of AP1 corresponding to direct link 1, such as the Affiliated AP1 BSSID of AP MLD.

[0398] Table 18

[0399]

[0400] Specifically, the setting method of the sixth address corresponding to Table 17 and Table 18 can be compatible with the situation where the first device includes one STA and the first device includes multiple STAs, so as to avoid frequent modification of the setting content of the sixth address, thereby reducing the transmission delay.

[0401] Optionally, the TDLS frame may be a TDLS discovery response frame.

[0402] The above 17 and Table 18 may be the address setting method for the first header of the management frame. Since the TDLS discovery response frame is encapsulated into a public management frame and does not need to be encrypted, the corresponding AAD structure may not be determined.

[0403] S1602: The first device sends a first data unit. Correspondingly, the second device receives the first data unit from the first device.

[0404] Based on the direct link addressing method described in Figure 16, when the first device includes one STA, the first header is constructed using the address of the first device, the address of the second device, and the address of the first AP to which the first device is connected. When the first device includes multiple STAs, the first header is constructed using the address of the first device, the address of the second device, and the address of the AP corresponding to the sixth direct link among the multiple APs of the third device. The sixth direct link is a link for transmitting the first data unit between the first device and the second device. Thus, the first device can transmit the first data unit through the direct link between the first device and the second device without the need for forwarding by the third device, which can increase the data transmission rate. In addition, the setting method of the sixth address is compatible with the case where the first device includes one STA and the case where the first device includes multiple STAs, which can avoid frequent modifications to the setting content of the sixth address, thereby further reducing the transmission delay.

[0405] For example, Figure 17 is a flowchart illustrating another direct link addressing method provided in an embodiment of the present application. This method is described using the second device as the TDLS initiator. This direct link addressing method can be applied to communications between the STA device and non-AP MLD2, or between non-AP MLD1 and non-AP MLD2, as shown in Figure 1.

[0406] S1701: The second device determines a first data unit.

[0407] The first data unit includes a first header, and the first header includes a fourth address, a fifth address, and a sixth address.

[0408] In some embodiments, the first data unit may include a frame body, for example, the frame body may be a TDLS frame or data.

[0409] Exemplarily, the first data unit may be the MPDU shown in FIG. 6 , the first header may be the MPDU header shown in FIG. 6 , and the TDLS frame or data is carried in the Frame Body field.

[0410] In some embodiments, when the first device includes a STA, the fourth address is the address of the first device, the fifth address is the address of the second device, the sixth address is the address of the first AP of the third device, and the first device is connected to the first AP of the third device.

[0411] With reference to Figure 8 , when the first device includes a single STA and the second device functions as the TDLS initiator, the fourth, fifth, and sixth addresses of the MPDU header are as shown in Table 19. Because the initiator and responder have changed, Table 19 differs from Table 17 in S1601 above in that the settings for the fourth and fifth addresses are swapped. See Table 19 for details, which will not be repeated here.

[0412] Table 19

[0413]

[0414] In some embodiments, when the first device includes multiple STAs, the fourth address is the address of the first device, the fifth address is the address of the second device, and the sixth address is the address of an AP corresponding to a sixth direct link among multiple APs of the third device. 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.

[0415] In conjunction with Figures 9 and 10, when the first device includes multiple STAs and the second device acts as the TDLS initiator, the fourth address, fifth address, and sixth address of the MPDU header are shown in Table 20. Due to the changes in the initiator and responder, Table 20 differs from Table 18 in S1601 above in that the settings of the fourth address and the fifth address are interchanged. For details, see Table 20 and are not repeated here.

[0416] Table 20

[0417]

[0418] Optionally, the TDLS frame may be a TDLS discovery response frame.

[0419] S1702: The second device sends a first data unit. Correspondingly, the first device receives the first data unit from the second device.

[0420] It should be noted that the technical effects of the method shown in FIG17 can refer to the technical effects of the method described in FIG16 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0421] It should be noted that the address setting rules constructed by the first data unit (such as MPDU) and the protected data (such as AAD) provided in the embodiments of the present application are applicable to unicast frames.

[0422] The following introduces several special application scenarios to which the embodiments of the present application are applicable. It should be understood that the application scenarios of the embodiments of the present application are not limited to the following application scenarios.

[0423] Scene 1

[0424] Assume that AP MLD corresponds to three links: link 1, link 2, and link 3. Non-AP MLD 1 establishes two links with AP MLD: link 1 and link 2. Non-AP MLD 2 establishes link 1 and link 3 with AP MLD. In this case, non-AP MLD 1 and non-AP MLD 2 can establish multi-link TDLS. Link 1 is called the public link, while the other links are called non-public links. Their link identifiers are the link IDs or BSSIDs of the APs associated with either end of the link. For data transmission on the non-public link, the two ends of the non-public link can negotiate the channel to be used for transmission using the public link. For example, if the non-public link switches to the channel used by one end, the other end is performing off-channel transmission and needs to notify the AP to enter the Doze state before switching to the channel used by the other end for direct transmission.

[0425] In the above scenario, establishing a direct link between non-AP MLDs requires at least one public link. Otherwise, a TDLS Discovery Response is not sent, and TDLS Setup is not initiated. When multiple public links exist between non-AP MLDs, a TDLS Discovery Response can be sent over any public link. However, if the link corresponding to the BSSID field in the Link Identifier element is also a public link, the public link is prioritized.

[0426] In addition, non-AP MLDs at both ends are allowed to use different address modes, such as transparent transmission mode and non-transparent transmission mode.

[0427] Scene 2

[0428] Assume that AP MLD corresponds to three links: link 1, link 2, and link 3. Non-AP MLD 1 establishes two links with AP MLD: link 1 and link 2. A legacy STA is associated with link 2. If the non-AP MLD, as the initiator, sends a TDLS Discovery Request frame with the BSSID in the Link Identifier element set to the BSSID corresponding to link 1, the legacy STA, upon receiving the TDLS Discovery Request frame, discovers that the BSSID in the Link Identifier element does not match its own BSSID. The legacy STA then does not send a TDLS Discovery Response frame on Link 2, resulting in discovery failure. This occurs because the non-AP MLD does not know whether the peer is a legacy STA or a non-AP MLD, nor does it know to which subordinate AP the peer is associated.

[0429] To avoid this situation, the non-AP MLD can send another TDLS Discovery Request frame with the BSSID in the Link Identifier element set to the BSSID corresponding to Link 2. When the legacy STA receives the TDLS Discovery Request frame and finds that the BSSID in the Link Identifier element matches its own BSSID, it returns a TDLS Discovery Response frame on Link 2, indicating a successful discovery.

[0430] Scenario 3

[0431] Assume that AP MLD corresponds to three links: link 1, link 2, and link 3. Non-AP MLD 1 establishes two links with AP MLD: link 1 and link 2. The legacy STA is associated with link 2. If the legacy STA, as the initiator, sends a TDLS Discovery Request frame on link 2, after receiving the TDLS Discovery Request frame, the non-AP MLD can only respond with a TDLS Discovery Response frame on the link indicated by the BSSID in the Link Identifier element (that is, link 2).

[0432] When both the TDLS initiator and responder are MLD devices, they carry the Multi-link element in the TDLS Discovery Request and TDLS Discovery Response frames, respectively. This allows both ends to know that the other end is also an MLD device through the TDLS discovery process. Furthermore, the TDLS initiator and responder can determine which links are common links.

[0433] The direct link addressing method provided by the embodiment of the present application is described in detail above with reference to Figures 7 to 17. The direct link addressing device provided by the embodiment of the present application is described in detail below with reference to Figures 18 and 19.

[0434] FIG18 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a direct link addressing device that can be used to execute the direct link addressing method provided in an embodiment of the present application. The direct link addressing device 1800 can be a first device or a second device, or a chip or other component with corresponding functions applied to the first device or the second device. As shown in FIG18 , the direct link addressing device 1800 can include a processor 1801 and a transceiver 1803. It can also include a memory 1802. The processor 1801 is coupled to the memory 1802 and the transceiver 1803, for example, via a communication bus. The processor 1801 can also be used alone.

[0435] The following is a detailed introduction to the various components of the direct link addressing device 1800 with reference to FIG18 :

[0436] The processor 1801 is the control center of the direct link addressing device 1800 and can be a single processor or a collective term for multiple processing elements. For example, the processor 1801 can be one or more central processing units (CPUs), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or one or more integrated circuits configured to implement the embodiments of the present application, such as one or more microprocessors (digital signal processors, DSPs) or one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs).

[0437] The processor 1801 may execute various functions of the direct link addressing device 1800 by running or executing a software program stored in the memory 1802 and calling data stored in the memory 1802 .

[0438] In a specific implementation, as an embodiment, the processor 1801 may include one or more CPUs, such as CPU0 and CPU1 shown in FIG18 .

[0439] In a specific implementation, as an embodiment, the direct link addressing apparatus 1800 may also include multiple processors, such as the processor 1801 and the processor 1804 shown in FIG18 . Each of these processors may be a single-core processor (single-CPU) or a multi-core processor (multi-CPU). The processor herein may refer to one or more communication devices, circuits, and / or processing cores for processing data (e.g., computer program instructions).

[0440] The memory 1802 may be a read-only memory (ROM) or other type of static storage communication device that can store static information and instructions, a random access memory (RAM) or other type of dynamic storage communication device that can store information and instructions, or an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or other optical disc storage, an optical disc storage (including a compact disc, laser disc, optical disc, digital versatile disc, Blu-ray disc, etc.), a magnetic disk storage medium or other magnetic storage communication device, or any other medium that can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and can be accessed by a computer, but is not limited thereto. The memory 1802 may be integrated with the processor 1801 or exist independently and be coupled to the processor 1801 via an input / output port (not shown in FIG. 18 ) of the direct link addressing device 1800, which is not specifically limited in this embodiment of the present application.

[0441] The memory 1802 is used to store the software program for executing the solution of the present application, and the execution is controlled by the processor 1801. The above specific implementation can refer to the following method embodiment, which will not be repeated here.

[0442] The transceiver 1803 is used for communication with other direct link addressing devices. For example, when the direct link addressing device 1800 is the first device, the transceiver 1803 can be used to communicate with the second device and the third device. For another example, when the direct link addressing device 1800 is the second device, the transceiver 1803 can be used to communicate with the first device and the third device. In addition, the transceiver 1803 may include a receiver and a transmitter (not shown separately in Figure 18). The receiver is used to implement the receiving function, and the transmitter is used to implement the sending function. The transceiver 1803 can be integrated with the processor 1801, or it can exist independently and be coupled to the processor 1801 through the input / output port (not shown in Figure 18) of the direct link addressing device 1800. This embodiment of the present application does not specifically limit this.

[0443] It should be noted that the structure of the direct link addressing device 1800 shown in FIG18 does not constitute a limitation on the direct link addressing device. The actual direct link addressing device may include more or fewer components than shown in the figure, or combine certain components, or arrange the components differently.

[0444] The actions of the first device in the above steps S701-S702 and S1601-S1602 can be performed by the processor 1801 in the direct link addressing apparatus 1800 shown in FIG18 calling the application code stored in the memory 1802 to instruct the remote terminal device to execute.

[0445] The actions of the second device in the above steps S1501-S1502 and S1701-S1702 can be performed by the processor 1801 in the direct link addressing device 1800 shown in Figure 18 calling the application code stored in the memory 1802 to instruct the remote terminal device to execute, and this embodiment does not impose any limitation on this.

[0446] Figure 19 is a schematic diagram of the structure of another direct link addressing device provided in an embodiment of the present application. For ease of explanation, Figure 19 only shows the main components of the direct link addressing device.

[0447] The direct link addressing apparatus 1900 includes a transceiver module 1901. Optionally, the direct link addressing apparatus 1900 may also include a processing module 1902. The direct link addressing apparatus 1900 may be the first device or the second device in the aforementioned method embodiments. The transceiver module 1901, also referred to as a transceiver unit, is configured to implement the transceiver functions performed by the first device or the second device in any of the aforementioned method embodiments.

[0448] It should be noted that the transceiver module 1901 may include a receiving module and a sending module (not shown in FIG19 ). The receiving module is used to implement the receiving function performed by the first device or the second device in any of the above method embodiments; the sending module is used to implement the sending function performed by the first device or the second device in any of the above method embodiments. This application does not specifically limit the specific implementation of the transceiver module 1901.

[0449] The processing module 1902, which may also be referred to as a processing unit, may be configured to implement the processing function performed by the first device or the second device in any of the above method embodiments. The processing module 1902 may be a processor.

[0450] In this embodiment, the direct link addressing device 1900 is presented in the form of integrated functional modules. "Module" here can refer to a specific ASIC, circuit, processor and memory executing one or more software or firmware programs, integrated logic circuit, and / or other device capable of providing the aforementioned functions. In a simple embodiment, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the direct link addressing device 1900 can take the form of the direct link addressing device 1800 shown in FIG. 18 .

[0451] For example, the processor 1801 in the direct link addressing apparatus 1800 shown in FIG18 may call computer-executable instructions stored in the memory 1802 to enable the direct link addressing apparatus 1800 to execute the direct link addressing method in the above method embodiment.

[0452] Specifically, the functions / implementation processes of the transceiver module 1901 and the processing module 1902 in FIG19 can be implemented by the processor 1801 in the direct link addressing apparatus 1800 shown in FIG18 invoking computer-executable instructions stored in the memory 1802. Alternatively, the functions / implementation processes of the processing module 1902 in FIG19 can be implemented by the processor 1801 in the direct link addressing apparatus 1800 shown in FIG18 invoking computer-executable instructions stored in the memory 1802, and the functions / implementation processes of the transceiver module 1901 in FIG19 can be implemented by the transceiver 1803 in the direct link addressing apparatus 1800 shown in FIG18.

[0453] Since the direct link addressing device 1900 provided in this embodiment can execute the above-mentioned direct link addressing method, the technical effects that can be obtained can refer to the above-mentioned method embodiments and will not be described in detail here.

[0454] In one possible design, a direct link addressing apparatus 1900 shown in FIG19 may be applicable to the communication system shown in FIG1 , and perform the functions of the first device in the direct link addressing method shown in FIG7 . The direct link addressing apparatus 1900 includes one or more stations (STAs). The direct link addressing apparatus 1900 is connected to a third device, which includes multiple access points (APs). The second device is connected to the third device, which includes multiple STAs.

[0455] Processing module 1902 is configured to determine protected data. The protected data includes a first address, a second address, and a third address. When direct link addressing apparatus 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 apparatus 1900, and the third address is the address of the first AP of the third device. Direct link addressing apparatus 1900 is connected to the first AP of the third device. When direct link addressing apparatus 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 apparatus 1900, and the third address is the address of the third device.

[0456] The transceiver module 1901 is configured to send a first data unit. The first data unit includes a first header, which is determined according to the protected data. The first data unit is transmitted via a direct link between the direct link addressing apparatus 1900 and the second device.

[0457] Optionally, the direct link addressing apparatus 1900 may further include a storage module (not shown in FIG. 19 ) storing a program or instruction. When the processing module 1902 executes the program or instruction, the direct link addressing apparatus 1900 may perform the functions of the first device in the direct link addressing method shown in FIG. 7 .

[0458] It should be noted that the direct link addressing device 1900 may be a first device, or a chip (system) or other component or assembly that can be provided in the first device, and this application does not limit this.

[0459] In addition, the technical effects of the direct link addressing apparatus 1900 may refer to the technical effects of the direct link addressing method shown in FIG. 7 , and will not be described in detail here.

[0460] In another possible design, a direct link addressing apparatus 1900 shown in FIG19 may be applicable to the communication system shown in FIG1 to perform the functions of the second device in the direct link addressing method shown in FIG7. The direct link addressing apparatus 1900 includes multiple stations (STAs). The direct link addressing apparatus 1900 is connected to a third device, which includes multiple access points (APs). The first device is connected to the third device, which includes one or more STAs.

[0461] The transceiver module 1901 is used to receive a first data unit. The first data unit includes a first header, which is determined based on the protected data. The first data unit is transmitted through the direct link between the first device and the direct link addressing device 1900. The protected data includes a first address, a second address, and a third address. When the first device includes one STA, the first address is the address of the direct link addressing device 1900, the second address is the address of the first device, and the third address is the address of the first AP of the third device. The first device is connected to the first AP of the third device. When the first device includes multiple STAs, the first address is the address of the direct link addressing device 1900, the second address is the address of the first device, and the third address is the address of the third device.

[0462] Optionally, the direct link addressing apparatus 1900 may further include a processing module 1902 and a storage module (not shown in FIG. 19 ), wherein the storage module stores a program or instruction. When the processing module 1902 executes the program or instruction, the direct link addressing apparatus 1900 may perform the functions of the second device in the direct link addressing method shown in FIG. 7 .

[0463] It should be noted that the direct link addressing device 1900 may be a second device, or a chip (system) or other component or assembly that can be provided in the second device, and this application does not limit this.

[0464] In addition, the technical effects of the direct link addressing apparatus 1900 may refer to the technical effects of the direct link addressing method shown in FIG. 7 , and will not be described in detail here.

[0465] In yet another possible design, a direct link addressing apparatus 1900 shown in FIG19 may be applicable to the communication system shown in FIG1 to perform the functions of the second device in the direct link addressing method shown in FIG15. The direct link addressing apparatus 1900 includes multiple stations (STAs). The direct link addressing apparatus 1900 is connected to a third device, which includes multiple access points (APs). The first device is connected to the third device, which includes one or more STAs.

[0466] Processing module 1902 is configured to determine protected data. The protected data includes a first address, a second address, and a third address. When the first device includes a single STA, the first address is the address of the first device, the second address is the address of the direct link addressing apparatus 1900, and the third address is the address of the first access point (AP) of the third device. The first device is connected to the first access point (AP) of the third device. When the first device includes multiple STAs, the first address is the address of the first device, the second address is the address of the direct link addressing apparatus 1900, and the third address is the address of the third device.

[0467] The transceiver module 1901 is configured to send a first data unit, wherein the first data unit includes a first header, the first header is determined according to the protected data, and the first data unit is transmitted via a direct link between the first device and the direct link addressing apparatus 1900 .

[0468] Optionally, the direct link addressing apparatus 1900 may further include a storage module (not shown in FIG. 19 ) storing a program or instruction. When the processing module 1902 executes the program or instruction, the direct link addressing apparatus 1900 may perform the functions of the second device in the direct link addressing method shown in FIG. 15 .

[0469] It should be noted that the direct link addressing device 1900 may be a second device, or a chip (system) or other component or assembly that can be provided in the second device, and this application does not limit this.

[0470] In addition, the technical effects of the direct link addressing apparatus 1900 may refer to the technical effects of the direct link addressing method shown in FIG15 , and will not be described in detail here.

[0471] In yet another possible design, a direct link addressing apparatus 1900 shown in FIG19 may be applicable to the communication system shown in FIG1 to perform the functions of the first device in the direct link addressing method shown in FIG15. The direct link addressing apparatus 1900 includes one or more stations (STAs), is connected to a third device, and the third device includes multiple access points (APs). A second device is connected to the third device, and the second device includes multiple STAs.

[0472] 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 the protected data. The first data unit is transmitted via a direct link between the direct link addressing device 1900 and the second device. The protected data includes a first address, a second address, and a third address. When the direct link addressing device 1900 includes one STA, the first address is the address of the direct link addressing device 1900, the second address is the address of the second device, and the third address is the address of the first AP of the third device. The direct link addressing device 1900 is connected to the first AP of the third device, and the direct link addressing device 1900 includes one STA. When the direct link addressing device 1900 includes multiple STAs, the first address is the address of the direct link addressing device 1900, the second address is the address of the second device, and the third address is the address of the third device.

[0473] Optionally, the direct link addressing apparatus 1900 may further include a processing module 1902 and a storage module (not shown in FIG. 19 ), wherein the storage module stores a program or instruction. When the processing module 1902 executes the program or instruction, the direct link addressing apparatus 1900 may perform the functions of the first device in the direct link addressing method shown in FIG. 15 .

[0474] It should be noted that the direct link addressing device 1900 may be a first device, or a chip (system) or other component or assembly that can be provided in the first device, and this application does not limit this.

[0475] In addition, the technical effects of the direct link addressing apparatus 1900 may refer to the technical effects of the direct link addressing method shown in FIG15 , and will not be described in detail here.

[0476] In yet another possible design, a direct link addressing apparatus 1900 shown in FIG19 may be applicable to the communication system shown in FIG1 to perform the functions of the first device in the direct link addressing method shown in FIG16. The direct link addressing apparatus 1900 includes one or more stations (STAs), is connected to a third device, and the third device includes multiple access points (APs). The second device is connected to the third device, and the second device includes multiple STAs.

[0477] The processing module 1902 is used to determine a first data unit. The first data unit includes a first header and a tunnel direct link to establish a TDLS frame, and the first header includes a fourth address, a fifth address, and a sixth address. When the direct link addressing device 1900 includes one STA, the fourth address is the address of the second device, the fifth address is the address of the direct link addressing device 1900, and the sixth address is the address of the first AP of the third device, the direct link addressing device 1900 is connected to the first AP of the third device. When the direct link addressing device 1900 includes multiple STAs, the fourth address is the address of the second device, the fifth address is the address of the direct link addressing device 1900, and the sixth address is the address of the AP corresponding to the sixth direct link among the multiple APs of the third device, and the sixth direct link is the link for transmitting TDLS frames between the direct link addressing device 1900 and the second device.

[0478] The transceiver module 1901 is configured to send a first data unit. The first data unit is transmitted via a direct link between the direct link addressing apparatus 1900 and a second device.

[0479] Optionally, the TDLS frame may be a TDLS discovery response frame.

[0480] Optionally, the direct link addressing apparatus 1900 may further include a storage module (not shown in FIG. 19 ) storing a program or instruction. When the processing module 1902 executes the program or instruction, the direct link addressing apparatus 1900 may perform the functions of the first device in the direct link addressing method shown in FIG. 16 .

[0481] It should be noted that the direct link addressing device 1900 may be a first device, or a chip (system) or other component or assembly that can be provided in the first device, and this application does not limit this.

[0482] In addition, the technical effects of the direct link addressing apparatus 1900 may refer to the technical effects of the direct link addressing method shown in FIG16 , and will not be described in detail here.

[0483] In yet another possible design, a direct link addressing apparatus 1900 shown in FIG19 may be applicable to the communication system shown in FIG1 to perform the functions of the second device in the direct link addressing method shown in FIG16. The direct link addressing apparatus 1900 includes multiple stations (STAs). The direct link addressing apparatus 1900 is connected to a third device, which includes multiple access points (APs). The first device is connected to the third device, which includes one or more STAs.

[0484] The transceiver module 1901 is configured to receive a first data unit, wherein the first data unit includes a first header and a tunnel direct link establishment TDLS frame, and the first header includes a fourth address, a fifth address, and a sixth address.

[0485] When the first device includes one STA, the fourth address is the address of direct link addressing apparatus 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. When the first device includes multiple STAs, the fourth address is the address of direct link addressing apparatus 1900, the fifth address is the address of the first device, and the sixth address is the address of an AP corresponding to a sixth direct link among the multiple APs of the third device. The sixth direct link is the link for transmitting TDLS frames between the first device and direct link addressing apparatus 1900. The first data unit is transmitted via the direct link between the first device and direct link addressing apparatus 1900.

[0486] Optionally, the TDLS frame may be a TDLS discovery response frame.

[0487] Optionally, the direct link addressing apparatus 1900 may further include a processing module 1902 and a storage module (not shown in FIG. 19 ), wherein the storage module stores a program or instruction. When the processing module 1902 executes the program or instruction, the direct link addressing apparatus 1900 may perform the functions of the second device in the direct link addressing method shown in FIG. 16 .

[0488] It should be noted that the direct link addressing device 1900 may be a second device, or a chip (system) or other component or assembly that can be provided in the second device, and this application does not limit this.

[0489] In addition, the technical effects of the direct link addressing apparatus 1900 may refer to the technical effects of the direct link addressing method shown in FIG16 , and will not be described in detail here.

[0490] In yet another possible design, a direct link addressing apparatus 1900 shown in FIG19 may be applicable to the communication system shown in FIG1 to perform the functions of the second device in the direct link addressing method shown in FIG17. The direct link addressing apparatus 1900 includes multiple stations (STAs). The direct link addressing apparatus 1900 is connected to a third device, which includes multiple access points (APs). The first device is connected to the third device, which includes one or more STAs.

[0491] The processing module 1902 is configured to determine a first data unit, wherein the first data unit includes a first header and a tunnel direct link establishment TDLS frame, and the first header includes a fourth address, a fifth address, and a sixth address.

[0492] The transceiver module 1901 is configured to send a first data unit. When the first device includes one STA, the fourth address is the address of the first device, the fifth address is the address of the direct link addressing device 1900, and the sixth address is the address of the first AP of the third device, and the first device is connected to the first AP of the third device. When the first device includes multiple STAs, the fourth address is the address of the first device, the fifth address is the address of the direct link addressing device 1900, and the sixth address is the address of the AP corresponding to the sixth direct link among the multiple APs of the third device. The sixth direct link is the 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.

[0493] Optionally, the TDLS frame may be a TDLS discovery response frame.

[0494] Optionally, the direct link addressing apparatus 1900 may further include a processing module 1902 and a storage module (not shown in FIG. 19 ), wherein the storage module stores a program or instruction. When the processing module 1902 executes the program or instruction, the direct link addressing apparatus 1900 may perform the functions of the second device in the direct link addressing method shown in FIG. 17 .

[0495] It should be noted that the direct link addressing device 1900 may be a second device, or a chip (system) or other component or assembly that can be provided in the second device, and this application does not limit this.

[0496] In addition, the technical effects of the direct link addressing apparatus 1900 may refer to the technical effects of the direct link addressing method shown in FIG17 , and will not be described in detail here.

[0497] In yet another possible design, a direct link addressing apparatus 1900 shown in FIG19 may be applicable to the communication system shown in FIG1 to perform the functions of the first device in the direct link addressing method shown in FIG17. The direct link addressing apparatus 1900 includes one or more stations (STAs). The direct link addressing apparatus 1900 is connected to a third device, which includes multiple access points (APs). The second device is connected to the third device, which includes multiple STAs.

[0498] The transceiver module 1901 is configured to receive a first data unit, wherein the first data unit includes a first header and a tunnel direct link establishment TDLS frame, and the first header includes a fourth address, a fifth address, and a sixth address.

[0499] When the direct link addressing apparatus 1900 includes one STA, the fourth address is the address of the direct link addressing apparatus 1900, the fifth address is the address of the second device, and the sixth address is the address of the first AP of the third device. The direct link addressing apparatus 1900 is connected to the first AP of the third device. When the direct link addressing apparatus 1900 includes multiple STAs, the fourth address is the address of the direct link addressing apparatus 1900, the fifth address is the address of the second device, and the sixth address is the address of the AP corresponding to the sixth direct link among the multiple APs of the third device. The sixth direct link is the link for transmitting TDLS frames between the direct link addressing apparatus 1900 and the second device. The first data unit is transmitted via the direct link between the direct link addressing apparatus 1900 and the second device.

[0500] Optionally, the TDLS frame may be a TDLS discovery response frame.

[0501] Optionally, the direct link addressing apparatus 1900 may further include a processing module 1902 and a storage module (not shown in FIG. 19 ), wherein the storage module stores a program or instruction. When the processing module 1902 executes the program or instruction, the direct link addressing apparatus 1900 may perform the functions of the first device in the direct link addressing method shown in FIG. 17 .

[0502] It should be noted that the direct link addressing device 1900 may be a first device, or a chip (system) or other component or assembly that can be provided in the first device, and this application does not limit this.

[0503] In addition, the technical effects of the direct link addressing apparatus 1900 may refer to the technical effects of the direct link addressing method shown in FIG17 , and will not be described in detail here.

[0504] An embodiment of the present application provides a communication system. The communication system includes: a first device and a second device. The second device may also include: wherein the first device is used to perform the actions of the first device in the above-mentioned method embodiment. The specific execution method and process can refer to the above-mentioned method embodiment and are not described in detail here. The second device is used to perform the actions of the second device in the above-mentioned method embodiment. The specific execution method and process can refer to the above-mentioned method embodiment and are not described in detail here. The third device is used to perform the actions of the third device in the above-mentioned method embodiment. The specific execution method and process can refer to the above-mentioned method embodiment and are not described in detail here.

[0505] An embodiment of the present application provides a chip system, which includes a processor and an input / output port. The processor is used to implement the processing functions involved in the direct link addressing method provided in the embodiment of the present application, and the input / output port is used for the transceiver functions involved in the direct link addressing method provided in the embodiment of the present application.

[0506] In one possible design, the chip system also includes a memory, which is used to store program instructions and data for implementing the functions involved in the direct link addressing method provided in the embodiment of the present application.

[0507] The chip system may be composed of chips, or may include chips and other discrete devices.

[0508] An embodiment of the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium, which includes a computer program or instructions. When the computer program or instructions are executed on a computer, the computer executes the direct link addressing method provided in the embodiment of the present application.

[0509] An embodiment of the present application provides a computer program product, which includes: a computer program or instructions, which, when executed on a computer, enables the computer to execute the direct link addressing method provided in the embodiment of the present application.

[0510] It should be understood that the processor in the embodiments of the present application may be a central processing unit (CPU), and the processor may also be other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSP), application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC), field programmable gate arrays (FPGA) or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor, etc.

[0511] It should also be understood that the memory in the embodiments of the present application may be a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memories. Among them, the non-volatile memory may be a read-only memory (ROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or a flash memory. The volatile memory may be a random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of example and not limitation, many forms of random access memory (RAM) are available, such as static RAM (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), enhanced SDRAM (ESDRAM), synchronous link DRAM (SLDRAM), and direct rambus RAM (DR RAM).

[0512] The above embodiments can be implemented in whole or in part by software, hardware (such as circuits), firmware or any other combination. When implemented using software, the above embodiments can be implemented in whole or in part in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions or computer programs. When the computer instructions or computer program are loaded or executed on a computer, the process or function described in the embodiment of the present application is generated in whole or in part. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another computer-readable storage medium. For example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server or data center to another website, computer, server or data center via a wired (such as infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) method. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer or a data storage device such as a server or data center that contains one or more available media sets. The available medium can be a magnetic medium (for example, a floppy disk, a hard disk, a tape), an optical medium (for example, a DVD), or a semiconductor medium. The semiconductor medium can be a solid-state drive.

[0513] It should be understood that the term "and / or" as used herein simply describes a relationship between associated objects, indicating that three possible relationships exist. For example, "A and / or B" can represent: A alone, A and B together, or B alone. A and B can be singular or plural. Furthermore, the character " / " as used herein generally indicates an "or" relationship between the associated objects, but it may also indicate an "and / or" relationship. For specific understanding, please refer to the context.

[0514] In this application, "at least one" means one or more, and "plurality" means two or more. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refers to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can mean: a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, or abc, where a, b, and c can be single or plural.

[0515] It should be understood that in the various embodiments of the present application, the size of the serial numbers of the above-mentioned processes does not mean the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of the present application.

[0516] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the units and algorithm steps of each example described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are performed in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professional and technical personnel can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0517] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the convenience and brevity of description, the specific working processes of the systems, devices and units described above can refer to the corresponding processes in the aforementioned method embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0518] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, devices and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are merely schematic. For example, the division of the units is merely a logical function division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods, such as multiple units or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. Another point is that the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed can be through some interfaces, indirect coupling or communication connection of devices or units, which can be electrical, mechanical or other forms.

[0519] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate, and the components shown as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of these units may be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0520] In addition, each functional unit in each embodiment of the present application may be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit may exist physically separately, or two or more units may be integrated into one unit.

[0521] If the functions are implemented in the form of software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the present application, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or the part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. The computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions for enabling a computer device (which can be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the method described in each embodiment of the present application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media that can store program codes, such as a USB flash drive, a mobile hard disk, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk or an optical disk.

[0522] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present application, but the scope of protection of the present application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included in the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A method for establishing a direct link, characterized in that, The method is applied to a first device, which includes one or more site STAs, and is connected to a third device, which includes multiple access points (APs). A second device is connected to the third device, which also includes multiple STAs. The method includes: At least two tunnel direct link establishment discovery request (TDLS Discovery Request) frames are identified. Each TDLS Discovery Request frame includes an identification field for indicating an AP in the third device. Each TDLS Discovery Request frame corresponds one-to-one with a different AP in the third device. Send at least two TDLS Discovery Request frames.

2. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The identification field is the Basic Service Set Identifier (BSSID), which is carried in the Link Identifier Element field of the TDLS Discovery Request frame.

3. The method as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The TDLS Discovery Request frame includes a multi-link element field, which includes a Type subfield, used to indicate the establishment of a tunnel direct link.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The TDLS Discovery Request frame includes a multilink element field, which includes an MLD MAC Address field, used to indicate the MAC address of a third device.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The first device receives a Tunnel Direct Link Establishment Discovery Response (TDLS Discovery Response) frame from one of the multiple STAs of the second device that is associated with the AP of the third device.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The method further includes: The MAC address of the third device is bound to the TDLS peer key TPK.

7. A direct-link addressing method, characterized in that, Applied to a second device, the second device including multiple site STAs, the second device being connected to a third device, the third device including multiple access points (APs), a first device being connected to the third device, the first device including one or more STAs, the method comprising: Receive at least two Tunnel Direct Link Establishment Discovery Request (TDLS Discovery Request) frames, each TDLS Discovery Request frame including an identification field for indicating an AP in the third device, with each TDLS Discovery Request frame corresponding to a different AP in the third device; Among the multiple STAs of the second device, the STA associated with the AP of the third device sends a Tunnel Direct Link Establishment Discovery Response (TDLS) frame.

8. The method as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The identification field is the Basic Service Set Identifier (BSSID), which is carried in the Link Identifier Element field of the TDLS Discovery Request frame.

9. The method as described in claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, The TDLS Discovery Request frame includes a multi-link element field, which includes a Type subfield, used to indicate the establishment of a tunnel direct link.

10. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that, The TDLS Discovery Request frame includes a multilink element field, which includes an MLD MAC Address field, used to indicate the MAC address of a third device.

11. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that, The method further includes: The MAC address of the third device is bound to the TDLS peer key TPK.

12. A first device, characterized in that, The first device includes one or more site STAs, and is connected to a third device, which includes multiple access points (APs). A second device is connected to the third device, which also includes multiple STAs. The first device includes: The processing unit is configured to determine at least two Tunnel Direct Link Establishment Discovery Request (TDLS Discovery Request) frames, wherein the TDLS Discovery Request frame includes an identification field for indicating the AP in the third device, and different TDLS Discovery Request frames correspond one-to-one with different APs in the third device; The transceiver unit is used to send the at least two TDLS Discovery Request frames.

13. The first device as claimed in claim 12, characterized in that, The identification field is the Basic Service Set Identifier (BSSID), which is carried in the Link Identifier Element field of the TDLS Discovery Request frame.

14. The first device as claimed in claim 12 or 13, characterized in that, The TDLS Discovery Request frame includes a multi-link element field, which includes a Type subfield, used to indicate the establishment of a tunnel direct link.

15. The first device as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that, The TDLS Discovery Request frame includes a multilink element field, which includes an MLD MAC Address field, used to indicate the MAC address of a third device.

16. The first device as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 15, characterized in that, The transceiver unit is also used to receive tunnel direct link establishment discovery response (TDLS Discovery Response) frames fed back by STAs associated with APs of the third device among the multiple STAs of the second device.

17. The first device as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 16, characterized in that, The MAC address of the third device is bound to the TDLS peer key TPK.

18. A second device, characterized in that, The second device includes multiple site STAs, and is connected to a third device, which includes multiple access points (APs). A first device is connected to the third device, and the first device includes one or more STAs. The second device includes: The transceiver unit is used to receive at least two Tunnel Direct Link Establishment Discovery Request (TDLS Discovery Request) frames, wherein each TDLS Discovery Request frame includes an identification field for indicating an AP in the third device, and each TDLS Discovery Request frame corresponds one-to-one with a different AP in the third device. The transceiver unit is also used to send a Tunnel Direct Link Establishment Discovery Response (TDLS) frame to the STAs associated with the AP of the third device among the multiple STAs of the second device.

19. The second device as claimed in claim 18, characterized in that, The identification field is the Basic Service Set Identifier (BSSID), which is carried in the Link Identifier Element field of the TDLS Discovery Request frame.

20. The second device as claimed in claim 18 or 19, characterized in that, The TDLS Discovery Request frame includes a multi-link element field, which includes a Type subfield, used to indicate the establishment of a tunnel direct link.

21. The second device as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 20, characterized in that, The TDLS Discovery Request frame includes a multilink element field, which includes an MLD MAC Address field, used to indicate the MAC address of a third device.

22. The second device as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 21, characterized in that, The MAC address of the third device is bound to the TDLS peer key TPK.

23. A direct-link addressing method, characterized in that, The method is applied to a first device, which includes one or more site STAs, and is connected to a third device, which includes multiple access points (APs). A second device is connected to the third device, which also includes multiple STAs. The method includes: The protected data is determined; wherein the protected data includes a first address, a second address, and a third address; When the first device includes a STA, the first address is the address of the second device, the second address is the address of the first device, the third address is the address of the first AP of the third device, and the first device is connected to the first AP of the third device; When the first device includes multiple STAs, the first address is the address of the second device, the second address is the address of the first device, and the third address is the address of the third device; Send a first data unit; wherein the first data unit includes a first header, the first header being 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.

24. The direct link addressing method according to claim 23, characterized in that, The first header includes a fourth address, a fifth address, and a sixth address; when the first device includes a STA, the fourth address is the address of the 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.

25. The direct link addressing method according to claim 23, characterized in that, The first header includes a fourth address, a fifth address, and a sixth address; when the first device includes multiple STAs, the fourth address is the address of the STA among the multiple STAs of the second device that corresponds to the first direct link, the fifth address is the address of the STA among the multiple STAs of the first device that corresponds to the first direct link, and the sixth address is the address of the AP among the multiple APs of the third device that corresponds to the first direct link, wherein the first direct link is the direct link between the first device and the second device.

26. The direct link addressing method according to any one of claims 23-25, characterized in that, The first data unit includes a tunnel direct link establishment TDLS frame. The TDLS frame includes a first element, which is used to indicate the identifier of the target link or the address of the AP corresponding to the target link among the multiple APs of the third device. The target link is the second direct link applied by the TDLS frame, and the second direct link is the direct link between the first device and the second device.

27. The direct link addressing method according to any one of claims 23-25, characterized in that, The first data unit includes a tunnel direct link establishment TDLS frame. The TDLS frame includes a wake-up scheduling element and a second element. The offset field in the wake-up scheduling element is an offset relative to the first timing synchronization function threshold of the third direct link. The second element is used to indicate the identifier of the third direct link or the address of the AP corresponding to the third direct link among the multiple APs of the third device. The third direct link is a direct link between the first device and the second device.

28. The direct link addressing method according to any one of claims 23-27, characterized in that, The first data unit includes a third element, which is used to indicate the establishment of at least one fourth direct link on the first link. The first link is a common link between the first device and the third device, and between the second device and the third device. The first link includes the at least one fourth direct link.

29. The direct link addressing method according to claim 28, characterized in that, The third element includes a direct link quantity field and a direct link identifier field. The direct link quantity field is used to indicate the number of the fourth direct links to be established. The direct link identifier field includes the address of at least one AP among the multiple APs of the third device that corresponds to the at least one fourth direct link, or the identifier of the at least one fourth direct link.

30. The direct link addressing method according to claim 29, characterized in that, The direct link identifier field also includes the address of the first STA of the first device and the address of the second STA of the second device.

31. The direct link addressing method according to any one of claims 23-30, characterized in that, The seventh address is bound to the TDLS peering key TPK. The seventh address includes the address of the AP corresponding to the direct link between the first device and the second device among the multiple APs of the third device, or the addresses of all APs of the third device, and the address of the third device.

32. A direct-link addressing method, characterized in that, Applied to a second device, the second device including multiple site STAs, the second device being connected to a third device, the third device including multiple access points (APs), a first device being connected to the third device, the first device including one or more STAs, the method comprising: The protected data is determined; wherein the protected data includes a first address, a second address, and a third address; When the first device includes a STA, the first address is the address of the first device, the second address is the address of the second device, the third address is the address of the first AP of the third device, and the first device is connected to the first AP of the third device; When the first device includes multiple STAs, the first address is the address of the first device, the second address is the address of the second device, and the third address is the address of the third device; Send a first data unit; wherein the first data unit includes a first header, the first header being 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.

33. The direct link addressing method according to claim 32, characterized in that, The first header includes a fourth address, a fifth address, and a sixth address; when the first device includes a STA, the fourth address is the address of the first device, the fifth address is the address of the second device, and the sixth address is the address of the first AP of the third device.

34. The direct link addressing method according to claim 32, characterized in that, The first header includes a fourth address, a fifth address, and a sixth address; when the first device includes multiple STAs, the fourth address is the address of the STA among the multiple STAs of the first device that corresponds to the first direct link, the fifth address is the address of the STA among the multiple STAs of the second device that corresponds to the first direct link, and the sixth address is the address of the AP among the multiple APs of the third device that corresponds to the first direct link, wherein the first direct link is the direct link between the first device and the second device.

35. The direct link addressing method according to any one of claims 32-34, characterized in that, The first data unit includes a tunnel direct link establishment TDLS frame. The TDLS frame includes a first element, which is used to indicate the identifier of the target link or the address of the AP corresponding to the target link among the multiple APs of the third device. The target link is the second direct link applied by the TDLS frame, and the second direct link is the direct link between the first device and the second device.

36. The direct link addressing method according to any one of claims 32-34, characterized in that, The first data unit includes a tunnel direct link establishment TDLS frame. The TDLS frame includes a wake-up scheduling element and a second element. The offset field in the wake-up scheduling element is an offset relative to the first timing synchronization function threshold of the third direct link. The second element is used to indicate the identifier of the third direct link or the address of the AP corresponding to the third direct link among the multiple APs of the third device. The third direct link is a direct link between the first device and the second device.

37. The direct link addressing method according to any one of claims 32-36, characterized in that, The first data unit includes a third element, which is used to indicate the establishment of at least one fourth direct link on the first link. The first link is a common link between the first device and the third device, and between the second device and the third device. The first link includes the at least one fourth direct link.

38. The direct link addressing method according to claim 37, characterized in that, The third element includes a direct link quantity field and a direct link identifier field. The direct link quantity field is used to indicate the number of the fourth direct links to be established. The direct link identifier field includes the address of at least one AP among the multiple APs of the third device that corresponds to the at least one fourth direct link, or the identifier of the at least one fourth direct link.

39. The direct link addressing method according to claim 38, characterized in that, The direct link identifier field also includes the address of the first STA of the first device and the address of the second STA of the second device.

40. The direct link addressing method according to any one of claims 32-39, characterized in that, The seventh address is bound to the TDLS peering key TPK. The seventh address includes the address of the AP corresponding to the direct link between the first device and the second device among the multiple APs of the third device, or the addresses of all APs of the third device, and the address of the third device.

41. A direct-link addressing device, characterized in that, The direct link addressing device includes a unit or module for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 6 or 23 to 31.

42. A direct-link addressing device, characterized in that, The direct link addressing device includes a unit or module for performing the method as described in any one of claims 7 to 11 or 32 to 40.

43. A direct-link addressing device, characterized in that, The direct link addressing device includes: a processor, the processor being coupled to a memory; The memory is used to store computer programs; The processor is configured to execute the computer program stored in the memory, such that the direct link addressing device performs the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 11 or 23 to 40.

44. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium includes a computer program or instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11 or 23 to 40.

45. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes: a computer program or instructions that, when run on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 11 or 23 to 40.

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