WiFi Direct Link Setup Across Different Access Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing WiFi network technologies limit direct link setup between stations to those within the same Basic Service Set (BSS) or associated with the same access device, restricting the application scope and communication efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that allow stations associated with different access devices to establish a direct link by querying a preset database for a coordinating access device, forwarding discovery requests, and negotiating resource information for the direct link, enabling communication between stations in different BSSs or with different access devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If direct link setup is limited to stations in the same BSS or associated with the same access device, then link setup process is simple, but application scope is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a coordination mechanism between access devices that allows them to cooperate in establishing direct links across different BSSs. The source access device coordinates with the target access device through database queries and message forwarding, enabling stations from different BSSs to establish direct links while maintaining managed complexity through structured coordination protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the direct link setup process into distinct phases: discovery request forwarding from source access device to target access device, target access device verification, and coordinated resource allocation. This segmentation allows complex cross-BSS link establishment to be managed through standardized, modular interaction sequences between access devices.
2Productivity
If direct link setup is allowed between stations in different BSSs, then communication efficiency is improved, but coordination complexity between access devices increases
Solution Approach 1:
Access devices act as intermediaries that manage the complexity of cross-BSS direct link establishment. The source access device forwards discovery requests to the target access device, which verifies station capabilities and coordinates resource allocation. This intermediary mechanism enables efficient direct communication between stations while centralizing coordination complexity at the access device level.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where access devices exchange verification results and resource allocation information during the direct link setup process. The target access device provides feedback on station capability verification, and both access devices coordinate on resource allocation, ensuring efficient link establishment while maintaining system-wide consistency through structured feedback loops.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention discloses a method and an apparatus for setting up a link between WiFi system-based stations, which belongs to the field of communications technologies. The method includes: receiving, by a source access device, a discovery request sent by a source station; querying, when it is determined that a target station and the source station are associated with different access devices, a preset database according to a target station identifier, to obtain a target access device associated with the target station; when it is determined, by querying the preset database, that the source access device has a coordination relationship with the target access device, forwarding, by the source access device, the discovery request to the target access device; acquiring resource information of a direct link when the source access device receives a setup request sent by the source station and a setup response sent by the target station; and sending the resource information of the direct link to the source station and the target station. In the present invention, a process of setting up the direct link is initiated by using the preset database, and an application scope is wide.