Patent ID: 8737370
Filing Date: 2014-05-27
Classification: H04W

Abstract:
1. A method for establishing a direct link connection between subscriber stations in a wireless local area network (WLAN), the method comprising: transmitting a direct link setup discovery request from an initiating station to an access point of the WLAN for distribution to one or more other stations, the discovery request including information concerning a capability of the initiating station for a direct link setup; receiving, by the initiating station, a probe request message sent to the initiating station from a receiving station among the one or more other stations, a probe response message sent to the initiating station from the receiving station, or a discovery response broadcasted by the receiving station to the initiating station and any nearby stations via a directed broadcast in response to the discovery request, wherein the probe request message, probe response message, and discovery response each specify the capability of the receiving station for a direct link setup and specify an address for the receiving station; and establishing a direct link connection between the initiating station and the receiving station based on the received probe request message, probe response message, or discovery response.