IEEE 802.11z - TDLS (Tunneled Direct Link Setup)

IEEE 802.11z is a mechanism that makes it possible to directly transfer data between two Wi-Fi clients that are part of the same Wi-Fi network.

Usually, in a Wi-Fi network, data is transferred from one client to another through the Acces Point(AP). The IEEE 802.11z amendment defines mechanisms that allow IEEE 802.11 to set up a direct link between client devices while also remaining associated with the Access Point. These mechanisms are referred to as Tunneled Direct Link Setup (TDLS). This reduces the amount of traffic that is transferred in the network and prevents congestion at the Access Point.

A TDLS direct link is set up automatically between the devices, without intervention from the Acccess Point or the user. The connection with the Access Point is maintained.

TDLS is not the same as, nor does it replace Wi-Fi Direct. TDLS is used to optimize the traffic flow in a network, while Wi-Fi Direct is used to quickly connect devices to one another while on the go, even when a Wi-Fi network is unavailable.