TDLS is based on the IEEE 802.11z standard, and the automatic link configuration is done in a couple of steps. The discovery process begins when one device sends a discovery request to another device, via the network they are connected to. If the target device is also TDLS compliant, then it sends a response directly to the initiator, providing information on its capabilities, including supported rates and channels.

via Wi-Fi Alliance starts certifying tunnel technology for better wireless performance – Computerworld.

Besides streaming video and audio, TDLS can also be used to improve the performance of wireless data back-up, printing and file transfers.