A wireless communication system is provided that includes a first wireless communication device, a second wireless communication device, and a base station that relays wireless communication between the first and second wireless communication devices. The first wireless communication device is capable of direct communication with another wireless communication device, and transmits a first data frame of a particular frame type to the second wireless communication device via the base station. If the second wireless communication device is capable of the direct communication, when receiving the first data frame of the particular frame type, the second wireless communication device transmits a second data frame of the particular frame type via the base station. When the first wireless communication device receives the second data frame from the second wireless communication device, it determines that the second wireless communication device is capable of the direct communication.