IEEE 802.

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• IEEE 802.11 is part of the IEEE 802 set of local area network (LAN) technical
standards, and specifies the set of medium access control (MAC) and physical
layer (PHY) protocols for implementing wireless local area network (WLAN)
computer communication.
• The IEEE 802.11 standard, commonly known as Wi-Fi, outlines the
architecture and defines the MAC and physical layer specifications for wireless
LANs (WLANs).
• Wi-Fi uses high-frequency radio waves instead of cables for connecting the
devices in LAN.
• The 802.11 structure is designed to accommodate mobile stations that
participate actively in network decisions. Furthermore, it can seamlessly
integrate with 2G, 3G, and 4G networks.
• The Wi-Fi standard represents a set of wireless LAN standards developed by
the Working Group of IEEE LAN/MAN standards committee (IEEE 802). The
term 802.11x is also used to denote the set of standards. Various
specifications and amendments include 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11e, 802.11g,
802.11n etc. Prof. Manasi Chouk 2
System architecture

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Components
• Station: Stations (STA) comprise all devices and equipment that are connected to the wireless LAN.
It can be of two types: Wireless Access Point (WAP): WAPs or simply access points (AP) are
wireless routers that bridge connections for base stations. AND Client: Examples include
workstations, computers, laptops, printers, and smartphones.
• Access Point: It is a device that can be classified as a station because of its functionalities and acts
as a connection between wireless medium and distributed systems.
• Distribution System: A system used to interconnect a set of BSSs and integrated LANs to create an
ESS.
• Frame: It is a MAC protocol data unit.
• SSID (Service Set Identifier): It’s the network name for a particular WLAN. All-access points and
devices on a specific WLAN must use the same SSID to communicate.
• SDU: It is a data unit that acts as an input to each layer. These can be fragmented or aggregated to
form a PDU.
• PDU: It is a data unit projected as an output to communicate with the corresponding layer at the
other end. They contain a header specific to the layer.
• Network Interface Controller: It is also known as network interface card. It is a hardware
component that connects devices to the network.
• Portal: Serves as a gateway to other networks.
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• IEEE 802.11 Architecture and Services
• In the year 1990, IEEE 802.11 Committee formed a new working
group, the IEEE 802.11 standard which defines protocols for Wireless
Local Area Networks (WLANs).
• An AP supports both wired and wireless connections. The 802.11
standard calls the upstream wired network the distribution system
(DS).
• The AP bridges the wireless and wired L2 Ethernet frames, allowing
traffic to flow from the wired to the wireless network and vice versa.
Each wireless network has a unique SSID.
• The 802.11 architecture provides some basic services for WLANs
whose implementation is supported by MAC layer:

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Basic Service Set
• The Basic Service Set configuration consists of a group of stations and relies on an Access
Point (AP), which serves as a logical hub. Stations from different BSSs interact through
the AP, which functions as a bridge, linking multiple WLAN cells or channels.
Operating Modes
• Depending upon the mode of operation, BSS can be categorized into the following types:
• Infrastructure BSS: Communication between stations takes place through access points.
The AP and its associated wireless clients define the coverage area and form the BSS.

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• Independent BSS – Supports mutual communication between
wireless clients. An ad-hoc network is spontaneously created and
does not support access to wired networks.

Independent Basic Service Set

In the IBSS configuration, also referred to as independent configuration or ad-hoc
network, no single node is required to act as a server. The stations communicate
directly with one another in a peer-to-peer basis. Generally, IBSS covers a limited area
instead of a large network. Typically covering a specific area, IBSS is used for specific,
short-term purposes with a limited number ofChouk
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Extended Service Set
• ESS connects multiple BSSs and consists of several BSS cells, which
can be interlinked through wired or wireless backbones known as a
distributed system. Multiple cells use the same channel to boost
aggregate throughput to network. The equipment outside of the ESS,
the ESS and all of its mobile stations comprise a single MAC layer
network where all stations are virtually stationary. Thus, all stations
within the ESS appear stationary from an outsider’s perspective.
Other components include:
• Distribution System (DS): Links APs within the ESS.
• Portal: Serves as a gateway to other networks.

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• Roaming: In an environment with multiple access points (like a large
office building or campus), a device can move from the range of one
AP to another and still maintain its connection. This is possible due to
the underlying architecture of the IEEE 802.11 standard which allows
for roaming between APs.

• Authentication and Association: Before a station can send or receive

data frames on a WLAN, it needs to establish its identity with an AP.
This process is called authentication. After authentication, the station
then establishes a data link-layer connection with the AP through a
process called association.

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Advantages of IEEE 802.11 Architecture
• Fault Tolerance: The centralized architecture minimizes the bottlenecks and introduces resilience
in the WLAN equipment.
• Flexible Architecture: Supports both temporary smaller networks and larger, more permanent
ones.
• Prolonged Battery Life: Efficient power-saving protocols extend mobile device battery life without
compromising network connections.
Disadvantages of IEEE 802.11 Architecture
• Noisy Channels: Due to reliance on radio waves, signals may experience interference from nearby
devices.
• Greater Bandwidth and Complexity: Due to necessary data encryption and susceptibility to
errors, WLANs need more bandwidth than their wired counterparts.
• Speed: Generally, WLANs offer slower speeds compared to wired LANs.
Applications of IEEE 802.11 Architecture
• Home Networking: Connecting devices, laptops, smart TVs, speakers, gaming consoles etc.
• Wi-Fi Hotspots: Free or paid internet access to visitors in coffee shops, hotels, airports, malls and
restaurants.
• Connectivity in Campus: Provide internet access in university, colleges, schools or corporate
campuses. Prof. Manasi Chouk 11
Protocol architecture

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