WiFi Technology

4.

WiFi Network Architecture and Topologies

4.1.

Key Network Components

4.1.1.

Wireless Access Point (AP)

4.1.1.1.

Functions of an AP

4.1.1.2.

4.1.1.3.

Lightweight APs

4.1.1.4.

Standalone vs Controller-Based APs

4.1.2.

Wireless Client (Station/STA)

4.1.2.1.

Types of Clients

4.1.2.2.

Client Capabilities

4.1.2.3.

Device Categories

4.1.3.

Wireless LAN Controller (WLC)

4.1.3.1.

Centralized Management

4.1.3.2.

CAPWAP Protocol

4.1.3.3.

Scalability Benefits

4.1.3.4.

High Availability

4.1.4.

Wireless Router

4.1.4.1.

Routing and AP Functions

4.1.4.2.

NAT Functionality

4.1.4.3.

Home vs Enterprise Routers

4.1.5.

Wireless Bridge

4.1.5.1.

Point-to-Point Bridging

4.1.5.2.

Point-to-Multipoint Bridging

4.1.5.3.

Workgroup Bridge

4.2.

4.2.1.

Basic Service Set (BSS)

4.2.1.1.

Structure and Operation

4.2.1.2.

4.2.1.3.

Single AP Networks

4.2.2.

Extended Service Set (ESS)

4.2.2.1.

Multiple APs and Roaming

4.2.2.2.

Distribution System

4.2.2.3.

Seamless Connectivity

4.2.3.

Independent Basic Service Set (IBSS / Ad-Hoc Mode)

4.2.3.1.

Peer-to-Peer Networking

4.2.3.2.

No Infrastructure Required

4.2.3.3.

4.2.4.

Mesh Basic Service Set (MBSS)

4.2.4.1.

Mesh Networking Principles

4.2.4.2.

Self-Healing Networks

4.2.4.3.

4.3.

Service Set Identifier (SSID)

4.3.1.

Purpose and Configuration

4.3.2.

SSID Broadcasting

4.3.3.

4.3.4.

4.4.

Basic Service Set Identifier (BSSID)

4.4.1.

MAC Address Association

4.4.2.

Role in Network Identification

4.4.3.

Previous

3. The IEEE 802.11 Standards

Go to top

Next

5. The WiFi Physical Layer (PHY)