802.11ah Packet Formats
==========================


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        **What is a packet format in 802.11ah?**

        It is the defined structure of bits and fields used to encapsulate data for transmission at the MAC and PHY layers.

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        **How does 802.11ah packet format differ from other 802.11 standards?**

        802.11ah adapts packet fields to support long-range, low-power IoT communications in the sub-1 GHz band.

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        **What are the main components of an 802.11ah MAC frame?**

        Frame Control, Duration/ID, Address fields, Sequence Control, QoS Control, and Frame Check Sequence (FCS).

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        **What is the purpose of the Frame Control field?**

        It specifies the frame type, subtype, protocol version, and control flags for frame handling.

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        **How many address fields are in an 802.11ah MAC frame?**

        Typically four address fields to identify sender, receiver, source, and destination.

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        **Does 802.11ah support fragmentation in packet formats?**

        Yes, it allows fragmentation and reassembly to support large data transmissions over unreliable links.

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        **What role does the Sequence Control field play?**

        It tracks packet order and helps detect duplicates.

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        **What types of frames are defined in 802.11ah?**

        Management frames, control frames, and data frames.

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        **What are management frames used for?**

        They manage connection setup, maintenance, and teardown, such as Beacon, Probe Request, and Authentication frames.

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        **What are control frames in 802.11ah?**

        Frames like ACK, RTS, and CTS that help regulate access and acknowledge receipt.

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        **How does 802.11ah handle QoS in packet formats?**

        Through the QoS Control field, enabling traffic prioritization.

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        **What is the Frame Check Sequence (FCS)?**

        A CRC-based field used for error detection in frames.

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        **Does 802.11ah include any specific fields for power saving?**

        Yes, fields in management frames help coordinate sleep and wake cycles.

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        **Are there any changes in the PHY layer packet format for 802.11ah?**

        Yes, the PHY layer adapts the preamble and header for sub-1 GHz operation and extended range.

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        **How is the payload carried in 802.11ah packets?**

        The payload contains the MAC Service Data Unit (MSDU) encapsulated in the frame body.

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        **What mechanisms ensure interoperability in packet formats?**

        Standardized frame formats and control fields allow devices from different vendors to communicate.

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        **How does 802.11ah optimize packet formats for low power?**

        By reducing overhead and allowing aggregation to minimize transmissions.

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        **Where can detailed 802.11ah packet format specifications be found?**

        In the official IEEE 802.11ah standard documentation under MAC and PHY layer sections.



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        Topics in this section,

                * :ref:`Reference links <packet_formats_ah_step17>`


.. _packet_formats_ah_step17:

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    .. tab-item:: Reference links
     
       * Reference links