802.11h MAC Timings
=========================


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        **What are MAC timings in 802.11h?**

        MAC timings refer to the time intervals and delays defined at the MAC layer to support features like DFS and TPC in 802.11h.

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        **How does 802.11h affect the Channel Availability Check (CAC) timing?**

        CAC requires a mandatory monitoring period (usually 60 seconds) where the MAC must detect radar signals before a channel can be used.

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        **What is the purpose of the Non-Occupancy Period in MAC timing?**

        After radar detection, the MAC enforces a non-occupancy period (often 30 minutes) during which the channel cannot be used.

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        **How does MAC timing impact channel switching delays?**

        MAC layer introduces delays for safe channel switching to ensure compliance with DFS and avoid interference with radar.

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        **What is the Channel Switch Announcement (CSA) timing?**

        CSA timing defines how long a device must continue transmitting on the current channel after announcing a switch before moving.

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        **Does 802.11h MAC adjust interframe spacing?**

        Yes, MAC may adjust interframe spacing (like SIFS or DIFS) to prioritize control frames related to DFS and TPC.

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        **What is the impact of MAC timing on beacon intervals?**

        Beacons may carry DFS and TPC info, so timing may be adapted to ensure clients receive updated regulatory info promptly.

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        **How does MAC timing manage radar pulse detection intervals?**

        MAC uses predefined time windows to monitor radar pulse patterns reliably before triggering DFS procedures.

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        **What timing constraints exist for Transmit Power Control (TPC) adjustments?**

        TPC changes are applied dynamically but within MAC timing rules to avoid sudden power fluctuations that might disrupt connections.

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        **How long must the MAC wait before reusing a channel after radar detection?**

        The MAC enforces a non-occupancy period, typically 30 minutes, before the channel can be used again.

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        **Are there MAC timing differences between indoor and outdoor 802.11h operations?**

        Timing parameters may vary depending on regional regulations and deployment scenarios.

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        **How does MAC timing handle simultaneous radar detections?**

        MAC sequences the handling of channel switches with appropriate timing to avoid network disruptions.

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        **Does MAC timing impact how quickly a device can join a network on a DFS channel?**

        Yes, the CAC period must be completed before a device can use a DFS channel, potentially delaying association.

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        **What role does MAC timing play in managing client communication during channel switches?**

        MAC coordinates timing to ensure clients receive channel switch announcements and can switch channels smoothly.

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        **Are MAC timing parameters standardized or configurable?**

        Many timing parameters are standardized but some vendor implementations may allow limited tuning.

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        **How does MAC timing support regulatory compliance audits?**

        MAC logs timing events like CAC and channel switches to demonstrate adherence to regulations.

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        **Can MAC timing cause temporary network performance degradation?**

        Yes, channel switch delays and CAC monitoring can cause brief interruptions or latency spikes.

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        **Does MAC timing affect power-saving mechanisms?**

        DFS and TPC timing constraints may override power-saving timers to prioritize compliance.

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        **How critical are MAC timings for successful 802.11h deployment?**

        Precise MAC timing is essential to balance regulatory compliance, interference avoidance, and network performance.


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        Topics in this section,

                * :ref:`Reference links <mac_timings_80211h_step17>`


.. _mac_timings_80211h_step17:

.. tab-set::

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