802.11i Packet Formats
==========================


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        **What is the packet format in IEEE 802.11i?**

        802.11i packet format extends standard 802.11 frames with security fields to support encryption and authentication.

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        **How does 802.11i modify the MAC header?**

        It adds the Robust Security Network (RSN) information elements and security-related flags to the MAC header.

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        **What security fields are included in 802.11i packet formats?**

        Fields for Key MIC, Sequence Number, and encrypted payload are included for confidentiality and integrity.

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        **Does 802.11i support both data and management frame protection?**

        Yes, 802.11i includes mechanisms for protecting data frames and optionally management frames (PMF).

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        **How are encryption headers incorporated into the frame?**

        Encryption headers like CCMP add extra fields after the MAC header and before the payload.

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        **What is the role of the CCMP header in packet formats?**

        The CCMP header provides nonce and authentication data for AES encryption of the frame.

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        **How does 802.11i handle fragmentation in secure packets?**

        Fragmentation headers are preserved and each fragment is individually encrypted and secured.

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        **Are control frames changed by 802.11i?**

        Control frames remain mostly unchanged as they are not typically encrypted.

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        **How is the MIC (Message Integrity Code) included in packets?**

        The MIC is appended to encrypted payloads to verify data integrity and authenticity.

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        **What is the impact of 802.11i on frame size?**

        Additional security headers increase frame size slightly but ensure robust protection.

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        **How does the frame format support key management exchanges?**

        Special frames like EAPOL use specific format extensions to carry key handshake information.

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        **Does 802.11i frame format support Quality of Service (QoS)?**

        Yes, it is compatible with QoS extensions allowing prioritized secure traffic.

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        **Are multicast and broadcast frames handled differently in packet format?**

        Group keys and encrypted payloads secure multicast and broadcast transmissions.

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        **What elements ensure backward compatibility in 802.11i frames?**

        Legacy-compatible fields and versioning allow interoperability with older devices.

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        **How are management frames optionally protected?**

        Protected Management Frames (PMF) add security elements to management frames without altering core structure.

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        **What changes are made to the Frame Control field?**

        Flags in Frame Control indicate the presence of protected frames and security features.

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        **How are replay counters included in packet formats?**

        Replay counters are embedded in security headers to prevent replay attacks.

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        **Are there differences in packet format between TKIP and CCMP?**

        Yes, each encryption protocol defines specific headers and MIC structures within the frame.

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        **How is integrity ensured across all packet fragments?**

        Each fragment includes its own MIC and encryption parameters to maintain security.


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        Topics in this section,
        
                * :ref:`Reference links <packet_formats_i_step17>`


.. _packet_formats_i_step17:

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