802.11k - Basics ==================== .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: shadow .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: shadow **What is IEEE 802.11k?** IEEE 802.11k is an amendment to the Wi-Fi standard that provides Radio Resource Management (RRM) features to improve network performance and client roaming. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: shadow **Why is 802.11k important?** It helps optimize wireless network efficiency by providing detailed radio environment information to access points and clients. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: shadow **What problem does 802.11k address?** It addresses inefficient roaming and network resource usage by enabling devices to make informed decisions using measurement reports. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: shadow **How does 802.11k improve Wi-Fi performance?** By enabling measurement and reporting of radio conditions like channel load, noise, and neighbor AP information to aid in resource management. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: shadow **What is Radio Resource Management (RRM) in 802.11k?** RRM is a set of mechanisms that collect and report radio environment data to optimize channel usage, reduce interference, and improve client roaming. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: shadow **What types of measurements does 802.11k support?** It supports measurements such as channel load, noise histogram, beacon reports, frame statistics, and neighbor reports. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: shadow **Who initiates the measurements in 802.11k?** Measurements can be initiated by either the Access Point or the client station based on network policies. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: shadow **What is a Neighbor Report?** A Neighbor Report is a list of nearby access points provided by an AP or client to assist devices in making roaming decisions. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: shadow **How does 802.11k help with roaming?** By providing detailed information about nearby APs and their radio conditions, enabling faster and smarter handoffs. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: shadow **Does 802.11k affect the PHY layer?** No, 802.11k primarily operates at the MAC layer and uses existing PHY features for measurements. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: shadow **Is 802.11k compatible with legacy devices?** Yes, it maintains backward compatibility but only devices supporting 802.11k can perform RRM functions. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: shadow **What is a Beacon Report?** A Beacon Report provides detailed information about the beacon frames from neighboring APs including signal strength and timing. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: shadow **How does 802.11k reduce network interference?** By enabling dynamic channel assessment and load balancing based on real-time radio measurements. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: shadow **Can 802.11k improve battery life?** Indirectly, yes. Efficient roaming and better channel selection can reduce retransmissions and scanning time, saving power. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: shadow **Is 802.11k mandatory for Wi-Fi devices?** No, it is an optional standard but widely supported in enterprise-grade equipment for improved network management. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: shadow **How does 802.11k interact with 802.11r and 802.11v?** 802.11k provides measurement data; 802.11r speeds up roaming; 802.11v improves network management—together they enhance overall Wi-Fi experience. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: shadow **What role do clients play in 802.11k?** Clients can perform radio measurements and report them back to APs to assist with network optimization. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: shadow **What kind of information does a Channel Load Report provide?** It reports the current utilization of a wireless channel to help devices avoid congested frequencies. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: shadow **How does 802.11k improve user experience?** By reducing dropped connections and improving roaming responsiveness, it leads to smoother Wi-Fi connectivity. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: shadow **Where is 802.11k commonly deployed?** It is commonly used in enterprise Wi-Fi networks, large campuses, and dense wireless environments where efficient management is critical. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: shadow Topics in this section, * :ref:`Learnings in this section <802_11k_step1>` * :ref:`Terminology <802_11k_step2>` * :ref:`Version Info <802_11k_step3>` * :ref:`802_11k Version&IEEE Details <802_11k_step4>` * :ref:`802_11k Basic Setup on Ubuntu using IPv4 <802_11k_step5>` * :ref:`802_11k Basic Setup on Ubuntu using IPv6 <802_11k_step6>` * :ref:`Reference links <802_11k_step16>` .. _802_11k_step1: .. tab-set:: .. tab-item:: Learnings in this section * In this section, you are going to learn .. _802_11k_step2: .. tab-set:: .. tab-item:: Terminology * Terminology .. _802_11k_step3: .. tab-set:: .. tab-item:: Version Info * Version Info .. _802_11k_step4: .. tab-set:: .. tab-item:: 802.11k Version&RFC Details * rfc details .. _802_11k_step5: .. tab-set:: .. tab-item:: 802.11k Basic Setup on Ubuntu using IPv4 * setup .. _802_11k_step6: .. tab-set:: .. tab-item:: 802.11k Basic Setup on Ubuntu using IPv6 * setup .. _802_11k_step16: .. tab-set:: .. tab-item:: Reference links * Reference links