802.11k MAC Functions ========================= .. 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 are the key MAC functions in IEEE 802.11k?** The MAC functions include radio resource measurements, neighbor reports, and management frame enhancements to support efficient network management. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: shadow **How does 802.11k MAC layer support radio measurements?** It defines protocols for stations to request and report measurements like channel load, noise histogram, and beacon reports via MAC management frames. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: shadow **What types of measurement requests are handled by 802.11k MAC?** MAC handles requests for measurements such as Beacon Request, Channel Load Request, Noise Histogram Request, and Frame Measurement Request. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: shadow **How are measurement reports transmitted at the MAC layer?** Measurement reports are sent in standardized MAC management frames in response to measurement requests or unsolicited reports. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: shadow **What is the role of Neighbor Report in 802.11k MAC functions?** Neighbor Report is a MAC management frame listing nearby APs, helping clients make roaming decisions. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: shadow **How does 802.11k MAC layer improve roaming?** By providing timely radio environment data and neighbor lists, the MAC layer supports faster handoff decisions. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: shadow **What management frames are enhanced in 802.11k MAC?** Beacon frames and Probe Response frames are enhanced to carry radio measurement and neighbor information. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: shadow **Can MAC layer functions trigger measurements autonomously?** Yes, APs or clients can autonomously initiate measurements based on policy or network conditions. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: shadow **What is a Beacon Measurement Request in MAC functions?** It's a request sent to measure beacon frames from neighboring APs to assess signal quality and timing. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: shadow **How does MAC layer handle channel load measurements?** It collects data on channel busy time and idle time to determine congestion levels and reports via management frames. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: shadow **What is the function of Noise Histogram measurements in MAC?** Noise Histogram tracks noise levels over time to help identify interference and adjust network parameters. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: shadow **How do MAC functions in 802.11k support power management?** By scheduling measurements efficiently and integrating with sleep modes to minimize power usage during data collection. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: shadow **Does 802.11k MAC layer provide any security features?** While primarily focused on measurements, MAC frames follow 802.11 security protocols to ensure safe communication. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: shadow **How do MAC functions interact with PHY layer in 802.11k?** MAC functions request and interpret PHY measurement data to make radio resource decisions. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: shadow **What is Frame Measurement in 802.11k MAC functions?** Frame Measurement analyzes received frames to evaluate network traffic characteristics and quality. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: shadow **How does MAC layer manage measurement intervals?** It schedules measurement requests and reports to balance network overhead and timely data delivery. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: shadow **Can MAC functions in 802.11k support load balancing?** Yes, by providing detailed channel and client information to APs, MAC functions help distribute load efficiently. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: shadow **Are 802.11k MAC functions implemented in client devices?** Yes, clients participate by performing measurements and responding to MAC layer requests from APs. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: shadow **What role does MAC layer play in network diagnostics for 802.11k?** It enables collection of radio environment data, aiding administrators in troubleshooting and optimizing networks. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: shadow **How do MAC functions in 802.11k enhance overall Wi-Fi user experience?** By enabling smarter radio resource management, reducing interference, and facilitating seamless roaming. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: shadow Topics in this section, * :ref:`Reference links ` .. _mac_functions_k_step17: .. tab-set:: .. tab-item:: Reference links * Reference links