802.11k Packet Formats 
==========================


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        **What is the role of packet formats in IEEE 802.11k?**

        Packet formats define the structure of frames used for radio resource measurements and reporting.

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        **How does 802.11k extend standard 802.11 packet formats?**

        It introduces additional information elements (IEs) to support measurement requests and reports.

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        **What types of frames are used in 802.11k for measurement?**

        Management frames like Measurement Request, Measurement Report, and Neighbor Reports are key frame types.

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        **What are Information Elements (IEs) in 802.11k packets?**

        IEs are structured data blocks within frames conveying specific measurement and capability information.

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        **How are Measurement Request frames formatted?**

        They contain a Measurement Request element specifying the measurement type, duration, and target channels.

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        **What details does a Measurement Report frame include?**

        Reports include measurement type, results like channel load or noise histogram, and timestamps.

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        **Are 802.11k packets backward compatible with legacy 802.11 devices?**

        Yes, measurement IEs are added in a way that legacy devices ignore unknown elements without issue.

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        **How does 802.11k packet format handle Neighbor Reports?**

        Neighbor Reports are embedded in management frames and include BSSID, channel info, and capabilities of neighbors.

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        **What is the significance of the Measurement Pilot field in packet formats?**

        It helps synchronize and validate measurements by indicating the pilot signal used during measurements.

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        **How does 802.11k ensure secure exchange of measurement packets?**

        Measurement frames are protected using existing 802.11 security mechanisms such as WPA2.

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        **What is the format of Beacon Reports in 802.11k?**

        Beacon Reports include details about neighboring AP beacons, such as timestamp, interval, and signal strength.

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        **Do 802.11k packet formats support vendor-specific extensions?**

        Yes, vendor-specific IEs can be included alongside standard measurement elements.

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        **How is the length of 802.11k packets determined?**

        Packet length depends on the number and size of included IEs and measurement data.

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        **Can 802.11k packets be aggregated with other frames?**

        Typically, measurement frames are sent separately but can coexist within the same transmission opportunity.

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        **What is the role of the Duration/ID field in 802.11k packets?**

        It indicates the duration of the frame transmission and assists in virtual carrier sensing.

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        **How does the Sequence Control field function in 802.11k packets?**

        It manages the sequencing of frames to detect duplicates and maintain order.

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        **What is the significance of QoS fields in 802.11k measurement packets?**

        QoS tagging can prioritize measurement frames when needed to meet timing requirements.

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        **Are Control frames involved in 802.11k packet formats?**

        Mainly management frames are used, but some control frames can carry measurement info indirectly.

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        **How do 802.11k packet formats support roaming decisions?**

        By carrying detailed neighbor and measurement info, they enable clients to select optimal APs.

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        Topics in this section,

                * :ref:`Reference links <packet_formats_k_step17>`


.. _packet_formats_k_step17:

.. tab-set::

    .. tab-item:: Reference links

       * Reference links