802.11r - 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 802.11r?** IEEE 802.11r is an amendment to the 802.11 standard that enables fast Basic Service Set (BSS) transitions, allowing quicker and seamless handoffs between access points. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: shadow **Why is 802.11r important?** It reduces roaming latency, improving user experience for applications requiring real-time communication like VoIP and video streaming. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: shadow **What problem does 802.11r solve?** It solves the slow handoff process in Wi-Fi networks that causes delays and packet loss during client roaming between access points. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: shadow **How does 802.11r improve roaming?** By enabling fast BSS transitions using key caching and pre-authentication with the target access point before roaming occurs. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: shadow **What is Fast Basic Service Set Transition (FT)?** FT is the core mechanism in 802.11r that enables clients to securely roam quickly between APs without full reauthentication. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: shadow **Does 802.11r require hardware support?** Yes, both client devices and access points must support 802.11r for fast roaming to function properly. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: shadow **Is 802.11r compatible with legacy devices?** Legacy devices not supporting 802.11r can still connect but will experience normal roaming latency without the benefits of fast transitions. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: shadow **How does 802.11r affect security?** It securely handles fast reauthentication using the same credentials and encryption keys, reducing authentication overhead. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: shadow **What is key caching in 802.11r?** Key caching allows the client to reuse encryption keys with a new AP during roaming, avoiding a full handshake. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: shadow **Does 802.11r require special network configuration?** Yes, the wireless infrastructure must be configured to enable FT and support mobility domain definitions. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: shadow **What is a Mobility Domain in 802.11r?** A mobility domain is a group of APs sharing the same security and FT parameters, allowing clients to roam seamlessly within it. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: shadow **Can 802.11r be used with WPA2-Enterprise?** Yes, 802.11r is designed to work with WPA2-Enterprise security for secure fast roaming. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: shadow **How much latency reduction does 802.11r provide?** It can reduce handoff delays from hundreds of milliseconds to under 50 milliseconds in optimal conditions. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: shadow **Does 802.11r impact battery life on clients?** There is minimal impact, and fast roaming can actually reduce power consumption by shortening the handoff process. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: shadow **Is 802.11r mandatory for all Wi-Fi networks?** No, it is optional and primarily beneficial for networks with high mobility or real-time communication needs. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: shadow **What standards does 802.11r complement?** It complements 802.11i for security and 802.11k/v for radio resource management and roaming assistance. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: shadow **Can 802.11r be combined with 802.11ac or 802.11ax?** Yes, 802.11r is a mobility enhancement and can be implemented alongside newer Wi-Fi standards. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: shadow **What devices support 802.11r?** Many modern enterprise APs and client devices (smartphones, laptops) support 802.11r, but it varies by manufacturer. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: shadow **How do I verify if 802.11r is enabled on my network?** Check your access point settings or client device Wi-Fi properties for FT (Fast Transition) or 802.11r options. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: shadow Topics in this section, * :ref:`Learnings in this section <802_11r_step1>` * :ref:`Terminology <802_11r_step2>` * :ref:`Version Info <802_11r_step3>` * :ref:`802_11r Version&IEEE Details <802_11r_step4>` * :ref:`802_11r Basic Setup on Ubuntu using IPv4 <802_11r_step5>` * :ref:`802_11r Basic Setup on Ubuntu using IPv6 <802_11r_step6>` * :ref:`Reference links <802_11r_step16>` .. _802_11r_step1: .. tab-set:: .. tab-item:: Learnings in this section * In this section, you are going to learn .. _802_11r_step2: .. tab-set:: .. tab-item:: Terminology * Terminology .. _802_11r_step3: .. tab-set:: .. tab-item:: Version Info * Version Info .. _802_11r_step4: .. tab-set:: .. tab-item:: 802.11r Version&RFC Details * rfc details .. _802_11r_step5: .. tab-set:: .. tab-item:: 802.11r Basic Setup on Ubuntu using IPv4 * setup .. _802_11r_step6: .. tab-set:: .. tab-item:: 802.11r Basic Setup on Ubuntu using IPv6 * setup .. _802_11r_step16: .. tab-set:: .. tab-item:: Reference links * Reference links