802.11r MAC Timings
=========================


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        **What are MAC timings in 802.11r?**

        MAC timings refer to specific time intervals and delays in frame exchanges and state transitions at the MAC layer during fast roaming.

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        **Why are MAC timings critical in 802.11r?**

        Precise MAC timings reduce handoff latency, ensuring seamless and fast transitions between access points.

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        **Which MAC timing is most important for fast roaming?**

        The time taken for FT Authentication and Reassociation frame exchanges is crucial in minimizing roaming delays.

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        **How does 802.11r reduce MAC timing delays?**

        By enabling pre-authentication and caching keys, reducing the number of frame exchanges needed during handoff.

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        **What is the typical MAC timing for FT Authentication in 802.11r?**

        FT Authentication exchanges usually complete within a few milliseconds to ensure fast transitions.

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        **What role does the Short Interframe Space (SIFS) play in MAC timings?**

        SIFS is the shortest waiting time between frames and is used to prioritize control frames during fast transitions.

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        **How is the Distributed Interframe Space (DIFS) relevant to 802.11r timings?**

        DIFS defines the wait time before a device can transmit data frames, affecting the timing of reassociation.

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        **Does 802.11r define new timing parameters?**

        Yes, it introduces timing requirements specific to Fast Transition frame exchanges to ensure quick handoffs.

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        **What is the role of the Timeout Interval in MAC timings?**

        Timeout intervals determine how long a station waits for a response before retrying or failing the handoff.

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        **How does MAC timing affect overall network performance in 802.11r?**

        Efficient MAC timings reduce packet loss and latency during roaming, improving user experience.

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        **Are MAC timing intervals configurable in 802.11r?**

        Some intervals, like retransmission timeouts, can be configured to optimize roaming speed and reliability.

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        **How does the MAC timing coordinate with PHY during handoff?**

        MAC timings align with PHY switching times to ensure minimal disruption during channel changes.

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        **What is the impact of MAC timing on key establishment in 802.11r?**

        Shorter timing intervals enable faster key exchanges, reducing authentication delays during roaming.

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        **How does the MAC layer handle retransmissions in 802.11r timings?**

        Retransmissions occur after defined backoff and timeout intervals, which are optimized to minimize delay.

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        **What is the relationship between MAC timing and FT Action frame exchanges?**

        FT Action frames must be exchanged within specified timing windows to ensure fast and secure handoffs.

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        **How do MAC timing parameters affect power management in 802.11r?**

        Efficient timing reduces active radio time, helping conserve battery life in client devices.

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        **Are MAC timings standardized globally for 802.11r?**

        Yes, the standard defines maximum allowable timings, though implementations may vary.

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        **What timing challenges does 802.11r address compared to legacy 802.11?**

        It reduces handoff delays caused by full reauthentication and key negotiation, common in legacy systems.

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        **How important is synchronization of MAC timings between AP and client?**

        Proper synchronization ensures frames are exchanged without collisions or unnecessary delays during handoff.

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        Topics in this section,

                * :ref:`Reference links <mac_timings_80211r_step17>`


.. _mac_timings_80211r_step17:

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    .. tab-item:: Reference links

       * Reference links