802.11r Packet Formats 
==========================


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        **What is the packet format in 802.11r?**

        802.11r defines specialized frame formats to support fast transitions (FT) between access points while maintaining compatibility with legacy 802.11 frames.

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        **How does 802.11r modify management frame formats?**

        It adds new information elements (IEs) and fields within management frames like Authentication and Reassociation to carry fast transition context.

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        **What are Fast Transition (FT) Action frames?**

        FT Action frames are special management frames used to exchange FT authentication and reassociation messages quickly.

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        **What new Information Elements (IEs) are introduced in 802.11r packets?**

        802.11r introduces FT Capabilities IE, FT Request IE, FT Response IE, and FT Reassociation Request/Response IEs.

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        **How does the packet format support fast roaming?**

        By embedding key material and context information within frames to avoid full reauthentication at each AP.

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        **Are the 802.11r packets backward compatible?**

        Yes, 802.11r packets maintain compatibility with legacy 802.11 devices by carefully adding new IEs without altering fundamental frame structures.

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        **What type of frames carry the Fast Transition IEs?**

        Primarily Authentication, Reassociation Request, and Reassociation Response management frames carry FT IEs.

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        **Does 802.11r modify data frame formats?**

        No, 802.11r mainly modifies management frames; data frame formats remain unchanged.

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        **How are security parameters conveyed in 802.11r packet formats?**

        Security keys and context are included via Fast BSS Transition Key elements in management frames.

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        **What is the significance of the Mobility Domain IE in 802.11r packets?**

        It identifies the mobility domain to coordinate fast transitions among authorized APs.

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        **Are there special sequence numbers or flags in 802.11r packets?**

        Yes, FT frames include specific sequence numbers and flags to track and validate fast transition messages.

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        **What role does the Reassociation Request frame play in 802.11r packet formats?**

        It carries FT-specific IEs that allow the client to quickly establish a connection with the new AP.

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        **How is the FT Response frame structured?**

        It contains status codes, reassociation parameters, and key material to confirm the fast transition.

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        **Are there special error or status codes in 802.11r packet formats?**

        Yes, FT-specific status codes indicate success or reasons for failure in fast transitions.

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        **Do 802.11r packets include timers or timing information?**

        Yes, some frames include timing information to coordinate handoff and key establishment.

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        **How does 802.11r ensure the integrity of packet formats?**

        Through cryptographic protection of IEs and use of robust authentication protocols embedded in the frames.

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        **Are there differences in packet formats between over-the-air and backend communication?**

        802.11r packet formats focus on over-the-air frames; backend protocols like RADIUS handle key distribution separately.

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        **How do 802.11r packet formats handle multi-AP coordination?**

        Mobility Domain and FT Capabilities IEs in packets help coordinate roaming between APs within the same domain.

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        **Can packet formats vary based on device capabilities?**

        Yes, devices indicate supported features via FT Capabilities IE, which affects how packets are formatted and processed.


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        Topics in this section,

                * :ref:`Reference links <packet_formats_80211r_step17>`


.. _packet_formats_80211r_step17:

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    .. tab-item:: Reference links
     
       * Reference links