802.11s - Mesh networking ====================================== .. toctree:: :maxdepth: 1 :hidden: :includehidden: 802_11s/802_11s 802_11s/mac_functions 802_11s/mac_timings 802_11s/packet_formats 802_11s/power_save 802_11s/interoperability 802_11s/physical_rates 802_11s/ppdu 802_11s/channels 802_11s/PHYs IEEE 802.11s adds mesh networking capabilities to Wi-Fi, enabling devices to create self-configuring, multi-hop wireless mesh networks for extended coverage and reliability. .. list-table:: :widths: 20 60 20 :header-rows: 1 * - Category - Description - Use Case * - MAC Functions - Adds mesh networking features including path selection, forwarding, and peer link management. - Enabling self-configuring and self-healing wireless mesh networks * - MAC Timings - Supports timing synchronization and beacon forwarding within mesh paths. - Maintaining coordinated mesh network operation and low latency * - Packet Formats - Defines new mesh data and management frame formats for routing and control. - Facilitating multi-hop communication and mesh path establishment * - Power Save - Supports power-saving mechanisms adapted for mesh stations. - Extending battery life in mesh-enabled mobile devices * - Interoperability - Designed to interoperate with existing 802.11 PHY and MAC protocols. - Seamless integration in mixed Wi-Fi environments with mesh capability * - Physical Rates - Uses existing PHY rates; mesh functionality operates at the MAC layer. - Leveraging underlying PHY for robust multi-hop wireless communication * - PPDU - No changes to PPDU formats; mesh operates at MAC level without PHY modification. - Preserving PHY transparency while enhancing network topology * - Channels - Utilizes standard Wi-Fi channels; supports channel switching and load balancing in mesh. - Improving network coverage and reliability through dynamic channel use * - PHY Overview - Built on existing PHY layers (e.g., 802.11a/b/g/n); adds mesh-specific MAC functions. - Enabling scalable and flexible mesh wireless networks across standard Wi-Fi bands .. tab-set:: .. tab-item:: 802.11s (Mesh Networking) **Standard:** IEEE 802.11s (2011) **Main Features:** - Defines a mesh networking architecture for Wi-Fi devices - Enables multi-hop communication between mesh points (MPs) - Supports dynamic path selection and self-healing networks - Uses Hybrid Wireless Mesh Protocol (HWMP) for routing - Integrates security via Simultaneous Authentication of Equals (SAE) - Allows flexible, scalable wireless mesh deployments **Use Cases:** - Extending Wi-Fi coverage in large campuses or outdoor areas - Providing resilient, self-configuring wireless backhaul - Disaster recovery and emergency communication networks - IoT and smart city mesh networks **Related Concepts:** - Mesh Points (MPs) and Mesh Access Points (MAPs) - HWMP routing protocol - Peer Link establishment and Mesh Path Selection - Mesh Security with SAE authentication - Wireless Distribution System (WDS) alternatives .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: What You Will Learn in This Section **Explore the mesh networking features of 802.11s:** * :ref:`Learnings in this section <802_11s_step1>` * :ref:`Terminology <802_11s_step2>` * :ref:`Version Info <802_11s_step3>` * :ref:`802_11s Version & IEEE Details <802_11s_step4>` * :ref:`802_11s Basic Setup on Ubuntu using IPv4 <802_11s_step5>` * :ref:`802_11s Basic Setup on Ubuntu using IPv6 <802_11s_step6>` .. button-link:: ./802_11s/802_11s.html :color: primary :shadow: :expand: Jump to "802.11s Basics" .. tab-set:: .. tab-item:: 802.11s MAC Functions **Standard:** IEEE 802.11s (2011) **Main Features:** - Enhances MAC layer to support mesh networking functions - Manages peer link establishment and mesh path selection - Supports mesh-specific frame formats and forwarding mechanisms - Enables mesh authentication and secure peer communication - Coordinates MAC operations for multi-hop wireless mesh paths - Integrates with routing protocol (HWMP) for optimized path setup **Use Cases:** - Establishing and maintaining mesh links between Mesh Points (MPs) - Facilitating efficient frame forwarding across mesh topology - Enabling secure and authenticated mesh communication **Related Functions:** - Peer Link Management and Mesh Path Selection Protocol (HWMP) - Mesh Data Forwarding and Frame Relaying - Mesh Security (SAE-based authentication) - Mesh Power Save and Beaconing .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: What You Will Learn in This Section **Explore the details of 802.11s MAC Functions:** * :ref:`Reference links ` .. button-link:: ./802_11s/mac_functions.html :color: primary :shadow: :expand: Jump to "802.11s MAC Functions" .. tab-set:: .. tab-item:: 802.11s MAC Timings **Standard:** IEEE 802.11s (2011) **Main Features:** - Defines timing mechanisms for mesh peer link setup and maintenance - Coordinates timing of beacon transmissions and mesh announcements - Supports scheduled and on-demand link maintenance in mesh topology - Manages interframe spacing adapted for multi-hop mesh communication - Ensures synchronization for mesh path discovery and routing updates - Optimizes timing for reliable frame forwarding and path resilience **Use Cases:** - Timely mesh peer link establishment and keep-alives - Synchronizing beaconing for mesh network coordination - Maintaining low latency and high reliability in mesh frame forwarding **Related Timing Parameters:** - Beacon intervals and Mesh Announcement Timing - Peer Link open/close timing sequences - Interframe spacing adapted for mesh operation - Routing protocol timers related to HWMP .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: What You Will Learn in This Section **Explore the details of 802.11s MAC Timings:** * :ref:`Reference links ` .. button-link:: ./802_11s/mac_timings.html :color: primary :shadow: :expand: Jump to "802.11s MAC Timings" .. tab-set:: .. tab-item:: 802.11s Packet Formats **Standard:** IEEE 802.11s (2011) **Main Features:** - Defines mesh-specific MAC frame formats for peer link management and data forwarding - Introduces Mesh Action frames for path selection, link maintenance, and announcements - Supports Mesh Path Selection Protocol (HWMP) related frame types - Includes frame formats for mesh security and authentication exchanges - Uses TLV (Type-Length-Value) structures for flexible mesh information encoding - Maintains backward compatibility with traditional 802.11 MAC frames **Use Cases:** - Establishing and maintaining mesh peer links through mesh-specific frames - Facilitating multi-hop frame forwarding in mesh topologies - Enabling secure mesh communication with dedicated frame formats **Related Frame Types:** - Mesh Action Frames (Path Selection, Peer Link Management) - Mesh Data Frames with forwarding information - Mesh Authentication and Security frames - HWMP protocol frames .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: What You Will Learn in This Section **Explore the details of 802.11s Packet Formats:** * :ref:`Reference links ` .. button-link:: ./802_11s/packet_formats.html :color: primary :shadow: :expand: Jump to "802.11s Packet Formats" .. tab-set:: .. tab-item:: 802.11s Power Saving Mechanisms **Standard:** IEEE 802.11s (2011) **Main Features:** - Supports power-saving in mesh networks by managing wake/sleep cycles of Mesh Points - Allows Mesh Points to enter low-power states during inactivity while maintaining mesh connectivity - Uses mesh-specific signaling to coordinate power states with neighbors - Optimizes energy consumption in multi-hop wireless mesh topologies - Integrates with mesh beaconing and announcements for efficient power management - Enables longer battery life for mesh devices in IoT and sensor network applications **Use Cases:** - Energy-efficient operation of battery-powered Mesh Points - Reducing power consumption in large-scale mesh deployments - Coordinated power management to maintain mesh topology while saving energy **Related Mechanisms:** - Mesh Power Save (MPS) protocol - Wake and sleep scheduling for Mesh Points - Power-aware mesh beaconing and announcements .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: What You Will Learn in This Section **Explore the details of 802.11s Power Saving mechanisms:** * :ref:`Reference links ` .. button-link:: ./802_11s/power_save.html :color: primary :shadow: :expand: Jump to "802.11s Power Saving" .. tab-set:: .. tab-item:: 802.11s Interoperability **Standard:** IEEE 802.11s (2011) **Main Features:** - Fully compatible with legacy 802.11 devices while enabling mesh networking - Uses standard 802.11 management and action frames extended for mesh operation - Supports coexistence with non-mesh devices within overlapping wireless networks - Mesh capabilities are negotiated during peer link establishment - Enables incremental adoption of mesh features without disrupting legacy clients - Interoperability ensured by conforming to standard MAC/PHY operations and protocols **Use Cases:** - Deploying mesh networks alongside traditional Wi-Fi networks - Supporting mixed environments with mesh and legacy clients - Facilitating gradual migration to mesh-enabled infrastructure **Related Mechanisms:** - Mesh peer link management and capability negotiation - Use of standard and extended Action frames for mesh control - Fallback to legacy operation modes when mesh is not supported .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: What You Will Learn in This Section **Explore the details of 802.11s Interoperability mechanisms:** * :ref:`Reference links ` .. button-link:: ./802_11s/interoperability.html :color: primary :shadow: :expand: Jump to "802.11s Interoperability" .. tab-set:: .. tab-item:: 802.11s Physical Rates **Standard:** IEEE 802.11s (2011) **Main Features:** - Leverages physical rates from underlying 802.11 PHYs such as 802.11a/n/ac/ax - Does not define new physical rates but optimizes rate selection for mesh forwarding - Supports dynamic rate adaptation based on link quality and mesh path conditions - Mesh devices report PHY metrics to assist in route selection and rate control - Physical rates influenced by multi-hop link performance and interference patterns - Ensures efficient data transmission in complex mesh topologies using standard PHY rates **Use Cases:** - Optimizing transmission rates in multi-hop mesh networks - Enhancing mesh path reliability with PHY-layer feedback - Supporting rate adaptation algorithms in mesh routing protocols **Related Concepts:** - PHY rate adaptation in mesh environments - Link quality metrics and routing integration - Multi-hop wireless performance optimization .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: What You Will Learn in This Section **Explore the details of 802.11s Physical Rates:** * :ref:`physical_rates in 802.11s ` * :ref:`Reference links ` .. button-link:: ./802_11s/physical_rates.html :color: primary :shadow: :expand: Jump to "802.11s Physical Rates" .. tab-set:: .. tab-item:: 802.11s PPDU **Standard:** IEEE 802.11s (2011) **Main Features:** - Uses standard PPDU structures defined by the underlying PHY layers (e.g., 802.11a/n/ac/ax) - PPDU format remains consistent with base 802.11 standards, enabling seamless mesh integration - Mesh-specific management and control frames are carried within standard PPDU data payloads - Supports multi-hop mesh transmission by encapsulating mesh headers within MAC frames - Enables PHY-level data and measurement reporting for mesh path optimization - Maintains backward compatibility with non-mesh devices using common PPDU formats **Use Cases:** - Transporting mesh management and control frames across mesh nodes - Supporting PHY-level feedback for dynamic mesh routing and rate adaptation - Utilizing existing PPDU formats for efficient mesh communications **Related Concepts:** - Mesh peer link management frames within PPDU payload - PHY-MAC integration for multi-hop mesh operation - Baseband synchronization and signaling using standard preambles .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: What You Will Learn in This Section **Explore the details of 802.11s PPDU:** * :ref:`Reference links ` .. button-link:: ./802_11s/ppdu.html :color: primary :shadow: :expand: Jump to "802.11s PPDU" .. tab-set:: .. tab-item:: 802.11s Channels **Standard:** IEEE 802.11s (2011) **Main Features:** - Uses the channel plans and frequency bands defined by underlying PHY standards (e.g., 802.11a/n/ac/ax) - Supports operation in both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, depending on deployment and device capability - Does not define new channels but leverages existing Wi-Fi channels for mesh communication - Facilitates channel coordination and selection within mesh paths to optimize throughput and latency - Supports dynamic channel usage to avoid interference and maximize mesh performance - Enables multi-hop routing with awareness of channel conditions and load balancing **Use Cases:** - Channel selection and management within mesh topologies - Minimizing interference by coordinating channel usage among mesh nodes - Supporting adaptive mesh routing based on channel metrics **Related Concepts:** - Channel usage coordination in mesh networks - Channel metrics for mesh path optimization - Inheritance of channel plans from base 802.11 PHY standards .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: What You Will Learn in This Section **Explore the details of 802.11s Channels:** * :ref:`List of channels ` * :ref:`List of channel widths ` * :ref:`List of Bands ` * :ref:`Reference links ` .. button-link:: ./802_11s/channels.html :color: primary :shadow: :expand: Jump to "802.11s Channels" .. tab-set:: .. tab-item:: 802.11s PHY **Standard:** IEEE 802.11s (2011) **Main Features:** - Builds mesh networking on top of existing 802.11 PHY standards (e.g., 802.11a/n/ac/ax) - Inherits PHY modulation, coding, and channel characteristics from base standards - Utilizes PHY-layer capabilities to support multi-hop mesh communication and path optimization - PHY is leveraged for link quality measurement, interference detection, and dynamic rate adaptation - No modifications introduced to PHY layer itself; mesh features operate primarily at MAC and above - Enables robust wireless mesh routing through PHY-layer feedback and metrics **Use Cases:** - Supporting dynamic mesh link establishment and maintenance using PHY metrics - Enhancing mesh network reliability with PHY-aware routing decisions - Leveraging existing PHY standards for broad device compatibility in mesh deployments **Related Concepts:** - PHY-layer metrics supporting mesh path selection - Modulation and coding schemes inherited from base 802.11 standards - Link quality and signal strength measurements for mesh routing .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: What You Will Learn in This Section **Explore the details of 802.11s PHY and its role in mesh networking:** * :ref:`Reference links ` .. button-link:: ./802_11s/PHYs.html :color: primary :shadow: :expand: Jump to "802.11s PHY"