802.11u MAC Timings
=======================


.. 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 MAC timing parameters are important in IEEE 802.11u?**

        Key timings include SIFS, DIFS, EIFS, and backoff intervals used for medium access and collision avoidance.

    .. panels::
        :container: container pb-4
        :column: col-lg-12 p-2
        :card: shadow

        **Does 802.11u introduce any new MAC timing parameters?**

        No new timing parameters are introduced, but additional management frame exchanges can impact overall timing.

    .. panels::
        :container: container pb-4
        :column: col-lg-12 p-2
        :card: shadow

        **How do MAC timings affect pre-association query exchanges in 802.11u?**

        Pre-association queries use the Generic Advertisement Service (GAS), which must fit within existing timing constraints to avoid delays.

    .. panels::
        :container: container pb-4
        :column: col-lg-12 p-2
        :card: shadow

        **Is the SIFS interval the same in 802.11u as in other 802.11 standards?**

        Yes, SIFS remains consistent to maintain interoperability and timing for ACKs and responses.

    .. panels::
        :container: container pb-4
        :column: col-lg-12 p-2
        :card: shadow

        **How does 802.11u handle timing for authentication and association frames?**

        These frames follow standard MAC timing rules but may include additional elements, so devices need to handle slightly longer frame processing.

    .. panels::
        :container: container pb-4
        :column: col-lg-12 p-2
        :card: shadow

        **Do GAS exchanges increase channel occupation time?**

        Yes, GAS query and response frames add extra exchanges which may increase channel occupancy and affect timing.

    .. panels::
        :container: container pb-4
        :column: col-lg-12 p-2
        :card: shadow

        **Are contention window and backoff algorithms affected by 802.11u?**

        No fundamental changes, but the increased frame exchanges may indirectly affect medium access timing.

    .. panels::
        :container: container pb-4
        :column: col-lg-12 p-2
        :card: shadow

        **Does 802.11u require changes to slot times for channel access?**

        No, slot times remain consistent with previous 802.11 standards to ensure compatibility.

    .. panels::
        :container: container pb-4
        :column: col-lg-12 p-2
        :card: shadow

        **How does 802.11u impact timing for power save mode?**

        By reducing unnecessary scanning through better network info exchange, 802.11u can help optimize power save wake/sleep cycles.

    .. panels::
        :container: container pb-4
        :column: col-lg-12 p-2
        :card: shadow

        **Are retransmission timers affected by 802.11u?**

        Retransmission timers stay the same, but additional management frame traffic may increase the need for retransmissions.

    .. panels::
        :container: container pb-4
        :column: col-lg-12 p-2
        :card: shadow

        **Does 802.11u affect the timing of beacon frames?**

        Beacon intervals generally remain unchanged, but beacons may include additional information elements related to interworking.

    .. panels::
        :container: container pb-4
        :column: col-lg-12 p-2
        :card: shadow

        **How do timing constraints affect emergency alert transmissions in 802.11u?**

        Emergency alerts must comply with strict timing to ensure timely delivery, leveraging existing MAC timing parameters.

    .. panels::
        :container: container pb-4
        :column: col-lg-12 p-2
        :card: shadow

        **Does 802.11u timing impact roaming latency?**

        It aims to reduce roaming latency by allowing faster network discovery and selection before association, optimizing timing sequences.

    .. panels::
        :container: container pb-4
        :column: col-lg-12 p-2
        :card: shadow

        **Are there any timing requirements for transmitting ANQP messages?**

        ANQP messages are carried in GAS frames, which must comply with standard MAC timing rules to avoid collisions.

    .. panels::
        :container: container pb-4
        :column: col-lg-12 p-2
        :card: shadow

        **Can 802.11u MAC timing adjustments improve QoS?**

        Indirectly, yes—by enabling faster network selection and association, it supports more reliable QoS delivery.

    .. panels::
        :container: container pb-4
        :column: col-lg-12 p-2
        :card: shadow

        **How are timing conflicts minimized during multiple network queries in 802.11u?**

        Devices manage GAS exchanges carefully within contention windows to avoid excessive channel occupation.

    .. panels::
        :container: container pb-4
        :column: col-lg-12 p-2
        :card: shadow

        **Does 802.11u timing support fast BSS transitions?**

        While fast BSS transition (802.11r) is separate, 802.11u’s improved pre-association info can complement faster transitions.

    .. panels::
        :container: container pb-4
        :column: col-lg-12 p-2
        :card: shadow

        **How does 802.11u timing influence multi-AP coordination?**

        Timing remains governed by standard MAC protocols, but additional interworking info aids better AP coordination.


.. panels::
        :container: container pb-4
        :column: col-lg-12 p-2
        :card: shadow

        Topics in this section,

                * :ref:`Reference links <mac_timings_u_step17>`


.. _mac_timings_u_step17:

.. tab-set::

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