802.11w MAC Functions
=========================


.. 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 are MAC functions in IEEE 802.11w?**

        MAC functions include frame delimiting, addressing, error detection, and protection of management frames.

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

        **How does 802.11w enhance MAC functions?**

        It adds protection for management frames at the MAC layer to prevent spoofing and attacks.

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

        **Which MAC frames are protected by 802.11w?**

        Disassociation, deauthentication, and robust action frames are among those protected.

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

        **Does 802.11w change MAC frame formats?**

        Yes, it extends frame formats with additional security fields to support frame protection.

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

        **What is the role of the MAC layer in PMF?**

        The MAC layer encrypts and authenticates protected management frames.

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

        **How does MAC function support retransmissions with protection?**

        Retransmitted management frames maintain the same protection as original transmissions.

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

        **Can 802.11w MAC functions work with legacy devices?**

        Yes, MAC functions support fallback to unprotected frames for compatibility.

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

        **How are errors detected in 802.11w MAC frames?**

        CRC and integrity checks ensure frame correctness and protection against tampering.

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

        **Does 802.11w MAC layer handle power management?**

        While primarily focused on security, it works alongside power management functions without interference.

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

        **What impact does 802.11w MAC functions have on network throughput?**

        Slight overhead due to encryption but generally minimal impact with significant security benefits.

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

        **Are QoS mechanisms affected by 802.11w MAC functions?**

        QoS is preserved; 802.11w does not interfere with traffic prioritization.

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

        **How does MAC layer ensure sequence integrity in 802.11w?**

        Sequence numbers and replay counters prevent replay attacks on management frames.

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

        **Does 802.11w require changes in MAC addressing?**

        No changes; addressing follows standard 802.11 MAC address formats.

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

        **How are MAC acknowledgments handled for protected frames?**

        ACK frames remain unprotected, but protected management frames have mechanisms to confirm delivery.

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

        **Are fragmented frames supported with 802.11w MAC protection?**

        Yes, fragmentation and reassembly are supported while maintaining frame protection.

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

        **How does 802.11w improve MAC layer security?**

        By encrypting management frames, it prevents common attacks like spoofing and disassociation.

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

        **Is MAC function implementation hardware or software based?**

        Both; depending on device capabilities, MAC protection can be implemented in hardware or firmware.

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

        **Does 802.11w MAC affect handoff procedures?**

        Yes, it secures management frames during roaming, enhancing handoff security.

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

        **Where can I find detailed info on 802.11w MAC functions?**

        IEEE 802.11w standard documents and Wi-Fi Alliance technical resources provide comprehensive details.



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

        Topics in this section,

                * :ref:`Reference links <mac_functions_w_step17>`


.. _mac_functions_w_step17:

.. tab-set::

    .. tab-item:: Reference links

       * Reference links