802.11w Packet Formats
==========================


.. 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 is IEEE 802.11w?**

        IEEE 802.11w is an amendment to the 802.11 standard that enhances security by protecting management frames.

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

        **What types of frames are affected by 802.11w?**

        Management frames such as Disassociation, Deauthentication, and Action frames are protected by 802.11w.

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

        **Does 802.11w change the overall packet format?**

        No, it retains the general MAC frame format but includes additional fields for encryption and integrity checks in protected frames.

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

        **What is the role of the Management MIC (MMIC)?**

        MMIC is a Message Integrity Code used to protect the integrity of management frames.

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

        **Where is the MMIC located in a protected frame?**

        It is located in the payload of the frame, appended after the management frame content.

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

        **What new frame field is introduced by 802.11w?**

        A “Protected Frame” bit is used in the Frame Control field to indicate that the management frame is protected.

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

        **Are control or data frames protected under 802.11w?**

        No, 802.11w specifically protects only certain management frames.

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

        **Does encryption apply to all fields in a protected frame?**

        No, only the frame body is encrypted; the MAC header remains in plaintext to ensure correct routing.

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

        **How is integrity ensured in protected management frames?**

        Through the use of cryptographic hashes and the MMIC field to prevent tampering or forgery.

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

        **What happens if the MMIC check fails?**

        The frame is discarded, and depending on configuration, the system may trigger security alerts.

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

        **How are packet formats in 802.11w compatible with legacy devices?**

        Legacy devices ignore the Protected Frame bit and other 802.11w-specific fields unless they support the amendment.

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

        **Is the Sequence Control field modified in 802.11w frames?**

        No, it remains the same, but is used in MMIC calculations to ensure integrity.

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

        **What cipher suite is used for frame protection in 802.11w?**

        CCMP (Counter Mode with CBC-MAC Protocol) is used to protect management frames.

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

        **Do protected frames include timestamps?**

        Yes, some management frames such as beacons may include timestamps for synchronization purposes, though not necessarily protected.

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

        **Are Beacon frames protected in 802.11w?**

        No, Beacon frames are not protected under 802.11w to maintain compatibility and visibility for all devices.

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

        **Are Action frames protected by default in 802.11w?**

        Yes, Action frames are one of the key management frames protected by 802.11w.

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

        **How is replay protection handled in frame formats?**

        Replay counters and sequence numbers are used to detect and discard replayed frames.

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

        **Is there a length limit for protected frames?**

        The total frame length must comply with standard MAC frame size limits (typically 2346 bytes), even after protection fields are added.

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

        **Can protected frames be fragmented?**

        Frame fragmentation is typically avoided for management frames; protection assumes the full frame is delivered intact.

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

        **Where can I find full packet format diagrams for 802.11w?**

        Detailed formats are available in the IEEE 802.11w amendment and incorporated into later versions of the IEEE 802.11 standard.


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

        Topics in this section,

                * :ref:`Reference links <packet_formats_w_step17>`


.. _packet_formats_w_step17:

.. tab-set::

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