802.11ak MAC Functions 
=========================


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        **What is the primary role of MAC functions in 802.11ak?**

        MAC functions manage deterministic access to the wireless medium, ensuring low-latency and reliable transmissions.

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        **How does 802.11ak MAC support deterministic scheduling?**

        By using time-slotted channel access and scheduled resource unit assignments for precise transmission timing.

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        **What MAC enhancements does 802.11ak introduce over previous standards?**

        It introduces scheduled access, deterministic timing control, and improved QoS for time-sensitive applications.

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        **How does MAC handle coexistence with legacy Wi-Fi devices?**

        MAC maintains compatibility by coordinating deterministic transmissions alongside legacy CSMA/CA access methods.

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        **What is the role of resource unit (RU) allocation in 802.11ak MAC?**

        RUs define specific frequency-time slots assigned by the MAC for deterministic, collision-free transmissions.

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        **Does 802.11ak MAC use any special frame types?**

        Yes, it supports enhanced management and control frames to facilitate scheduling and timing coordination.

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        **How does MAC improve latency with 802.11ak?**

        By controlling medium access through scheduled slots, minimizing contention and wait times.

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        **What MAC mechanisms support reliability in 802.11ak?**

        Retransmission scheduling, link quality monitoring, and error correction integration are part of MAC’s functions.

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        **How is time synchronization managed at the MAC layer?**

        MAC protocols exchange timing information regularly to maintain precise synchronization among devices.

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        **Can 802.11ak MAC dynamically adapt to traffic changes?**

        Yes, the MAC scheduler adjusts resource assignments based on network load and application demands.

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        **What are the power management capabilities at the MAC layer in 802.11ak?**

        MAC supports power saving by scheduling transmissions to allow devices to sleep during inactive periods.

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        **How does 802.11ak MAC support multi-user transmissions?**

        Through coordinated resource unit assignments and spatial multiplexing in OFDMA-based PHY.

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        **What QoS features are integrated into 802.11ak MAC?**

        Prioritized scheduling and traffic differentiation ensure timely delivery of critical data.

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        **How does MAC ensure low jitter for time-sensitive traffic?**

        By enforcing strict timing constraints and minimizing contention-related delays.

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        **Does 802.11ak MAC support uplink and downlink scheduling?**

        Yes, MAC coordinates both uplink and downlink transmissions for deterministic communication.

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        **How is collision avoidance handled by 802.11ak MAC?**

        Scheduled transmissions eliminate collisions by allocating dedicated time-frequency resources.

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        **What kind of MAC frame exchanges are unique to 802.11ak?**

        Scheduled resource request/response and timing synchronization frames tailored for deterministic operation.

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        **How does 802.11ak MAC interact with PHY layer?**

        MAC controls PHY resource units and timing to ensure synchronized and efficient data transmissions.

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        **Is MAC in 802.11ak customizable for different application needs?**

        Yes, MAC scheduling and QoS parameters can be tuned to meet specific latency and reliability requirements.

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        **Where can I find more detailed technical info about 802.11ak MAC functions?**

        Consult the IEEE 802.11ak standard documents and related technical whitepapers from Wi-Fi Alliance and vendors.


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        Topics in this section,

                * :ref:`Reference links <mac_functions_ak_step17>`


.. _mac_functions_ak_step17:

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    .. tab-item:: Reference links

       * Reference links