802.11ai - Basics ==================== .. 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 802.11ai?** IEEE 802.11ai is a Wi-Fi amendment focused on Fast Initial Link Setup (FILS) to enable devices to quickly authenticate and associate with networks, reducing connection times. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: shadow **When was 802.11ai standardized?** The IEEE 802.11ai amendment was ratified in 2016 to address fast link setup in Wi-Fi networks. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: shadow **What problem does 802.11ai solve?** It solves long connection delays by speeding up authentication and association processes in dense wireless environments. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: shadow **How does 802.11ai achieve faster link setup?** By reducing the number of message exchanges and using optimized frame formats during authentication and association. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: shadow **Is 802.11ai compatible with existing Wi-Fi standards?** Yes, it is designed to be backward compatible with existing 802.11 devices and uses standard Wi-Fi channels. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: shadow **What role does FILS play in 802.11ai?** FILS (Fast Initial Link Setup) is the core mechanism that enables rapid authentication and association. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: shadow **Can 802.11ai improve battery life?** Indirectly, yes. By reducing connection setup time, devices spend less time in high power states during authentication. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: shadow **Which frequency bands does 802.11ai support?** It supports 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and works with 6 GHz bands when combined with Wi-Fi 6E. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: shadow **Does 802.11ai require hardware upgrades?** Often, only firmware or driver updates are needed; hardware changes depend on device capability. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: shadow **How does 802.11ai improve performance in dense environments?** By reducing delays and contention during network access, it enhances user experience in crowded Wi-Fi areas. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: shadow **Is 802.11ai part of Wi-Fi 6?** It complements Wi-Fi 6 but is a separate amendment focused on fast link setup. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: shadow **What are the security implications of 802.11ai?** It maintains existing Wi-Fi security protocols ensuring authentication remains secure during fast setup. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: shadow **Does 802.11ai affect data throughput?** No significant impact; it primarily reduces connection setup times. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: shadow **How is 802.11ai implemented in client devices?** Usually via firmware or software updates enabling FILS support. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: shadow **Can 802.11ai coexist with older Wi-Fi devices?** Yes, it is designed for backward compatibility and coexistence. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: shadow **What enhancements to PPDU does 802.11ai use?** It uses enhanced preambles to speed up synchronization during initial link setup. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: shadow **How does 802.11ai handle multi-user environments?** By supporting OFDMA and MU-MIMO technologies for efficient simultaneous transmissions. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: shadow **Is 802.11ai widely supported by AP vendors?** Adoption is increasing, especially in enterprise-grade access points. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: shadow **Does 802.11ai require changes to channel plans?** No, it operates on existing Wi-Fi channels defined by underlying PHY standards. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: shadow **Where can I learn more about 802.11ai?** Official IEEE 802.11ai documentation and Wi-Fi Alliance materials offer detailed information. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: shadow Topics in this section, * :ref:`Learnings in this section <802_11ai_step1>` * :ref:`Terminology <802_11ai_step2>` * :ref:`Version Info <802_11ai_step3>` * :ref:`802_11ai Version&IEEE Details <802_11ai_step4>` * :ref:`802_11ai Basic Setup on Ubuntu using IPv4 <802_11ai_step5>` * :ref:`802_11ai Basic Setup on Ubuntu using IPv6 <802_11ai_step6>` * :ref:`Reference links <802_11ai_step16>` .. _802_11ai_step1: .. tab-set:: .. tab-item:: Learnings in this section * In this section, you are going to learn .. _802_11ai_step2: .. tab-set:: .. tab-item:: Terminology * Terminology .. _802_11ai_step3: .. tab-set:: .. tab-item:: Version Info * Version Info .. _802_11ai_step4: .. tab-set:: .. tab-item:: 802.11ai Version&RFC Details * rfc details .. _802_11ai_step5: .. tab-set:: .. tab-item:: 802.11ai Basic Setup on Ubuntu using IPv4 * setup .. _802_11ai_step6: .. tab-set:: .. tab-item:: 802.11ai Basic Setup on Ubuntu using IPv6 * setup .. _802_11ai_step16: .. tab-set:: .. tab-item:: Reference links * Reference links