802.11w MAC Functions
What are MAC functions in IEEE 802.11w?
MAC functions include frame delimiting, addressing, error detection, and protection of management frames.
How does 802.11w enhance MAC functions?
It adds protection for management frames at the MAC layer to prevent spoofing and attacks.
Which MAC frames are protected by 802.11w?
Disassociation, deauthentication, and robust action frames are among those protected.
Does 802.11w change MAC frame formats?
Yes, it extends frame formats with additional security fields to support frame protection.
What is the role of the MAC layer in PMF?
The MAC layer encrypts and authenticates protected management frames.
How does MAC function support retransmissions with protection?
Retransmitted management frames maintain the same protection as original transmissions.
Can 802.11w MAC functions work with legacy devices?
Yes, MAC functions support fallback to unprotected frames for compatibility.
How are errors detected in 802.11w MAC frames?
CRC and integrity checks ensure frame correctness and protection against tampering.
Does 802.11w MAC layer handle power management?
While primarily focused on security, it works alongside power management functions without interference.
What impact does 802.11w MAC functions have on network throughput?
Slight overhead due to encryption but generally minimal impact with significant security benefits.
Are QoS mechanisms affected by 802.11w MAC functions?
QoS is preserved; 802.11w does not interfere with traffic prioritization.
How does MAC layer ensure sequence integrity in 802.11w?
Sequence numbers and replay counters prevent replay attacks on management frames.
Does 802.11w require changes in MAC addressing?
No changes; addressing follows standard 802.11 MAC address formats.
How are MAC acknowledgments handled for protected frames?
ACK frames remain unprotected, but protected management frames have mechanisms to confirm delivery.
Are fragmented frames supported with 802.11w MAC protection?
Yes, fragmentation and reassembly are supported while maintaining frame protection.
How does 802.11w improve MAC layer security?
By encrypting management frames, it prevents common attacks like spoofing and disassociation.
Is MAC function implementation hardware or software based?
Both; depending on device capabilities, MAC protection can be implemented in hardware or firmware.
Does 802.11w MAC affect handoff procedures?
Yes, it secures management frames during roaming, enhancing handoff security.
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.
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