BSS (Basic service set)

Introduction:

A Basic Service Set (BSS) is a fundamental concept in wireless networking, especially in the context of IEEE 802.11 wireless local area networks (WLANs). A BSS is a group of wireless network devices that are connected to the same local area network (LAN) and communicate with each other using the same wireless access point (AP). A BSS is the basic building block of a WLAN, and it consists of an AP, a set of wireless client devices, and the wireless medium that connects them.

In this article, we will discuss in detail the concept of a BSS, its components, and its various types.

Components of a BSS:

Access Point (AP):

The Access Point (AP) is the central device that acts as a bridge between the wireless network and the wired network. It serves as the gateway for all wireless devices to connect to the wired network. The AP broadcasts its Service Set Identifier (SSID) to all wireless devices within its range. The SSID is a unique name given to the wireless network to identify it.

Wireless client devices:

The wireless client devices are the devices that connect to the wireless network through the AP. They can be laptops, smartphones, tablets, or any other device that has a wireless network interface. These devices communicate with each other and the AP using the same wireless medium.

Wireless Medium:

The wireless medium is the communication channel between the AP and the wireless client devices. It uses radio waves to transmit and receive data. The wireless medium is shared among all the devices within the BSS. This means that only one device can transmit data at a time. The devices take turns to transmit data by using a protocol called Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Avoidance (CSMA/CA).

Types of BSS:

Infrastructure BSS:

An infrastructure BSS is the most common type of BSS. It is used in WLANs where the wireless devices communicate with each other through an AP. The AP is connected to the wired network and serves as a bridge between the wireless devices and the wired network. In an infrastructure BSS, the AP is responsible for managing the wireless medium, controlling the access of the wireless devices to the network, and providing security to the network.

Ad-hoc BSS:

An Ad-hoc BSS is also known as an Independent BSS (IBSS). It is used in WLANs where the wireless devices communicate with each other without the need for an AP. In an Ad-hoc BSS, the wireless devices create a peer-to-peer network and communicate with each other directly. The devices take turns to transmit data, and each device acts as a relay for other devices in the network.

Mesh BSS:

A Mesh BSS is a type of BSS where the wireless devices communicate with each other using a mesh network topology. In a mesh network, each device is connected to multiple devices, forming a self-healing network. This means that if one device fails, the other devices can still communicate with each other through alternate paths. Mesh BSSs are used in large WLANs, where the coverage area is extensive and requires multiple access points to provide seamless coverage.

Conclusion:

A Basic Service Set (BSS) is a fundamental concept in wireless networking. It is a group of wireless network devices that are connected to the same local area network (LAN) and communicate with each other using the same wireless access point (AP). A BSS consists of an AP, a set of wireless client devices, and the wireless medium that connects them. There are three types of BSS: Infrastructure BSS, Ad-hoc BSS, and Mesh BSS. Each type has its unique characteristics and is used in specific scenarios depending on the network's requirements.