Sign in Subscribe

ess in networking

Last updated on 

Basic Service Set (BSS):

A Basic Service Set (BSS) is the basic building block of an IEEE 802.11 wireless LAN (WLAN) infrastructure. A BSS consists of one access point (AP) and one or more wireless devices (often referred to as stations or STAs). In this setup:

  1. Access Point (AP): The AP acts as a bridge between the wireless devices and the wired network. It manages the communication within the BSS.
  2. Wireless Devices (STAs): These are the endpoints that communicate with the AP.

Within a BSS, only one AP is present. So, the coverage area or range of a single AP is limited.

Extended Service Set (ESS):

Now, when we talk about an Extended Service Set (ESS), we are essentially expanding beyond the limitations of a single BSS. An ESS encompasses multiple BSSs connected together by a distribution system (typically a wired network). Here's a breakdown:

  1. Multiple BSSs: In an ESS, there can be multiple BSSs, each with its own AP and STAs. These BSSs can be in different physical locations but are connected via a distribution system.
  2. Distribution System: The distribution system provides the backbone connectivity between different BSSs. It can be a wired Ethernet network, a fiber-optic link, or any other means of connecting multiple BSSs.

Key Technical Aspects:

  1. Roaming: One of the primary advantages of an ESS is seamless roaming. If a wireless device (STA) moves out of the coverage area of one BSS but remains within the overall coverage area of the ESS, it can seamlessly associate with another BSS within the same ESS. This allows for uninterrupted connectivity as users move within the extended network area.
  2. SSID: Within an ESS, all BSSs typically share the same Service Set Identifier (SSID). This means that users don't need to change network names as they move between BSSs within the same ESS. However, each BSS will have its unique Basic Service Set Identifier (BSSID).
  3. Security and Management: Managing and securing an ESS can be more complex than managing a single BSS due to the increased number of access points and devices. As a result, network administrators need to implement appropriate security protocols, such as WPA3, to ensure data confidentiality, integrity, and authentication within the extended network.