InfraBSS (Infrastructure Basic Service Set)

Introduction:

An Infrastructure Basic Service Set (InfraBSS) is a set of components that are essential to create a wireless local area network (WLAN). An InfraBSS consists of a Wireless Access Point (WAP), a Wireless Distribution System (WDS), and one or more client devices. The WAP acts as the central point for the network, and the WDS connects the WAP to the client devices. InfraBSS is the fundamental building block for the IEEE 802.11 wireless LAN (WLAN) standard.

Wireless Access Point:

A Wireless Access Point (WAP) is a device that provides a wireless connection to a wired network. It connects to the wired network via an Ethernet cable and communicates with client devices over a wireless radio frequency. The WAP is responsible for managing the wireless network and for providing security for the network. The WAP broadcasts its Service Set Identifier (SSID), which is a unique name that identifies the network. Client devices can connect to the network by selecting the network's SSID and providing the necessary credentials.

Wireless Distribution System:

A Wireless Distribution System (WDS) is a system that connects multiple wireless access points together to form a larger wireless network. The WDS acts as a bridge between the access points and allows client devices to roam between access points without losing their connection. The WDS also provides a way to extend the range of the wireless network by allowing access points to be placed further apart.

The WDS operates by using a wireless link between access points. The link between access points is established by configuring each access point to use the same wireless channel and SSID. The WDS also requires that all access points use the same security settings to maintain the integrity of the network.

Client Devices:

Client devices are the end devices that connect to the wireless network. They can be any device that supports the IEEE 802.11 wireless standard, such as laptops, smartphones, and tablets. Client devices connect to the wireless network by selecting the network's SSID and providing the necessary credentials.

Infrastructure Basic Service Set Operation:

The InfraBSS operation consists of two main phases: association and authentication.

Association:

The association phase is the process by which a client device connects to the wireless network. The client device sends a request to the WAP to join the network. The WAP responds by sending a beacon frame that contains the network's SSID and other information about the network. The client device then sends an association request to the WAP that includes its own MAC address and other information about the device. The WAP responds by sending an association response that includes the client device's MAC address and other information about the network.

Authentication:

The authentication phase is the process by which the client device provides credentials to the WAP to gain access to the network. The authentication process can use several methods, including open system authentication, shared key authentication, and 802.1X authentication.

Open system authentication is the simplest form of authentication and requires no credentials. Shared key authentication uses a shared secret key that is known by both the client device and the WAP. 802.1X authentication is a more secure form of authentication that uses a RADIUS server to authenticate the client device.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, an Infrastructure Basic Service Set (InfraBSS) is a set of components that are essential to create a wireless local area network (WLAN). An InfraBSS consists of a Wireless Access Point (WAP), a Wireless Distribution System (WDS), and one or more client devices. The WAP acts as the central point for the network, and the WDS connects the WAP to the client devices. The InfraBSS operation consists of two main phases: association and authentication. The association phase is the process by which a client device connects to the wireless network, while the authentication phase is the process by which the client device provides credentials to the WAP to gain access to the network.