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wifi architecture

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Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) is a wireless communication technology that allows devices to connect and communicate over a local area network (LAN) without the need for physical cables. The architecture of a Wi-Fi network involves several key components that work together to provide wireless connectivity. Let's explore the technical details of the typical Wi-Fi architecture:

1. Station (STA):

  • A station, or client, is any device that connects to a Wi-Fi network. This can include smartphones, laptops, tablets, and IoT devices.
  • Each station is identified by a unique Media Access Control (MAC) address.

2. Access Point (AP):

  • The access point is a networking hardware device that allows a Wi-Fi-enabled device to connect to a wired network using Wi-Fi.
  • The AP acts as a bridge between the wireless clients and the wired network infrastructure.

3. Basic Service Set (BSS):

  • A BSS is the basic building block of a Wi-Fi network and consists of one access point and the stations associated with it.
  • The BSS can operate in either Infrastructure mode or Ad-Hoc mode.

4. Infrastructure Mode:

  • In Infrastructure mode, the Wi-Fi network has a central access point (AP) that manages and controls the communication between the stations.
  • Stations communicate with each other through the access point.

5. Ad-Hoc Mode:

  • In Ad-Hoc mode, Wi-Fi devices communicate directly with each other without the need for a central access point.
  • This mode is less common and is typically used for peer-to-peer communication between devices.

6. Extended Service Set (ESS):

  • An ESS is a set of interconnected BSSs, allowing Wi-Fi clients to roam seamlessly between different access points within the same network.
  • Roaming is facilitated through a process called handover, where a station switches from one access point to another without losing connectivity.

7. Distribution System (DS):

  • The Distribution System is a component that connects multiple access points and enables communication between them.
  • It allows devices connected to different access points to communicate with each other within the same network.

8. Wi-Fi Channels:

  • Wi-Fi operates on different channels within the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands.
  • Channels are used to separate and organize wireless communication, reducing interference between neighboring networks.

9. Wireless Distribution System (WDS):

  • WDS allows wireless interconnection of access points to extend network coverage.
  • It enables bridging and repeating functionalities in Wi-Fi networks.

10. Wi-Fi Authentication and Encryption:

  • Authentication: Stations must authenticate with the access point before being granted access to the network. Common methods include WPA2-PSK (Pre-Shared Key) or WPA3.
  • Encryption: Once authenticated, data is encrypted to secure wireless communication. Common encryption methods include WPA2-AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) or WPA3.

11. Wi-Fi Protocols:

  • Wi-Fi networks use various IEEE 802.11 protocols, including:
    • 802.11b/g/n/ac/ax: These represent different generations of Wi-Fi standards, each offering improvements in terms of data rates, range, and efficiency.

12. Wi-Fi Management Frames:

  • Beacon Frames: Access points periodically send beacon frames to announce their presence and provide information about the network.
  • Probe Request/Response: Stations can send probe requests to discover available networks, and access points respond with probe responses.

13. Wireless Security Protocols:

  • WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy): An older and less secure protocol.
  • WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access): Introduced as a more secure replacement for WEP.
  • WPA2 and WPA3: Successors to WPA, offering stronger encryption and security features.

14. Quality of Service (QoS):

  • Wi-Fi networks support QoS mechanisms to prioritize certain types of traffic, such as voice or video, for a better user experience.

15. Wi-Fi Mesh Networks:

  • In Wi-Fi mesh networks, multiple access points work together to provide extended coverage and increased reliability.
  • Mesh networks support self-healing capabilities, automatically adjusting the network topology in case of a failure.

16. Wi-Fi 6 Enhancements:

  • Wi-Fi 6 introduces features like OFDMA, MU-MIMO, BSS Coloring, and Target Wake Time to improve network efficiency, capacity, and performance.

Summary:

The architecture of a Wi-Fi network involves a combination of hardware components, protocols, and management frames working together to provide wireless connectivity. Understanding these components is essential for designing, deploying, and optimizing Wi-Fi networks for various applications and environments.