Inter-Access Point Protocol
Encyclopedia
IEEE 802.11F or Inter-Access Point Protocol is a recommendation that describes an optional extension to IEEE 802.11
that provides wireless access point
communications among multivendor systems. 802.11 is a set of IEEE standards that govern wireless networking transmission methods. They are commonly used today in their 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g and 802.11n versions to provide wireless connectivity in the home, office and some commercial establishments.
The IEEE 802.11
standard doesn't specify the communications between access points in order to support users roaming
from one access point to another and load balancing
. The 802.11 WG purposely didn't define this element in order to provide flexibility in working with different wired and wireless distribution system
s (i.e., wired backbones that interconnect access points).
(AP) and the new AP during the handoff period. Based on security level, communication session keys between Access Points are distributed by a RADIUS
server. The RADIUS server also provides a mapping service between AP's MAC address
and IP address
.
IEEE 802.11F was a Trial Use Recommended Practice. The IEEE 802
Executive Committee approved its withdrawal on February 3, 2006.
IEEE 802.11
IEEE 802.11 is a set of standards for implementing wireless local area network computer communication in the 2.4, 3.6 and 5 GHz frequency bands. They are created and maintained by the IEEE LAN/MAN Standards Committee . The base version of the standard IEEE 802.11-2007 has had subsequent...
that provides wireless access point
Wireless access point
In computer networking, a wireless access point is a device that allows wireless devices to connect to a wired network using Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or related standards...
communications among multivendor systems. 802.11 is a set of IEEE standards that govern wireless networking transmission methods. They are commonly used today in their 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g and 802.11n versions to provide wireless connectivity in the home, office and some commercial establishments.
The IEEE 802.11
IEEE 802.11
IEEE 802.11 is a set of standards for implementing wireless local area network computer communication in the 2.4, 3.6 and 5 GHz frequency bands. They are created and maintained by the IEEE LAN/MAN Standards Committee . The base version of the standard IEEE 802.11-2007 has had subsequent...
standard doesn't specify the communications between access points in order to support users roaming
Roaming
In wireless telecommunications, roaming is a general term referring to the extension of connectivity service in a location that is different from the home location where the service was registered. Roaming ensures that the wireless device is kept connected to the network, without losing the...
from one access point to another and load balancing
Load balancing (computing)
Load balancing is a computer networking methodology to distribute workload across multiple computers or a computer cluster, network links, central processing units, disk drives, or other resources, to achieve optimal resource utilization, maximize throughput, minimize response time, and avoid...
. The 802.11 WG purposely didn't define this element in order to provide flexibility in working with different wired and wireless distribution system
Wireless Distribution System
A wireless distribution system is a system enabling the wireless interconnection of access points in an IEEE 802.11 network. It allows a wireless network to be expanded using multiple access points without the traditional requirement for a wired backbone to link them...
s (i.e., wired backbones that interconnect access points).
Protocol operation
The protocol is designed for the enforcement of unique association throughout an Extended Service Set and for secure exchange of station's security context between the current Access PointWireless access point
In computer networking, a wireless access point is a device that allows wireless devices to connect to a wired network using Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or related standards...
(AP) and the new AP during the handoff period. Based on security level, communication session keys between Access Points are distributed by a RADIUS
RADIUS
Remote Authentication Dial In User Service is a networking protocol that provides centralized Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting management for computers to connect and use a network service...
server. The RADIUS server also provides a mapping service between AP's MAC address
MAC address
A Media Access Control address is a unique identifier assigned to network interfaces for communications on the physical network segment. MAC addresses are used for numerous network technologies and most IEEE 802 network technologies, including Ethernet...
and IP address
IP address
An Internet Protocol address is a numerical label assigned to each device participating in a computer network that uses the Internet Protocol for communication. An IP address serves two principal functions: host or network interface identification and location addressing...
.
Status
The 802.11F Recommendation has been ratified and published in 2003.IEEE 802.11F was a Trial Use Recommended Practice. The IEEE 802
Executive Committee approved its withdrawal on February 3, 2006.
External references
- Status of the project 802.11f IEEE Task Group TGf
- Quick Guide to IEEE 802.11 WG
- Do we need AP interoperability? Joanie Wexler, Network World Wireless September 2, 2002
- WLAN Roaming - the basics Louise McKeag, Techworld March 23, 04