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Dear Users

Does IEEE 802.11 use in-band signaling?

For example, if Ch:1 (2412 MHz) is selected by the AP, so it means that this frequency is used for management, control and data transmissions. If this is correct and if RTS/CTS is disabled in the network, is there any chance of collision of data packet with management frames (such as beacon frame) which is broadcasted periodically about 100ms (in general).

Or above situation can be handled by the CSMA/CA??

Any thoughts!!!

Thanks

Yes, you could call it in-band signaling if you want - since it equates to that. Yes, data and management frames certainly do collide - whether or not RTS/CTS is enabled or not. RTS/CTS is a protection mechanism that is used to HELP prevent collisions due to the hidden node problem, but it doesn't completely prevent collisions because even the RTS and CTS frames themselves can collide with other frames.

CSMA/CA is in play at all times in Wi-Fi, but this only helps prevent the majority of collisions under a normal network load. Under a heavy load and in many special circumstances (hidden node is an example), heavy collisions can still occur.

Hope this helps,

Devinator