What function do beacon frames serve in a Wi‑Fi network?

What function do beacon frames serve in a Wi‑Fi network?

• A. They encrypt data frames.
• B. They send out beacons to broadcast available networks.
• C. They assign IP addresses to clients.
• D. They identify the manufacturer of the AP.

Answer: (B)

Beacon frames are periodic management frames that an access point (AP) uses to announce the wireless network and share essential service set information with nearby devices. They broadcast the network name (SSID), supported data rates, security capabilities, channel, timing information, and the AP’s identifier (BSSID). This enables clients to discover available networks, decide whether to join, and synchronize with the network so devices know when to wake up to listen and when they can transmit. They aren’t used to encrypt data, assign IP addresses, or primarily identify the AP’s manufacturer. The key function is broadcasting the network’s presence and parameters so clients can find and connect to it.

Beacon frames are periodic management frames that an access point (AP) uses to announce the wireless network and share essential service set information with nearby devices. They broadcast the network name (SSID), supported data rates, security capabilities, channel, timing information, and the AP’s identifier (BSSID). This enables clients to discover available networks, decide whether to join, and synchronize with the network so devices know when to wake up to listen and when they can transmit. They aren’t used to encrypt data, assign IP addresses, or primarily identify the AP’s manufacturer. The key function is broadcasting the network’s presence and parameters so clients can find and connect to it.