Wi-Fi Stack
Imagine the Wi-Fi stack as a layered cake, each layer responsible for a specific task in ensuring smooth wireless communication.
Description
Physical Layer (PHY)
The foundation handles the actual transmission of radio waves.
- Encoding and decoding data into electrical signals.
- Modulating and demodulating signals to carry information.
- Frequency hopping to avoid interference.
Media Access Control (MAC) Layer
The traffic cop manages access to the shared wireless medium.
- Assigning time slots to devices for transmission.
- Detecting and resolving collisions.
- Handling frame synchronization.
Logical Link Control (LLC) Layer
The bridge connects the MAC layer to the higher-level network protocols.
- Flow control to prevent overwhelming the receiver.
- Error detection and correction.
- Multiplexing data from multiple applications.
Internet Protocol (IP) Layer
The navigator provides addressing and routing for data packets.
- Assigning IP addresses to devices.
- Routing packets through the internet.
- Fragmenting and reassembling packets if necessary.
Transport Layer
The delivery service ensures reliable data transfer between applications.
- Establishing connections between devices.
- Flow control to prevent data loss.
- Error detection and correction.