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.

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.