Wireless LAN: WAP, BSS, BSSID, SSID, ESS, & ESSID

WLAN is a network in which devices are communicating wirelessly with each other in a defined area.

The WLAN is ultimately connected to a wired network.

WAP

A Wireless access point or simply called an access point accepts a wireless signal from multiple devices and retransmits them to the rest of the network. At-home settings, a WAP may be capable of routing therefore may also be called a wireless router or wireless gateway. But in business settings, AP and routers are separate devices. AP is a layer-2 device and acts as a bridge connecting wired and wireless networks that belong to one broadcast domain.

BSS

Basic Service Set is a group of wireless devices, that work with the same AP. BSSID is the AP’s physical MAC address. This info is included in the packets.

SSID

Service Set Identifier, also called network name is a unique character string used to identify an AP.

ESS, & ESSID

One Service Set can be extended by adding more APs. This is called the Extended Service Set or ESS. The shared network name is referred to as Extended Service Set Identifier or ESSSID. Every AP broadcasts the same SSID to its users.

When a user’s device roams away from one AP to another, it still connects to the same network.