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IBSS (Independent Basic Service Set)

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Introduction

The Independent Basic Service Set (IBSS) is a fundamental concept in wireless networking that refers to a collection of wireless devices that communicate with each other directly, without the need for a central access point. The IBSS is also known as an ad-hoc network or peer-to-peer network. This type of network is useful in situations where there is no pre-existing infrastructure, or where there is a need for a temporary, self-contained network. This article will explain in 2000 words the IBSS concept, its features, and how it works.

Features of IBSS

The IBSS has several features that distinguish it from other types of wireless networks. These include:

  1. Decentralization: Unlike other wireless networks, IBSS does not require a central access point. Each device in the network can communicate directly with other devices, without the need for a centralized controller.
  2. Dynamic topology: Since there is no central access point, the topology of the network can change dynamically as devices move in and out of range of each other. This makes IBSS useful in situations where devices need to be mobile, such as in a conference room.
  3. Self-configuration: Since there is no central access point, IBSS devices must be able to configure themselves automatically. This means that each device must be able to find and communicate with other devices in the network without any manual configuration.
  4. Limited range: The range of an IBSS network is limited by the transmission power of the devices in the network. This means that devices must be in close proximity to each other to communicate.

How IBSS Works

The IBSS network consists of a collection of wireless devices that communicate with each other directly, without the need for a central access point. In an IBSS network, each device is both a transmitter and a receiver. When two devices in an IBSS network want to communicate with each other, they use a process called ad-hoc mode to establish a direct wireless link between them.

Ad-hoc mode works by allowing devices to communicate directly with each other without the need for a central access point. In ad-hoc mode, each device in the network acts as a transmitter and receiver simultaneously. When two devices in an IBSS network want to communicate with each other, they establish a direct wireless link between them. This link is temporary and exists only as long as the two devices are in range of each other.

Once the link is established, the two devices can exchange data packets directly. Each device in the network is responsible for forwarding data packets to other devices in the network. This means that each device in the network acts as a router, forwarding data packets to other devices in the network as needed.

The IBSS network does not have a centralized controller, so each device in the network must be able to find and communicate with other devices in the network automatically. To do this, each device in the network uses a process called scanning.

Scanning is the process of searching for other devices in the network. When a device is turned on or brought into range of an IBSS network, it starts scanning for other devices in the network. It does this by sending out a broadcast message called a beacon. The beacon contains information about the device, such as its name, capabilities, and supported data rates.

When other devices in the network receive the beacon, they respond with a message called a probe response. The probe response contains information about the responding device, such as its name, capabilities, and supported data rates. Once a device has received a probe response from another device, it can establish a direct wireless link with that device.

Once the link is established, the two devices can communicate directly with each other. If a device needs to communicate with a device that is out of range, it can use other devices in the network to forward the data packets. This means that each device in the network acts as a router, forwarding data packets to other devices in the network as needed.

Since the topology of an IBSS network is dynamic, it is important for devices to be able to adapt to changes in the network. For example, if a device moves out of range of another device, the network must be able to find a new route for data packets to reach that device. To do this, IBSS devices use a process called dynamic routing.

Dynamic routing is the process of finding the most efficient route for data packets to travel through the network. Each device in the network maintains a table of the other devices in the network and the routes to reach them. When a device wants to send a data packet to another device in the network, it looks up the destination device in its routing table and sends the data packet to the next device in the route. If the next device in the route is out of range, the data packet is forwarded to the next device in the routing table until it reaches its destination.

Advantages and Disadvantages of IBSS

The IBSS network has several advantages over other types of wireless networks. These include:

  1. Flexibility: IBSS networks are flexible and can be set up quickly in situations where there is no pre-existing infrastructure.
  2. Low cost: Since IBSS networks do not require a central access point, they can be set up at a lower cost than other types of wireless networks.
  3. Mobility: IBSS networks are useful in situations where devices need to be mobile, such as in a conference room.
  4. Self-configuration: IBSS networks are easy to set up since devices can configure themselves automatically.

However, IBSS networks also have several disadvantages. These include:

  1. Limited range: The range of an IBSS network is limited by the transmission power of the devices in the network.
  2. Security: Since IBSS networks do not have a central access point, they can be less secure than other types of wireless networks.
  3. Interference: Since IBSS networks use the same frequency band as other wireless networks, they can be subject to interference from other wireless networks in the area.

Conclusion

The Independent Basic Service Set (IBSS) is a fundamental concept in wireless networking that refers to a collection of wireless devices that communicate with each other directly, without the need for a central access point. The IBSS is also known as an ad-hoc network or peer-to-peer network. IBSS networks are flexible, low-cost, and useful in situations where devices need to be mobile. However, IBSS networks also have several disadvantages, including limited range, security, and interference. Overall, the IBSS network is a useful tool for creating temporary, self-contained wireless networks.