A Basic Service Set (BSS) refers to a fundamental building block in wireless local area network (WLAN) infrastructure. It is a fundamental wireless network component in the IEEE 802.11 standard. A BSS represents a single WLAN access point or several access points functioning as a group under the same administrative authority and sharing the same radio channel.
In a BSS, there are two main elements: the Access Point (AP) and the wireless client devices. The AP serves as the central hub that facilitates communication between wireless clients and enables connections to the wired network infrastructure. The wireless client devices include laptops, smartphones, or any other Wi-Fi enabled devices that connect to the network.
The AP in a BSS controls the wireless medium by managing the media access, ensuring that no two devices transmit at the same time and avoiding data collisions. It also provides authentication and encryption mechanisms to secure the wireless network. The AP assigns unique identifiers, called Service Set Identifiers (SSIDs), to differentiate different BSSs in the same physical area.
Multiple BSSs can be created to extend WLAN coverage within a larger area. When multiple APs are linked together, forming a single logical network, it is referred to as an Extended Service Set (ESS). Within an ESS, multiple BSSs can coexist and interconnect, allowing wireless clients to roam seamlessly from one BSS to another without disrupting their network connections.
In summary, a Basic Service Set (BSS) forms the core unit of a wireless network, consisting of an access point and wireless client devices. It allows devices to connect to the network, provides control over the wireless medium, and ensures secure communication.
