CWNP Exam CWAP-404 Topic 6 Question 23 Discussion

The interframe space that would be expected between a CTS (Clear to Send) and a Data frame is SIFS (Short Interframe Space). A SIFS is the shortest interframe space that is used for high-priority transmissions, such as ACKs (Acknowledgements), CTSs, or data frames that are part of a fragmentation or aggregation process. A SIFS is a fixed value that depends on the PHY type and channel width. A CTS and a Data frame are part of a virtual carrier sense mechanism called RTS/CTS (Request to Send/Clear to Send), which is used to avoid collisions and hidden node problems in wireless transmissions. When a STA (station) wants to send a data frame, it first sends an RTS frame to the intended receiver, indicating the duration of the transmission. The receiver then responds with a CTS frame, also indicating the duration of the transmission. The other STAs in the vicinity hear either the RTS or the CTS frame and update their NAV (Network Allocation Vector) timers accordingly, deferring their access to the medium until the transmission is over. The sender then sends the data frame after waiting for a SIFS, followed by an ACK frame from the receiver after another SIFS. The other options are not correct, as they are not used between a CTS and a Data frame. A PIFS (PCF Interframe Space) is used for medium access by the PCF (Point Coordination Function), which is an optional and rarely implemented polling-based mechanism that provides contention-free service for time-sensitive traffic. An AIFS (Arbitration Interframe Space) is used for medium access by different ACs (Access Categories), which are logical queues that correspond to different QoS (Quality of Service) levels for different types of traffic. An AIFS is a variable interframe space that depends on the AIFSN (Arbitration Interframe Space Number) value of each AC. A DIFS (Distributed Interframe Space) is used for medium access by the DCF (Distributed Coordination Function), which is the default and mandatory contention-based mechanism that provides best-effort service for normal traffic.Reference:[Wireless Analysis Professional Study Guide CWAP-404], Chapter 6: 802.11 Frame Exchanges, page 166-167; Chapter 7: QoS Analysis, page 194-195