Request-to-send (RTS) is an 802.11 control frame that asks permission to transmit a frame over the wireless medium. A clear-to-send (CTS) response grants that permission, helping reduce collisions. section 19.1.3
Key operational facts:
- RTS and CTS form a permission exchange before a data frame is transmitted. section 19.1.3 section 19.3
- The exchange adds two frames for each data frame, increasing overhead and potentially reducing network efficiency. section 19.1.3
- Modern wireless networks usually do not use RTS/CTS. section 19.1.3
Figure 19.4 RTS, CTS, and Ack messages facilitate smooth communication over the medium. RTS asks for permission to transmit a frame, and CTS grants permission. Ack acknowledges receipt of the frame.
Trace the RTS request, CTS permission, and Ack confirmation sequence used to facilitate communication over the wireless medium. section 19.1.3
