A service set groups wireless LAN devices that communicate on the same network and share an SSID, the human-readable network name. The grouping describes how clients connect and whether access points coordinate communication. section 18.3 section 18.5
The four service-set types are:
- IBSS: a peer-to-peer or ad hoc network in which wireless clients communicate directly without an access point; it suits temporary setups but does not scale beyond a few clients. section 18.3 section 18.5
- BSS: clients connect through one access point, which coordinates communication and provides access to resources such as a wired LAN or the internet. section 18.3 section 18.5
- ESS: multiple linked BSSs provide seamless connectivity across a broader area. section 18.3
- MBSS: interconnected access points provide flexible wireless coverage. section 18.3
SSID and BSS identity
Selecting a Wi-Fi network on a smartphone or laptop selects its SSID. In a BSS, the SSID need not be unique; the BSSID, usually the access point radio's MAC address, uniquely identifies that BSS. section 18.3 section 18.5
