CyberCertPrepNetwork FundamentalsWireless BasicsEASYFree question
What is 'ad hoc mode' (IBSS) in Wi-Fi and how does it differ from infrastructure mode?
- A.Ad hoc (IBSS - Independent Basic Service Set): devices communicate directly without an AP. Infrastructure mode: all communication goes through an AP. Ad hoc is used for temporary peer-to-peer connections; infrastructure is standard for networks
- B.Ad hoc mode requires a central Wi-Fi controller
- C.Ad hoc mode uses 5 GHz exclusively; infrastructure uses 2.4 GHz
- D.Ad hoc mode encrypts with WPA3; infrastructure uses WPA2
Why A is correct
IBSS (ad hoc): device-to-device Wi-Fi without an AP. One device acts as a 'master' for the BSS. Useful for: temporary file transfers, gaming between laptops, direct Wi-Fi printing. Security concern: ad hoc networks bypass network monitoring and can bypass corporate security policies. Administrators often disable ad hoc mode via Group Policy. Wi-Fi Direct uses a similar peer-to-peer model.
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