802.11ad MAC Timings

What are MAC timings in 802.11ad?

MAC timings in 802.11ad refer to time intervals and parameters governing how devices schedule and access the wireless medium in the 60 GHz band, including contention-free and contention-based periods.

Why are MAC timings important in 802.11ad?

They ensure efficient use of the wide 60 GHz spectrum, reduce collisions with directional antennas, and maintain low latency especially during service periods.

What are CBAPs (Contention Based Access Periods)?

Periods where stations contend for medium access using a scheme similar to DCF, but optimized for directional operations in 802.11ad. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

What are Service Periods (SPs) in 802.11ad?

Scheduled, contention-free service windows where the PCP/AP grants exclusive medium access to stations. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

How do CBAPs and SPs together affect latency and throughput?

CBAPs allow more flexible access but potentially more contention, whereas SPs reduce contention and improve throughput for scheduled traffic; the mix balances overall performance. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

How are beacon intervals used in 802.11ad MAC timing?

Beacons coordinate timing, announce CBAP/SP schedules, and assist with beamforming alignment. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

What is the role of directional switching times?

802.11ad includes beam steering/training and sector sweeping, which require additional timing to align transmitter and receiver sectors before data exchange. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

Is there a “short interframe space” equivalent in 802.11ad?

While 802.11ad does retain certain rapid response intervals, its major timing differentiators are CBAP vs SP scheduling and sector transitions rather than fixed short IFS intervals like in legacy standards. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

How does the timing of beamforming training affect overall MAC timing?

Beamforming training (antenna sector training) adds overhead, and its scheduling is factored into beacon and SP/CBAP periods. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

What are the challenges of MAC timings in 802.11ad due to high frequency?

60 GHz signals suffer high path loss and sensitivity to blockage, so timing must accommodate rapid alignment, switching, and faster guard intervals. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

Does 802.11ad use contention‐free periods always?

No; it mixes contention-based CBAPs with scheduled SPs to support both flexible and predictable access. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}

How are CBAP durations determined?

Through configuration advertised via beacons; influenced by network usage, traffic types, and load. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}

What timing parameters are configurable?

CBAP schedule, SP durations, beacon interval, sector sweep durations. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}

Does 802.11ad define slot times like 802.11ac?

Not exactly; a lot depends on the PHY being used (single carrier vs OFDM), directional sector sweep timings, and SP/CBAP schedules. The concept of “slot” exists but is less fixed in directional context. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}

Where can I find official MAC timing values for 802.11ad?

In the IEEE 802.11ad standard documents, particularly sections on MAC and medium access (Service Period / CBAP scheduling). :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}

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