What frame does the passive scanning of the wireless client obtain the surrounding wireless network information?

Question

Options

• ABeacon frame
• BProbe Request frame
• CAuthentication frame
• DAssociation Request frame

• A
  76% (32)
• B
  14% (6)
• C
  7% (3)
• D
  2% (1)

Explanation

Option A is correct because access points (APs) periodically broadcast beacon frames at regular intervals (typically every 102.4 ms) containing essential network information such as the SSID, supported data rates, security capabilities, and channel. In passive scanning, the wireless client simply listens on each channel for these beacons without transmitting any frames of its own, which is what makes it "passive."

Option B, the Probe Request, is wrong because it is sent by the client, not received - this is the mechanism used in active scanning where the client actively solicits responses. Options C and D are wrong because Authentication and Association Request frames come later in the connection process, after the client has already discovered the network; they play no role in gathering surrounding network information.

Memory tip: Passive = no transmitting. The client just listens for beacon frames, which APs broadcast automatically like a lighthouse - you do not have to ask, you just wait and receive.

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