What Is the Hidden Node Problem on Wi-Fi Networks and What

Question

Examlex · Accepted Answer

The Answer is It's quite possible that in a three-station wireless network, all workstations can communicate with the AP: For example, workstation A can hear workstation B and workstation B can hear workstation C, but workstation A can't hear workstation C, perhaps because the two are out of range. This situation is called the hidden node problem. CSMA/CA doesn't work because workstation A never knows whether workstation C is sending, and vice versa. To counteract this problem, the 802.11 standards specify another feature that uses handshaking before transmission. If this feature is enabled, a station must send the AP a request-to-send (RTS) packet requesting transmission. If it's okay to transmit, the AP sends a clear-to-send (CTS) message, and the workstation starts its communication. All other devices communicating with the AP hear the exchange of RTS and CTS messages, informing them that another device has control of the medium.

What Is the Hidden Node Problem on Wi-Fi Networks and What

Definitions: