Which statement best describes wireless roaming and the role of fast roaming mechanisms?

Which statement best describes wireless roaming and the role of fast roaming mechanisms?

• A. Movement of a client between APs with seamless IP connectivity; fast roaming requires PMK caching and fast BSS transition (802.11r), and often a controller.
• B. Roaming is moving between networks; fast roaming is not related to PMK caching.
• C. Roaming is moving between networks; fast roaming relies on DHCP alone.
• D. Roaming refers to a device switching between different wireless networks, with no impact on IP; fast roaming relies only on DHCP.

Answer: (A)

Roaming in a wireless LAN is the process of a client moving from one AP to another while staying connected to the same network so ongoing sessions and IP connectivity aren’t interrupted. The goal is seamless IP-level continuity as you move through an area. Fast roaming mechanisms speed up this handoff. PMK caching stores the cryptographic key material from a prior authentication, so when the client connects to a new AP it doesn’t have to go through the full authentication process again. 802.11r, or Fast BSS Transition, standardizes a quicker handoff by coordinating the re-association between APs and pre-authorizing the client, reducing the time during which the connection can drop. In many enterprise setups, a controller helps manage roaming decisions and key distribution, smoothing the transition as you move between APs. DHCP comes into play for obtaining an IP address when you first join a network, but it doesn’t provide the fast, seamless handoff that roaming and fast roaming mechanisms deliver.

Roaming in a wireless LAN is the process of a client moving from one AP to another while staying connected to the same network so ongoing sessions and IP connectivity aren’t interrupted. The goal is seamless IP-level continuity as you move through an area. Fast roaming mechanisms speed up this handoff. PMK caching stores the cryptographic key material from a prior authentication, so when the client connects to a new AP it doesn’t have to go through the full authentication process again. 802.11r, or Fast BSS Transition, standardizes a quicker handoff by coordinating the re-association between APs and pre-authorizing the client, reducing the time during which the connection can drop. In many enterprise setups, a controller helps manage roaming decisions and key distribution, smoothing the transition as you move between APs. DHCP comes into play for obtaining an IP address when you first join a network, but it doesn’t provide the fast, seamless handoff that roaming and fast roaming mechanisms deliver.