Wireless-to-Wired Path
Network Fundamentals
Overview
A Wi-Fi station associates with an AP and passes authentication before data reaches a wired distribution network. The AP bridges between 802.11 and Ethernet framing; VLAN assignment must match the intended wired segment. Wireless association is not proof of DHCP or routed connectivity.
Protocol stages
- 1Association
- 2Authentication
- 3802.11 data
- 4AP bridge
- 5Ethernet VLAN
Interactive exercise
Knowledge check
A user is associated with the SSID but receives no DHCP lease. The AP uplink does not allow the client VLAN. What should be repaired?
Educational model — not real hardware, traffic or official certification.