Reference Model

The 802.11 standard takes the architectural view, emphasizing the separation of the system into two major parts: the MAC of the data link layer and the PHY. These layers are intended to correspond closely to the lowest layers of the ISO/IEC basic reference model of OSI (ISO/IEC 7498-1: 1994 5). The layers and sublayers described in the 802.11 standard are shown in Figure 5-9.

Figure 5-9: Portion of the ISO/IEC basic reference model covered in the 802.11 standard