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Wireless & Mobility · Intermediate

Basic Rate

A data rate that all clients must support to join a BSS; management frames use the lowest one.

Definition

Basic (mandatory) rates are advertised in beacons. The lowest basic rate determines the rate of beacons and broadcast frames and effectively the cell size. Raising the minimum basic rate (for example to 12 or 24 Mbps) shrinks cells and saves airtime.

Example

Setting 12 Mbps as the lowest basic rate removes 802.11b clients.

Exam tip

Disabling 1, 2, 5.5, 6, and 9 Mbps rates improves airtime efficiency in dense designs.

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