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Wireless & Mobility · Intermediate

Direct-Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS)

Spreading each bit across a wide channel using a chipping code, used by 802.11 and 802.11b.

Definition

DSSS replaces each data bit with a chip sequence, spreading the signal over a 22 MHz channel. It supported 1 and 2 Mbps in 802.11 and was extended by HR-DSSS in 802.11b for 5.5 and 11 Mbps. DSSS rates are often disabled in modern networks.

Exam tip

DSSS channels are 22 MHz wide; OFDM channels are 20 MHz wide.

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