Wireless Network: Extended Service Set

In a wireless network, an extended service set (ESS) is a set of connected basic service sets (BSS). It is a collection of multiple access points (APs) that are interconnected to form a single logical network. The purpose of an ESS is to extend the coverage area and provide seamless connectivity for wireless clients.

Basic Service Set (BSS)
Before understanding an extended service set, it is important to comprehend the concept of a basic service set (BSS). A BSS is the smallest building block in a wireless network and consists of a single access point and the wireless clients associated with it. It represents a single coverage area.

Creating an Extended Service Set
To create an extended service set, multiple basic service sets are interconnected. This is typically achieved through wired connections between the access points. The access points within an extended service set share the same service set identifier (SSID), which is a unique name given to the wireless network. The SSID allows wireless clients to identify and connect to the ESS.

Advantages of Extended Service Set
- Extended Coverage: By combining multiple access points, an ESS provides a larger coverage area compared to a single BSS. This enables wireless clients to roam seamlessly within the extended network without losing connectivity.
- Load Balancing: An extended service set allows for load balancing among the access points. As wireless clients move within the network, the access points can distribute the client load to ensure optimal performance and avoid congestion.
- Redundancy: In case one access point fails, the other access points within the ESS can still provide connectivity. This redundancy improves the reliability of the wireless network.

Conclusion
In wireless networks, an extended service set (ESS) is formed by connecting multiple basic service sets (BSS). It provides extended coverage, load balancing, and redundancy for wireless clients. By interconnecting access points, an ESS creates a seamless and reliable wireless network infrastructure.