During the 802.11 association process, what happens?

• A. A client authenticates and obtains an IP address from the DHCP server.
• B. Beacons are exchanged to establish the connection.
• C. A client negotiates capabilities, authenticates if required, and obtains permission to use a specific SSID/BSS with an Association ID.
• D. The client disconnects and reconnects to join a new SSID.

Answer: (C)

During association, a station becomes a member of a specific wireless network by negotiating how it will operate with the access point, authenticating if required, and being given a unique handle to use within that network. The station sends an Association Request that includes its capabilities (like supported data rates and features). If the network requires authentication, that step happens as part of or before this process. The access point then responds with an Association Response that confirms success and assigns an Association ID for the station. This ID lets the AP recognize and address frames from that particular station as it communicates on that SSID/BSS. DHCP for an IP address happens after association, not during it. Beacons are used for discovering networks and provisioning, but the actual association is the frame exchange that grants the station access to the network and assigns the AID.