Which frame is involved in establishing association between a client and an AP?

• A. Beacon
• B. Association Request
• C. Data Frame
• D. Authentication Response

Answer: (B)

In Wi‑Fi, the association process is the step where a client joins an AP’s network after discovery and optional authentication. The frame that starts this process is the Association Request, sent by the client to the AP to request joining its BSS and to share what the client can support (capabilities and supported rates). The AP then responds with an Association Response, confirming or denying the request and providing an Association ID if approved.

Beacons are periodic signals the AP uses to advertise the network and help clients discover and synchronize with it, not to establish the association. Authentication Response relates to the security handshake that may occur before association in some modes, rather than the actual join step. Data frames are used only after association to carry user payload.