IBSS Auth

[mib]

When 2 STAs in a IBSS start to authenticate, won't there be a collision ?
This is specially a problem with WINXP, where it tries to do everything automatically.

Any light on this is appriciated !

[JimGeier]

Whether the wireless LAN is configured as an IBSS (no access point, i.e. ad hoc) or infrastructure (with access point), each station implements DCF (distributed coordination function) that regulates access to the medium and avoids collisions. Wtih DCF, a station will first listen to the medium to see if anyone else is transmitting. If no one is transmitting, the station will transmit. If the medium is busy (i.e., another station transmitting), then the station will hold off and wait until the medium becomes idle.