Differences between ESS and MBSS LANs

4.8 Differences between ESS and MBSS LANs

In 4.3.15, the concept of the MBSS LAN was introduced. It was noted that using the multi-hop capability it
appears as if all mesh STAs are directly connected at the MAC layer even if the STAs are not within range
of each other. This is different from an IBSS network, where STAs cannot communicate if they are not
within range of each other.
Unlike the IBSS, an MBSS might have access to the DS. An MBSS connects through one or more mesh
gates to the DS. Since in an MBSS it appears as if all mesh STAs are directly connected at the MAC layer,
the MBSS can be used as a DSM. APs, portals, and mesh gates might use the MBSS as a DSM to provide
the DSS. Thus, different infrastructure BSSs can unite over the MBSS to form an ESS for example.
An AP identifies the infrastructure BSS that it forms. This is different from the MBSS where no such central
entity exists. Whereas infrastructure BSSs need the ESS and thus the DS to unite, the MBSS network
appears the same to an LLC layer without the need for access to a DS. However, if an MBSS has one or
more mesh gates providing access to the DS, the MBSS might exist in disjointed areas and yet form a single
network.