Previously, we discussed beacon frames and their importance to wireless networks, as well as how they can be used in a wireless network. Now, let's take a closer look at them and see what is in a beacon frame and how to analyze it so we can use that information for later attacks in this chapter.
So, what is a beacon frame? A beacon frame is something that is sent out by a wireless access point that identifies the name of the wireless network, some parameters regarding that wireless network, as well as some other information tucked in there for housekeeping and other tasks. A beacon frame is sent out by every wireless network at regular intervals and is used to announce the presence of that network to wireless clients and devices that are in range of that access point.
Let's break down some of the pieces or components in a beacon frame sent out...