Beacon Period

This parameter specifies the duration between beacon packets, which are used by IEEE 802.11 systems to synchronize the ‘hops’ (change to another frequency). The beacon packet contains timing information and hop pattern information that is broadcast over the airwaves. Any station that can hear the beacon packet can then synchronize their internal timer so that it can hop at the correct time. The default beacon period is one-half of the dwell period, so that two beacons are transmitted per hop dwell period. Refer to the IEEE 802.11 Standard for more information on the hopping mechanism.