The IEEE 802.11k amendment enhances Wi-Fi client roaming by allowing an AP to share information about nearby access points with connected clients. This process, known as the Neighbor Report, provides a list of available APs that the client can use to make faster, more informed roaming decisions.
When a client device receives this neighbor list, it can scan fewer channels, reducing latency and improving the handoff experience-especially in enterprise networks managed by RUCKUS One, SmartZone, or RUCKUS Cloud. According to RUCKUS One Online Help and RUCKUS AI documentation, enabling 802.11k/v/r features together allows for fast and seamless roaming, as 802.11k supplies discovery data, 802.11v assists with steering decisions, and 802.11r enables fast re-authentication.
Option C is correct because 802.11k's core function is to help clients identify the best potential APs to roam to. The other options describe unrelated functions: encryption caching relates to 802.11r, ignoring weak clients is an AP policy function, and forcing disconnections occurs during load balancing or steering-not through 802.11k.
Reference:
RUCKUS One Online Help - WLAN Configuration: 802.11k/v/r Roaming Enhancements RUCKUS Analytics 3.5 User Guide - Client Mobility and Roaming Analysis RUCKUS AI Documentation - Intelligent Roaming Optimization and Neighbor Reports