The ability to locate a client device using WLAN infrastructure relies on the client actively transmitting frames that can be detected by multiple access points. These frames are typically management or data frames used during association, authentication, or normal operation.
If the client device is turned off, it is not transmitting any 802.11 frames. Therefore, the infrastructure cannot detect or triangulate its location using standard methods such as RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) or time difference of arrival.
According to the CWDP-305 Official Study and Reference Guide (Chapter: Designing for Specific Applications), location-based services (LBS) are dependent on the active participation of the client device. Without beacon frames, probe requests, or any other 802.11 activity, no positioning data can be gathered.
“Client devices must be actively transmitting for their location to be calculated through triangulation or trilateration. If a device is powered off, it cannot be tracked by the WLAN infrastructure.”
— Reference: CWDP-305 Official Study and Reference Guide, Chapter on Designing for Specific Applications
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