In an IEEE 802.11 wireless network, use of the network is controlled by a(n) _____.

In an IEEE 802.11 wireless network, the use of the network is governed by a media access protocol. This protocol is essential because it dictates how multiple devices share the same communication medium to avoid collisions and manage the transmission of data efficiently.

The IEEE 802.11 standards utilize Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Avoidance (CSMA/CA) as their primary media access protocol. This means that devices listen to the channel before transmitting to detect if it is busy, which helps in minimizing data collisions and optimizing the use of the available bandwidth.

A media access protocol essentially provides the rules and methods for how devices communicate and coordinate their activities on a shared communication medium, ensuring smooth and reliable operation within the wireless network.