During passive scanning, how does a client recognize which SSID it should connect to?

During passive scanning, a client listens for specific beacon signals broadcasted by Access Points (APs). These beacon signals contain essential information about the network, including the SSID (Service Set Identifier), security protocols, and other configuration details. By analyzing these beacon frames, the client can identify the SSIDs of available networks and determine which one it should connect to based on the information received.

This method is efficient because it allows the client to gather information without actively sending out requests, saving power and minimizing network congestion. The client can then select the most suitable SSID based on its preferences or requirements.

The other options do not accurately describe the process of how a client recognizes which SSID to connect to during passive scanning. Direct messages from the AP are not typically part of passive scanning, and a manual search is not a characteristic of passive scanning, as it implies active querying rather than listening. Detecting inactive networks does not play a role in recognizing which SSID to connect to; instead, the focus is on actively broadcasting information from the AP.