Final answer:
An 802.11 topology involving STAs but no access points is called an ad hoc network or IBSS network. It allows devices to communicate directly with each other without a central access point.
Step-by-step explanation:
An 802.11 topology that involves STAs (station devices) but no access points is called an ad hoc network or an IBSS (Independent Basic Service Set) network.
In an ad hoc network, devices communicate directly with each other without the need for a central access point. This type of topology is often used in situations where Wi-Fi infrastructure is not available or practical, such as in peer-to-peer file sharing or multiplayer gaming.
Examples of ad hoc network protocols include DSSS (Direct-Sequence Spread Spectrum) and other spread spectrum technologies.