Abstract: Providing probe signals from a node includes receiving at the node an instruction to send the probe signals over channels, where the instruction comprises probe parameter values describing deployment of the probe signals. The node sends the probe signals to a controller through access points. Each access point is associated with one or more channels. The controller is operable to assign an access point to the node in accordance with an analysis of the probe signals.

Abstract: Identifying one or more access points in one or more channels to facilitate communication includes identifying an access point in a channel in a first channel band of a first frequency range to facilitate communication with a network. The first channel band includes a plurality of channels and the first frequency range includes a plurality of channel bands. The identified access point is used to communicate with the network. A scanning sequence is initiated in the first frequency range and a second frequency range to identify one or more access points in one or more channels to facilitate communication. The second frequency range includes a plurality of channel bands.

Abstract: Handing off a node from a first access point to a second access point includes facilitating communication between a node and a network using a first access point. A handoff rule of one or more handoff rules is accessed. One or more handoff factors associated with the first access point and a second access point are determined. A handoff factor is relevant in deciding whether to handoff from the first access point to the second access point. The handoff rule is applied to the one or more handoff factors. Handoff of the node to the second access point is initiated if the one or more handoff factors satisfy the applied handoff rule.