Abstract: Method and apparatus for automatically configuring access points are disclosed. A wired interface is configured to detect the presence of a wireless access point on a network. The wired interface then embeds radio configuration parameters in a message and sends said message to the access point. The message may be encoded as a DHCP message, and may be provided to the access point in response to a request from the access point for an IP address. Parameters such as transmit power level, country code, and reserved channels may be sent to the access point, and the access point may then be configured itself in accordance with the parameters at startup.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for choosing the least congested channel by a communications device in a multi-channel wireless communications system are disclosed. A wireless device, such as a base station or access point, is preferably configured to determine how many wireless client devices are associated with each of the channels of the wireless communications system. The device may then determine which channel of the wireless communication system has the fewest wireless client devices associated therewith. The device may then choose to operate on the channel that has the fewest associated wireless client devices and lowest traffic flow.