Abstract: A wireless network interface generates a beacon frame, and transmits the beacon frame outside of a wireless local area network (WLAN) served by an access point (AP). Additionally or alternatively, the wireless network interface receives a first probe request frame from a client station in the WLAN, and in response, generates and transmits a probe response frame outside of the WLAN. The wireless network interface receives one or more frames from the client station of the WLAN, the one or more frames having been transmitted outside of the WLAN. Network security information corresponding to the WLAN is extracted from the one or more frames, and the wireless network interface uses the network security information to wirelessly connect to the AP as part of the WLAN.

Abstract: A first network interface and a second network interface of a wireless network device are respectively controlled to operate as a station in a first wireless network and as an access point in a second wireless network. A beacon message, which includes a first signal strength of a first bridge node that is an access point in the first wireless network, is transmitted through the second network interface. A probe response message, which includes a second signal strength of a second bridge node that is an access point in a third wireless network, is received at the second network interface. Conditioned on determining that the second signal strength is greater than the first signal strength, the first network interface is disconnected from the first bridge node and is connected to the second bridge node to operate as a station in the third wireless network.