Abstract: A disclosed method is performed at an access point including a processor and non-transitory memory. The method includes receiving a request message from a client device, where the request message includes a request for an allocation of a wireless channel for the client device from the access point. The method further includes exchanging candidate and load information with a plurality of other access points. The method additionally includes selecting a preferred access point from the access point and the plurality of other access points based on the candidate and load information exchanged with the plurality of other access points. The method also includes facilitating the allocation of the wireless channel for the client device from the preferred access point.

Abstract: A disclosed method is performed at an access point including a processor and non-transitory memory. The method includes receiving a request message from a client device, where the request message includes a request for an allocation of a wireless channel for the client device from the access point. The method further includes exchanging candidate and load information with a plurality of other access points. The method additionally includes selecting a preferred access point from the access point and the plurality of other access points based on the candidate and load information exchanged with the plurality of other access points. The method also includes facilitating the allocation of the wireless channel for the client device from the preferred access point.

Abstract: In a wireless network, an access point supports more than one service with appearance of availability simultaneously to the more than one service, wherein a service relates to supporting a particular protocol, band, channel, etc. An access point might use elements common to more than one service and switch between them often enough that client devices do not conclude that the access point is unavailable each time it is in fact not available for the service expected by the client device. The differing services might be different protocols, bands, channels, etc. The use of the “CTS to self” signal is one method of causing client stations within range to leave a service quiescent for a period so that the access point that sent the signal can activate another service.