Abstract: A method and system for advanced media access control delegated from a host device, such as a WiFi device, to a smart wireless communications module. In an embodiment, the host signals to the wireless module a list of one or more preferred networks. The wireless module offloads from the host the processing required to scan for the preferred network(s), as well as possibly other management tasks. The wireless communications module may automatically reassign the network connection from an existing network to a preferred network, or may report to the host when a preferred network is discovered. In either case, the wireless communications module may monitor the wireless environment, and scan for preferred networks, in parallel with maintaining an existing connection. The method and system allows rapid adaptation to a changing network environment, and enables lower system power consumption by distributing management functions between the host and the lower-powered wireless communications module.

Abstract: A method and system for advanced media access control delegated from a host device, such as a WiFi device, to a smart wireless communications module. In an embodiment, the host signals to the wireless module a list of one or more preferred networks. The wireless module offloads from the host the processing required to scan for the preferred network(s), as well as possibly other management tasks. The wireless communications module may automatically reassign the network connection from an existing network to a preferred network, or may report to the host when a preferred network is discovered. In either case, the wireless communications module may monitor the wireless environment, and scan for preferred networks, in parallel with maintaining an existing connection. The method and system allows rapid adaptation to a changing network environment, and enables lower system power consumption by distributing management functions between the host and the lower-powered wireless communications module.