Abstract: Access points are automatically provisioned when added, moved, or replaced in a communication network. A profile reflecting a configuration plan for access points in the network is stored in a data store. The profile stores copies of desired configurations and associates them directly or indirectly with switch ports, physical locations, or both. The method uses the network's existing features and functions to discover an access point that lacks a plan-compliant configuration, detect the connected port or physical location, find the associated configuration in the stored profile, and provision the access point with that configuration.