An access point for use in a wireless network comprising: a memory having computer readable instructions stored therein; and a processor, wherein the execution of the computer readable instructions causes the processor to: determine a plurality of data transmission rates between at least one client associated with the access point , and a further access point , via available communication routes within the wireless network; determine a best communication route, from among the available communication routes, for the at least one client associated with the access point to communicate with the further access point based on the determined plurality of data transmission rates for the available communication routes; and if it is determined that the best communication route is not a communication route between the at least one client associated with the access point and the further access point via the access point , to send steering instructions from the access point to the at least one client associated with the access point , thereby to enable the at least one client associated with the access point to associate with a different access point and communicate with the further access point through the best communication route. a memory having computer readable instructions stored therein; and a processor, wherein the execution of the computer readable instructions causes the processor to: determine a plurality of data transmission rates between at least one client associated with the access point , and a further access point , via available communication routes within the wireless network; determine a best communication route, from among the available communication routes, for the at least one client associated with the access point to communicate with the further access point based on the determined plurality of data transmission rates for the available communication routes; and if it is determined that the best communication route is not a communication route between the at least one client associated with the access point and the further access point via the access point , to send steering instructions from the access point to the at least one client associated with the access point , thereby to enable the at least one client associated with the access point to associate with a different access point and communicate with the further access point through the best communication route. determine a plurality of data transmission rates between at least one client associated with the access point , and a further access point , via available communication routes within the wireless network; determine a best communication route, from among the available communication routes, for the at least one client associated with the access point to communicate with the further access point based on the determined plurality of data transmission rates for the available communication routes; and if it is determined that the best communication route is not a communication route between the at least one client associated with the access point and the further access point via the access point , to send steering instructions from the access point to the at least one client associated with the access point , thereby to enable the at least one client associated with the access point to associate with a different access point and communicate with the further access point through the best communication route. <EOS>