Patent ID: 7346023

Claim:
A method of providing access to a wireless communications system in which a plurality of nodes in a first set establish wireless links with wireless units located in geographic proximity to said nodes, said method comprising the steps of: receiving information characterizing usage level of nodes of a second set, said set node of said second set responsible for frame selection, encryption and handling of access network mobility; using said information by a node of said first set to determine a first node of said second set with which to connect; and connecting said node of said first set with said first node of said second set; receiving information by said node of said first set from said nodes of said second set using a multicast address associated with said nodes of said second set; maintaining a list by said node of said first set of nodes of said second set based on said information; and using said list by said node of said first set to determine said first node of said second set with which to connect.