System and method for a mobile device to learn information about the access networks within its neighborhood

摘要

A system and method for a mobile device to learn information about the access networks within its neighborhood is disclosed. In certain embodiments, information about networks in a neighborhood of a particular network is stored in a database associated with a dynamic host configuration protocol server. Periodic beacons of an access point of at least one network identified in the database are received by mobile stations. One of the mobile stations requests capability and configuration information of one or multiple target networks or all networks in the database. The requested capability and configuration information is provided to the mobile station.