A system and method for facilitating the authentication of wireless devices in
an environment with multiple wireless networks. A user wishing to join an operating
wireless network can bring his wireless device within close physical proximity,
for example, less than one meter, of a device in the network that he wishes to
join. The user then presses an authenticate button, which causes both devices to
enter a low transmission power mode. In such case, the devices are only capable
of operation within the close proximity. Being in low power mode will diminish
the possibility of eavesdropping on the authentication process. Power down mode
also reduces the amount of message traffic in the area and saves scarce power and
processing resources at the nodes, which are now out of range. Authentication then
takes place in low power mode and once completed, both devices resume normal power
levels and continue communicating normally.
