A method and apparatus for enhancing security in a wireless network using distance
measurement techniques provides an additional layer of security and privacy in
wireless communications. A distance measurement or location-finding is performed
between two devices by transmitting and receiving one or more signals and computing
a distance between the two devices or a location of a connecting device. The resulting
computed distance or location is used to determine whether or not to permit pairing,
secure connection or secure transactions between the two devices. The computed
distance or location can be further used in combination with a signal strength
measurement to link to locate and measure nearby devices first, reducing the time
required to initialize network communications. Management software may be enhanced
to facilitate connecting to desired devices by providing an indication of computed
distance or location of each device, and a list may be generated in order of proximity,
further facilitating connection to the desired devices. Set-up of wireless networks
may automated by using a short distance to facilitate connection between nodes.