The present invention provides a method and an apparatus for identifying
at least one of one or more hidden and visible networks associated with
an access point. The method comprises detecting whether a Wi-Fi network
is hidden behind a first visible network of the at least one of one or
more hidden and visible networks associated with the access point, and if
so, selecting the Wi-Fi network to connect an authorized user to a
wireless local area network while retaining an ability to select a second
visible network from the at least one of one or more hidden and visible
networks. In a client-server based communication system, the Wi-Fi
network information of visible access points in a particular range may be
automatically retrieved. In addition, by defining a group of networks
belonging to an access point, and combining the groups of other access
points in the vicinity of the client, a hidden network may be selected
without an additional knowledge or processing by the authorized user.
This may enable network operators or service providers to reorganize the
Wi-Fi network infrastructure as desired and may enable authorized users
or client software to detect and select a hidden network, regardless of
organization of networks in the vicinity of the client.