Methods, apparatuses, and systems directed to a key distribution and caching mechanism that facilitates roaming in wireless networks. In one implementation, the present invention reduces the latency associated with handoffs by reducing the time required to set up encryption or other secure access mechanisms between access points and clients in the wireless network infrastructure. In one implementation, the present invention operates proactively to distribute authentication credential information to selected components of the wireless network infrastructure before a client roams to another access point.