Apparatus and method for establishing WiFi access point handshake priorities

A client device, comprising:

• a processor;
• and
• a memory connected to the processor, the memory storing instructions executed by the processor to:
• supply a scan list to a server, wherein the scan list includes individual entries, wherein each individual entry specifies a WiFi access point network identifier,
• receive WiFi access point handshake priorities, wherein the WiFi access point handshake priorities characterize a sequence for associating the client device with selected WiFi access points, wherein the sequence is based upon WiFi access point recovery priorities and WiFi access point discovery priorities, wherein the WiFi access point recovery priorities characterize WiFi access points returning to service and the WiFi access point discovery priorities characterize newly detected WiFi access points, wherein the WiFi access point handshake priorities are used by the client device to selectively establish handshakes with available WiFi access points in a manner that is power efficient and is optimized for efficient recovery and discovery of WiFi access points, and
• initiate a first WiFi access point handshake in accordance with the WiFi access point handshake priorities,
• pause for a designated time period, and
• initiate a second WiFi access point handshake in accordance with the WiFi access point handshake priorities.