Network optimization and client steering based on wireless data rate capabilities of mixed client devices

A system for wireless network optimization, the system comprising:

• a communication transceiver, the communication transceiver communicatively coupled to at least a network controller and client device, the communication transceiver to receive a steering policy from the network controller, the steering policy identifying matches between a plurality of data rate capabilities and a plurality of quality of service levels, the communication transceiver to receive an association request from the client device, the association request identifying at least a client data rate capability of the client device;
• a memory;
• and
• a processor coupled to the memory and to the communication transceiver, wherein execution of instructions stored in the memory by the processor:
• identifies, based on the received steering policy, a client quality of service level matching the client data rate capability,
• identifies a matching-quality virtual access point having a virtual access point quality of service level that matches the client quality of service level, and
• initiates wireless communications between the client device and the matching-quality virtual access point.

A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, having embodied thereon a program executable by a processor to perform a method for wireless network optimization, the method comprising:

• receiving a steering policy that identifies matches between a plurality of data rate capabilities and a plurality of quality of service levels;
• receiving an association request from a client device, the association request identifying at least a client data rate capability of the client device;
• identifying, based on the received steering policy, a client quality of service level matching the client data rate capability;
• identifying a matching-quality virtual access point having a virtual access point quality of service level that matches the client quality of service level;
• and
• initiating wireless communications between the client device and the matching-quality virtual access point.