Wireless network devices configurable via powerline communications networks

A method for operating a communications device having a wireless communications interface, a power line carrier (PLC) communications interface, and processing circuitry coupled to the wireless communications interface and to the PLC communications interface, the method comprising:

• sending a request for wireless communications interface operational parameters via the PLC communications interface to a differing communications device;
• receiving a response via the PLC communications interface from the differing communications device, the response including wireless communications interface operational parameters corresponding to a wireless network;
• configuring the wireless communications interface based upon the response;
• and
• communicating with the differing communications device via both the wireless communications interface and the PLC communications, communications routed to the differing communications device via the wireless communications interface and the PLC communications interface based upon service quality available via the interfaces.

A communications device comprising:

• a wireless communications interface;
• a power line carrier (PLC) communications interface;
• processing circuitry coupled to the wireless communications interface and to the PLC communications interface, the processing circuitry, in combination with at least one of the wireless communications interface and the PLC communications interface operable to:
• send a request for wireless communications interface operational parameters via the PLC communications interface;
• receive a response via the PLC communications interface, the response including wireless communications interface operational parameters corresponding to a wireless network;
• listen for transmissions of at least one Wireless Access Point (WAP) of the wireless network;
• when transmissions of the at least one the WAP of the wireless network meets a service threshold, receive data service via the wireless communications interface;
• and
• when the transmissions of the at least one the WAP of the wireless network fail to meet the service threshold, receive data service via the PLC communications interface.

A method for operating a communications device having a wireless communications interface, a power line carrier (PLC) communications interface, and processing circuitry coupled to the wireless communications interface and to the PLC communications interface, the method comprising:

• sending a request for wireless communications interface operational parameters via the PLC communications interface;
• receiving a response via the PLC communications interface, the response including wireless communications interface operational parameters corresponding to a wireless network;
• listening for transmissions of at least one Wireless Access Point (WAP) of the wireless network;
• when transmissions of the at least one the WAP of the wireless network meet a service threshold, receiving data service via the wireless communications interface;
• and
• when the transmissions of the at least one the WAP of the wireless network fail to meet the service threshold, receiving data service via the PLC communications interface.