BSS selection using path loss

A method, comprising:

• estimating signal strengths of signals received from a plurality of access points at a wireless client station, each signal received from the plurality of access points respectively indicates a power being dissipated by the access point that transmitted the signal;
• determining, for each respective access point of the plurality of access points, a path loss for the access point based on i) the strength of the signal received from the access point, and ii) the power indicated as being dissipated by the access point;
• adjusting a minimum transmit power level of a transmitter of the wireless client station based on i) a lowest one of the path losses and ii) a sensitivity of a receiver of the wireless client station, wherein the sensitivity of the receiver corresponds to a minimum signal strength that the receiver is able to detect;
• and
• transmitting data from the transmitter of the wireless client station in accordance with the minimum transmit power level.

A wireless client station, comprising:

• a transmitter having a minimum transmit power level;
• a receiver having a sensitivity, wherein the sensitivity of the receiver corresponds to a minimum signal strength that the receiver is able to detect, wherein the receiver is configured to receive signals from a plurality of access points, and wherein each signal received from the plurality of access points respectively indicates a power being dissipated by the access point that transmitted the signal;
• and
• a control module configured to
• estimate signal strengths of the signals received from the plurality of access points,
• for each respective access point of the plurality of access points, determine a path loss for the access point based on i) the strength of the signal received from the access point, and ii) the power indicated as being dissipated by the access point, and
• adjust the minimum transmit power level of the transmitter based on i) a lowest one of the path losses and ii) the sensitivity of the receiver.