Enhanced association for access points

A device comprising:

• a memory for storing data associated with communicating with an external device;
• and
• a processor coupled with the memory and configured to:
• receive an association request from the external device;
• facilitate a transmission, to the external device, of a probe response containing identification information;
• facilitate an association to exchange a pair-specific lifeline key with the external device;
• facilitate a handshake to exchange an operational key with the external device during the handshake, wherein the handshake is an authenticated handshake when the association request indicates an authenticated access and an unauthenticated handshake when the association request indicates an unauthenticated access, and wherein the unauthenticated handshake comprises a key exchange to establish a shared secret with the external device;
• and
• grant the external device permission to enter an operational phase using the operational key when the handshake is successful.

A system comprising:

• a first wireless communication device configured to initiate an association request;
• and
• a second wireless communication device configured to:
• establish an association with the first wireless communication device based on the association request by at least exchanging a pair-specific lifeline key with the first wireless communication device,
• participate in a handshake and exchange an operational key with the first wireless communication device during the handshake, wherein the handshake is an authenticated handshake when the association request indicates an authenticated access, and an unauthenticated handshake when the association request indicates an unauthenticated access, and wherein the unauthenticated handshake comprises a key exchange to establish a shared secret with the first wireless communication device;
• and
• grant the first wireless communication device permission to enter an operational phase using the operational key when the handshake is successful.