Apparatus, method and computer program product providing system information advertisement extension for dynamic networks

Abstract

Disclosed herein are apparatus, methods and computer program products for using access point availability information in a wireless communications system. In aspects of the method performed at an access point in a wireless communications system, the access point generates a message indicating the level of availability of the access point; and transmits the message. In aspects of the method performed at user equipment in a wireless communications system, the user equipment receives messages from access points in the wireless communications system, the messages containing access point availability information indicating the respective levels of availability of the access points available for selection by the user equipment; and selects an access point in dependence on the access point availability information. In variants, the user equipment may perform additional steps to determine whether a current or contemplated operating mode requires selection of an access point be made in dependence on access point availability information associated with the access point. Only if the current or contemplated operating mode provides a quality of service that is dependent on level of availability of an access point will the access point availability information be consulted when selecting an access point.