The present disclosure provides methods that account for the characteristics and capabilities of the wireless client devices when optimizing the frequency band and channel selection. This allows the wireless client device to choose the faster 5 GHz frequency band more often while falling back to the 2.4 GHz frequency band for legacy wireless client devices or limitations in range as needed. For example, when setting up a temporary wireless access point (e.g., WiFi mobile hotspot) utilizing a single frequency channel, on a low-power wireless device, the wireless access point can identify the frequency bands available for selection and whether wireless client devices that only support a legacy frequency band (e.g., 2.4 GHz) exist. The wireless access point may select a frequency band to ensure optimal performance while still supporting legacy client devices.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example network environment 100, which provides for wireless network access. Network environment 100 includes wireless local area networks 110 and 120, network 102, server 130, server 140, and service tower 150. Wireless local area network 110 includes wireless client devices (WCDs) 112 and 114, and wireless access point 116. Wireless local area network 120 includes wireless client devices 122 and 124, and wireless access point 126.

Wireless client devices 112, 114, 122, or 124 may allow a user to access a wireless local area network, such as wireless local area network 110 or 120, by authenticating credentials of the user with an authentication service, such as provided by wireless access points 116 or 126.