Provided is a method of active scanning and associating based on configuration information, which can enable quick search for an access point (AP) and quick connection with a desired AP. The method includes transmitting, to an AP, a probe request frame including revision information of a current configuration, and receiving, from the AP, a probe response frame including the current configuration's revision information and/or updated configuration if any change has been occurred in a configuration designated by the prior revision information. Accordingly, when there are a plurality of terminals and APs, radio channel use efficiency can be improved by reducing the number and the length of unnecessary probe request frames and probe response frames to search for the AP.