Infrastructure-based client management uses synthesized beacon reports to effect client association with APs in a wireless digital network. Beacon reports are synthesized by having a plurality of APs in the network collect client reports and send those reports to a report process on the network. The report process accumulates client reports from the plurality of APs and selects one or more candidate APs to support a client. Selection may be made on reported SNR, AP loading, channel loading, AP characteristics, or a combination. The report process may produce blacklists and optionally whitelists for use by APs to use in processing client probe and connection requests.