A wireless network access point is described which provides the resources of a backbone network to wireless clients. The access point is able to balance loads by deferring association of new clients and thereby directing clients to associate with alternative access points having improved backbone connectivity. Where the client is unable to find an alternative access point, the client will eventually make a second association request to the access point. The access point, in identifying the second association request of the client, proceeds to associate the client in response to the second association request. Specific time limits can be imposed relative to the second association request.