Selectively scanning available channels for a network connection. A computing device defines a preferred channel list for a network along with a scan ratio. The scan ratio relates the frequency that the preferred channels are scanned versus the frequency that all the channels are scanned. In an embodiment, the preferred channel list reflects channels on which the computing device has recently connected. Employing the scan ratio thereby balances power consumption with fast connection establishment. The scan ratio is also adjustable to affect power consumption and battery life of the computing device.