A device receives topology and capability information associated with an access point, access devices, and aggregation devices of a wireless local area network (WLAN), and determines, based on the topology and capability information, a nearest capable access device or aggregation device to the access point. The device also provides an instruction that instructs the access point or the nearest capable access device or aggregation device to create a tunnel between the access point and the nearest capable access device or aggregation device. The access point or the nearest capable access device or aggregation device creates the tunnel between the access point and the nearest capable access device or aggregation device based on the instruction.