A method of operation of a network of WLAN access points comprises establishing a first WLAN access point (APa) having a first coverage area; and establishing a plurality of second WLAN access points (AP1, . . . , AP7) having respective second coverage areas, such that the second access points provide traffic connections for at least one communications device in at least one of the respective second coverage areas; wherein the first coverage area overlaps the plurality of second coverage areas, and wherein the first WLAN access point provides control information for the at least one communications device.