a method of beacon rebroadcast for use in a packet - based , centrally - controlled , wireless network includes embedding auxiliary network information in a header portion of a packet transmitted over the network by a central controller ; receiving a packet having auxiliary network information therein by a device in the network ; rebroadcast , by the device in the network , of the packet having auxiliary network information therein in a predetermined time slot , wherein the predetermined time slot is predetermined by the central controller ; and receiving , by a device not already on the network , of the auxiliary network information bearing packet , thereby allowing the device not already on the network to join the network .