A method and apparatus are provided for operating a frequency translating repeater in a wireless local are network (WLAN) having one or more repeaters (200, 204), a network protocol for communicating between one or more base units (100) and one or more client units (104, 105). A first frequency channel may be used for receiving and transmitting, the network protocol defining multiple operating frequencies monitored to detect a transmitted signal. The signal is characterized to determine if associated with the base units. A second frequency channel selected for use by one of the repeaters for retransmission of additional signals based on the characterization.