A public wireless LAN permits receipt of non-authentication traffic, such as access information requests, from a mobile wireless communications device prior to device authentication by partially opening a controlled port within an access point. The wireless LAN re-directs such non-authentication traffic received at the AP from the mobile wireless communications to a local web server. The local web server provides reply to the mobile wireless communications device, enabling a determination by the device whether or not to request access. The device seeks access by way of an access request received at the AP. In response, the AP re-directs the access request through an uncontrolled port in the AP to an access server that authenticates device. Upon successful device authentication, the AP fully opens its controlled port to permit the exchange of traffic through that port with the mobile wireless communications device.