A method of exchanging configuration information needed to authenticate an unregistered Wi-Fi client device to an access point of a wireless local area network is described. A SSID of the AP and a temporary hidden secondary SSID of the AP are enabled for a preset time period with a residential gateway providing the AP of the WLAN. A message is received in the form of IP UDP packets by the residential gateway to the temporary hidden secondary SSID of the AP during the preset time period requesting network configuration information. The residential gateway transmits the requested network configuration information via return message in the form of IP UDP packets on the temporary hidden secondary SSID of the AP. Additional methods and apparatus are described.