Embodiments relate to systems and methods for an enhanced network handoff to wireless local area networks. A network element, referred to as a network handoff gateway (WHG), can be introduced between a wireless wide area network (WWAN) and a local wireless area network (WLAN). The WHG can maintain c links with both a set of WiFi™ or similar access points local to a wireless device, as well as a cellular network (or other WWAN) to which the device is registered. The wireless device can be tracked by the WHG using GPS or other data. The WHG can proactively acquire and pre-stage data needed to hand a data link of the wireless device off from the WWAN connection to the WiFi™ access points. The acquired data can include authentication information, IP address, or other information to facilitate a faster, more robust transition between the WWAN and WiFi™ or other WLAN connections.