A load balancing system and methodology for packet-based wireless cellular networks, whereby wireless access points are dynamically reconfigured by altering their transmission power level to modify their area of coverage. The modification function is based on the localized traffic load or congestion at each individual access point, or the collective load experienced by groups of access points. This modification to the cellular layout is used as an implicit load-balancing technique. When an overloaded access point reduces its coverage area, it forces some wireless client devices that were earlier within its footprint, but no longer within its coverage area, to attach to alternative access points. Similarly, when an underloaded access point increases its coverage area, it provides an opportunity to wireless devices, which were earlier outside its footprint, but now within the expanded coverage area, to switch attachment to this access point. By changing the access point to which a wireless device attaches, the load-levels on the individual access points are indirectly changed.