Intra-cell upstream data forwarding is utilized in a wireless network such
as a wireless local area network. A network forwarding path is determined
based on the signal strength of an access point signal received at client
stations within the network, referred to as the OASS. In particular
embodiments, a station that is either originating or forwarding a frame
inserts its own OASS into the frame before transmitting it and a client
station that receives a frame forwards it only if its own OASS exceeds
the frame-enclosed OASS, illustratively by at least a predetermined
amount.