A method and apparatus for authenticating a directional multi gigabit device for communication in an IEEE 802.11-compliant wireless network are provided. Network association and authentication can be performed in parallel, with association and authentication information elements included in common frames. Authentication information elements are included in at least one and potentially a sequence of management frames transmitted between an access point of the wireless network and the device. The authentication information elements are thereby exchanged between the access point and the device. The exchanged authentication information elements are used to establish that both the access point and the device possess a common cryptographic key. The exchanged management frames can also facilitate network association. Authentication information elements can also be included in non-management frames. A format for the authentication information elements is presented.