Abstract: A method for managing floor control in a network is disclosed. The method includes beginning a ballot timer when at least one of a) a first node packet is created at the node and b) a second node packet is received at the node from a second node. The first node packet comprises a first timestamp and the second node packet comprises a second timestamp. The ballot timer runs for a first predefined time interval. The method further includes determining a floor holder upon expiration of the first predefined time interval based upon an earliest time of the first timestamp and the second timestamp. Further, the node and the second node have a same absolute timing reference.