Abstract: In a wireless packet communication system having a plurality of nodes, each having a transmitter and a receiver, the receiver at each node is assigned a specific frequency hopping band plan on which to receive signals, and the transmitter of any source node desiring to communicate with a target node changes frequency to the frequency of the target node according to the band plan. Thereupon, the source node transmits a poll packet which polls the target node to determine whether the target node is able and willing to accept a specified number of packets, at a specified level of priority. A failure to receive an acknowledgement on the source node's receive channel is a prompt to the source node either to retransmit a polling packet later, to change the polling packet or to redirect the polling packet to another target. In the event the target node returns an acknowledgement, the target node reserves access to itself for the polling station at a determined time for a determined duration.