Abstract: The present invention provides a technique for allowing neighboring nodes to dynamically discover the existence of each other and establish transit links therebetween. The discovery process includes providing a channel assessment among a number of communication channels based on channel traffic or characteristics of the channel traffic. Based on the channel assessment, a candidate channel is selected and the mesh node will begin transmitting discovery messages and listening for responses to the discovery messages from neighboring mesh nodes. Upon receipt of a response, the mesh node can determine whether a transit link can and should be established with the neighboring node. During establishment of a transit link, a lower layer communication link is established with the neighboring mesh node for scheduling and authentication of the respective mesh nodes with respect to each other, prior to activation of the transit link itself. The transit link will be used for forwarding data.