Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for providing channel access synchronization in a time division multiple access (TDMA) multi-hop network employing a plurality of time slots defined within a frame structure which repeats. The system and method includes nodes which have local clock variables. The local clock variables generate an expected arrival time of signals from other nodes in the network. Each node then determines whether the local clock variable needs adjusting after receiving a transmission and comparing the expected arrival time with the actual arrival time. Thus, time synchronization across the network is distributed and updated locally at each node. Networks may be merged by casting out nodes in one network and joining those cast out nodes with the other network. Newly joined nodes are thereafter time synchronized into their new network by comparing actual and expected arrival times and updating their clock accordingly.