Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for registering an unanticipated node into an ad-hoc network. A communication channel is dedicated as the link between a registry within the network and unanticipated nodes. The dedicated communication link typically comprises primary and secondary frequencies in the RF spectrum. An unanticipated node can be registered “on-the-fly” via the dedicated communication link by identification, authentication, and non-repudiation. The unanticipated node can then interoperate with the network via a standard communication protocol.