Methods and apparatus are set forth which enable a radio frequency data communications network (1) to perform decentralized uplink network control functions (decentralized away from the centralized general communications contro ller (GCC) level of the network hierarchy); (2) to minimize, or in some cases elimina te, the overhead expended in making power lever (signal strength) determinations and assessments at both the GCC and base station levels of the network hierarchy (fo r the purpose of managing uplink communications); and (3) to allow individual subscrib er radios (terminals) to dynamically determine the most desirable base station to communicate with when exchanging information a host computer via a shared RF communication channel (the link between a terminal and the base station). Additionally, an illustrative radio frequency data communication network, built in accordance with the teachings of the invention as a modified version of an exist ing network, is described where the modified network incorporates the aforementioned methods and apparatus.