Low data rate wireless electronic devices utilizing a hub- or star-based network topology, operational at ranges of thousands of meters. Remote end-devices may be such things as keypads, door latches, occupancy monitors, sprinkler controllers and other devices controlled or monitored in a campus or a collection of buildings. End-devices operate at intermediate ranges in RF congested areas and failure-intolerant situations through the use of discrete programmable channels. Each end-device may carry a unique identifier and type information that facilitates the assignment of an operational channel assignment from the hub, without a configuring or programming step at the end-device by an installing person. A hub uses end-device type information to make channel assignments, conserving communications channel resources. Detailed information on various example embodiments of the inventions are provided in the Detailed Description below.