In one embodiment, a method comprises: identifying, by a receiving network device, a deterministic schedule comprising allocated time slots, each allocated time slot allocated for the receiving network device receiving a data packet from one of a plurality of transmitting network devices in a wireless deterministic data network; and selectively transmitting, by the receiving network device, an expectation message at initiation of each of the allocated time slots, each expectation message preempting transmission by any other network device during the corresponding allocated time slot, each expectation message generated by the receiving network device and identifying a corresponding transmitting network device that is expected to deterministically transmit a corresponding expected data packet to the receiving network device during the corresponding allocated time slot; the expectation message causing the corresponding identified transmitting network device to transmit the corresponding expected data packet during the corresponding allocated time slot.