An ultra-wideband (UWB) wireless communication system comprises a first wireless transceiver that outputs a unit of data having a first preamble that includes data for performing a time-of-flight distance measurement; a second wireless transceiver that replaces the first preamble of the unit of data with a second preamble for providing a performance level required for the time-of-flight distance measurement between the first and second wireless transceivers commensurate with an environment in which the second wireless transceiver is used; and a communication link between the first and second wireless transceivers that transmits the unit of data having the first preamble from the first wireless transceiver to the second wireless transceiver, transmits the second preamble from the second wireless transceiver to the first wireless transceiver, and exchanges subsequent electronic communications between the first and second wireless transceivers using the second preamble.