A transmit power optimization and rate-control system includes a transmitter circuit having one or more power amplifiers transmit radio-frequency (RF) signals at a transmission (Tx) rate and a Tx power level. A receiver circuit receives RF signals, decodes the received RF signals and provides one or more Tx status feedbacks. A rate-control module adjusts the Tx rate based at least on a channel condition. A probing engine generates at least two consecutive frames at a first Tx power level, and a second Tx power level in response to a trigger causes the transmitter to transmit the at least two consecutive frames, and processes respective Tx status feedbacks received in response to transmission of the two consecutive frames in order to optimize the Tx power of the transmitter.