A multi-hop wireless communication system operates on multiple channels. Each wireless station in the system has at least two transmitting and receiving modules operating on different fixed channels. During transmission and reception of the packets, the transmitting and receiving modules are used selectively on each hop, using a channel supported by the wireless stations at both ends of the hop. When two or more channels are available, the channel used is selected so as to balance channel usage in the system as a whole, or on the multi-hop path as a whole. Alternatively, each wireless station may have a fixed transmitting channel. Communication delays are reduced because channel switching overhead is eliminated.