A method for receiving data packets in a communication network comprising scanning a channel for a preamble during an acquisition search window, detecting the preamble during the acquisition search window, assigning a reception acquisition search window for receipt of a data packet including a data preamble and a data portion, coordinating the transmission of the data packet with the reception acquisition search window, detecting the data preamble during the reception acquisition search window, and initiating receipt of the data portion upon detection of the data preamble.