The method includes sending a request for permission to transmit by each ready node in the wireless network. Each ready node is a node of the wireless network ready to transmit, each request identifies a node in the network that is the destination, and each request is sent over a control channel. An iterative process based on priorities determined for the ready nodes is then performed to determine which ready nodes to block from transmission and which ready nodes to clear for transmission. Transmissions are sent over a payload channel from ready nodes in the clear to transmit state.