A method for operation of a node operating in a wireless network comprising the steps of during an initial phase, setting transmission power and data transmission rate to initial settings and transmitting the initial settings to the wireless network in order to initiate communication with said wireless network during a reference phase once communication with the wireless network is established by the initial phase, transmitting at maximum power while performing a rate adaptation and at least one variable estimation and during an operational phase, transmitting at a power level that is optimal for transmission based on information obtained from the reference phase.