Dual-mode communication devices, methods, and systems are provided. Embodiments of the present invention include devices, method, and systems enabling communication in a spread-spectrum communication protocol, comprising: receiving a first portion of a communication frame at a first frequency channel, wherein the first portion of the communication frame comprises a data channel index that indicates a second frequency channel for receiving a second portion of the communication frame; switching to the second frequency channel; and receiving the second portion of the communication frame at the second frequency channel. Other aspects, embodiments, and features are claimed and disclosed.