The exemplary embodiments of the invention enable self-organizing decentralized functionalities in wireless networks, such as ones having an arbitrary topology (e.g., cognitive radio networks), that utilize non-continuous communication, such as packet-based communication. In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, a method includes: making at least one locally available decision or measurement by a first apparatus; and performing a local exchange of information between the first apparatus and at least one second apparatus within a decentralized wireless communication network that at least partially utilizes packet-based communication, wherein the local exchange of information enables cooperation between the first apparatus and the at least one second apparatus in making a collective decision at least partially based on at least one local decision or measurement.