In one embodiment, a first network device detects load information transmitted by a second network device and selects one of a plurality of modes of communication responsive to the detected load information. The modes of communication include at least a first mode of communication that is selected responsive to a relatively low load condition and a second mode of communication that is selected responsive to a relatively high load condition. In each of the modes particular information is to be transmitted from the first network device to the second network device including at least one identifier and associated data, and in different ones of the modes different portions of the particular information are transmitted from the first network device to the second network device using different channel arrangements. The first and second network devices may comprise, for example, respective sensor and access point nodes of a wireless network.