Improved methods and apparatus are described for adaptively adjusting a node power level in a wireless node network having a plurality of nodes and a server. In one method, the server is operative to fix an output power setting on a first node (such as an ID node or master node) to a first power level when the first node is located in a first area. The first power level corresponds to a density of the nodes operating within the first area. The server then detects if the first node has moved to a second area. When the first node is detected as being in the second area, the server adapts the output power setting on the first node to a second power level. The second power level corresponds and relates to a density of the nodes operating within the second area.