Methods for negotiating optimum parameters for communicating between a wireless control device and a wireless user device are disclosed. The methods generally include transmitting a frequency-hopped and spread negotiation signal using network-maximum parameters. The initial parameters make the negotiation signal long-range but low-data. The methods further include adjusting the initial parameters to optimal parameters based on a link budget and data rate requirements received in response to the negotiation signal. The signals are communicated on the 902-928 MHz unlicensed ISM band, and the parameters include spreading factor, output power, and carrier frequency channel bandwidth.