Method for installing a wireless network

A method for installing a wireless network, which includes the steps of physically installing a plurality of nodes in respective different locations in a building, and using a wireless installation device to program a respective address into the nodes. The wireless installation device may also be used to program one or more default settings into the nodes, to verify operation of the nodes, and to dump information regarding the physical location and associated address of the nodes to a building computer. The wireless programming of the nodes is preferably accomplished using a software ""handshaking"" procedure which ensures that the address and default setting data is only loaded into the node currently being programmed, and not inadvertently into one or more other nearby nodes. In this connection, an iterative power reduction scheme can be utilized to prevent multiple nodes from being inadvertently assigned the same address.