Method for partitioning a plurality of devices in a communications system and a device therefor

A method is provided for partitioning a plurality of devices in a communications system. The method includes providing the communications system with a central server that communicates with each of the plurality of devices. The communications system communicates in a plurality of time periods. The plurality of devices is partitioned into two or more groups of devices. Time periods of the plurality of time periods are assigned for communications of the two or more groups of devices. Time intervals between the time periods for the two or more groups are determined to be co-prime time intervals greater than one, and each of the two or more groups is assigned a different time interval of the co-prime time intervals. The two or more groups are active for communications only during the assigned time periods determined by the co-prime time intervals. A device is also provided for operating in the communications system.