Apparatus and method for transmission collision avoidance

A method of minimizing collisions in a CSMA/CA wireless data communication system using an access point includes sensing the presence of a client desirous of communication with the access point. A start time slot list having at least one unique start time slot during which the client may begin transmitting can be allocated. The start time slot list to the client can be transmitted. A transmission from the client can be received, wherein such transmission begins only during the start time slot(s) indicated by the start time slot list. Notably, the start time slot list can include a high-priority start time slot and a low-priority start time slot substantially equally displaced in time from a center start time slot. A client capable of receiving the start time slot list can select between the high-priority start time slot and the low-priority start time slot based on a randomizing function.