Fixed frequency transceiver for use in a frequency hopping system

This invention relates to wireless networks generally and particularly to non-frequency-hopping nodes operating in a frequency-hopping system. A non-frequency-hopping node and a method for using such a node to transmit and receive data in a frequency-hopping system are disclosed.In one embodiment, a non-frequency-hopping node interacts with a frequency-hopping spread-spectrum (FHSS) system, which comprises a wireless medium or electromagnetic airwaves, a frequency-hopping node coupled to the wireless medium and an access point coupled to the wireless medium. The non-frequency-hopping node connects to the wireless medium and listens for an active signal generated by the FHSS system on a predetermined frequency channel. Upon detecting the active signal, the non-frequency-hopping node exchanges information with the FHSS system on the predetermined frequency channel.