Method and apparatus for managing communication resources using dynamic and static assignment of communication slots

A method and apparatus for managing communication resources between nodes of a network is disclosed. The network utilizes both dynamic and static assignment of communication time slots. The invention includes a plurality of dynamic nodes wherein communication is accomplished as a result of a node's dynamic assignment to itself of specific time slots from a time multiplex structure. At least one static node is also included in the network. The static node does not participate in the dynamic assignment protocol. Instead, a time slot in said time multiplex structure is pre-assigned for communication with the static node. A dynamic node can serve as a surrogate for a static node, relaying communications between the dynamic and static portions of the network.