A method includes periodically sending an Advanced Meter Reading (AMR) beacon from a node at a first regular time interval, the AMR beacon containing a register identification and a reading detected by the node, and periodically listening, at the node, for a communication such that instances of listening occur at a second regular time interval smaller than the first time interval. In one aspect of the disclosure, the communication is a mobile command from a mobile transceiver. In another aspect of the disclosure, the communication is a Network System Status Request or a parent assignment command from a stationary transceiver.