A host computer communicates with field devices by sending control messages and receiving response messages over a wireless network. When the host computer sends a control message to the wireless network, the host computer is provided with a predictive response time within which the field device receiving the message will respond. The wireless network cycles between a sleep state and an active state based upon a wireless network power cycle. The predicted response time is based upon the current state of the wireless network, the power cycle, and the time required for the field device to turn on, take an action (such as measuring a parameter), and generating a response message.