A node forms a network by scanning for an existing network. If an existing network is not found, the node operates as a network controller node of the first network and admits at least one client node to the first network. As a network controller node, the node designates one of the client nodes as a scout node. The scout node removes itself from the first network and scans for a second network. If the scout node does not return to the first network after a predetermined time, it is assumed that the scout node has found a second network. The network controller node of the first network then designates the remaining client nodes as scout nodes, and then joins the second network as a client node. Therefore, multiple networks are avoided.