A system and method for detecting and receiving packets that are transmitted over a network that utilizes a plurality of channels is disclosed. The system includes a radio circuit, which can be configured to receive packets over a plurality of channels, a processing unit, and a memory in communication with the processing unit. The processing unit loads a set of operating parameters in the radio circuit, which enables the radio circuit to detect and receive packets on a particular channel. If a preamble is not detected within a predetermined time period, the system hops to a different channel by loading a second set of operating parameters in the radio circuit. This process can be repeated for an arbitrary number of channels.