System and method for collection, control and wireless transmission of environmental and other data. Nodes may wirelessly connect to other nodes to relay node specific information, collected sensor data or commands to and from other nodes and gateway nodes linked to a central database. Nodes in gateway mode may be capable of aggregating and relaying commands and data between other nodes and a centralized database. Nodes may bypass other nodes and/or gateway nodes and communicate directly with the central database via satellite or cellular link. Nodes may be self-contained devices, inclusive of a wind or solar power source and a battery, eliminating the need for an external power source. Nodes may be configured independently or as a system to monitor and control various types of equipment including utility lines or water systems or used to collect environmental data. Nodes may communicate on different channels/frequencies based on systematic or pseudo-random changes.