In one embodiment, a device registers with a controller for a mesh of overhead access points. The device receives, from the controller, a communication schedule for the device. The device generates a message to be sent to the mesh of overhead access points. The device transmits, according to the communication schedule, the message as a beam cone directed substantially upward relative to the device towards the mesh of overhead access points. The message is received and relayed by one or more particular access points in the mesh without the device previously performing a wireless association exchange with those one or more particular access points.