A method and apparatus are described for synchronizing a network. A plurality of existing nodes in the network may transmit beacons in accordance with a round-robin scheduling sequence. A new joining node may receive a beacon from a specific one of the existing nodes during a beacon interval, and transmit a join beacon frame during the beacon interval after waiting a random period of time. The specific existing node may receive the join beacon frame and transmit a notification to the other existing nodes in the network indicating that a new node is joining the network. Alternatively, the existing nodes may transmit a primary synchronization sequence (PSS) and a secondary synchronization sequence (SSS). After a new node receives the PSS and SSS from a specific one of the existing nodes, the new node may generate a random access channel (RACH) preamble indicating that it desires to join the network.