Systems and methods of mesh network communication enabling a relay node to autonomously select a packet propagation mechanism. Upon receiving a packet, which may carry an indication for flooding propagation as set by the edge node originating the packet, or carry no specification for any propagation mode, the relay node determines whether the packet is eligible for routing-propagation based on a number of factors, such as whether there is an existent valid route from the source node to the destination node, whether the packet is originated from a friend edge node, and whether a route discovery process has been initiated. Accordingly, the relay node may change the indication to routing propagation and forward it by routing-relaying. Thus, the packet can be propagated over the mesh network by routing propagation, despite the initial setting for flooding propagation as specified by the edge node or no setting by the edge node.