In a packet communication system wherein stationary nodes are assigned an absolute coordinate-based address, the addressing of roaming nodes is accomplished by parasitically adopting a coordinate routing scheme used for addressing stationary nodes. Each roaming node selects a parent stationary node with which the roaming node can communicate directly. During the course of network operation, the roaming node may select a new parent node. At the time of reassignment, the coordinates of the new parent node, along with the identity of the roaming node, is recorded at the former parent node. Forwarding of packets to stationary nodes is accomplished according to a known coordinate-based routing scheme. A packet addressed to a destination roaming node is forwarded and directed through the then current stationary parent node. The packet is then forwarded to the destination roaming node.