A protocol for wireless local area network communication between a base stationary unit and a plurality of wireless terminals is disclosed. The main features of this protocol is based upon channel reservation requests by active wireless terminals. Contention is resolved and authorization is granted with data message signals transmitted by the authorized wireless terminal either immediately for asynchronous service or periodically for a time-based service. The system further provides for the base stationary unit to query the receipt of the data message signal by the wireless terminal authorized to receive the transmission. If no response signal is received, then the base stationary unit would authorize for itself transmission of the data message to relay it, either "over the air" or via wired connection to another base stationary unit in another data cell. The synchronous nature of the method provides for power saving by allowing the receiver and/or transmitter to be powered down during idle and other time slots.