Various embodiments provide an apparatus and method for adaptive data packet scheduling in a mesh network. An example embodiment is configured to divide a time period into a plurality of frames; subdivide each of the plurality of frames into a plurality of slots, each of the plurality of slots providing a time segment for local data communication between nodes in a mesh network; enable a first node to dynamically assign itself a first slot of the plurality of slots for local data communication, the first node using the first slot to receive data communications destined for the first node; and communicate to other nodes of the mesh network information indicative of the first node's dynamic assignment of the first slot.