A method for transmitting a data packet includes prepending to the digital contents of the data packet a preamble including a first preamble field having a plurality of repetitions of a sequence. The method also includes determining according to a specified communication protocol a first transmission power level for the data packet and determining according to the specified communication protocol and the first preamble field an unadjusted transmission power level for the first preamble field. The method further includes determining the presence of one or more power-boost characteristics of the data packet or of an intended receiving client, transmitting the first preamble field at a first adjusted transmission power level if one or more power-boost characteristics are determined to be present, and transmitting a remainder of the data packet at the first transmission power level for the data packet.