An energy efficient protocol for a communication network made up of a network of wireless communication nodes is disclosed. To reduce the amount of energy consumed by the nodes, the nodes operate in a reduced power duty cycle acquisition mode of operation in which the nodes cycle between a low power standby state and a higher power detection state. The nodes are forced to transition out of the duty cycle acquisition mode in response to detection of a triggering event when in the detection state. The operating parameters of the reduced power duty cycle acquisition mode can be modified based on current operating conditions on the network.