When wireless systems are in communication with each other, transmit power levels can vary based on a distance between the communicating wireless systems. The transmit power levels may be varied by taking into consideration optimal values of performance indicators such as SNR. However, because a transmitting wireless system typically does not receive information that describes a communication channel as seen by a receiving wireless system, the transmitting wireless system may not be able to accurately determine when, whether, and by how much to reduce the transmit power without impairing signal reception ability at the receiving wireless system. Functionality can be implemented on the transmitting wireless system to vary the transmit power level based on comparing a percentage of packets transmitted at a maximum packet transmit rate with one or more thresholds. Such a variation of the transmit power levels can help reduce power consumption and ensure performance is not compromised.