A tree-shaped mesh network is discussed which uses a mesh of wireless nodes that form a tree shaped network with one root node having a connection to an external network; chirp clients; and wireless network clients. Chirp clients comprise low cost chirp devices wherein said low cost chirp devices transmit short duration messages wherein transmission of said short duration messages are scheduled at preset transmission intervals. At least one wireless node of the mesh of wireless nodes is a designated chirp-aware node wherein said chirp-aware node sets the preset transmission intervals for chirp client communication by broadcasting a beacon prior to transmission by chirp clients and said chirp-aware node further comprises a bridge between the short duration messages and IP based devices wherein said bridge includes a wireless receiver to receive the short duration messages and is connected to said external network. The short duration messages are encapsulated into action frames, for onward transmission to other chirp aware routers. Each wireless node further comprises two logical radios and a service radio wherein each wireless node uplink and downlink operates on distinct non-conflicting frequencies. The wireless network clients communicate with the wireless nodes using node service radios.