A method, a node and an energy-conserving ad hoc network are provided that facilitate nodes joining the energy-conserving ad hoc network. A node includes a transceiver (210), a transmitter (206), and processing logic (202). The processing logic (202) is configured to control operation of the transceiver (210) and the transmitter (206). The processing logic (202) is further configured to transmit a wake-up signal via the transmitter (206) and receive a network entry message (600) from one of a group of existing nodes (101) in the network (100). The network entry message (600) includes scheduled times (620, 640) in which at least one of the existing nodes (101) in the network is available to receive. The processing logic (202) is further configured to join the network (100) based on the received scheduled times (620, 640).
