In a duplex link (40, 60, 90, 116) coupling first and second frequency
hopping wireless communication devices, either or both of the frequency hopping
patterns that are respectively used in the downlink and the uplink can be selectively
and dynamically extended. Extension of the frequency hopping pattern associated
with the uplink (55, 74) can compensate for a power imbalance between the
uplink and the downlink by improving the gain of the uplink. By extending the frequency
hopping pattern associated with the downlink (106, 129), strong interfering
frequencies that would otherwise interfere with many downlink frequencies can be avoided.