A wireless communication network contains a plurality of spatially distributed communication devices (access point devices and station devices) for exchanging wireless signal frames. A device processes signal frames only when a strength of the signals exceeds a carrier detection threshold. Devices defer an intended transmission upon detection of a wireless signal with a strength greater than a defer threshold prior to the intended transmission. A measuring circuit performs a first measurement of a first signal strength of signals from access point devices and a second measurement of a second signal strength of signals from station devices associated with a first one of the access point devices. A threshold adjustment circuit first sets the carrier detection threshold of a first one of the access point devices above the first signal strength. The second measurement is performed when said first setting has taken effect. The threshold adjustment circuit subsequently setting the defer threshold of the first one of the access point devices and/or one or more of the station devices associated with the first one of the access point devices below the second signal strength.