A method for performing link adaptation, comprising in a first network node of a wireless network operating on a high frequency, HF, band where radio propagation paths include a ground surface propagation path and an ionospheric reflection path: initializing data transmission with a second network node of the wireless network by transmitting a request-to-send message to the second network node and by receiving a clear-to-send message from the second network node, wherein the request-to-send message and the clear-to-send message are transmitted on one or more channels of the wireless network; characterized by the method further comprising in the first network node: after said initializing, generating a first data packet of the data transmission, wherein said generating comprises processing the first data packet with link adaptation parameters fixedly associated for use in connection with first data packets of data transmissions, wherein said link adaptation parameters are the most robust, in terms of providing the highest probability of transmitting the first data packet correctly to the second network node, link adaptation parameters amongst a set of link adaptation parameters supported by the first network node; receiving, from the second network node, a message indicating new link adaptation parameters for use in a subsequent data transmission; and generating a second data packet of the data transmission, wherein said generating the second data packet comprises processing the second data packet with the new link adaptation parameters indicated in the message. initializing data transmission with a second network node of the wireless network by transmitting a request-to-send message to the second network node and by receiving a clear-to-send message from the second network node, wherein the request-to-send message and the clear-to-send message are transmitted on one or more channels of the wireless network; characterized by the method further comprising in the first network node: after said initializing, generating a first data packet of the data transmission, wherein said generating comprises processing the first data packet with link adaptation parameters fixedly associated for use in connection with first data packets of data transmissions, wherein said link adaptation parameters are the most robust, in terms of providing the highest probability of transmitting the first data packet correctly to the second network node, link adaptation parameters amongst a set of link adaptation parameters supported by the first network node; receiving, from the second network node, a message indicating new link adaptation parameters for use in a subsequent data transmission; and generating a second data packet of the data transmission, wherein said generating the second data packet comprises processing the second data packet with the new link adaptation parameters indicated in the message. after said initializing, generating a first data packet of the data transmission, wherein said generating comprises processing the first data packet with link adaptation parameters fixedly associated for use in connection with first data packets of data transmissions, wherein said link adaptation parameters are the most robust, in terms of providing the highest probability of transmitting the first data packet correctly to the second network node, link adaptation parameters amongst a set of link adaptation parameters supported by the first network node; receiving, from the second network node, a message indicating new link adaptation parameters for use in a subsequent data transmission; and generating a second data packet of the data transmission, wherein said generating the second data packet comprises processing the second data packet with the new link adaptation parameters indicated in the message.