1. A method of providing network connectivity within a data collection system comprising a server, an access point communicatively coupled to said server over a wired connection, and a portable data collection device residing outside of a communication range of said access point, said method comprising the steps of: introducing a new communication device within a communication range of said portable data collection device, said new communication device comprising a dynamic access module enabling said new communication device to receive data packets from said portable data collection device and route payload data of said data packets to said access point if said new communication device determines that it is in range of both of said access point and said portable data collection device; and said portable data collection device establishing network communications with said server responsive to detecting a presence of said new communication device within a communication range of said portable data collection device.