Multimode antenna system and methods for use therewith

A method, comprising:

• generating first electromagnetic waves on a feedline, wherein the first electromagnetic waves are guided by the feedline to a feed point of a dielectric antenna, wherein the first electromagnetic waves propagate along the feedline via a plurality of guided wave modes without requiring an electrical return path, wherein the first electromagnetic waves convey first data in accordance with one or more multi-input multi-output (MIMO) techniques;
• and
• generating first free-space wireless signals at an aperture of the dielectric antenna in response to the first electromagnetic waves.

A communication device, comprising:

• means for launching electromagnetic waves on a feedline, wherein the electromagnetic waves are at non-optical frequencies, wherein the electromagnetic waves are guided by the feedline, wherein the electromagnetic waves propagate along the feedline via a corresponding plurality of guided wave modes without requiring an electrical return path, wherein the electromagnetic waves convey data in accordance with one or more multi-input multi-output (MIMO) techniques;
• and
• means for radiating free-space wireless signals in response to the electromagnetic waves.