System for distributed beamforming for a communication system employing relay nodes

An apparatus for use with a communication system, comprising:

• a first antenna configured to receive a first signal from a source node and a second signal from a destination node;
• a second antenna configured to transmit at least a portion of said first signal with an antenna weighting factor;
• and
• an antenna weighting factor module coupled to said first antenna and configured to adjust said antenna weighting factor in response to said second signal.

A method of operating a communication node, comprising:

• receiving a first signal from a source node and a second signal from a destination node;
• transmitting at least a portion of said first signal with an antenna weighting factor;
• and
• adjusting said antenna weighting factor in response to said second signal.

A communication system, comprising:

• a source node configured to transmit a first signal including a pilot training sequence;
• a destination node configured to transmit a second signal;
• and
• a relay node, including:
• a first antenna coupled to a receiver configured to receive said first signal and said second signal,
• a second antenna coupled to a transmitter configured to transmit at least a portion of said first signal with an antenna weighting factor, and
• an antenna weighting factor module coupled to said first antenna and configured to adjust said antenna weighting factor in response to said second signal.