Modal antenna based communication network and methods for optimization thereof

In a communication network having one or more wireless communication devices coupled to one or more communication nodes, at least one of the communication nodes including a modal antenna configured to produce a distinct radiation pattern when configured in each of a plurality of possible antenna modes thereof, a method for optimizing communication link performance between one or more of the nodes and devices within the communication network, the method comprising:

• with a first communication node comprising a first modal antenna, the first modal antenna in a first mode of the plurality of possible antenna modes thereof:
• using the first modal antenna in the first mode to survey an environment within range of the first communication node to determine a first signal level achieved with each other communication node and each wireless communication device within said range;
• populating a matrix of data with the first signal levels for each of the surveyed nodes and devices corresponding to the first mode of the modal antenna;
• reconfiguring the first modal antenna in a second mode of the plurality of possible antenna modes thereof:
• using the first modal antenna in the second mode to survey the environment within range of the first communication node to determine a second signal level achieved with each other communication node and each wireless communication device within said range;
• further populating the matrix of data with the second signal levels for each of the surveyed nodes and devices corresponding to the second mode of the modal antenna;
• and
• selecting a preferred mode of the first modal antenna based on the matrix of data, wherein the preferred mode provides optimal link performance and minimized interferers within the communication network.