Multi-function wireless apparatus

A method for providing operation of a multi-function wireless node in a link completion infrastructure form of a plurality of link completion infrastructure forms, the method comprising:

• scanning a plurality of antenna beams for each of a plurality of radios, wherein the plurality of radios each provide at least one of multi-protocol operation and multi-frequency operation;
• collecting communication environment data for a service volume from said scanning;
• and
• configuring one or more aspects of the multi-function wireless node for the link completion infrastructure form of the plurality of link completion infrastructure forms using the collected communication environment data, wherein the configuring utilizes at least one of information regarding communication environment protocol and communication environment frequency from the collected communication environment data to configure the multi-function wireless node, wherein each of the link completion infrastructure forms of the plurality of link completion infrastructure forms is configured to complete a wireless link between a plurality of other nodes, and wherein the plurality of link completion infrastructure forms comprise at least two link completion infrastructure forms selected from the group consisting of a repeater, a bridge, a gateway, backhaul, and an access point.

A multi-function wireless node configured to provide a plurality of selectable link completion infrastructure forms, the multi-function wireless node comprising:

• a plurality of radios, wherein radios of the plurality of radios each provide multi-protocol operation and multi-frequency operation;
• a smart antenna system coupled to the plurality of radios and providing antenna beams for illuminating a service volume for communication via the plurality of radios, wherein the smart antenna system is configured to provide the antenna beams to define the service volume configured so as to adequately serve each link completion infrastructure form of the plurality of selectable link completion infrastructure forms;
• and
• a controller coupled to the smart antenna system and operable to collect communication environment data using the antenna beams and the plurality of radios and to utilize the collected communication environment data to configure the multi-function wireless node for a selected link completion infrastructure form of the plurality of link completion infrastructure forms, and wherein the controller is operable to utilize at least one of information regarding communication environment protocol and communication environment frequency from the collected communication environment data to configure the multi-function wireless node, wherein the plurality of link completion infrastructure forms comprise at least two link completion infrastructure forms selected from the group consisting of a repeater, a bridge, a gateway, backhaul, and an access point.