A multiple access wireless communications architecture provides selective,
simultaneous communications with wireless devices located in different
sections of a spatial area around a communications apparatus referred to
as "sectors". This includes communications between wireless devices in a
single sector, between wireless devices in different sectors and between
wireless devices and a wired network or wireless backhaul network. The
wireless communications architecture generally includes two or more
wireless antenna arrangements that are each configured to provide
communications with wireless devices located in a particular sector. Each
wireless antenna arrangement is further configured to determine whether
signals are being communicated on a communications channel before
transmitting on the communications channel. This may be implemented, for
example, using a carrier sense or energy detection mechanism. Wireless
devices within a sector may communicate on the same or different
communications channels, depending upon the particular multiple access
protocol employed. For example, TDMA or CSMA may be used to allow
wireless devices in a sector to share communications channels.
Communications channels may also be used simultaneously in different
sectors by different wireless devices.