Abstract: Methods of designing, installing and operating communications systems including multiple input multiple output (MIMO) antenna arrays are disclosed. The methods account for the diffusive nature, the polarization nature, and the multi-path nature of the environment in which the antenna arrays operate. According to the various methods, the antennas can be designed, installed and operated so as to provide improved information capacity based on the diffusive, polarization and multi-path nature of the environment in which they operate.

Abstract: A method of designing, fabricating and operating antennas is disclosed that considers the diffusive nature of the environment in which the antennas are to operate. Furthermore, the antennas can be designed, fabricated and operated so as to provide the optimal channel capacity possible given the diffusive nature of the environment in which they are to operate. The illustrative embodiment of the present invention comprises: describing an environment; describing a candidate antenna; determining a performance characteristic based on the candidate antenna with respect to the environment; and fabricating a first antenna in accordance with the candidate antenna.