Abstract: In this approach to implementing a wireless communication system, in band translator components are located in the center of remote cells which would normally contain a base transceiver system (BTS). Selective diversity processing is implemented in the translators by providing for at least two spatially separated receive antennas and two receive path circuits in the up link direction. A diversity circuit is time synchronized to the downlink signal to provide for proper detection and selection of the appropriate signal to be forwarded to a centralized BTS. As a result, a separate diversity path need not be maintained for the remainder of each backhaul link, and radio frequency components such as a second upconverter, synthesizer and power amplifier associated with the range extender can be eliminated.