Abstract: Multi-beam smart antenna for WLAN and cellular applications preferably has a steerable antenna system with a dipole antenna element located at the center of a ground plane. A first conductor is oriented parallel and collinear with a second conductor, and the ground plane is located therebetween. Each of first parasitic elements is positioned substantially parallel to the dipole element, and arranged on the upper-side of the ground plane in an array. Each of second parasitic elements is positioned parallel to the dipole element, and arranged on the underside of the ground plane in the same predetermined array. A plurality of switching elements connect parasitic elements and the ground plane to form reflective elements. Each parasitic element and corresponding parasitic element are oriented parallel and collinear with each other. A switching controller controls the switching elements to alter the antenna system's beam pattern by selectively activating or deactivating the reflective elements.