Wireless communication systems and methods using a sectored coverage area

Wireless communication systems employing a sectored coverage area, and methods for determining a sector distribution within the coverage area. In one example, a wireless communication system emits radiation patterns in a sectored coverage area divided into at least two sectors. A first radiation pattern is designated substantially for a first sector, and one or more other radiation patterns are designated substantially for one or more other sectors. The sector distribution is based at least in part on a first desired signal level in the first sector due to the first radiation pattern and a first undesired interference level in the first sector due to the one or more other radiation patterns. In another example, the sector distribution is selected so as to maximize a ratio of the first desired signal level and the first undesired interference level. In another example, desired and undesired signal levels in other sectors are considered.