a multiple distributed antenna access point system which compensates for wireless path loss and increases data throughput between ap and mobile user stations includes a central unit including one or more central antennas , a distributed antenna unit including multiple distributed antennas and an auxiliary unit interfacing the central unit with the distributed antenna unit , with each unit being separate or the central and auxiliary units being integrated . the central unit functions as a traditional access point and is operable in time division duplex or frequency division duplex mode . one or more central or distributed antennas are utilized to transmit and receive signals to and from the mobile user stations where selection of the antenna used for a given mobile user station determines the throughput of the transmission . a method for selecting an antenna for optimal performance of the mda / ap system using a csma / ca distributed coordination function communications protocol includes employing one or more control antennas of the mda / ap system during an rts or cts period and selecting one or more antennas during a data period .