A smart antenna steering algorithm operates in response to different
functions monitored by the media access control (MAC) layer within a
client station. One function is when the MAC layer indicates that the
client station has been placed in a power savings mode. In response, the
antenna algorithm stores an index of the currently selected antenna.
Another function is when the MAC layer indicates that the client station
has not been synchronized, associated and authenticated with an access
point. In response, the algorithm selects an omni-directional antenna
beam as the default antenna beam. Another function is when the MAC layer
provides beacon period synchronization information to the antenna
steering algorithm so that the algorithm can update its own timer.