A system and method for positioning and aligning a node within a network includes a position determination device configured to determine the position of the node, and a digital compass to determine the orientation of the node within the network. Position and pointing information obtained from these devices can be used to compute a pointing angle of one or more transceivers in the network node to establish communication links. The digital compass can also provide roll and pitch information to facilitate leveling of the node, or to allow pointing systems within the node to compensate for leveling inaccuracies. Additional communication channels can be provided.
