MIMO Notes
MIMO Notes
MIMO is one of the most common forms of wireless, and it played a key role in the
deployment of LTE and the wireless broadband technology standard Worldwide
Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX>). LTE uses MIMO and orthogonal
frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) to increase speeds up to 100 megabits per
second (mbps) and beyond. These rates are double what was offered in previous
802.11a Wi-Fi. LTE uses MIMO for transmit diversity, spatial multiplexing (to
transmit spatially separated independent channels), and single-user and multiuser
systems.
MIMO in LTE enables more reliable transmission of data, while also increasing data
rates. It separates the data into individual streams before transmission. During
transmission, the data and reference signals travel through the air to a receiver
that will already be familiar with these signals, which helps the receiver with
channel estimation.
These massive 5G MIMO systems use numerous small antennas to boost bandwidth to
users -- not just transmission rates as with third-generation (3G) and 4G cellular
technology -- and support more users per antenna. Unlike 4G MIMO, which uses a
frequency division duplex (FDD) system for supporting multiple devices, 5G massive
MIMO uses a different setup called time division duplex (TDD). This offers numerous
advantages over FDD (see image below).
Issues arise with SU-MIMO when many users attempt to use the network
simultaneously. If one person is uploading video and another is conferencing, the
data stream will choke, causing latency, or delays, to skyrocket. On the other end
of the spectrum, MU-MIMO has the advantage of being able to stream multiple data
sets to multiple devices at a time.
There are various possible configurations for these MIMO systems, with 2x2, 4x4,
6x6 and 8x8 being the most common. 5G massive systems manipulate these
configurations to enable extensive network capacity.
MIMO enables stronger signals. It bounces and reflects signals so a user device
doesn't need to be in a clear line of sight.
Video and other large-scale content can travel over a network in large quantities.
This content travels more quickly because MIMO supports greater throughput.
Many data streams improve visual and auditory quality. They also decrease the
chance of lost data packets.
High network capacities. Data travels to more users through the deployment of 5G
New Radio (5G NR). MU-MIMO and 5G NR enable more users to access data at the same
frequency and time rates.
More coverage. Users can soon expect high-speed data wherever they are, even at the
edge of service areas. Using 3D beamforming, the coverage adapts to the user's
movement and location.
Better user experience (UX). Watching videos and uploading content is easier and
faster. Massive MIMO and 5G technology transform UX.
This was last updated in March 2021
Continue Reading About MIMO (multiple input, multiple output)
5 things to know about MU-MIMO technology in Wi-Fi networks
MU-MIMO technology boosts system capacity for WLANs
In Wave 2, 802.11ac tackles density with multiuser MIMO
5 benefits of Wi-Fi 6 for enterprise networks
The essential 5G glossary of key terms and phrases
Related Terms
direct inward dialing (DID)
Direct inward dialing (DID) is a method organizations use to route incoming calls
to specific private branch exchange (PBX) ... See complete definition
personal area network (PAN)
A personal area network (PAN) interconnects technology devices, typically within
the range of a single user, which is ... See complete definition
standing wave ratio (SWR)
Standing wave ratio (SWR) is the ratio of the maximum magnitude or amplitude of a
standing wave to its minimum magnitude. See complete definition
Dig Deeper on Mobile infrastructure
MWC 2022: Huawei unveils innovation for 5Gigaverse, IntelligentRAN
architectureJoeO’Halloran
By: Joe O’Halloran
single-user MIMOAlexanderGillis
By: Alexander Gillis
How mobile operators can cope with staycation boom and sport lockdowns
liftingKevinHasley
By: Kevin Hasley
beamformingAlexanderGillis
By: Alexander Gillis
Sponsored News
Two Game-Changing Wireless Technologies You May Not Know About
–Intel
4 Ways to Reduce Threats in a Growing Attack Surface
–Dell Technologies
See More
Vendor Resources
What to Expect from Gigabit Wireless LAN
–Aerohive Networks
Wi-Fi 6 Business Benefits Abound, but Limitations Lurk
–TechTarget