What Is Multiple-In Multiple-Out (MIMO) Technology? GA S REGULAR Menu Lifewire Tech for Humans Newsletter! Search Close GO Internet, Networking, & Security > Home Networking 84 84 people found this article helpful

What Is Multiple-In Multiple-Out (MIMO) Technology?

MIMO is used in 802.11n and 802.11ac Wi-Fi networks

By Bradley Mitchell Bradley Mitchell Writer Massachusetts Institute of Technology University of Illinois An MIT graduate who brings years of technical experience to articles on SEO, computers, and wireless networking. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on July 4, 2021 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Home Networking Routers & Firewalls The Wireless Connection Network Hubs ISP Broadband Ethernet Installing & Upgrading Wi-Fi & Wireless Multiple in, multiple out — pronounced "my-mo" and abbreviated as MIMO — is a method for the coordinated use of several radio antennas in wireless network communications. The standard is common in home broadband routers.

How MIMO Works

MIMO-based Wi-Fi routers use the same network protocols that conventional (single-antenna, non-MIMO) routers do. A MIMO router achieves higher performance by aggressively transmitting and receiving data across a Wi-Fi link. It organizes the network traffic that flows between Wi-Fi clients and the router into individual streams, transmits the streams in parallel, and enables the receiving device to re-assemble (reconstitute) the streams into single messages. Belkin N1 Wireless Router. belkin.com MIMO signaling technology can increase network bandwidth, range, and reliability at an increased risk of interfering with other wireless equipment.

MIMO Technology in Wi-Fi Networks

Wi-Fi incorporated MIMO technology as a standard beginning with 802.11n. MIMO enhances the performance and reach of Wi-Fi network connections compared to those with single-antenna routers. The specific number of antennas deployed in a MIMO Wi-Fi router varies. Typical MIMO routers contain three or four antennas instead of the single antenna that was standard in older wireless routers. Both a Wi-Fi client device and the Wi-Fi router must support MIMO for a connection between them to take advantage of this technology and realize the benefits. Manufacturer documentation for router models and client devices specify whether they are MIMO-capable.

SU-MIMO and MU-MIMO

The first generation of MIMO technology that was introduced with 802.11n supported single-user MIMO (SU-MIMO). Compared to basic MIMO, in which all the router antennas must be coordinated to communicate with one client device, SU-MIMO enables each antenna of a Wi-Fi router to be allocated separately to individual client devices. Multi-user MIMO technology (MU-MIMO) works on 5 GHz 802.11ac Wi-Fi networks. Whereas SU-MIMO requires routers to manage client connections serially, one client at a time, MU-MIMO antennas manage connections with several clients in parallel. MU-MIMO improves the performance of connections that are able to take advantage of it. Even when an 802.11ac router has the necessary hardware support (not all models do), other limitations of MU-MIMO also apply: It supports traffic in one direction: from the router to the client.It supports a limited number of simultaneous client connections (usually between two and four), depending on the router antenna configuration.

MIMO in Cellular Networks

MIMO technology is used in other kinds of wireless networks — for example, in cell networks (4G and 5G technology) — in several forms: Network MIMO or cooperative MIMO: Coordinates signaling among multiple base stations.Massive MIMO: Uses large numbers (hundreds) of antennas at a base station.Millimeter wave: Uses high-frequency bands where spectrum availability is larger than on bands licensed for use on cellular networks. FAQ What is Wi-Fi MIMO power save? Dynamic MIMO Power Save is a technique that allows MIMO-based devices to switch to lower power configurations when there is less traffic. How do I align my Wi-Fi MIMO antenna? When installing directional MIMO antennas, rotate the first antenna to a 45-degree angle and the second to a 135-degree angle. This is called polarization diversity and it helps to distinguish between the two data streams received. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire Get Better Wi-Fi: Here's The Best Place for Your Wireless Router The 9 Best 802.11ac Wi-Fi Wireless Routers of 2022 The Ultimate Router Buying Guide The 10 Best Budget Routers in 2022 Can Two Routers Be Used on the Same Home Network? The 6 Best Wireless Travel Routers of 2022 The 9 Best Long-Range Routers of 2022 The 9 Best Routers for Under $50 of 2022 The 6 Best Netgear Routers of 2022 The 9 Best Ways to Boost a Wi-Fi Signal The 9 Best Wireless Routers of 2022 The 9 Best Asus Routers of 2022 5 Things to Consider Before Buying a Wireless Router TP-Link Archer C80 Review: A Fast Sub $100 Router The 9 Best Linksys Routers of 2022 Replacing the Wi-Fi Antenna on a Wireless Router Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies