Multiple-Input Multiple-Output

(MIMO) Technology

Why Is MIMO Used?

With the development of 5G mobile communications, HD videos and online games pose a challenge to broadband network
capacity. As the existing bandwidth and spectrum resources cannot meet the growing demand for network traffic, we need
large-capacity microwave networks to better cope with the rapid development of mobile communications.
A larger bandwidth requirement means that more spectrum resources are required, but it is difficult or costly to obtain them. The
multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) solution can double the bandwidth based on the existing spectrum resources to meet
network expansion requirements.

What Is MIMO?
MIMO is a technology for multiplying the capacity of a microwave link using multiple transmit and receive antennas to exploit
multipath propagation.
The point-to-point (P2P) microwave system adopts line of sight (LOS) MIMO. The transmit end divides the data being sent into
multiple data streams, and maps them into multiple antennas for transmission, through space-time mapping. The receive end
performs space-time decoding on the signals received on each antenna. In other words, it generates a signal phase difference using
the difference in paths taken by each signal to reach the receive-end antenna, so as to implement interference signal cancellation
and data signal synthesis. This improves signal gain and channel capacity.

D 0°
f + =
90°
d d

90°
+ =
0°

Rayleigh Distance
The distance between antennas at the same site must be calculated using the Rayleigh distance formula. In this way, an optimal
effect can be achieved for the mutual cancellation of multiple signals, thereby ensuring the transmission of microwave signals.
The formula for calculating Raleigh distance is as follows:

d optimal = Dxc
(d: antenna distance, D: link distance, c: speed of light, f: radio frequency)
2f

In Huawei’s MIMO solution, advanced algorithms are used to reduce the distance between antennas, which reduces the costs
involved in deploying MIMO and also helps transmit signals further.
When the ISM6 board is used with the XMC-3 ODU board, the distance between antennas at the same site is reduced to 0.6 times the
Rayleigh distance. When the ISM8 board (dual-channel IF board) is used with the XMC-5D ODU, the distance between antennas at the
same site is reduced to 0.33 times the Raleigh distance – far shorter than the industry average. As such, the MIMO solution can expect
to be applied more and more extensively in the coming years.
Typical Application Scenarios
Huawei supports vertical and horizontal separation, although vertical separation is preferred. Horizontal separation can be used when
the vertical separation space is limited or the pole height is insufficient.

Vertical Separation
Tx high site Tx low site

1
A B
2

3
Ｃ D

Horizontal Separation
Use horizontal separation when the vertical B
separation space is limited or the pole height is insufficient. Tx low
site

D
1
2
3
Tx high site
A

Benefits
MIMO uses space to improve performance and increase the coverage range of the wireless system. It has the following benefits:

Improved spectrum utilization

Without additional spectrum resources, one frequency can provide up to four channels, which provide four times the capacity of
a single link.
Enhanced channel reliability
Without any increase in the transmit power of the antenna, the channel reliability of MIMO is higher than that of a single link.
Huawei MIMO Solution
Huawei’s RTN 300 series support two types of MIMO configurations – 2x2 MIMO and 4x4 MIMO. Huawei's RTN 900 series only
support 4x4 MIMO. As such, 4x4 MIMO is the most widely used.

4x4 MIMO for RTN 300 series

Typical scenario: RTN 320F + XMC-5D ODU

Configuration Device ODU Antenna
Scenario

Two
Two dual-
integrated Two
Scenario 1 polarized
RTN 320 XMC-3 ODUs
antennas
devices

Two dual-
Two split RTN Four
Scenario 2 polarized
320 devices XMC-3 ODUs
antennas
Two dual-
Two RTN 320F Two
Scenario 3 polarized
devices XMC-5D ODUs
antennas

4x4 MIMO for RTN 900 series

Typical scenario: RTN 950 + ISM8 + XMC-5D ODU

Configuration IF Board ODU Antenna
Scenario

Two dual-
Two ISM6 Four
Scenario 1 polarized
boards XMC-3 ODUs
antennas

Two dual
Two ISM8 Two
Scenario 2 polarized
boards XMC-5D ODUs
antennas

4x4 MIMO + 2CA for RTN 900 series

Typical scenario: RTN 950 + ISM8 + XMC-5D ODU

Configuration IF Board ODU Antenna
Scenario

Two dual-
Four ISM8 Two
Scenario 1 polarized
boards XMC-5D ODUs
antennas