LTE applications of MIMO

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.

MIMO and 5G massive systems

MIMO continues to upgrade and grow through its use in massive new applications, as
the wireless industry works to accommodate more antennas, networks and devices. One
of the most prominent examples of this is the rollout of 5G technology.

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).

frequency division duplex vs. time division duplex technology

Learn how frequency division duplex and time division duplex technology differ.
MIMO and beamforming
Beamforming is an RF management technique that maximizes the signal power at the
receiver by focusing broadcast data to specific users instead of a large area. With
5G, three-dimensional (3D) beamforming forms and directs vertical and horizontal
beams at the user. These can reach devices even if they're at the top of a high-
rise, for example. The beams prevent interference with other wireless signals and
stay with users as they move throughout a given area.

how beamforming works

SU-MIMO vs. MU-MIMO
There are two primary types of MIMO: single-user (SU) and multiuser (MU). In SU-
MIMO systems, data streams can only interact with one device on the network at a
time. MU-MIMO systems, therefore, outperform SU-MIMO.

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.

Single-user MIMO vs. multiuser MIMO

The basic structural differences between single-user MIMO and multiuser MIMO
antenna technology.
MIMO's primary advantages
In its various configurations, MIMO has a number of advantages over MISO and SIMO
advanced antenna technologies:

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.

How massive MIMO systems are influencing the future

MIMO is a primary tool for advancing all aspects of wireless communications. It
plays a substantial role in 5G technology and is influencing how users interact
with these technologies daily. These influences include the following:

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
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