Long-range Wi-Fi solutions like our Ubiquiti line advertise MIMO technology. If you search for MIMO you get all sorts of confusing gobbledygook. So, your Solid Signal Blog team is here to clear it all up! After all, there’s a lot to learn when you’re searching for new technology. That’s what keeps this blog going, day in and day out. Some of the terms you’ll read really aren’t that important. But, when it comes to getting the fastest Wi-Fi, you’ll want to know about MIMO.
MIMO… it’s a smart idea
MIMO stands for “multiple in, multiple out” and it describes a system where several small antennas are used instead of one large one. These antennas work together to create a signal that’s both stronger and more efficient than a single large antenna. This sort of system started with the large arrays of radiotelescopes that search the heavens. Over time the same technology came to be used for smaller radio devices like the ones in your house.
Using multiple antennas creates what’s called an “array” which acts like one very large antenna. There are a lot of deep physics things going on, but the most important thing you need to know is that using multiple antennas does more than double the signal. It can actually make it much powerful than that. It also provides “diversity” which means that if one part of the antenna is blocked by an obstruction, the other parts can make up for it. That means the antenna will work under more conditions with less breakup. Using this technology for reception is incredibly powerful. Using it for transmission can be just as powerful if it’s managed correctly. It’s taken some time to get that part of it right.
You may already have MIMO
MIMO technology is actually part of most wireless routers, but it really works wonders on long-range transmissions. The incoming signals can be averaged and compared to pull in a clear, sharp signal from further away. That’s why it’s so important that MIMO technology be used in long-range Wi-Fi products. But, it does work very well in short ranges as well. The latest Wi-Fi technologies use MIMO to improve transfer speeds. If you have a gaming router, you probably have faster Wi-Fi than your devices can even deal with, but that just means you have room for growth. Being future-proof isn’t such a bad thing.
By the way, MIMO isn’t just for data… cell towers use it too as they try to grab that tiny little digital signal from your phone while it’s in a moving car. Pretty neat!
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