Massive MIMO

Massive MIMO is no longer optional . With 5G, MIMO gets “massive,” up to 256×256. And, while MIMO was a “nice-to-have” technology in 4G networks, it is a core requirement for 5G.

Collectively, these MIMO techniques enable improved signal range, reduced bit errors, lower power consumption, reduced interference and even enhanced non-line-of-sight (NLOS) or quasi-NLOS connectivity .

4G vs 5G: MIMO versus Massive MIMO Although wireless and 4G networks use multiple input multiple output technology (MIMO), a core component of 5G networks is ‘massive MIMO’ . MIMO means Multiple Input, Multiple Output and, essentially, it allows for multiple streams over the same data channel.

The very short wavelengths at mmWave frequencies result in smaller antenna dimensions and for 5G NR, 3GPP has specified 32 antennas (32 x 32 MIMO) in Release 15, which will rise to 64 and more in future releases . This expansion in the size of MIMO antenna has led to the term Massive MIMO.

Explanation: MIMO is used in mobile radio telephone standards such as recent 3GPP and 3GPP2 . In 3GPP, High-Speed Packet Access plus (HSPA+) and Long Term Evolution (LTE) standards take MIMO into account. Moreover, MIMO is also used in Wifi and WiMax.

MIMO (Multiple-Input Multiple-Output) Essentially MIMO, employs multiple antennas on the receiver and transmitter to utilize the multi-path effects that always exist to transmit additional data, rather than causing interference . The schemes employed in LTE again vary slightly between the uplink and downlink.