What is the Advantage of MU-MIMO?

Learn > Cable Modem & Routers > What is the Advantage of MU-MIMO?

MU-MIMO is a feature of today’s WiFi that makes your wireless Internet usage better. Here’s what you need to know about MU-MIMO and its advantages.

 

What is MU-MIMO & How does it work?

MU-MIMO stands for Multi-User, Multi-Input, Multi-Out. It is a feature that was introduced with WiFi 5 (IEEE 802.11ac) and has advanced with WiFi 6 (IEEE 802.11ax).  This technology lets WiFi users, antennas, and access points communicate with one another all at the same time. Whereas, in the past, multiple data streams had to take turns sending and receiving signals to communicate.

Here’s an example on how it works:

Let’s say you are connected to a WiFi network, and you are experiencing congestion. Your devices run slower, your Internet connection is delayed, things suffer overall. Likely, this is caused by an access point in the network only serving one client at a time. In other words, each device must wait in line to send and receive data from the Internet. As new devices try to connect, the longer the wait time becomes.

This is where MU-MIMO enters to save the day.

For MU-MIMO to work, both the user’s device and access point need to have multiple radio antenna chains (or streams) that are identical and separated. This allows the access point to receive radiofrequency as it transmits out. MU-MIMO streams are measured like this: 1×1 = support for one stream in each direction to send and receive transmitted data, 2×2 = support for two streams in each direction, and so on. The more stream channels, the faster data can be transmitted and received for a better wireless experience.

 

What are the Benefits of MU-MIMO?

MU-MIMO has several benefits that can enhance your WiFi network. Things like:

  • Constant, reliable signal even if multiple devices connect to the same network at the same time.
  • Increased network capacity allows the access point to handle bandwidth-heavy activities like streaming and gaming.
  • Support for any channel width makes your network run faster by serving multiple clients at once.
  • Improved overall performance reduces latency and lag for things like video streaming, video calls, webinars, classes, entertainment activities and more.

 

Do You Need MU-MIMO?

MU-MIMO is a technology feature that makes WiFi performance faster and more efficient. Therefore, makes WiFi better. With more and more connected devices, your router will soon need the help of MU-MIMO to evenly distribute bandwidth to all your devices.

Depending on your situation, MU-MIMO may be the right move for you. If you have four or less MU-MIMO compatible devices (WiFi 5 or Wi-Fi 6 compatible) that connect to your network simultaneously, then a MU-MIMO router or cable modem router could be good for you.

For more information on home networking solutions and related topics, check out Hitron’s Learn Page.

Meta description:   Multi-User, Multi-Input, Multi-Out (MU-MIMO) is a WiFi 5 & WiFi 6 feature that makes overall WiFi performance faster and more efficient. Learn more.

 

What is the Advantage of MU-MIMO?

MU-MIMO is a feature of today’s WiFi that makes your wireless Internet usage better. Here’s what you need to know about MU-MIMO and its advantages.

 

What is MU-MIMO & How does it work?

MU-MIMO stands for Multi-User, Multi-Input, Multi-Out. It is a feature that was introduced with WiFi 5 (IEEE 802.11ac) and has advanced with WiFi 6 (IEEE 802.11ax).  This technology lets WiFi users, antennas, and access points communicate with one another all at the same time. Whereas, in the past, multiple data streams had to take turns sending and receiving signals to communicate.

Here’s an example on how it works:

Let’s say you are connected to a WiFi network, and you are experiencing congestion. Your devices run slower, your Internet connection is delayed, things suffer overall. Likely, this is caused by an access point in the network only serving one client at a time. In other words, each device must wait in line to send and receive data from the Internet. As new devices try to connect, the longer the wait time becomes.

This is where MU-MIMO enters to save the day.

For MU-MIMO to work, both the user’s device and access point need to have multiple radio antenna chains (or streams) that are identical and separated. This allows the access point to receive radiofrequency as it transmits out. MU-MIMO streams are measured like this: 1×1 = support for one stream in each direction to send and receive transmitted data, 2×2 = support for two streams in each direction, and so on. The more stream channels, the faster data can be transmitted and received for a better wireless experience.

 

What are the Benefits of MU-MIMO?

MU-MIMO has several benefits that can enhance your WiFi network. Things like:

  • Constant, reliable signal even if multiple devices connect to the same network at the same time.
  • Increased network capacity allows the access point to handle bandwidth-heavy activities like streaming and gaming.
  • Support for any channel width makes your network run faster by serving multiple clients at once.
  • Improved overall performance reduces latency and lag for things like video streaming, video calls, webinars, classes, entertainment activities and more.

 

Do You Need MU-MIMO?

MU-MIMO is a technology feature that makes WiFi performance faster and more efficient. Therefore, makes WiFi better. With more and more connected devices, your router will soon need the help of MU-MIMO to evenly distribute bandwidth to all your devices.

Depending on your situation, MU-MIMO may be the right move for you. If you have four or less MU-MIMO compatible devices (WiFi 5 or Wi-Fi 6 compatible) that connect to your network simultaneously, then a MU-MIMO router or cable modem router could be good for you.

For more information on home networking solutions and related topics, check out Hitron’s Learn Page.

 

NEW! Now Available at Retail!

CODA DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem

Related Articles

What is WPS on my Router?

If you’ve looked closely at your WiFi router, you might have noticed a button marked “WPS” somewhere on it. What is this button? Why is it there and should you press it? Great questions. WPS stands for WiFi Protected Setup.  A router with a WPS button can allow any...

When Should I Reset vs Restart my Cable Modem?

When you should do a cable modem restart or reset depends on the situation. It’s extremely important to understand these terms as the function of these terms have different meanings. In simple terms, to restart or reboot your modem means to turn off your modem and...

What is WiFi 6 and Is WiFi 6 Really Better?

WiFi 6 (also known as 802.11ax) is the most recent version of WiFi. It’s the best version of WiFi to date, with more support, faster speeds, less network congestion, better security, improved battery life for devices, and more. If you are looking for the latest and...

How do I set up my cable modem?

There are differences in setting up your cable modem whether you purchased or rented the device. If you bought your own cable modem, you should check the user manual or manufacturers' support website for specific details. For example, Xfinity (Comcast) and other Cable...

Can I use any cable modem for Cable Internet?

The right cable modem or cable modem router combo to use to get cable Internet in your home depends on a few things: Whether you are renting vs buying Certification and compatibility with your Service Provider Must-have features to consider For example, if your...

These Hitron products are now available on Amazon!

You can own high-quality, Carrier-grade products!

Coax Cable Tester

DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem

MoCA 2.5 Coax to Ethernet Adapter

Featured Articles

3

Buying vs Renting a Router

Should you invest in your own Internet equipment and buy a router instead of renting one from your Internet service provider (ISP)? It depends on the cost and your preferences. Here are some pros and cons to help you decide.

What is a Router?

A router is a small box that translates data from your modem to communicate a Wi-Fi signal to the devices on your local network. Learn more.

Why Buy a Gateway Instead of a Modem?

Should you invest in your own Internet equipment and buy a gateway or cable modem router instead of a modem? Or, should you rent it from your Internet service provider (ISP)? It depends on cost and your preferences. Here are some pros and cons to help you decide.

Let me know when the OS2210 is available?