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Wireless & Mobility · Intermediate

Multi-User MIMO (MU-MIMO)

MIMO in which an AP sends different spatial streams to multiple clients simultaneously.

Definition

Downlink MU-MIMO was introduced by 802.11ac Wave 2 for up to 4 users, and 802.11ax added uplink MU-MIMO and up to 8 users. It relies on beamforming and channel sounding so each client receives its own stream with minimal interference. Clients must be spatially separated and stationary for best results.

Example

A 4x4 AP sends one stream each to four single-stream phones at once.

Exam tip

802.11ac = downlink MU-MIMO only; 802.11ax = downlink and uplink.

Don't confuse it with

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