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Wireless & Mobility · Intermediate

Transmit Beamforming (TxBF)

Adjusting phase across multiple antennas so signals combine constructively at a specific receiver.

Definition

Explicit beamforming uses feedback from the client (channel sounding with NDPA and NDP frames) to calculate a steering matrix. It increases SNR at the client, enabling higher MCS rates. Standards-based beamforming was simplified in 802.11ac and is required for MU-MIMO.

Example

An AP beamforms to a laptop, raising its SNR by 3 dB.

Exam tip

Beamforming needs multiple transmit chains and benefits clients at mid range most.

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