A while back we did an article on 3×3 MIMO and how it can dramatically reduce noise interference and increase throughput quality, and although we mention MikroTik’s NetMETAL 5 3×3 MIMO solution we didn’t quite give it the attention it deserved. In this article, we’ll do a recap of how MIMO works and how the NetMETAL 5 3×3 MIMO will change the way you connect! 

What is MIMO?

MIMO refers to the process whereby multiple streams on a single antenna are used at both the source (transmitter) and the destination (receiver). The streams on antennas at each end of the communications circuit are combined to minimise errors through diversity and optimise data speed by utilising multiple streams.

“A great example of multi-stream antenna technology is the combination of our MikroTik NetMETAL 5 3×3 radio with our 3×3 MIMO RF-Elements antennas which will yield higher network capacity and reduced packet loss. This technology is superior to 1×1 or 2×2 MIMO when one considers that with the increased number of transmission and receiving streams, the speed of the transmitted signal is exponentially increased,” de Ru explains.

How does MIMO 3×3 work?

MikroTik’s 3×3 Netmetal and RF Elements Sector Carrier Class Antennas are available in a 3×3 setup: Sector Carrier Class 5GHz 16dBi 3×3 (VVH) and Sector Carrier Class 5GHz 16dBi 3×3 (HHV). The antennas feature multiple horizontal or vertical systems that can be used with standard dual-polarization H+V wireless CPEs.

When used in an environment with increased noise, 3×3 Sector Carrier Class Antennas benefit from multiple antenna systems with the same polarization. For example, if V polarized signals are more affected by noise and interference, the Sector Carrier Class 3×3 VVH will enhance the propagation of the V signal thanks to an additional V polarized chain.

A three chain antenna system offers higher diversity in that each stream is transmitted independently which helps to better deal with reflections. This means that in a sector area with many obstacles, such as trees or buildings, a 3×3 Sector Carrier Class will perform better in terms of signal reception than a 2×2 Sector.