Definition: MIMO is the method of utilizing multiple antennas for wireless communications. For wireless networking, MIMO technology appears in some WiFi routers, greatly enhancing their capability over single-antenna routers.
MIMO WiFi routers utilize the same network protocols and signal ranges that non-MIMO routers do. The MIMO products achieve higher performance by more aggressively transmitting and receiving data over WiFi channels. MIMO signaling technology can increase network bandwidth, range and reliability at the potential cost of interfering with other wirless equipment.
The exact number of antennas utilized in a MIMO WiFi router can vary. Typical MIMO routers contain three or four antennas instead of the single antenna that is standard in all earlier forms of consumer WiFi routers.
MIMO is a key element of the 802.11n WiFi networking standard.
Also Known As: Multiple-Input Multiple-Output
