MIMO
Technology & Computing abbreviation · Telecom
| Stands for | Multiple-input multiple-output |
|---|---|
| Categories | Technology & Computing |
MIMO stands for Multiple-input multiple-output, a telecom abbreviation.
Radio technique that uses multiple antennas at both transmitter and receiver to send several data streams simultaneously over the same frequency, multiplying speed and reliability. It is fundamental to Wi-Fi 4 and later, LTE and 5G.
Example: The router supports 4x4 MIMO, sending four streams at once to compatible laptops.
Usage notes
MIMO exploits signal reflections that older radios treated as interference. Wi-Fi adopted it with 802.11n in 2009. MU-MIMO (multi-user MIMO) serves several devices at once, and 5G "massive MIMO" base stations use 64 or more antenna elements to steer beams toward users. Notation such as 2x2 or 4x4 gives transmit and receive antennas.
Related abbreviations
More telecom abbreviations
- IVR – Interactive voice response
- LEO – Low Earth orbit
- LTE – Long Term Evolution
- LTE-A – LTE-Advanced
- LTE-M – LTE for machines (LTE Cat-M1)
- MCC – Mobile country code
- MMS – Multimedia Messaging Service
- mmWave – Millimeter wave
- MNO – Mobile network operator
- modem – Modulator-demodulator
- MSISDN – Mobile Station International Subscriber Directory Number
- MVNO – Mobile virtual network operator