Handle Multiple Devices with MU-MIMO - The Key to Faster Wi-Fi

New Technology for an Improved Home Network Installation

If you’re spending more time at home than ever before, your wireless network is likely under increased amounts of stress. You’re working remotely, the kids have schoolwork, you’re streaming Netflix and Hulu, and you’re all connecting smart devices to the network. There’s a traffic jam heading to and from your router, and you may experience loss of connectivity or lagging. So, what can you do about it?

Well, a simple upgrade to a MU-MIMO wireless network could go a long way for your Fort Lauderdale, FL home. But what is MU-MIMO? We’ll share that below, and how a new home network installation will get your daily routine on track.

 

SEE ALSO: How A Professional Home Network Installer Can Upgrade Your Home

 

What Is MU-MIMO?

It sounds complicated, but it’s quite easy to understand. ‘MU’ stands for multiple users. ‘MIMO’ is short for ‘multiple input, multiple output.’ Essentially, the wireless technology supports many users at the same time. This allows many Wi-Fi devices to receive several data streams at once. For example, a wireless access point can now more easily send data to four devices simultaneously. If you have a home or business busy with internet use, upgrading to MU-MIMO technology can make all the difference.

 

How It Improves Your Wi-Fi

Imagine a restaurant with multiple customers but only one waiter. That’s your home’s wireless network without MU-MIMO. When multiple devices try to access your network at the same time, it gets congested. The wireless access point can only attend to the first user’s request while the rest wait. These wait times seem minuscule, but they add up depending on the number of devices you use, including wireless smart home technology.

 

Wi-Fi 5 and Wi-Fi 6

The Wi-Fi standard most commonly used now is Wi-Fi 5 (or 802.11ac). But with Wi-Fi 5, MU-MIMO technology only works with downlink wireless connections, which means moving data from the router to other devices but not the other way around. The wireless devices must still take turns sending data. However, with MU-MIMO, devices can now individually send multiple streams when it’s their turn.

But it gets even better. The new Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) standard will allow smartphones, tablets, laptops, and other devices to take part in the simultaneous sending of data. This will speed up the communication process. Currently, devices like the iPhone 6 and later support MU-MIMO technology. In a matter of time, all devices will include Wi-Fi 6 capability for sending data to and from your router.

 

Time to Upgrade?

For a broader range, faster speeds, and more reliability, your South Florida home could use a home network installation by First Priority Audio. We’ll boost your system with the latest technology standards so your home office, theater, and media room can thrive.

 

To get started, give us a call at (954) 650-3074 or fill out our contact form here. We look forward to helping you achieve the best internet connection possible.