In modern homes and offices, dozens of devices connecting to the internet at the same time is now commonplace. Tablets, phones, smart TVs and IoT devices are constantly sending and receiving data on the network. One of the technologies that helps the network work more efficiently under this load is MU-MIMO.
What Is MU-MIMO?
MU-MIMO ("Multi-User, Multiple Input Multiple Output") allows a router to send data to more than one device at the same time.
Routers without MU-MIMO send data to only one device at any given moment; devices are served in turn, and latency rises on busy networks. MU-MIMO uses multiple antenna streams and beamforming to transmit to several devices at once. The number of devices that can be served simultaneously is limited by the router's stream count.
Advantages of MU-MIMO
- Less waiting time and smoother video streaming on busy networks
- Lower and more stable ping times in online gaming
- Less performance drop when many devices are connected
Buying Tip
When choosing a new router, check for MU-MIMO support. MU-MIMO was defined for downlink only in Wi-Fi 5; Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7 can use it in both directions. How many devices can be served at once depends on the model's stream count (e.g. 2x2, 4x4), and the connecting device must also support MU-MIMO to benefit.
