Comparison of beamforming technologies

This is the fifth post in a series that delves into the subject of beamforming.   In this post, we compare all three beamforming methods (static, transmit, dynamic).

Although all three beamforming technologies provide SNR gain, they are quite different. In addition, all types of beamforming can exacerbate the following problems:

Sticky client problem: The sticky client problem [...]

Dynamic beamforming

Dynamic beamforming focuses RF energy in a particular direction and with a particular shape in order to increase the Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR). In a sense, it is like static beamforming in that it focuses RF energy, but it is different because the antenna array’s radiation pattern can change from frame to frame (see Figure).

Transmit beamforming

In this post, we continue my discussion of beamforming by focusing on transmit beamforming. As previously mentioned, beamforming is a method of concentrating radio frequency (RF) energy in order to improve the signal to noise ratio (SNR) at the receiver, thereby improving network performance and predictability.

Transmit beamforming (TxBF) is a method of transmitting two or more [...]

Static beamforming

This post continues my discussion on beamforming which is a method of concentrating radio frequency (RF) energy in order to improve the signal to noise ratio (SNR) at the receiver, thereby improving network performance and predictability.  In this post, we discuss static beamforming.

Static beamforming provides a fixed radiation pattern by using a directional antenna. Virtually every [...]

Introduction to beamforming

Beamforming is a method of concentrating radio frequency (RF) energy in order to improve the signal to noise ratio (SNR) at the receiver, thereby improving network performance and predictability. Enterprise WLAN vendors are now integrating beamforming technology into their access points (APs) so it is important to understand the types of beamforming and the benefits that [...]

Demystifying radio Management (free)

My new report entitled “Demystifying Radio Management“ is now published. Thank you to everyone who provided feedback on my drafts.  Fortunately, Burton Group has decided to make this report available for free.  Below is a summary and also a link to the free report.  As always, comments are welcome.

Summary:Wireless local area network (WLAN) vendors have developed [...]

The new battlefront: RF management

Directional antenna pattern

Wireless LAN (WLAN) Radio Frequency (RF) management is poised to become the new competitive battlefront. This includes technologies such as beamforming, smart antennas, and any other techniques used to control the wireless LAN physical layer. One might think that 802.11 technology innovation is slowing down, and that future competitive battles will primarily rely on marketing fluff, but not so. Continue reading The new battlefront: RF management