5G • Spectrum
Massive MIMO
Massive Multiple-Input Multiple-Output
Antenna technology utilizing large arrays (e.g., 32T32R, 64T64R) to transmit multiple simultaneous data streams over the same frequency channel.
Technical Explanation
Massive MIMO expands conventional MIMO by deploying base stations with 32, 64, or 128 active transceiver elements and up to 192–256 antenna patches. By exploiting spatial multiplexing and multi-user MIMO (MU-MIMO), a single gNodeB can simultaneously serve dozens of individual users on identical time-frequency resource blocks without interference. This yields up to a 5x–10x increase in spectral efficiency and network capacity compared to 4G LTE.
Key Functions
- Multi-User MIMO (MU-MIMO) spatial multiplexing
- Massive boost in cell spectral efficiency (bps/Hz/cell)
- Simultaneous transmission of orthogonal spatial beams
- Channel estimation using SRS (Sounding Reference Signals) reciprocity in TDD
Specifications
3GPP TS 38.211, TS 38.214
Interfaces
Uu (Radio Air Interface)
Related 5G Concepts
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