Range performance evaluation of IEEE 802.11n devices

The IEEE 802.11n standard utilizes multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) technology in order to improve the throughput as well as the transmission range of the communication link. In this paper, the range performance evaluation of IEEE 802.11n standard compliant devices based on different configuration parameters, such as modulation and coding schemes, antenna numbers, and various available MIMO operational modes, is presented. The range improvement provided by IEEE 802.11n MIMO modes over the single-input single-output (SISO) system configuration is highlighted. The improved range reduces the number of required Wi-Fi devices in an area for a given reliability factor, such as the packet error rate (PER). Conversely, the reliability of a link can be improved for a given transmission range. Availability of such performance benchmark figures under different channel conditions allow the commissioning engineer to optimally design the network before the actual deployment. As a result, the overall installation/maintenance cost can be significantly reduced. The obtained results are applicable to both the traditional star as well as mesh topology networks.