MIMO indoor propagation prediction using 3D shoot-and-bounce ray (SBR) tracing technique for 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz

The performance of voice, video and data streaming applications using the recently developed standard 802.11n with its MIMO antenna options, strongly depends on the nature of the environment. Although many authors have provided evidence on the effectiveness of this technology in field strength distribution, throughput or propagation-simulation environments, work linking all of these parameters is limited. This paper provides a comparison of metrics for a 2×3 dual-band MIMO system operating at 2.4 and 5 GHz in a typical office building, obtained using a commercial wireless router. The measurements are consistent with simulation results obtained using a 3D Shoot and Bounce Ray (SBR) software. Predictions of the radio propagation over an area of around 1600 m² required an evaluation time of less than 1 hour in a single processor computer for both frequencies. Agreement between predicted and measured Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) values are acceptable, with the conclusion that such simulation methods provide an accurate, affordable and time efficient alternative to measurements for the investigation, modelling and planning of WLAN networks using MIMO technologies.