Throughput performance for multiple-input multiple-output networks

Signal processing techniques have been developed to implement multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems, which exploit antenna arrays at each end of the link to achieve extremely high data rates. MIMO receivers always incorporate multiple antenna elements and signal processing techniques for interference suppression, which is required to extract multiple parallel channels between the transmitter and receiver. Therefore, these systems are inherently equipped to mitigate the effects of cochannel interferers in a multiuser environment through increased collision robustness. Consequently, these systems offer better trades between throughput and energy efficiency, both of which are critical for tactical radio networks. We investigate the throughput of a network comprised of MIMO capable nodes using the slotted ALOHA protocol.