Interfering MIMO links with stream control and optimal antenna selection

Recent work has shown that multiple-input an multiple-output (MIMO) systems hold great promise to help achieve the high data rates required for next generation wireless local area networks (WLANs). This paper analyzes the advantages of using optimal antenna selection to aid the stream control process for the open-loop MIMO link with a limited-feedback channel. It is observed that stream control with optimal antenna selection renders significant throughput gain relative to stream control with deterministic selection for both simulated data and measured data. In high-interference zones, the gap between the open- and closed-loop MIMO throughput is significantly reduced if optimal antenna selection is used. Lastly, open-loop MIMO with optimal antenna selection provides better protection against correlated interference than open-loop MIMO with deterministic antenna selection.