The terms 2×2, 3×3, and 4×4, when related to a wireless access point (WAP) or Wi-Fi device, refer to the number of spatial streams supported by the device’s antenna configuration. It indicates the number of simultaneous data streams that can be transmitted and received between the WAP and client devices.
Let’s break it down:
- 2×2 MIMO: 2×2 stands for “two transmit, two receive” or “two spatial streams.” A WAP with 2×2 MIMO has two antennas for both transmission and reception. This means it can handle two simultaneous data streams, one stream for each antenna. The use of 2×2 MIMO allows for increased data rates and improved performance compared to single-stream (1×1) devices.
- 3×3 MIMO: 3×3 refers to “three transmit, three receive” or “three spatial streams.” A WAP with 3×3 MIMO has three antennas for both transmission and reception. This configuration enables three simultaneous data streams, allowing for higher data rates and improved overall performance compared to 2×2 or 1×1 devices.
- 4×4 MIMO: 4×4 denotes “four transmit, four receive” or “four spatial streams.” A WAP with 4×4 MIMO has four antennas for both transmission and reception. It can handle four simultaneous data streams, providing even higher data rates, increased capacity, and improved performance in congested or high-density environments.
It’s important to note that for optimal performance, both the WAP and the client device need to support the same number of spatial streams. For example, if you have a 3×3 WAP, but your client device only supports 2×2 MIMO, the connection will be limited to the capabilities of the client device.
The number of spatial streams (2×2, 3×3, 4×4, etc.) is just one factor that contributes to the overall performance of a wireless network. Other factors, such as channel width, modulation scheme, and supported Wi-Fi standards, also play a role in determining the network’s speed, range, and capacity.