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    Wireless networking and 3x3MIMO or 4x4, or 6x6MIMO

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by M17XR42012, Mar 20, 2015.

  1. M17XR42012

    M17XR42012 Notebook Consultant

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    Right now I have a Killer 1103 in my laptop and I have 3 antennas (wires) connected to it. I don't want to debate on whether killer is faster or not.

    But from looking at wireless technology in general. Netgear, CISCO, and some other companies have been playing with 3x3,4x4, 6x6 MIMO technology for improved wireless speeds. The basics are if a slower device is tying up a stream slowing things down, the you can get around the speed bottle neck with 3 antennas.

    I posted in the Alienware forum about wanting to upgrade to a wireless ac card in my laptop. After researching and looking at the available wireless ac cards from Intel, Killer, and Broadcom, I don't see any 3x3 MIMO wireless ac cards on the market.

    Is there a reason for that? If I am going to do the upgrade, I want the flexibility that third antenna in my laptop gives me to get the best speed possible.
     
    M17XR42012, Mar 20, 2015
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  2. tilleroftheearth

    tilleroftheearth Wisdom listens quietly...

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    There are only up to 4x4 router's available today; the RT-AC87U is an example.

    The six antenna routers are simply three radio two band, but still 3x3 designs. They do offer the most clients to reliably connect on one physical router though.

    While I agree that a three antenna AC card is preferable, there is nowhere to buy this from separately as an upgrade to an existing system (I think the fruit company offers it).

    However, it doesn't matter as a two antenna AC card offers 867Mbps connection rates with an AC1200 class router or higher like the RT-AC56U for example.

    Do this upgrade, it is a $20 'cost' right now. Especially if you will be getting an AC router. The throughput of the network will increase substantially.

    When/if 3x3 AC cards become available, it will be worth it again to spend another ~$20 to do it again.

    Even buying an AC router with an N class card is still worthwhile today.

    See:
    http://www.smallnetbuilder.com/wire...oes-an-ac-router-improve-n-device-performance

     
    tilleroftheearth, Mar 20, 2015
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