Reduced complexity MIMO processing for WLAN (IEEE 802.11b) applications

In this paper, we propose and evaluate a reduced complexity multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) system to enhance signal to noise ratio (SNR) and throughput of a WLAN system. The algorithm is based on phase scanning at the transmitter side and maximal ratio combining (MRC) at the receiver side with feedback from the receiver to assist in setting the optimal phase value at the transmitter. This feedback channel is available in the IEEE 802.11b standard, and thus, the proposed algorithm introduces minor modifications to the existing air interface. Simulation results show that the proposed technique increases the throughput sustainability of an 802.11b system.