What is Spatial Stream in Wi-Fi?

What is Spatial Stream in Wi-Fi?

 

Below is a snapshot of the specification of Access point from CISCO.


As we see, the Access point supports 2x2 MIMO and with that it supports 2 spatial streams. If we look at the picture above, an Access point is transmitting data using 2 spatial streams. This meant more data can be transmitted there by increasing the data rate.

What is Spatial Stream?

Spatial stream refers to a concept used in wireless communication systems, particularly in the context of multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) technology. MIMO is a technique used to improve the capacity and reliability of wireless communication by transmitting and receiving multiple data streams simultaneously using multiple antennas.

In MIMO systems, spatial streams are independent streams of data that are transmitted simultaneously from different antennas. Each spatial stream carries a separate portion of the total data, allowing for increased data throughput. The number of spatial streams in a MIMO system determines the maximum potential data rate that can be achieved.

Spatial streams take advantage of the spatial diversity provided by multiple antennas to improve the overall system performance. By transmitting different portions of the data over separate antennas, MIMO systems can mitigate the effects of multipath propagation and enhance signal quality. This leads to increased data rates, improved reliability, and better overall wireless performance.

The number of spatial streams supported by a wireless system depends on the specific MIMO configuration. For example, a 2x2 MIMO system has two transmit and two receive antennas, allowing for the transmission of two spatial streams. Similarly, a 3x3 MIMO system supports three spatial streams, and so on.

It's worth noting that the actual number of spatial streams utilized during communication can vary based on factors such as channel conditions, signal strength, interference, and the capabilities of both the transmitter and receiver.

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