Mark T. Montgomery

Data throughput comparison between antenna pattern and spatial diversity in a practical 802.11n network implementation

MIMO systems including 802.11n are dependent on the behavior of multiple antennas in close proximity. Performance comparisons of MIMO device implementations using pattern and spatial diversity have been analytically studied Diversity gain comparisons between pattern and spatial diversity have also been measured (P. Mattheijssed, M. Herben, G. Dolmans, and L. Leyten, IEEE Transactions on Vehicular Technology, Vol 53 No 4 July 2004) using a dipole phased array implementation to create a directional pattern. In this paper measured data is presented comparing the data throughput performance of an 802.11n network with two different configurations. Configuration 1 uses base antennas configured for spatial diversity (three separate dipoles). Configuration 2 uses base antennas configured for pattern diversity (single isolated mode antenna structure). The measurements were performed in a typical office environment.