Demystifying Beamforming

Intro

Beamforming is a specialized method of radio-frequency (RF) transmission most often used in Wi-Fi access points (APs). APs that support beamforming focus the RF energy they radiate directly at a receiving Wi-Fi client device. The purpose is to improve signal reception at the client and, as a result, increase throughput.

Beamforming can do more than improve average throughput rates. It can be implemented in a way that delivers predictable throughput at a given range—performance that is sustained even when the client device is in motion. Having both ample bandwidth and consistent bandwidth available at all times means users can enjoy a far more satisfying experience with Wi-Fi than has traditionally been possible. Stable connections are particularly important when users are engaged in voice and video sessions, which are far less tolerant of fluctuations in network performance than data applications.

Another valuable benefit of beamforming is its positive effect on ”radio fog.” By focusing transmissions toward receiving clients, beamforming avoids wasted energy and doesn’t create unnecessary RF interference in other directions.

Today, there are two popular methods of beamforming (see Figure 1): chip-based and antenna-based. And a third method will ultimately combine the two. The section, “Chip- and Antenna-Level Options: A Closer Look,” delves further into the details of how the two different types and subtypes of beamforming operate.

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