MIMOlike

MIMOlike is a term used in wireless communications to describe a class of techniques that seek to reproduce the benefits of traditional MIMO systems—namely spatial multiplexing and diversity gains—without requiring a full array of independent RF chains for every antenna. In MIMOlike approaches, multiple effective transmission pathways are generated through software-based signal processing, time and frequency multiplexing, or environment-assisted methods, allowing a single physical antenna or a small number of RF chains to deliver multiple data streams under suitable channel conditions.

Various implementations exist. Virtual or synthetic antenna arrays can be formed by controlling signaling patterns over time, exploiting channel state information to separate data streams at the receiver. Reconfigurable or passive components, such as reconfigurable intelligent surfaces, can shape the propagation environment to favor parallel paths. Cooperative schemes may use neighboring devices as relays to create a multi-path channel without a large local antenna array.

Applications include mobile and fixed wireless networks where hardware constraints or form-factor limits prevent full MIMO, as well as Internet of Things and vehicular communications. In research settings, MIMOlike is evaluated as a way to extend spectral efficiency and reliability in cost-sensitive deployments or in bands where RF chains are expensive.

Advantages of MIMOlike include reduced hardware complexity and lower power consumption, while limitations involve increased signal processing burden, potential limitations on throughput gains in unfavorable channels, and sensitivity to imperfect channel knowledge.

Related topics include MIMO, massive MIMO, cooperative MIMO, and reconfigurable intelligent surfaces.