[New Feature - 5.8.0] - AX Beamforming

Products ePMP
1

Affected platforms: ePMP4500/ePMP4500C and ePMP4600
Affected versions: 5.8.0 and newer

Starting with the 5.8 firmware, the ePMP4500/4500C (8x8) and ePMP4600 (4x4) devices leverage the advantages of a multi-chain hardware architecture to significantly improve downlink signals through beamforming. This feature is enabled by default but can be disabled for testing purposes in the Configuration → Radio section of the web interface.

Beamforming in multi-antenna systems is a signal processing technique that directs the transmission of signals in a specific direction. The core idea is to combine signals to constructively interfere in the desired direction, creating a focused beam of radio waves. By carefully controlling the phase and amplitude, signals add up constructively in the intended direction.

Expected downlink beamforming gains:

  • ePMP4500/4500C (8x8): up to +6 dB
  • ePMP4600 (4x4): up to +3 dB

Note: Beamforming gain is not reflected in the UI (the RSSI level doesn’t increase); it is observed only in the higher modulation and coding schemes (MCSs) during packets transmission

Benefits of Beamforming

  1. Improved Signal Quality: Increases SINR and enhances the reliability of the signal.
  2. Increased Range: Extends the coverage area by directing the signal where it is needed.
  3. Higher Capacity: Allows for more simultaneous data streams, increasing network capacity.
  4. Better Reliability: Provides a more stable and consistent connection.
2 Likes
2

Please reach out to me if you’d like to try Alpha firmware sooner than the official Beta firmware is released.
Thanks.

3

Is QOS/MIR on the horizon for these platforms?

1 Like
4

Yes, QoS/MIR control is in 5.8.

1 Like
5

Excellent to hear! Thank you!

6

Can you send it to me or if that can be added to cnmaestro

Thank you

7

Hello @PCaddict,

in it availible in downloads beta section here
It should be in CnMaestro soo.

8

11 posts were split to a new topic: QoS/QoE/MIR on ePMP platforms

13

Can you say why this is the case, and if this will be corrected or not?

16

I don’t believe this will be “corrected” as the beamforming happens in the moment and it would cause RSSI levels to yo-yo wildly to each SM as data is transferred. As mentioned, when beamforming is working, you can see on the radio’s performance page, the % of packets sent at the highest MCS rate typically improve by 1 or 2 modulation levels.

21

OK, thank you Eric. I was thinking that with the 3000 AP we do see (I thought?) an increase in RSSI at the SM vs the 3000L without MuMIMO… but perhaps we don’t actually see that? Maybe I assumed so? And perhaps the 4500’s are a different as well. But anyway, thanks for the info.

23

Truth be told I’m actually speculating as to why they don’t show the change in RSSI. Maybe one of the devs can elaborate.

1 Like