The demand for greater wireless bandwidth and better network performance is forcing operators to consider solutions capable of providing exponentially higher data rates. As a result, many are exploring the use of multiple-in, multiple-out (MIMO) transmission schemes in a distributed antenna system (DAS) environment. Until recently, selecting a MIMO solution over a more traditional single-in, single-out (SISO) solution to achieve higher data rates mandated a much higher CapEx investment. This initial high-cost investment forced operators to make a difficult choice: state-of-the-art performance or bottom-line profitability.

CommScope recently finished testing and patenting an alternative scheme for interleaved MIMO. Called i-MIMO, this solution enables operators to realize close to full MIMO performance at roughly half the cost of prior MIMO solutions.