Advanced MIMO MANET Optimization (AMMO)

Multiple input multiple output (MIMO) antenna systems have a strong potential to improve spectral efficiency, communication rate and connectivity over single antenna systems through diversity and multiplexing gains. This capability has been extensively studied for point-to-point MIMO systems and further extended to multi-user MIMO (MU-MIMO) that offers significant performance improvement relative to single antenna and point-to-point MIMO communications. Extension of MU-MIMO to the mobile ad hoc network (MANET) environment has received little to no attention due to various challenges including 1) complexity of network topology, channel and traffic dynamics, 2) simultaneous operation and combination of MIMO channel configurations, and 3) decentralized/distributed decision making in MANET. To address this critical need, we propose the design and implementation of AMMO (Advanced MIMO MANET Optimization) system, which provides MIMO communication benefits to the tactical MANET. The key innovation is to develop and implement the MIMO MANET protocol and the PHY layer of AMMO to optimize communication rates in a heterogeneous MANET by accounting for network dynamics including channel, topology, mobility, traffic, interference and jamming. The AMMO technology supports the Warfighter with improved connectivity, situational awareness, robust communications, and network-centric mission success by providing mature radio implementation of advanced MIMO solutions for MANET.