Max number of MIMO layers in 5G NSA?

If we talk about DL, 4 layers was possible in LTE also.
So how can max layers in NR be 4 only?

It’s not max layer but MIMO mode we can set now.
Maybe other vendors can set MIMO mode 8x8 if UE there with 8 Rx.

No, there are no 8x8 UEs.
And won’t be.
Nobody put their money into this.

I hear Huawei have this model…

4x4 MIMO in DL is less than 5% of drive test.

8x8 would be less than 1%, nobody would go for it.
Maybe for static CPE, for FWA.

Very correct. In Nokia we called it sweet point.

Ok.
Let me correct what I am talking about MIMO mode now.
If we forget about UE support, how much max MIMO configuration is possible in theory? In NR?

8 SSb beam for FR1.
Then it’s 16 layer so 16x16.

8x8 in theory.
Max possible per UE 8 layers in DL.
But for MU-MIMO there is no such limit.
There can be 16 PDSCH layers, I heard some vendors advertise 24 already.
For their next releases.

Exceeding 3gpp?

Nope, 3GPP says max 12 DMRS for PDSCH.
But those ones can be reused in different spatial location.
So basically there is no limit.
As long as the UE can be paired.

Are you referring antenna port 1000 to 1011, in that way 12 layers?

Yes.
DMRS are max 12 different.
But can be reused in other spatial location.

As of now it’s like 1000 to 1007 according to rank reported by UE.
So basically 8x8 come from here, so our job can be done by 4 SSB beams.

Guys this 4x4 stuff MIMO is very much depending on UE.

For example Huawei P30 PRO has no less than 21 antenna among which 15 are for different RATs.
So antenna diversity selection in the UE is very much in favor of 4x4 MIMO.
This is why such a UE gets much more 4x4 MIMO than other UEs.

And wait to see what P40 will bring, it will be launched this month.

Thanks @ran_core_consultant, which vendor is having it?

Would be thankful, if you can elaborate more if field testing was also done?

For those who want to watch the launch event of Huawei Mate 40 Pro ( that was 22.10.2020) link is here:

21 antenna :roll_eyes:

I watched the whole mate 40 Pro launch.
No mention anymore about antenna, bands, CA combinations, MIMO capabilities… Nothing.

Max 8 layers per UE
2 codewords with 4 layers each