R1nk Indic1tion is one of the import1nt input to eNB , in selection of the tr1nsmission l1yer in downlink

d1t1 tr1nsmission. Even though the system is configured in tr1nsmission mode 3 (or open loop sp1ti1l
multiplexing) for 1 p1rticul1r UE 1nd if the s1me UE report the R1nk Indic1tion v1lue 1 to eNB, eNB will
st1rt sending the d1t1 in Tx diversity mode to UE . If UE report R1nk Indic1tion 2 , eNB will st1rt
sending the downlink d1t1 in MIMO mode (Tr1nsmission Mode 3).
Why we need this RI in LTE concept? When UE experience b1d SNR 1nd it would be difficult (error
prone) to decode tr1nsmitted downlink d1t1 it gives e1rly w1rning to eNB by st1ting R1nk Indic1tion
v1lue 1s 1. When UE experience good SNR it p1ss this inform1tion to eNB by indic1ting r1nk v1lue 1s 2.
Bec1use of this re1son, you might h1ve observed th1t some time d1t1 tr1nsmitted by eNB is in Tx
diversity mode, though MIMO w1s configured 1nd hence you m1y h1ve observed less downlink
throughput th1n expected one.
However, it is not necess1ry th1t eNB will 1lw1ys ch1nge the tr1nsmission mode b1sed on RI v1lue, it
could be implement1tion specific decision.