Can I use two individual antennas for 2x2 MIMO for wifi-n 5GHz?

[b4nd0ler0]

I'm looking for a 2x2 MIMO wifi-N 5GHz omnidirectional indoor antenna for a mini-PC system.

The system's wifi-N card (Intel 5300) is an internal PCIe minicard with three U.FL connectors so looking a the spec. which says its 3x3 I presume it uses one for each spatial stream.
My router (Netgear WNDR3700v1) is only 2x2 i.e. 300Mbps in wifi-n 5GHz.

The system will be installed inside a cabinet so I need an external antenna attached to some type of base to stand on top the furniture. I've been unable to find a simple MIMO 2x2 external 5GHz indoor antenna to suit my needs so I' thinking to get two individual antennas instead, each would be attached to one of the U.FL connectors of the wireless card.
Q1: Will this work like a 2x2 MIMO antenna?

I have seen these 5GHz antennas but I'm not sure if I can make it fit to a base like this one or multiple antenna rack like this one since they don't specifically mention 5GHz support.
Q2: Would the base need to specifically be 5GHz compatible or any base would do?

Q3: Am I overcomplicating thing and there is simpler solutions out there?

 

[thiggins]

Use a wireless bridge, such as a Cisco Linksys WES610N or WET610N. You don't want the wireless receiver inside the cabinet if you can help it, especially if you are using 5 GHz. The cabinet will reduce the signal.

 

[b4nd0ler0]

Ok, thank you Mr. Easy. I'd be even more grateful if you could elaborate a bit on the reasons of your answer. Hopefully some other users might find it informative.

The system would have a wifi card with allegedly one of the best wifi chipsets correct? So let's assume it can be fitted with an appropriate external antenna/s, are you saying it's still better to use a bridge? I suppose capabilities of chippery on these different class devices are not comparable... but what about the signal reception, why would it be affected if the antennae would sit outside the wooden cabinet?

Adios

PD. Just some context to clarify, the system is a mini-htpc to play hd video files wirelessly served by a nas through windows share and router wndr3700. It will be located inside a wooden cabinet/tv bench with glass doors.

Use a wireless bridge, such as a Cisco Linksys WES610N or WET610N. You don't want the wireless receiver inside the cabinet if you can help it, especially if you are using 5 GHz. The cabinet will reduce the signal.

 

[thiggins]

The more cable you put between an antenna and its radio, the more signal loss. Bridges keep the antennas and radio together. Since they also are connected via Ethernet cable, you have more flexibility in radio location for optimizing signal.

Yes, even wood will somewhat attenuate radio signals, especially 5 GHz. Getting the adapter away from other electronics also gets it away from sources of electrical signal noise.

BTW, depending on the distance you are trying to bridge and bit rate of your content, you should consider 200 or 500 Mbps Homeplug. Your chances are better for getting higher and more consistent throughput with powerline vs. wireless.