Aspects of this disclosure relate to distributed multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) downlink configuration. Features are described for a network controller (e.g., baseband unit) to receive one or more requests including a desired transmission mode and/or active set of serving nodes for wireless communication service(s) for user equipment. The baseband unit may determine an optimal configuration in consideration of the desired parameters along with other network information. The network controller may then transmit one or more configuration messages via the network to optimally allocate resources distributed within the network.