Planning and Optimization of Wireless LANs through Field Measurements

TL;DR

This paper presents a statistical analysis of indoor and outdoor wireless LAN signal measurements at 2432 MHz, deriving path loss parameters and comparing them with existing models to improve network planning.

Contribution

It provides empirical data and analysis of signal strength variability across different environments, enhancing understanding of propagation characteristics for WLAN planning.

Findings

Path loss exponent varies by region

Standard deviation of signal strength differs across environments

Experimental data aligns with existing propagation models

Abstract

In this paper, the field measurements of signal strength taken at the frequency of 2432 MHz in indoor & outdoor environments are presented and analyzed. The received signal levels from the base station were monitored manually. Total coverage area considered for the measurement campaign consisted of a mixture of different propagation environments. Based on the experimental data obtained, path loss exponent and standard deviation of signal strength variability are derived. It is shown that the values of these parameters vary from region to region in the coverage area. The analysis is purely statistical & is compared with the existing propagation model to determine the path loss exponent & deviation.