WLAN IEEE 802.11b performance measurement and handover mechanism / Abdulmukti Ahmad

The project is focused on measurement analyze of the IEEE 802.11b WLAN
performance. A survey of the parameters that affect its performance and an
experimental investigation of this impact have been performed as a first step
measurements are conducted using the distance method between mobile and Access
Point to measure the signal strength. The result of this signal strength is used in the
mathematical calculation in order to develop the mathematical model for indoor
signal strength. The thesis will go through a rigorous mathematical analysis. First
we use an analytical model to verify our measurements results. In the new era of
wireless communication, Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) has emerged as
one of the key players in the wireless communication family. There are many
obstacles when deploying WLAN, which demands seamless indoor handover. The
access point should have the appropriate coverage suitable to the propagation
characteristic of the building. The wireless network planner needs a comprehensive
tool to implement efficient WLAN network. In this thesis, we have developed a
mathematical path loss model using OPNET 10 simulation design tool. By using
this simulation program, WLAN planner will be able to setup the access point for
the optimum propagation coverage. WLAN products may exhibit the limitation in
coverage when performing in crowded office or building due to the propagation
loss, transmits power, receive power, fading and other basic obstacles. If user needs
a higher data rate for the WLAN, the burden to create seamless coverage becomes
crucial. The Network designers need a comprehensive method to locate the Access
Point (AP) at the correct angle of the building. If more APs have been deployed, it
may increase the cost unnecessarily, however with less APs may compromise the
coverage area. In other words the network planner needs to have a first hand
experience with the Radio Frequency (RF) characteristic of the facilities. This thesis
attempts to provide an efficient method to measure the propagation characteristic
for indoor environment using the OPNET 10 simulation software. For the indoor
environment, there are two types of elements; namely static and dynamic elements.